bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure Transmission in Cognitive Radio Networks using Full-duplex Technique with Outdated CSI
Authors: Shang Zhihui , Zhang Tao , Wu Hao , Qiao Xiaoqiang , Tao Liwei
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we investigate the effects of the outdated channel state information (CSI) on the secrecy performance of an underlay spectrum sharing cognitive radio networks (CRNs) with full-duplex (FD) receivers. Legitimate destination node (Bob) acts as a FD node, transmitting interference signals to a passive eavesdropping node (Eve) while receiving signals. To exploit the benefits of collaborative zero-forcing beamforming and FD technologies, transmit antenna selection-maximal-ratio combining-zero forcing beamforming/maximal-ratio transmission-selection combining-zero forcing beamforming (TAS-MRC-ZFB/MRT-SC-ZFB) scheme is considered at the secondary user transmission link with the outdated CSI and collaborative ZFB
is adopted at FD destination node, which tries to improve the transmission efficiency of our considered CRNs. Specifically, in order to evaluate the proposed scheme, the derivation of analytical expression in exact and the high asymptotic closed-form expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP) are provided of the considered network with and without feedback delay of the CSI. Furthermore, the impact of delay on the second user transmission and interference links of the primary user (PU) node is investigated. The results reveal that outdated CSI of secondary user transmission and collaborative ZFB channels deteriorates the SOP, and the outdated CSI between PU and SU will affect the power margin factors for the secondary transmitter. Furthermore, we also study the effects of different system parameters on the secrecy diversity order and secrecy array gain. The proposed scheme is compared with the existing TAS-MRC/TAS-MRC scheme to verify the improvement of system performance. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations verify the correctness of our theoretical analysis.
Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain -CR3022 Human Antibody Binding Affinity via in Silico Engineering Approach
Authors: Sefid Fateme , Payandeh Zahra , Azamirad Ghasem , Mansoori Behzad , Baradaran Behzad , Sadeghi Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2020

Background: The nCoV-2019 is a cause of COVID-19 disease. The surface spike glycoprotein (S), which is necessary for virus entry through the intervention of the host receptor and it mediates virus-host membrane fusion, is the primary coronavirus antigen (Ag). The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is reported to be the effective human receptor for SARS-CoVs 2. ACE2 receptor can be prevented by neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) such as CR3022 targeting the virus receptor-binding site. Considering the importance of computational docking, and affinity maturation we aimed to find the important amino acids of the CR3022 antibody (Ab). These amino acids were then replaced by other amino acids to improve Ab-binding affinity to a receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the 2019-nCoV spike protein. Finally, we measured the binding affinity of Ab variants to the Ag. Result: Our findings disclosed that several variant mutations could successfully improve the characteristics of the Ab binding compared to the normal antibodies. Conclusion: The modified antibodies may be possible candidates for stronger affinity binding to Ags which in turn can affect the specificity and sensitivity of antibodies.
Improvements in the Degree of Understanding the Treatment Guidelines for Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder in a Nationwide Dissemination and Implementation Study
Authors: Numata Shusuke , Nakataki Masahito , Hasegawa Naomi , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Takeshima Masahiro , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Nakamura Toshinori , Edagawa Reon , Edo Hiroaki , Miura Kenichiro , Matsumoto Junya , Yasui-Furukori Norio , Kishimoto Taishiro , Hori Hikaru , Tsuboi Takashi , Yasuda Yuka , Furihata Ryuji , Muraoka Hiroyuki , Ochi Shinichiro , Nagasawa Tatsuya , Kyou Toshitaka , Murata Atsunobu , Katsumoto Eiichi , Ohi Kazutaka , Hishimoto Akitoyo , Inada Ken , Watanabe Koichiro , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: August 2020

Background: To implement clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), it is necessary for psychiatrists to deepen their understanding of the CPGs. The Effectiveness of Guidelines for Dissemination and Education in Psychiatric Treatment (EGUIDE) project is a nationwide dissemination and implementation study of two sets of CPGs for schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods: A total of 413 psychiatrists (n=212 in 2016; n=201 in 2017) learned the two CPGs in the education program of the EGUIDE project over two days, and clinical knowledge of the two CPGs was evaluated by two 37-item questionnaires at baseline and after the EGUIDE programs. To improve the correct answer rate for clinical knowledge after the EGUIDE programs, we revised the lecture materials associated with items that had a low correct answer rate in 2016 and used the revised lecture materials with the CPGs in 2017. The rates of correct answers after the EGUIDE programs for each item between the 2016 and 2017 groups were compared.Results: The total clinical knowledge scores after the EGUIDE program significantly increased in both the 2016 groups and the 2017 groups. We revised lecture materials related to two items in the schizophrenia CPG and five items in the MDD CPG that had low correct answer rates after the EGUIDE programs. The correct answer rate of one item on the schizophrenia CPG and one item on the MDD CPG tended to be improved (S-D5, p=0.038; D-C6, p=0.033) and that of one on the MDD CPG was significantly improved (D-D3, p=0.00080) in the 2017 group compared to those in the 2016 group. The other four items were not significantly improved.Conclusions: We reported improvements in clinical knowledge of CPGs after the EGUIDE program in the 2017 group following revision of the lecture materials based on results from the 2016 group. These attempts to improve the degree of understanding of CPGs may facilitate the successful dissemination and implementation of psychiatric guidelines in everyday practice.Trial registration: Effectiveness of Guideline for Dissemination and Education in Psychiatric Treatment, UMIN000022645, Registered 15 June 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000026044&type=summary&language=J
Recognizing the waveform of a foreshock
Authors: Lippiello Eugenio , Petrillo Giuseppe , Godano Cataldo
Published: August 2020

The 2011 Mw9.1 Tohoku, Japan, earthquake is the paradigmatic example of an earthquake anticipated by a significant foreshock activity, with a Mw7.3 earthquake occurred two days before, within about 10 km 1. Recent results 2 show that statistically relevant changes can be found in the magnitude distribution after the Mw7.3 foreshock but the discrimination between normal and foreshock activity still remains a scientific challenge 3. Here we show that the envelope of the ground velocity recorded after the Mw7.3 foreshock presents an atypical sawtooth profile very different from the one observed after other earthquakes 4. We interpret this profile as the consequence of the locked state of the mainshock fault which reduces the possibility of the foreshock to trigger its own aftershocks. We find a similar sawtooth profile after other Mw6+ foreshocks followed within 10 days by a larger earthquake, as in the case of the 2014 Mw8.1 Iquique, Chile, sequence. This observation allows us to define a level of concern, simply extracted from the first 45 minutes of the recording waveform, associated to the occurrence of a larger earthquake. A test of the method for 47 Mw6+ worldwide earthquakes gives precise warning in time and space after all the 10 earthquakes followed by a larger one with only 2 false alerts.
WITHDRAWN: Correlation between DVH parameters and lung function changes before and after radiotherapy and the occurrence of radiation-induced lung injury (RILI)
Authors: Sha Sha
Published: August 2020

Background: The purpose of the study was to explore the correlation between DVH parameters and lung function changes before and after radiotherapy and the occurrence of radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), and to evaluate its value in predicting the risk of RILI.Methods: 120 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had been diagnosed in Jiaozhou Central Hospital of Qingdao City in the past three years and received chest conformal (intensity modulated) radiation therapy were selected. Before radiotherapy, irradiation of 45-50 Gy, and 1 month after the end of radiotherapy, the patients were tested for lung function, and the ventilation and diffusion function of the patients were tested using the Japanese CHESTAC-8800 lung function tester. The evaluation of radiation lung injury was based on the RTOG acute radiation lung injury classification standard, and the observation end point was ≥2 grade RILI.Results: A total of 34 patients with ≥2 grade RILI among 120 patients in this study, including 23 cases of grade 2 and 11 cases of grade 3, the incidence rate was 28.33%. The difference between FVC, FEV1, FEV1 / FVC, DLCO, V5, V10, V15 before radiotherapy, 45-50 Gy, and 1 month after the end of radiotherapy were statistically significant (P <0.05). Univariate analysis showed that lung function, V5, V10, and V15 before radiotherapy were related factors for RILI (P <0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the risk of RILI was 1.855 times that of patients with higher FEV1 / FVC before radiation therapy (OR = 1.855, 95% CI = 1.199-1.946, P = 0.037), patients with V10 ≥50% were 3.673 times higher than patients with V10 <50% (OR = 3.673, 95% CI = 1.548-7.582, P = 0.039).Conclusions: V10≥50% and FEV1 / FVC are high-risk factors for RILI before radiotherapy, which has certain value in predicting the risk of RILI.
Blood indices and circulating tumor cells for predicting metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Zhuang Li , Liu Xiang-yan , Zhu Heng-kai , Wang Zhuo-yi , Zhang Wu , Jiang Guo-ping , Zheng Shu-sen
Published: August 2020

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) can benefit the long-term survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. We hypothesized that circulating tumor cell (CTC) levels and subtypes are intimately associated with metastasis status of HCC patients, and this study was designed to test that compositive hematological indices including CTC can provide sensitive and accurate prediction of post-LT metastasis. Methods: Between 2017 and 2018, HCC patients receiving LT were included for analysis. The 24-month follow-up was mainly conducted by outpatient and telephone. Blood samples were collected, and hematological indices were examined. The outcomes such as PFS, recurrence, metastasis, location of recurrence/metastasis, and number of metastases were recorded. Results: The follow-up analysis showed that microvascular invasion (MVI) classification at the baseline is associated with metastasis. Next, AFP level was another useful indicator of postoperative metastasis, especially at the third or fourth month; the PIVKA-II level 3 months after LT was significantly higher for those who had later metastasis. The mesenchymal CTC level at the 45th day was increased for in the metastasis group. Using two-ends Logistic regression, the calculated value MP (metastasis predictor, by above factors). Had an AUC of 0.858 in the ROC curve, with a cutoff value of 0.328. In conclusion, microvascular invasion, AFP level at the third or fourth month, PIVKA-II level at the third month, and mesenchymal CTC level at day 45 were associated with post-LT metastasis. Conclusion: Using Logistic regression based on above variables, the 2-year metastasis can be predicted with satisfactory sensitivity and accuracy.
Global miRNA Expression Analysis Identifies miR-194, miR-100, miR-125b and miR-199a as Promising Biomarkers for Gastric Cancer and miR-194 Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Growth by Targeting CCND1
Authors: Li Dandan , Wang Jingjie , Zhang Meixin , Hu Xinhui , She Jiajun , Cai Mengyu , Yang Lijuan , Liu Weijia , Hu Qiwen , Qiu Xuemei , Qin Shanshan
Published: August 2020

BackgroundDifferent gastric cancer (GC) subtypes usually possess distinct clinical outcomes. The function of miR-194 in gastric cancer remains unclear and controversial. This study aimed to identify potential microRNAs that differentially expressed in subtypes and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of miR-194 in GC.MethodsComprehensive miRNA expression analysis was performed using the available miRNA-seq data from TCGA stomach cancer cohort. The preferences of miR-194 in regulating target genes were determined by RNA sequencing studies. The function of miR-194 in GC was explored in GC cell lines by performing qRT-PCR assays, western blot assays, cell proliferation assays, luciferase report assays and flow cytometry assay.ResultsIn this study, we identified a series of miRNAs that can serve as prognostic biomarkers for GC. Among them, miR-100, miR-125b, miR-199a and miR-194 were the 4 most promising prognostic biomarkers in GC due to their significant associations with various clinical characteristics of patients. MiR-100, miR-125b and miR-199a predicted poor prognosis in GC, while miR-194 predicted favorable prognosis in GC. Besides, we provided the first comprehensive transcriptome analysis about miR-194 in GC. The results showed that miR-194 tended to regulated target genes by binding on their 3' untranslated regions in a 7-mer-A1 or 7-mer-m8 or 8-mer manner. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that cell cycle was one of the most affected pathways by miR-194 in GC. Moreover, CCND1 was proved to be a novel target gene of miR-194 in GC. Additionally, the downregulation of CCND1 by miR-194 in GC further led to cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest. ConclusionsMiR-100, miR-125b, miR-199a and miR-194 could serve as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for GC. MiR-194 might suppress GC cell growth mainly through targeting CCND1 and induction of cell cycle arrest.
HTATIP2 Represents an Innovative Bio-marker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Detection
Authors: Zhang Xianfeng , Zhang Xianjun , Li Xinguo , Bao Hongbing , Li Guang , Li Ning , Li Hengli , Dou Jian
Published: August 2020

Background: This study was designed to investigate the serum level of HIV-1 Tat interactive protein 2 (HTATIP2) mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and its diagnostic significance in the disease.Methods: The serum HTATIP2 mRNA level was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between HTATIP2 expression and clinical parameters was analyzed using Chi-square test. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was adopted to estimate the diagnostic role of serum HTATIP2 in HCC.Results: HCC patients showed a significantly lower serum level of HTATIP2 than the healthy control (P<0.001). The level of HTATIP2 was closely associated with venous invasion (P=0.011), lymph node metastasis (P=0.007) and TNM stage (P=0.016). ROC curve demonstrated that HTATIP2 could discriminate between HCC patients and healthy individuals at the optimal cutoff point of 2.39. Besides, the AUC was 0.892, with the corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 83.90% and 84.37%, respectively. Conclusions: HTATIP2 is negatively expressed in HCC and may be a diagnostic biomarker for this disease.
CCDC12 Promotes Tumor Development and Invasion Through the Snail Pathway in Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Du Fengying , Li Leping , Wang Qiang , Pei Wenting , Zhuo Hongqing , Peng Lipan , Xu Tao , Jing Changqing , Zhang Jizhun
Published: August 2020

Background: To determine the role of Coiled-coil domain containing 12 (CCDC12) in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).Methods: We used integrative expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) analysis to identify risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and associated genes. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and western blotting (WB) were used to detect CCDC12 expression. We selected SW480 and LOVO cell lines to knock down CCDC12, while HCT116 and SW480-KD cell lines were up-regulated. Then performed functional studies and established a xenograft tumor model in BALB/c mice. Four plex Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) assays were performed to determine its function and potential regulatory mechanism. Overexpressed Snail and knocked down CCDC12 subsequently in SW480 cells to find them association.Results: Integrative eQTL analysis found that rs8180040 was significantly associated with CCDC12 in COAD patients. IHC and WB confirmed CCDC12 was highly expressed in COAD tissues (IHC 51/75 vs 8/75, WB 10/12 vs 2/12). This was consistent with RNA-Seq data from TCGA database (P value < 0.001). Knockdown of CCDC12 could significantly reduce proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells, while exogenous overexpression of CCDC12 had the opposite effect. iTRAQ assays demonstrated that overexpression of CCDC12 would change proteins on adherens junction pathway. Overexpression of Snail did not significantly change CCDC12 levels in SW480 cells, while knock down of CCDC12 reduced that of Snail.Conclusions: CCDC12 plays a significant role in tumorigenesis, development and invasion of COAD and may affect the epithelial to mesenchymal transformation process of colon cancer cells by regulating the Snail pathway.
Association Between ABCA1 (R219K) Polymorphism and Lipid Profiles: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Zhangyan , Tian Yajie , Wu Yufei , Li Junlin , Chen Qianliang , Zhang Kejin
Published: August 2020

Background
Conflicting evidence was found about the relationship between lipid profiles and R219K in adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette exporter A1 (ABCA1) gene. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of R219K on lipid level.
Methods
Multi-database literature search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The effect of each study was expressed by standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval and pooled by meta-analysis in a random-effects model. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses were also conducted to explore potential heterogeneity sources.
Results
Overall pooled effect showed that individuals with RR genotype had significantly lower HDLC level (SMD = -0.17 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.22 ~ -0.12, z = -6.39, P < 0.001) than those with K allele. However, this effect mainly presented in Asians (SMD = -0.24 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.32 ~ -0.17, z = 6.60, P < 0.001) rather than Caucasian populations, and the difference was significant (Q = 5.20, df = 1, P = 0.02). The relationship between R219K polymorphism and LDLC, TC, and TG levels was not determined.
Conclusions
R219K polymorphism in the ABCA1 gene was associated with HDLC level in Asian populations in the present meta-analysis. This correlation was not substantially affected by the age, gender or health condition of individuals.
THOTTIP is Associated with Prognosis of Lung Cancer in the Chinese Population
Authors: Zhao Yue , Kong Xiangjun , Wang Hongbing
Published: August 2020

Background: Lung cancer is a prevent malignancy with high mortality. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in tumorigenesis. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of lncRNA HOTTIP in lung cancer.Methods: The expression of HOTTIP in lung cancer tissues was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Chi-square test was applied to assess the correlation of HOTTIP with clinicopathological features. Overall survival curve was built by Kaplan-Meier method with log rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the prognostic value of HOTTIP in lung cancer.Results: The expression of HOTTIP was significantly increased in lung cancer samples compared with paired noncancerous samples (P<0.001). Moreover, its expression patterns were correlated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.039) and TNM stage (P=0.007). Survival curve demonstrated that lung cancer patients with high level of HOTTIP had poor survival rate (log-rank P=0.011). HOTTIP might be an independent prognostic factor for lung cancer (HR=1.916, 95%CI=1.133-3.238, P=0.015).Conclusions: HOTTIP is up-regulated in lung cancer, and associated with aggressive tumor progression. HOTTIP may be a potential prognostic biomarker for lung cancer.
Should we Investigate Mitochondrial Disorders in Progressive Adult-onset Undetermined Ataxias?
Authors: Pedroso José Luiz , Pinto Wladimir B Rezende , Barsottini Orlando G , Oliveira Acary S B
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite the broad development of next-generation sequencing approaches recently, such as whole-exome sequencing, diagnostic workup of adult-onset progressive cerebellar ataxias without remarkable family history and with negative genetic panel testing for SCAs remains a complex and expensive clinical challenge. Case presentation: In this article, we report a Brazilian man with adult-onset slowly progressive pure cerebellar ataxia, which developed neuropathy and hearing loss after fifteen years of ataxia onset, in which a primary mitochondrial DNA defect (MERRF syndrome - myoclonus epilepsy with ragged-red fibers) was confirmed through muscle biopsy evaluation and whole-exome sequencing. Conclusions: Mitochondrial disorders are a clinically and genetically complex and heterogenous group of metabolic diseases, resulting from pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA. In our case, a correlation with histopathological changes identified on muscle biopsy helped to clarify the definitive diagnosis. Moreover, in neurodegenerative and neurogenetic disorders, some symptoms may be evinced later during disease course. We suggest that late-onset and adult pure undetermined ataxias should be considered and investigated for mitochondrial disorders, particularly MERRF syndrome and other primary mitochondrial DNA defects, together with other more commonly known nuclear genes.
Assessing Socioeconomic Opportunities of Women Selling Injera on Street at Nekemte Town, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Ebissa Tarekegn Tariku
Published: August 2020

Injera is the most preferableand popular type of feeding items in Ethiopia. Injera can be prepared from various flours of cereal grains but it mostly produced using grinded flour of cereal grain called Teff (Eragrostistef (Zucc) Trotter). This study is conducted to assess the socioeconomic opportunities of women selling Injera on the street in Nekemtetown, Oromia, Ethiopia. The main aim of the study was indentifying and analyzing the social and economic opportunities of women engaged on selling Injera on the street. Primary data was collected from 50 women currently selling Injera on street at Nekemte town through structured interview questionnaire. The interview was conducted within one month at five Injera marketing locations in the town. Simple descriptive statistic was used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study reveal the existence of both social and economic opportunities. The significant opportunities are the existence of indigenous knowledge and skill, good future employment option, availability of high domestic & abroad market demand, existence of high interest to work in cooperatives, existence of necessary inputs in the location, availability of cheap facilities and utilities to support the engagement and existence of eager interest to continue in supplying and trading Injera. As a result, for wise utilization of the opportunities, it is recommended to empower women engaged on selling Injera by enterprising and modernizing the production, supply and trading of Injera in Nekemte town.
CT Chest at discharge in Hospitalized Covid-19 patients: Should we worry about the long term evolution of parenchymal lesions?
Authors: Pauline Pradere , Olaf Mercier , Gaelle Dauriat , Jerome Le Pavec , Sebastien Hascoet , Anne Sigal-Cinqulabre , Olivier Planche , Marc Zins , Caroline Caramella
Published: August 2020

Objectives: Covid-19 epidemic has led to thousands of hospitalized patients and the fear of long-term pulmonary sequelae is real. This preliminary study aimed at describing the pattern of lung parenchymal lesions in patients at the time of clinical recovery. Methods Patients who were hospitalized for a severe Covid-19 pneumonia and who underwent a CTchest less at the time of discharge were included. CT scan parenchymal lesions were classified using international recommendations and compared to the diagnostic CT scan. Results We included 32 patients, median age 57 yo [26-89]. Out of them, 10 patients required ICU admission. The median hospital stay was 12 days [4-28]. All CT chest at discharge showed persistent parenchymal abnormalities regardless of the time of clinical recovery or ICU requirement. The main radiological pattern at admission was bilateral ground glass opacities in 28/30 (93.3%), associated in 12 patients (40%) with areas of consolidation, and organized pneumonia in 8 patients (27%). At discharge, the main radiological pattern remained bilateral ground glass opacities in 29/32 patients (91%) associated with consolidation in 3/32 patients (9%) and organized pneumonia in 25/32 patients (78%). There was no correlation between lesions extent and clinical severity, particularly ICU requirement. Conclusion CT-chest of patients recovering from severe covid-19 show parenchymal persistent abnormalities: careful consideration of the organisation of recovery of lung function follow-up is thus needed and the question of antifibrotic agent usefulness may be anticipated.Conclusion CT-chest of patients recovering from severe covid-19 show parenchymal persistent abnormalities : careful consideration of the organisation of recovery of lung function follow-up is thus needed and the question of antifibrotic agent usefulness may be anticipated.
Establishment and Validation of a Predictive Model for Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in Acid-fast Bacilli Smear-positive Patients
Authors: Chen Xianqiu , Zhang Yuan , Xu Jinfu , Li Huiping
Published: August 2020

Background: To identify non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections in initially acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-positive patients more quickly and effectively, we attempted to establish a predictive model and validate it in clinical practice.Methods: A total of 125 AFB smear-positive patients with mycobacteriosis diagnosed in the Respiratory Department of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital were retrospectively analyzed，including 64 cases of NTM and 61 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), to identify the clinical features distinguishing NTM from PTB patients. A bivariate regression was then set up to determine the independent predictive risk factors to NTM infections. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the model’s predictive discrimination. Finally, the model was verified both internally and externally for its predictive ability.Results: Compared with PTB, female patient, the symptom of hemoptysis, the exists of bronchiectasis, and negative test for QuantiFERON tuberculosis (QFT) were more common in NTM patients (78.1% vs. 34.4%, 37.5% vs. 11.5%, 76.6% vs. 19.7%, 82.8% vs. 8.2%, respectively, P≤0.001). The lesions on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in NTM patients were more commonly involved in the right middle lobe (87.5% vs. 52.5%, P<0.001) and left lingular lobe (71.9% vs. 50.8%, P=0.016), and cystic change was more commonly morphological alteration (32.8% vs. 8.2%, P=0.001). Binary regression analysis showed that female patient, the exists of bronchiectasis, negative test for QFT and right middle lobe lesion were independent risk factors for NTM in AFB smear-positive patients (P<0.05). A ROC curve combining the four risk factors showed a sensitivity and specificity of 85.9% and 93.4%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.963. Moreover, internal validation and external validation of the later clinical data both confirmed the effectiveness of the model.Conclusions: The predictive model would be useful for early differential diagnosis of NTM in initially AFB smear-positive patients.
Prediction Model for Breastfeeding practice among Ethiopian Children using Decision tree and Rule induction Algorithms : Data mining
Authors: Awalom Taddele Weldeslassie , Adem Mesaud Mohamodbrhan , Araya Mearg
Published: August 2020

Background: Ethiopia have adopted infant feeding guidelines based on World Health Organization's standards to reduce the burden of infant and child mortality due to poor breastfeeding practice. But, breastfeeding practice is still one of challenges affecting infants and child health causing significant amount of deaths(23%-28%) yearly in Ethiopia. Breastfeeding practice is associated with different individual and community specific socio-cultural factors in different countries. Ethiopia is a populated country of communities with a very diverse cultural and societal values administered in nine different regions. Therefore, it is very important to assess breastfeeding practice among the various communities to identify the factors at individual and community level in order to come up with preventive intervention protocols that matches to each particular region. Hence, the study intended to assess patterns of breastfeeding practice among the communities within each specific region and develop predictive model of breastfeeding practice using data mining algorithms in Ethiopia. Different experiments were conducted in four scenarios with two test option (10 cross validation and percentage splits) and different parameter values using J48 and PART algorithms to select best predictive model for developing breastfeeding decision support system using java application programming interface. Results: About 54.8% (6390) and 3.8% (445) of the mothers have ever and never breastfed their children within the previous five years of the survey respectively while 40.8% (4757) mothers were breastfeeding until the survey date. Both J48 and PART algorithms were able to predict breastfeeding practice with an accuracy of 96.86% and 96.77% respectively. 2316 (96.94%) and 1071 (96.04%) mothers were correctly classified as Normal and poor respectively using PART algorithm with 70-30 percentage-split test option. Only 66 (3.06%) and 43 (3.96%) mothers were misclassified as false positive and false negative respectively.Conclusions: Almost, half of the mothers with 1-4 births within the five years before the survey have had normal breastfeeding practice. Both J48 and PART algorithms have best fitted to predict breastfeeding practice and can be used to deploy a decision support model of breastfeeding practice as a supporting tool for health practitioners.
Elective Surgical Case Cancellation and Reasons in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yohanes Yeneabat Birhanu , Sinshaw Aklilu Endalamaw , Ayisa Aynalem Adu
Published: August 2020

Background: Cancellation of elective surgical operation recognized as a major cause of emotional trauma to patients as well as their families. In Ethiopia, prevalence and reasons for elective surgical case cancellation are variable from time to time in different settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to find the pooled prevalence of elective surgical case cancellation. Besides, it aimed to find reasons for elective surgical case cancellation in Ethiopia.Methods: The databases for the search were Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar by the date 02/08/2020. To assess publication bias Egger's test regression analysis was applied. Results: This meta-analysis included a total of 5 studies with 5591 study participants. The pooled prevalence of elective surgical case cancellation was 21.41% (95% CI: 12.75 to 30.06%).Administration-related (34.50%) was the most common identified reason. Followed by Surgeon (25.29%), Medical (13.90%), and Patient-related reasons (13.34%).Conclusions: The national prevalence of elective surgical case cancellation was considerable. The most common reason for elective surgical case cancellation was administration-related reasons, followed by the surgeon, medical and patient-related reasons. The administrative or management-related reasons for the cancellations are potentially preventable. Thus, efforts should be made to prevent unnecessary cancellations through careful planning.
Unusual Pediatric Sigmoid Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor with Regional Lymph Node Metastasis Treated Using Gemcitabine and Docetaxel: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cheng Hsiu-Chung , Kuo Chia-Yu , Huang Ching-Wen , Shih Hsiang-Hung , Lin Chih-Hung , Wang Jaw Yuan
Published: August 2020

Background Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is an extremely rare neoplasm with distinctive morphology and specific expression of immunohistochemical markers. The lesion is typically diagnosed in middle-aged women, and few pediatric cases have been reported. However, standardized treatment for the tumor type remains unestablished. Herein, we report a case of a pediatric patient with gastrointestinal PEComa of the sigmoid colon with regional lymph node metastasis. The patient was successfully treated with complete tumor resection and gemcitabine/docetaxel combination chemotherapy without local or distant recurrence after 12 months postsurgery.Case presentation A 17-year-old female adolescent presented with gastrointestinal PEComa of the sigmoid colon with regional lymph node metastasis. She was treated with surgical resection of the tumor and cytotoxic chemotherapy with gemcitabine (900 mg/m2) and docetaxel (100 mg/m2) every 3 weeks. There was no recurrence of hematochezia stool, and complete response was achieved, with a progression-free survival of 12 months.Conclusion Surgical resection with adjuvant conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy can be considered as the first-line treatment for early-stage gastrointestinal PEComa.
Knockdown of POLQ Interferes the Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Regulating Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and Migration
Authors: Pan Qi , Wang Lu , Liu Yu , Li Min , Zhang Yao , Peng Wei , Deng Tan , Peng Mei-ling , Jiang Jin-qiong , Tang Jiao , Duan Hua-xin , Fan Sha-sha
Published: August 2020

Background: DNA Polymerase Theta (POLQ) is a DNA polymerase involved in error-prone translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) and error-prone repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), whose function in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been investigated.Methods: In the present study, both the data collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and our group’s results showed higher POLQ expression in HCC tissues than the para-cancerous tissues, which was associated with higher malignancy and poor prognosis. POLQ knockdown HCC cell model (shPOLQ) was constructed along with the corresponding negative control (shCtrl) through lentivirus infection for loss-of-function study. Results: We found that, upon knockdown of POLQ, the proliferation and migration of HCC cells decreased and apoptosis percentage increased. Moreover, the percentage of cells in G2 phase significantly increased in shPOLQ group compared with shCtrl group. Xenografts in mice grafted with shPOLQ cells grew much slower than that transplanted with shCtrl cells, and expressed lower Ki67 level. Furthermore, an apoptosis-related signaling array was used to explore the involvement of downstream signaling pathways, suggesting the enhanced phosphorylation of HSP27 and JNK, and the de-activation of mTOR, PRAS40, ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways.Conclusions: Collectively, our study revealed that POLQ may participate in the development of HCC, depletion of which may be a promising treatment strategy for HCC.
Reference Change Values for Immature Red Blood Cell Parameters in Under-20 Soccer Players
Authors: Nunes Lázaro Alessandro Soares , Molina Letícia , Silva Anderson Roberto
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Immature red blood cell parameters compose of the anti-doping programs of several sports, including soccer. The biological variability of reticulocytes is not well defined in young athletes. Our aim was to calculate biological variation and reference change values (RCV) for immature red blood cell parameters in young soccer players.Methods: Samples from 19 male soccer players (mean age, 18 ± 1 years) were collected before the start of training (C0) and after two (C1) and four weeks of training. Blood samples were collected in tubes with K3-EDTA Vaccuete® (Greiner Bio-One). Red blood cell parameters were analyzed on Sysmex XE-5000®. The e-Check Sysmex® 2 levels were used to obtain the coefficient of analytical variation (CVA). Homogeneity of variance was verified using the Cochran test. The within-subject (CVI) and between-subject biological variation (CVG) was calculated according to the mean and standard deviation from the athletes’ results. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare the means at the significance level of p<0.05. RCV95% was calculated using the Fraser’s formula: RCV=21/2 x1.96x(CVA2 + CVI2)1/2. Graph Pad Prism 6.0 and Matlab 7.0 were used to perform statistical analyzes.Results: Mean corpuscular volume, RDW, and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (Ret-He) had significant increases during the training period. The Ret-He were higher in C1 (32.4±1.1 pg) and C2 (32.3±1.3 pg) compared to C0 (31.9±1.2 pg) (p<0.05). It was not possible to calculate RCV for Ret-He because of heterogeneous variances. The RCV of reticulocytes (29.1%) and IRF (48.8%) were higher than Hgb (5.5%) and Hct (6.7%).Conclusion: Reticulocytes are highly variable in different athletes’ and the RCV obtained from young soccer players would contribute to monitor training adaptation and to diagnose sports anemia. The Ret-He behavior in our study suggests that this parameter can detect an early increase of iron for hemoglobin synthesis in response to training, this makes it an interesting biomarker to assess anemia and suspicion of doping by rhEPO.
Nanoluciferase complementation-based biosensor reveals the importance of N- linked glycosylation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike for viral entry
Authors: Azad Taha , Singaravelu Ragunath , Taha Zaid , Boulton Stephen , Crupi Mathieu J.F. , Martin Nikolas T. , Jamieson Taylor , Poutou Joanna , Ghahremani Mina , Pelin Adrian , Nouri Kazem , Arulanandam Rozanne , Brown Emily E.F. , Samson Reuben , Gingras Anne-Claude , Greer Peter A. , Ilkow Carolina S. , Diallo Jean-Simon , Bell John C.
Published: August 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the` immediate need for the development of antiviral therapeutics targeting different stages of the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle. We developed a bioluminescence-based biosensor to interrogate the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein and its host entry receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The biosensor assay is based on a Nanoluciferase complementation reporter, composed of two subunits, Large BiT and Small BiT, fused to the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein and ACE2 ectodomain, respectively. Using this biosensor, we uncovered a critical role for glycosylation of asparagine residues within the RBD in mediating successful binding to the cellular ACE2 receptor and subsequent virus infection. Our findings support RBD glycosylation as a therapeutic and vaccine target to blunt SARSCoV- 2 infections.
Relationships Among Circulating TNF-α, Skeletal Muscle and Peripheral CD8+ T Cells During Cachexia in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhao Rui , Wan Qianyi , Xia Lin , Wu Yutao , Wang Yong , Xiao Shuomeng , Li Qiqi , Cui Yaping , Su Xiangnan , Shen Xiaoding , Zhuang Wen , Zhou Yong , Chen Yi , Yang Hanshuo , Wu Xiaoting
Published: August 2020

Background: Cancer-associated cachexia is characterized by ongoing loss of skeletal muscle and has a high incidence in gastric cancer. Although studies have focused on the effect of inflammatory cytokines on skeletal muscle loss, it is not clear whether inflammatory cytokines affect other physiological functions, particularly immunity in gastric cancer. Thus, we aim to investigate the relationships between circulating TNF-α, skeletal muscle and peripheral immune status in gastric cancer.Methods: Totally 392 gastric cancer patients in cohort A and 60 gastric cancer patients in cohort B were selected from the prospective cohort study NCT03115931 and ChiCTR1900026578 in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, respectively. Besides, human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMMs) and peripheral CD8+ T cells completed about 7 to 9 days successive TNF-α intervention with different concentrations. Results: From data in cohort A, multivariate analysis showed that preoperative weight loss ≥5% was associated with circulating TNF-α (P =0.001) and TNM stage (P =0.002). ROC curve indicated that cut-off point of 9.96 pg/ml for circulating TNF-α was an important warning of weight loss ≥5% in patient with gastric cancer. Before surgery, high circulating TNF-α (≥ 9.96 pg/ml) was associated with significantly lower body weight, skeletal muscle mass and handgrip strength but not fat mass. After radical surgery, high circulating TNF-α was also associated with significantly more loss of body weight and skeletal muscle mass instead of fat mass. In cohort B and vitro experiments, immunohistochemistry, western blot and flow cytometry identified that high TNF-α led to myofiber change, decreased expression of AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphate-AMPK in skeletal muscle and increased myoblast apoptosis. Flow cytometry found that circulating TNF-α was not correlated with PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3 and TIGIT expressed on peripheral CD8+ T cells, and TNF-α not only promoted the proliferation of CD8+ T cells but also increased their apoptosis ratio at higher concentration.Conclusions: In our study, we found that TNF-α could result in myofiber change, interfered glycometabolism of skeletal muscle, whereas promoted the proliferation of CD8+ T cells in gastric cancer during cachexia, and preoperative circulating TNF-α of more than 9.96 pg/ml could indicate a high risk of weight loss.
Bottom sediments of the central and eastern parts of the Barents Sea: Ecotoxicological studies
Authors: Gorbacheva E. A.
Published: August 2020

Bioassay is used to study bottom sediment ecotoxicity in the central and eastern parts of the Barents Sea. The effect of sediment elutriates on the growth of microalgae Phaedactylum tricornutum Bohlin and survival of brine shrimp Artemia salina L. larvae has been studied. As shown by scientific evidence, low and moderately toxic bottom sediments are present in the Eastern Basin, West Novaya Zemlya and South Novaya Zemlya troughs along with non-toxic bottom sediments, which may be indicative of accumulation of pollutants in these areas of the Barents Sea. Toxic bottom sediments have not been found in the sea areas adjacent to them. Reduced survival rate in sediment elutriates of low and moderate toxicity has been shown predominantly by A. salina larvae. Only one sediment elutriate from the South Novaya Zemlya trough has had a slight toxic effect on Ph. tricornutum. The amount of fine-grained fraction (> 0.063 mm) in bottom sediments classified as low and moderately toxic is 24.8-66.8 % and do not differ from its amount found in bottom sediments classified as non-toxic - 27.8-76.9 %. The findings obtained are consistent with published chemical analysis data according to which the Eastern Basin, West Novaya Zemlya and South Novaya Zemlya troughs are included in the Barents Sea areas having highest amounts of a number of pollutants in bottom sediments.
The long-term variability of the age structure of cenopopulations of fucus bubble (Fucus vesiculosus L.) within the litoral of the Kola Bay under anthropogenic influence
Authors: Kanishcheva O. V. , Kanishchev A. A. , Shoshina E. V.
Published: August 2020

Recently, in order to assess the quality of water, hydrobiological indicators, in particular various biological characteristics of macroalgae, are widely used along with hydrochemical parameters. Brown alga Fucus vesiculosus due to its ecological plasticity and tolerance to a complex of natural and anthropogenic factors can serve as a model object when studying adaptive reactions of phytocenoses to adverse environmental conditions. The material for the work is the collections of algae during 1999, 2009 and 2019 years within the southern and middle tribes of the Kola Bay. The variability of the age structure of the Fucus vesiculosus on the littoral bay under anthropogenic press in different years has been considered in this work; moreover the environmental assessment of water quality has been also undertaken. Reference data have shown that the waters of the bay contained a wide range of pollutants, due to this an elevated concentrations of oil hydrocarbons and a number of metals have been observed for a long period. A study of the age structure of F. vesiculosus has shown that a long age series have been observed in the littoral cenopopulations of this species, plants of various age groups are presented, while the communities is based on young plants aged from 1 to 3 years. It has been found that the number of individuals of older age groups naturally decreases with increasing age. During the observing period, an increase in algae biomass and a subsequent decrease in its growth have been observed. The presented materials testify the stability of the brown alga F. vesiculosus under conditions of intensive industrial exploitation of the waters of the Kola Bay.
Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Screening Methods among Rural Women in Southwest Nigeria: A Mixed Method Analysis
Authors: Edet Rowland , Ekundina Oluwayimika , Bolarinwa Obasanjo Afolabi , Babajide Julianah , Nwafor Juliet Amarachukwu
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of rural women on breast cancer and its screening methods in Southwest Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional survey design with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire was used to generate data among 422 rural women in selected communities in Egbeda local government area of Ibadan. The qualitative data was generated through in-depth interviews among rural women and key informant interviews among health workers in the communities. The study revealed that only 63.7% were aware of breast cancer screening methods compared to 31.6% who were not aware of it. The commonly known screening method among women in the study was breast self-examination (66.7%). Some believed that breast cancer is used as a form of spiritual attack to punish women. Knowledge of breast cancer etiology was also low. The major source of information on breast cancer was radio. The study concluded that health education and programs targeting rural women should be adopted to increase their awareness of breast cancer.
NATURAL SCIENCE 1 - Strengthening Structures
Authors: Schudel Ingrid , Timmermans Anna
Published: August 2020

The video illustrated the strength of various structures as part of the curriculum for Grade 3 Natural Sciences