bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visceral Adiposity Index was Independently Associated with Hyperuricemia in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Yun Chen , Yan Han , Hongyi Yang , Danyan Ma , Xiying Zeng , Jiawen Ye , Zheng Chen , Xin Zheng , Xiaohong Yan , Changqin Liu
Published: February 2021

Objective: The current study aimed to explore the prevalence rate of hyperuricemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and investigate the relationship between Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and hyperuricemia in PCOS.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 318 PCOS women were evaluated between November 2018 to September 2020. Of them, 256 subjects with complete anthropometric and SUA data were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations of VAI with the SUA level and hyperuricemia.Results: The prevalence rate of hyperuricemia was 56.3% in women with PCOS and was gradually increased across tertiles of VAI, which was 2.6%, 21.3%, 22.4%, respectively. Obese subjects had significantly higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (BFP), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), VAI (P<0.001) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (P<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed the SUA level was positively correlated with BMI, BFP, WHR, log (TG), log (LDL-c), SBP, and log (VAI) and negatively correlated with HDL-c. In addition, with adjustment for potential confounding factors, multivariable linear regression and logistic regression analyses showed that VAI significantly associated with the SUA level and hyperuricemia, with the coefficient (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 9.20 (2.85-15.56, P=0.005) and the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.32 (1.05-1.65, P=0.018), respectively.Conclusion: The present study indicates that VAI was independently associated with hyperuricemia, even with adjustment for BMI and other potential confounding factors.
ORMDL1 is Upregulated and Associated With Favorable Outcome in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Qian , Liu Wanjun , Chen Si , Luo Qianxin , Li Yichen , Peng Shaoyong , Wang Huaiming , Liu Xiaoxia , Chen Daici
Published: February 2021

Background: ORMDL1 gene encodes a transmembrane protein for endoplasmic reticulum and is known as crucial negative regulator for sphingolipid biogenesis. However, it has been rarely studied in tumor-related context. Therefore, its prognostic value and functional significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be explored.Methods: TCGA CRC cohort analysis, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the ORMDL1 expression level. The association between ORMDL1 expression and various clinical characteristics were analyzed by Chi-square tests. CRC patients’ overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In vitro and in vivo cell-based assays were performed to explore the role of ORMDL1 in cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Transcriptional changes of cells either with ORMDL1 knockdowned or overexpressed were compared and analyzed.Results: ORMDL1 was upregulated in CRC tissues either in TCGA cohort or in our cohort. Interestingly, its expression was significantly lower in patients with metastasis compared to patients without metastasis, and high expression group had longer OS than low expression group. Knockdown of ORMDL1 expression can promote proliferation, colony formation and invasion, while attenuate migration in CRC cell lines. In opposite, forced overexpression of ORMDL1 reduced cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion, while enhanced cell migration. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like morphologic change was induced when ORMDL1 was knockdowned. Finally, stable knockdown of ORMDL1 can promote cancer cell proliferation in vivo to some extent. Conclusion: ORMDL1 is upregulated and may serve as biomarker to predict favourable outcome in colorectal cancer.
Effects of Fly Ash Amended Soil on Biochemical Attributes and Antioxidant Responses of Medicinally Potent Plant Calendula Officinalis
Authors: Varshney Ayushi , Dahiya Praveen , Mohan Sumedha
Published: February 2021

Phytoremediation of fly ash (FA) deposits using metal tolerant plant species has become an important eco-friendly technique for reclamation nowadays. The present study was carried out to determine the impact of FA application on photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids), biochemical parameters (soluble protein, reducing sugar, nitrate and nitrate reductase (NR) activity), metal accumulation (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Cd, Cr, and Mn) and antioxidant defense activity (SOD, CAT, POD, and APX) of Calendula officinalis. With this aim in mind, under pot culture conditions, Calendula officinalis was grown in different combinations of FA and soil which include: Control, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% FA. The results from the study indicated that the addition of FA (40%) in soil not only improved the physico-chemical properties of soil but also increased the photosynthetic pigment and other biochemical parameters in plants, however, these parameters declined under high FA applications. On the other hand, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX and Peroxidase) of Calendula increased with increasing FA application to combat heavy metal stress from fly ash. At high FA applications, antioxidant enzyme levels increased in leaves thereby reflecting heavy metal stress and mitigation of reactive oxygen species.
Tagasaste, Leucaena and Paulownia. Three Industrial Crops for Energy and Hemicelluloses Production
Authors: Palma Alberto , Rodriguez Javier Mauricio Loaiza , Díaz Manuel J. , García Juan Carlos , Giráldez Inmaculada , López Francisco
Published: February 2021

BackgroundBurning fast-growing trees for energy production can be an effective alternative to coal combustion. Thus, lignocellulosic material, which can be used to obtain chemicals with a high added value, is highly abundant, easily renewed and usually inexpensive. In this work, hemicellulose extraction by acid hydrolysis of plant biomass from three different crops (Chamaecytisus proliferus, Leucaena diversifolia and Paulownia trihybrid) was modelled and the resulting solid residues were used for energy production.ResultsThe influence of the nature of the lignocellulosic raw material and the operating conditions used to extract the hemicellulose fraction on the heat capacity and activation energy of the subsequent combustion process was examined.The heat power and the activation energy of the combustion process were found to depend markedly on the hemicellulose content of the raw material. Thus, a low content in hemicelluloses resulted in a lower increased combustion efficiency and energy yield after acid hydrolysis stage.The process was also influenced by the operating conditions of the hydrolysis treatment, which increased the superior calorific value (SCV) of the solid residue by 0.6–9.7% relative to the starting material. Also, the activation energy of combustion of the hydrolysis residues from tagasaste and paulownia was considerably lower than that for the starting materials, the difference increasing with increasing degree of conversion as well as with increasing temperature and acid concentration in the acid hydrolysis.The activation energy of combustion of the solid residues from acid hydrolysis of tagasaste and paulownia decreased markedly with increasing degree of conversion, and also with increasing temperature and acid concentration in the hydrolysis treatment. No similar trend was observed in leucaena owing to its low content in hemicelluloses.ConclusionsAcid hydrolysis of tagasaste, leucaena and paulownia provided a valorizable liquor containing a large amount of hemicelluloses and a solid residue with an increased heat power amenable to efficient valorization by combustion. There are many potential applications of the hemicelluloses-rich and lignin-rich fraction, for example as multi-components of bio-based feedstocks for 3D printing, for energy and other value-added chemicals.
Learning from Public Health and Hospital Resilience to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Protocol for a Multiple Case Study (Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan, and Mali).
Authors: Ridde Valery , Gautier Lara , Dagenais Christian , Chabrol Fanny , Hou Renyou , Bonnet Emmanuel , David Pierre-Marie , Cloos Patrick , Duhoux Arnaud , Lucet Jean-Christophe , Traverson Lola , Oliveira Sydia Rosana de Araujo , Cazarin Gisele , Peiffer-Smadja Nathan , Touré Laurence , Coulibaly Abdourahmane , Honda Ayako , Noda Shinichiro , Tamura Toyomitsu , Baba Hiroko , Kodoi Haruka , Zinszer Kate
Published: February 2021

Background: All prevention efforts currently being implemented for COVID-19 are aimed at reducing the burden on strained health systems and human resources. There has been little research conducted to understand how SARS-CoV-2 has affected healthcare systems and professionals in terms of their work. Finding effective ways to share the knowledge and insight between countries, including lessons learned, is paramount to the international containment and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this project is to compare the pandemic response to COVID-19 in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan, and Mali. This comparison will be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the response, including challenges for health professionals and health systems.Methods: We will use a multiple case study approach with multiple levels of nested analysis. We chose these countries as they represent different continents and different stages of the pandemic. We will focus on several major hospitals and two public health interventions (contact tracing and testing). It is a multidisciplinary research approach that will use qualitative data through observations, document analysis, and interviews, as well as quantitative data based on disease surveillance data and other publicly available data. Given that the methodological approaches of the project are largely qualitative, the ethical risks are minimal. For the quantitative component, the data being used are publicly available.Discussion: We will deliver lessons learned based on a rigorous process and on strong evidence to enable operational-level insight for national and international stakeholders.
Esophagus Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis Ultrasound Parameters and Association with Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Ma Li , Zhu Qingli , Zhang Yan , Li Jianchu , Jiang Yuxin , Xu Dong , Zeng Xiaofeng , Hou Yong , Liu He
Published: February 2021

Background: The esophagus involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is very common yet underestimated due to the lack of suitable evaluation tools. This study aims to explore the usefulness of ultrasound (US) in the assessment of esophagus involvement and to identify its relationship with clinical and CT manifestations.Methods: We performed esophageal US in 38 SSc patients and 38 controls. US parameters including the abdominal esophagus length, esophagus wall thickness, shear-wave elastography, gastro-esophageal (His) angle, and reflux were compared. Relationships between distinguishable US parameters and clinical/CT parameters, such as gastro-esophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERDQ), modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), interstitial lung disease (ILD) score, the largest esophagus diameter (Dmax), and esophagus dilation percentage (%Eop), were evaluated. Results: Abdominal esophagus length was shorter in the SSc group than the control group (2.69 cm vs 3.06 cm, P=0.018), while His angle and the angle change before and after drinking water were larger in the SSc group than the control group (121°vs 108°, P=0.000; 7.97°vs 2.92°, P=0.025). Reflux was more frequently seen in the SSc group than the control group (7/38 vs 0/38; P=0.017). As for correlation with clinical and CT parameters, His angle was higher in patients with GERDQ ≥ 8 than GERDQ < 8 (116.5°vs 125.6°, P=0.035). Patients with reflux showed higher ILD score than patients without (15.8 vs 9.6, P=0.043). Furthermore, abdominal esophagus length was negatively correlated with %Eop and Dmax (r=-0.573, P<0.001; r=-0.476, P=0.003),Conclusion: US parameters of the esophagus can distinguish SSc patients from controls, as well as had correlations with clinical and CT characteristics. Our study firstly shows that US can be used as a noninvasive and convenient method to evaluate the esophagus involvement in SSc.
Effect of Intravenous Fluid Therapy for Acute Alcohol Intoxication on Length of Time from Arrival at the Emergency Department until Awakening: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Terayama Takero , Sasa Ruka , Nakatani Yuka , Tanaka Fumika , Terashige Sho , Higashiyama Daishi , Sugiura Takao , Hatanaka Kosuke , Nishiyama Takashi , Takeshima Shigeto
Published: February 2021

Background

Acute alcohol intoxication is a common condition observed in the emergency department (ED). Intravenous fluid therapy (IVF) is often administered to treat this condition, but its effectiveness remains unclear. We therefore conducted a study to evaluate the effect of IVF on length of time from arrival at the ED until awakening, which is a novel and more appropriate variable.
Methods

This single-center, prospective observational study was conducted in the ED of Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, a secondary emergency hospital in Tokyo from October 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019. Patients were assigned to groups to receive either a 1,000-mL bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution or only cannulation. The primary outcome was length of until awakening. Secondary outcomes were length of stay in the ED and the occurrence of conditions requiring extra care. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Predictors of the occurrence of any event that required extra care were identified using a statistical model.
Results

The final sample included 201 patients: 109 received IVF and 92 did not. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the groups. Median length of time until awakening was 211 min (interquartile range [IQR], 119 min) in the IVF group and 208 min (IQR, 149 min) in the non-IVF group (p = 0.77). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the regression coefficient of IVF for length of time until awakening was − 9.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], \(-\)36.2 to 17.2). However, hemoglobin (regression coefficient, \(10.1\); 95% CI, \(0.38\)-19.9) and initial Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) in the ED (regression coefficient, \(-\)7.51; 95% CI, \(-\)10.8 to \(-\)4.21) were significantly associated with length of time.
Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate the effect of IVF therapy on the length of time until awakening. IVF therapy is not effective in shortening the length of time in patients with acute alcohol intoxication in the ED. Routine administration of IVF is unnecessary in these patients. Further research is warranted to investigate who benefit from IVF therapy. A significance difference in Hb and GCS in this study also would give useful tips for the next study.
Comparison of Surgical Ligation and Endovascular Embolization in the Management of Type II Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Zhang Jin-long , Duan Wei Dong , Fang Zhu Ting , Wang Mao Qiang , Cui Li , Bai Yan Hua , Li Xiao Hui , Du Qi Cong , Shen Meng Qiu , Duan Feng
Published: February 2021

Background: Surgical ligation and endovascular embolization have been recommended for type II congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS); however, no consensus has been reached. This study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of surgical ligation and endovascular embolization for the treatment of type II CEPS. Methods: In this retrospective study, 23 consecutive patients diagnosed with type II CEPS between March 2011 and April 2019 were divided into either a surgical group (n=13; 41.5±19.9years) or the interventional group (n =10; 44.9±19.7years). The surgical group underwent laparoscopic surgical ligation of the shunt alone or ligation of the shunt and splenic artery and/or vein. The interventional group underwent endovascular embolization using microcoils, detachable coils and vascular plug. Results: All 23 patients received a one-step shunt closure, and their clinical symptoms were significantly improved within 3 months post-procedure and without recurrence during follow-up. The serum ammonia levels in both groups decreased after the procedure and dropped to normal level at 6 to 12 months post-procedure. Compared with baseline, the portal vein diameter in interventional group increased significantly at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 36-month post-occlusion (P=0.01 for all). The procedure time was shorter in interventional group (127.0±43.2minutes) than surgical group (219.8±56.7minutes; P <0.001). The intraoperative blood loss in interventional group (32.0±62.5mL) was less than that in surgical group (238.5±396.9mL; P=0.001).Conclusion: Both surgical ligation and endovascular embolization are effective in the treatment of type II CEPS. Endovascular embolization has the advantages of shorter procedure time, and less intraoperative blood loss. The ligation of the portosystemic shunt and splenic artery and vein is feasible with apparent safety, and it could avoid a second surgical treatment.
Resatorvid Modulates Microglial M1/M2 Polarization to Improve Cognitive Impairment after Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zhang Shishuang , Huang Shan , Wang Feng , Yin Zhenyu , Wang Dong , Han Zhaoli , Kong Xiaodong , Zhao Jing , Li Dai , Wang Yifeng , Chen Fanglian , Ge Xintong , Lei Ping
Published: February 2021

Background

In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to repetitive mild TBI (rmTBI), which can increase the incidence of chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Microglia are the main mediators of the innate immune response in the central nervous system (CNS), and their polarization phenotype plays a dual role in exerting beneficial and detrimental effects on neuroinflammation. This study investigated the mechanism and effect of Resatorvid (TAK242), a specific inhibitor of TLR4, on learning and memory in mice with rmTBI.
Methods

A controlled cortical impact (CCI) method was used to establish the mild TBI model in this study. Mice in the rmTBI model underwent four head impacts with a 24-hour interval between each impact.
Results

TAK242 treatment significantly reduced the expression levels of APP and p-Tau, promoted neurological recovery, and improved learning and memory after rmTBI. Furthermore, TAK242 promoted the polarization of microglia from the M1 to M2 phenotype, accompanied by the upregulation of anti-inflammatory factors and downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors. The inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway might be involved in the protective effect of TAK242 mentioned above.
Conclusions

TAK242 significantly inhibits the neuroinflammatory response by regulating microglial M1/M2 polarization, thereby improving cognitive function after rmTBI.
Comparison of Plantar Pressure Between Patients With Severe Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Hoshino Yuichi , Kanzaki Noriyuki , Kataoka Kiminari , Nukuto Koji , Yamashita Takahiro , Nagamune Kouki , Nagai Kanto , Araki Daisuke , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: February 2021

Background: The biomechanical pathophysiology of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) is not fully understood. Planter pressure is susceptible to subtle changes in foot and ankle movement and could be used to detect CLAI. Therefore, this study aimed to compare plantar pressure between patients with CLAI and healthy subjects.Methods: Eighteen patients with CLAI who were scheduled for anterolateral ligament repair (9 women and 9 men) and 100 healthy subjects (50 women and 50 men) were included. Using an in-shoe pressure sensor system with ten plantar pressure sensors, the plantar pressure was recorded at a sampling rate of 200 Hz while walking. Analyses were adjusted for body mass index and gait speed.Results: Patients with CLAI had a significantly lower peak pressure on the hallux and toes than did healthy subjects. However, patients with CLAI had a significantly higher peak pressure on the medial aspect of the foot than did healthy subjects. Conclusions: The planter pressure distribution significantly differed between patients with CLAI and healthy subjects. The difference could have been due to a compensatory mechanism to prevent ankle instability. These findings could be used to elucidate the biomechanical pathophysiology of CLAI.
Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis is Associated with Increased Mortality following Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Weersma Rinse , Swarte J. Casper , Li Yanni , Hu Shixian , Björk Johannes , Gacesa Ranko , Vila Arnau Vich , Douwes Rianne , Collij Valerie , Kurilshikov Alexander , Post Adrian , Klaassen Marjolein , Eisenga Michele , Gomes-Neto António , Kremer Daan , Jansen Bernadien , Knobbe Tim , Berger Stefan , Sanders Jan-Stephan , Heiner-Fokkema M. , Porte Robert , Cuperus Frans , Meijer Vincent de , Wijmenga Cisca , Festen Eleonora , Zhernakova Alexandra , Fu Jingyuan , Harmsen Hermie , Blokzijl Hans , Bakker Stephan
Published: February 2021

Organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage disease, but survival post-transplantation varies considerably. There is now increasing evidence that the gut microbiome is linked to the survival of hematopoietic cell transplant patients, yet little is known about the role of the gut microbiome in solid organ transplantation. We analyzed 1,370 fecal samples from liver and renal transplant recipients using shotgun metagenomic sequencing to assess microbial taxonomy, metabolic pathways, antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. To quantify taxonomic and metabolic dysbiosis, we analyzed 1,183 age-, sex- and BMI-matched subjects from the same population. A subset of patients were also followed longitudinally from pre- to post-transplantation. Our data show that transplant recipients suffer from gut dysbiosis—including lower microbial diversity, increased abundance of unhealthy microbial species, decreased abundance of important metabolic pathways, and increased prevalence and diversity of antibiotic resistant genes and virulence factors—that persist up to 20 years post-transplantation. Finally, we demonstrate that the use of immunosuppressive drugs is significantly associated with the observed dysbiosis and that the extent of dysbiosis is associated with increased post-transplant mortality.
RNA-seq analysis reveals different transcriptomic responses to GA3 in early- and mid-season varieties before ripening initiation in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruits
Authors: Kuhn Nathalie , Maldonado Jonathan , Ponce Claudio , Arellano Macarena , Time Alson , Multari Salvatore , Martens Stefan , Carrera Esther , Donoso José Manuel , Sagredo Boris , Meisel Lee Ann
Published: February 2021

Gibberellin (GA) negatively affects color evolution and other ripening-related processes in non-climacteric fruits. The bioactive GA, gibberellic acid (GA3), is commonly applied at the light green-to-straw yellow transition to increase firmness and delay ripening in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), though causing different effects depending on the variety. Recently, we reported that GA3 delayed the IAD parameter (a ripening index) in a mid-season variety, whereas GA3 did not delay IAD but reduced it at ripeness in an early-season variety. To further explore this contrasting behavior between varieties, we analyzed the transcriptomic responses to GA3 applied on two sweet cherry varieties with different maturity time phenotypes. At harvest, GA3 produced fruits with less color in both varieties. Similar to our previous report, GA3 delayed fruit color initiation and IAD only in the mid-season variety, and reduced IAD at harvest only in the early-season variety. RNA-seq analysis of control- and GA3-treated fruits of both varieties revealed that ripening related categories were overrepresented in the early-season variety, including 'photosynthesis' and 'auxin response.' GA3 also changed the expression of carotenoid and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic genes in this variety. In contrast, overrepresented categories in the mid-season variety were related mainly to metabolic processes. In this variety, some PP2Cs putative genes were positively regulated by GA3, which are negative regulators of ABA responses. This was accompanied with downregulation of MYB44-like genes, putative repressors of PP2Cs expression. These results show that GA3 differentially modulates the transcriptome at the onset of ripening in a variety-dependent manner and suggest that GA3 impairs ripening through the modification of ripening associated gene expression only in the early-season variety; whereas in the mid-season variety, possibly a control of the ripening timing occurs through the PP2C gene expression regulation. This work contributes to the understanding of the role of GA in non-climacteric fruit ripening.
Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease on statin treatment
Authors: Wang Le , Cong Hongliang , Zhang JingXia , Hu YueCheng , Wei Ao , Zhang YingYi , Yang Hua , Ren LiBin , Qi Wei , Li WenYu , Liu ChunWei
Published: February 2021

Background

The triglyceride (TG)to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio has been regarded as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, the association of TG/HDL-C ratio with survival in patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) on statin therapy remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to explore whether TG/HDL-C ratio predicts mortality in diabetic patients with CAD on statin treatment.
Methods

A total of 2080 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes and angiographic-proven CAD who were treated with statin were enrolled in the presents study. Patients were divided into tertiles according to baseline TG/HDL-C ratio. The primary endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Results

During 4-year follow-up, 209(10.0%) patients died, 136(65.1%) caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that all-cause and cardiovascular mortality increased gradually with rising TG/HDL-C ratio tertiles (log-rank test, P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate cox hazard regression analysis revealed that patients in tertile 3 but not teretile 2 had significantly higher rate of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, TG/HDL-C ratio was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 1.21, 95% CI:1.11–1.31; P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR:1.28, 95% CI: 1.19–1.37; P < 0.001). For all-cause mortality, TG/HDL-C ratio significantly improved the C-statistic (0.799[0.766–0.833] to 0.813[0.780–0.845]; P = 0.018), net reclassification index (NRI) (0.315; P < 0.001), and integrated discrimination index (IDI) (0.012; P = 0.003). For cardiovascular mortality, TG/HDL-C ratio significantly improved the C-statistic (0.769[0.727–0.812] to 0.810[0.771–0.849]; P = 0.001), NRI (0.442; P < 0.001), and IDI (0.039; P < 0.001).
Conclusions

TG/HDL-C ratio may predict mortality risk among diabetic CAD patients receiving statin treatment. These findings suggest that assessing TG/HDL-C ratio may be useful for risk stratification for mortality risk in patients with diabetes and CAD.
CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Shows Activity in Patients with B-cell Lymphoma Without CD19 Expression by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Wang Tao , Xu Lili , Wang Yang , Tang Gusheng , Gao Lei , Chen Li , Chen Jie , Yue Wenqin , Fu Weijia , He Miaoxia , Yang Jianmin
Published: February 2021

Background: Some clinical trials have reported that CD19-negative B-cell lymphoma patients responded to CD19 CART therapy. The mechanism of CD19 CART activating in patients with B-cell lymphoma that do not express CD19 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) remains unknown. Methods: 8 CART treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients and other 90 DLBCL tissues were tested by IHC using 7 anti-CD19 antibodies. Besides, CD19 mRNA and protein of 6 human DLBCL cell lines were assessed using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis, and CD19 expression was evaluated by IHC as well as flow cytometry (FCM). Results: 6 out of 8 (75%) DLBCL patients who received CD19 CART therapy were identified as CD19-negative by at least one antibody. In the 6 patients, 5 objective responses were seen (response rate, 83.3%). For the 90 DLBCL samples, 68 samples were involved in analysis, and 57 out of 68 (83.8%) samples were assessed as CD19 negative by at least one antibody. IHC assay for 6 DLBCL cell lines showed that 3 cell lines CD19 expression by IHC had inconsistent results with CD19 mRNA and Western blotting assays, while FCM assay for the 6 DLBCL cell lines showed high sensitivity and good concordance to CD19 expression. Antibody HIB19 mean fluorescence intensity showed a positive correlation with CD19 expression (R2=0.8125, P=0.0137). Conclusion: These results demonstrate the mechanism that CD19-negaive B-cell lymphoma patients respond to CD19 CART therapy, suggesting that inclusion or exclusion of lymphoma patients for CD19 CART therapy based on current CD19 IHC seems unwarranted. FCM assay is recommended as a complementary diagnostic method to CD19 IHC.
The major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19 among Europeans does not show any association among Indian populations
Authors: Singh Prajjval Pratap , Shrivastava Anshika , Sultana Gazi Nurun Nahar , Khanam Nargis , Pathak Abhishek , Suravajhala Prashanth , Singh Royana , Shrivastava Pankaj , Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Chaubey Gyaneshwer
Published: February 2021

With the growing evidence on the variable human susceptibility against COVID-19, it is clear that there are some genetic loci modulating the severity. Recent studies have identified several loci associated with the higher severity. More recently, a study has identified 50kb segment introgressed from Neanderthal adding risk for COVID-19, and is present among 16% and 50% people of European and South Asian origin respectively. Contrary to that, our studies on ACE2 identified a haplotype present among 20% and 60% of European and South Asian populations respectively, was probably responsible for the low case fatality ratio among South Asian populations. This result was also consistent with the realtime infection rate and case fatality ratio among various states of India. We readdressed this issue using both of the contrasting datasets and compared them with the realtime infection rates and case fatality ratio in India. We found out that that the polymorphism present in 50kb introgressed segment (rs10490770) did not show any significant correlation with the realtime infection and case fatality ratio in India.With the growing evidence on the variable human susceptibility against COVID-19, it is clear that there are some genetic loci modulating the severity. Recent studies have identified several loci associated with the higher severity. More recently, a study has identified 50kb segment introgressed from Neanderthal adding risk for COVID-19, and is present among 16% and 50% people of European and South Asian origin respectively. Contrary to that, our studies on ACE2 identified a haplotype present among 20% and 60% of European and South Asian populations respectively, was probably responsible for the low case fatality ratio among South Asian populations. This result was also consistent with the realtime infection rate and case fatality ratio among various states of India. We readdressed this issue using both of the contrasting datasets and compared them with the realtime infection rates and case fatality ratio in India. We found out that that the polymorphism present in 50kb introgressed segment (rs10490770) did not show any significant correlation with the realtime infection and case fatality ratio in India.
Integrated vaccination and physical distancing interventions to prevent future COVID-19 waves
Authors: Huang Bo , Wang Jionghua , Cai Jixuan , Yao Shiqi , CHAN Paul Kay Sheung , TAM Tony Hong wing , Hong Ying-yi , Ruktanonchai Corrine W. , Carioli Alessandra , Floyd Jessica R. , Ruktanonchai Nick W. , Yang Weizhong , Li Zhongjie , Tatem Andrew J. , Lai Shengjie
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 resurgences worldwide have posed significant challenges to the formulation of preventive interventions, especially given that the effects of physical distancing and upcoming vaccines on reducing susceptible social contacts and eventually halting transmission are still unclear. Using anonymized mobile geolocation data in China, we devised a mobility-associated social contact index to quantify the impact of both physical distancing and vaccination measures in a unified way such that the gap between intervention measures and disease transmission can be explicitly bridged. This index explained 90% of the variance in the changing reproduction number of infections across the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, and was validated in six other cities of different population densities. Our simulations showed that vaccination combined with physical distancing can contain resurgences without relying on mobility reduction, whereas a gradual vaccination process alone cannot achieve this. Further, for cities with medium-population density, vaccination can shorten the duration of physical distancing by 36%-78%, whereas for cities with high-population density, infection numbers can well be controlled through moderate physical distancing. These findings provide guidance on tailoring and implementing comprehensive interventions for cities with varying population densities.
Powering Jobs: The Employment Footprint of Clean Cooking Solutions in Kenya
Authors: LEE CHIH-JUNG , Shirley Rebekah , Otieno Maureen , Nyambura Hope
Published: February 2021

Background: Delivering clean cooking access to 1.2 billion people who cook with charcoal, kerosene and firewood may have a strong localized employment impact. With the challenge of a rapidly expanding youth population and growing job scarcity in sub-Saharan Africa, understanding the impact of clean cooking on employment as well as the skills gap is timely. However, there is little definitive data on clean cooking jobs. Recognizing this data gap, we sought to conduct a study focused specifically on employment from the clean cooking sectors in Kenya, covering liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), bioethanol, biogas and electric cooking solutions. This study provides an initial baseline and early estimate of clean cooking sectors’ direct formal and informal employment based on one year of company survey data, expert interviews, available literature, and local focus group discussion.Results: In Kenya, the clean cooking sector provided about 19,000 direct, formal jobs and potentially 15,000 to 35,000 direct, informal jobs in 2019. While the clean cooking sector provided many jobs, the level of compensation and retention is low. In the LPG and electric cooking sector, sales and distribution are the biggest part of the workforce, while for bioethanol and biogas, manufacturing and assembling is important. The majority of the direct, formal workforce is reported to be skilled. Management, finance and legal, and product development and research are the most difficult skills to recruit for. Women’s participation is lower than 30% in the clean cooking sectors. Managerial positions have higher women’s participation than non-managerial ones.Conclusion: This research exercise establishes a baseline for understanding the employment impact of the clean cooking sectors. However, a massive data gap persists. Our study shows that while the clean cooking sectors, especially LPG, are already providing tens of thousands of jobs, further studies are critically needed to map the employment impact of delivering universal clean cooking access.
Whether Remdesivir Increases the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Zhenjian , Tang Ying , Huang Qiuyan , Fu Sha , Li Xiaomei , Lin Baojuan , Xu Anping , Chen Junzhe
Published: February 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs among patients with COVID-19, it is also proved to be associated with in-hospital mortality. Remdesivir, an RNA polymerase inhibitor, has shown its antiviral activity in vitro and animal models. The adverse effect of Remdesivir especially AKI is the most common cause which lead to drug discontinuation. Whether Remdesivir increases the risk of AKI in patients with COVID-19 is not clear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence rate of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and whether Remdesivir increases the risk of AKI. Methods: A thorough search was carried out to find relevant studies in PubMed, medRxiv, and Web of Science from 1 Jan 2020 till 1 June 2020. 15135 COVID-19 patients and 981 COVID-19 patients using Remdesivir were included in our meta-analysis. Results: The pooled estimated incidence of AKI in all hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 12.0% (95% CI:9.0%-15.0%). According to our subgroup study, the incidence of AKI was associated with the age, disease severity and race of patients. The incidence of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients using Remdesivir was 6% (95% CI: 3%-13%) with a total of 5 studies. Comparing with COVID-19 patients without Remdesivir treatment, Remdesivir treatment do not increase the risk of AKI in COVID-19 patients showing OR 0.80(95%CI: 0.44-1.46, P>0.05). Conclusions: We found out that AKI was not rare in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The incidence of AKI was associated with age, disease severity and race. Remdesivir treatment did not increase the risk of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our meta-analysis may provide an evidence for future study that AKI is associated with the natural cause of COVID-19, not the adverse event after the usage of Remdesivir.
Respectful Delivery Care and Associated Factors in Public Health Facilities in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Wubetu Yonas Azanaw , Sharew Nigussie Tadesse , Mohammed Osman Yimer
Published: February 2021

Background: Many interventions have been implemented to increase institutional delivery in Ethiopia. However, only 26% of women delivered in health facilities. This increases the curiosity of the scientific community to know more about the quality of maternity care in the country. Objective: This study aimed to assess the proportion of respectful delivery care and associated factors among women delivering in Debre Berhan town public health facilities, Ethiopia, 2019.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 women who delivered in Debre Berhan town public health facilities from November 15 to December 30, 2019. A consecutive sampling method was used to identify study participants. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered by the interviewer. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were conducted. Adjusted Odds ratio along with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the magnitude and direction of the association. Statistically significant association was declared at a P-value of less than 0.05.Results: A total of 412 postnatal women were participated in this study, yielding a 99.8% response rate. About 35.7% (95% CI: 31%, 40.3%) women reported that they have received respectful delivery care. Daytime delivery [AOR=2.48; 95% CI (1.55, 3.99)], secondary school educational status and plus [AOR= 3.59; 95% CI (1.53, 8.42)], having a companion during delivery [AOR=2.45; 95% CI (1.47, 4.07)], and having four or more antenatal care visits [AOR= 2.54; 95% CI (1.60, 4.01)] were positively associated with respectful delivery care. Conclusions: The proportion of women reporting respectful delivery care was low. Women who had four or more ANC visits, who were secondary-level or higher educated, delivered during the daytime, and had a companion during delivery were more likely to receive respectful delivery care. Thus, allowing the mother to have a companion, improve ANC service utilization, and improving education accomplishment should be the focus area of intervention.
A general framework for the inverse design of mesoscopic models based on the Boltzmann equation
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Lianping , Lai Jun , Chen Shiyi
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we present a general framework for the inverse-design of mesoscopic models based on the Boltzmann equation. Starting from the single-relaxation-time Boltzmann equation with an additional source term, two model Boltzmann equations for two reduced distribution functions are obtained, each then also having an additional undetermined source term. Under this general framework and using Navier-Stokes-Fourier (NSF) equations as constraints, the structures of the distribution functions are obtained by the leading-order Chapman-Enskog analysis. Next, five basic constraints for the design of the two source terms are obtained in order to recover the Navier-Stokes-Fourier system in the continuum limit. These constraints allow for adjustable bulk-to-shear viscosity ratio, Prandtl number as well as a thermal energy source. The specific forms of the two source terms can be determined through proper physical considerations and numerical implementation requirements. By employing the truncated Hermite expansion, one design for the two source terms is proposed. Moreover, three well-known mesoscopic models in the literature are shown to be compatible with these five constraints. In addition, the consistent implementation of boundary conditions is also explored by using the Chapman-Enskog expansion at the NSF order. Finally, based on the higher-order Chapman-Enskog expansion of the distribution functions, we derive the complete analytical expressions for the viscous stress tensor and the heat flux. Some underlying physics can be further explored under this framework.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Students' Marks: A Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling Approach
Authors: Tomal Jabed , Rahmati Saeed , Boroushaki Shirin , Jin Lingling , Ahmed Ehsan
Published: February 2021

Due to COVID-19, universities across Canada were forced to undergo a transition from classroom-based face-to-face learning and invigilated assessments to online-based learning and non-invigilated assessments. This study attempts to empirically measure the impact of COVID-19 on students’ marks from eleven science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses using a Bayesian linear mixed eﬀects model ﬁtted to longitudinal data. The Bayesian linear mixed eﬀects model is designed for this application which allows student-speciﬁc error variances to vary. The novel Bayesian missing value imputation method is ﬂexible which seamlessly generates missing values given complete data. We observed an increase in overall average marks for the courses requiring lower-level cognitive skills according to Bloom’s Taxonomy and a decrease in marks for the courses requiring higher-level cognitive skills, where larger changes in marks were observed for the underachieving students. About half of the disengaged students who did not participate in any course assessments after the transition to online delivery were in special support.
Estimation of renal perfusion based on measurement of Rubidium-82 clearance by PET/CT scanning in healthy subjects
Authors: Langaa Stine Sundgaard , Lauridsen Thomas Guldager , Mose Frank Holden , Fynbo Claire Anne , Theil Jørn , Bech Jesper Nørgaard
Published: February 2021

Background: Changes in renal blood flow (RBF) may play a pathophysiological role in hypertension and kidney disease. However, RBF determination in humans has proven difficult. We aimed to confirm the feasibility of RBF estimation based on positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (PET/CT) and rubidium-82 (82Rb) using the abdominal aorta as input function in a 1-tissue compartment model. Methods: Eighteen healthy subjects underwent two dynamic 82Rb PET/CT scans in two different fields of view (FOV). FOV-A included the left ventricular blood pool (LVBP), the abdominal aorta (AA) and the majority of the kidneys. FOV-B included AA and the kidneys in their entirety. In FOV-A, an input function was derived from LVBP and from AA; in FOV-B from AA. 1-tissue compartmental modeling was performed using tissue time activity curves generated from volumes of interest contouring the kidneys, where the renal clearance of 82Rb is represented by the K1 kinetic parameter. To investigate the correct interpretation of K1, we assumed to first estimate effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) by extrapolating clearance values (ml/min/cm3) to whole kidney values (ml/min) using the estimated total kidney volume. Thereafter, RPF was estimated from ERPF using an assumed extraction fraction (0.89). Lastly, RBF was estimated from RPF using measured haematocrit values. Intra-assay coefficients of variation and inter-observer variation were calculated.Results: For both kidneys, K1 values derived from AA did not differ significantly from values obtained from LVBP, neither were significant differences seen between AA in FOV-A and AA in FOV-B, nor between the right and left kidneys. For both kidneys, the intra-assay coefficients of variation were low (~ 5%) for both input functions. The measured K1 of 2.80 ml/min/cm3 suggests, for young healthy subjects, an estimated total renal perfusion normalized to body surface area of 860 ± 129 ml/min/1.73 m2 and subsequently an estimated RBF of 1494 ± 221 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: RBF estimation based on PET/CT and 82Rb using AA as input function in a 1-tissue compartment model is feasible in a single FOV. The measured K1 clearance values are most likely representative of ERPF rather than estimated RBF values.
Applying deep learning and wavelet transform for predicting the vibration behavior in variable thickness skew composite plates with intermediate elastic support
Authors: Altabey Wael A.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the vibration behavior features are extracted from the combination between Wavelet Transform (WT), and Finite Strip Transition Matrix (FSTM) of skew composite plates (SCPs), with variable thickness, and intermediate elastic support. Although, the results of this technique and based on the previous work done by the authors, that show the method can reflect the vibration behavior of the composite plates. Due to the method's difficulty in terms of, a lot of calculations with a large number of iterations these results may not be good choices for quick and accurate vibration behavior extracting. Thus, the new deep neural network (NN) is designed to learn and test these results carrying out by extracting vibration behavior features that reflect the important and essential information about the mode shapes in SCP. The results give high indications about the proposed technique of deep learning is a promising method, particularly when the type structures are complicated and the ambient environment is variable.
Prácticas pedagógicas y metacognición en la educación infantil
Authors: Reales Cervantes Johana , Ortíz Ocaña Alexander
Published: February 2021

El objeto de estudio de este libro son los procesos metacognitivos infantiles emergentes de las prácticas pedagógicas de maestras y maestros a partir de la configuración de escenarios didácticos. En esta publicación se abordan conceptos en torno a la educación inicial, la metacognición, las prácticas pedagógicas de los maestros y, por último, los escenarios didácticos, desde una perspectiva configurativa, relacional y emergente de la ciencia. El trabajo aquí descrito se sustentó en la metodología de la investigación configuracional, desarrollada con base en la observación de la realidad desde adentro ?mediante narrativas, revisión de documentos, círculos de aprendizaje, diálogos heurísticos con maestras? y desde el exterior ?interpretación y reflexión de los datos, estableciendo relaciones entre lo observado y los documentos teóricos y epistemológicos?. De este modo se ofrece una aproximación a la reflexibilidad generativa y propositiva de la intención central del estudio. Como resultado, se refleja la configuración colectiva de escenarios didácticos que, en efecto, dieron lugar a procesos metacognitivos infantiles gracias a la práctica pedagógica.