bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Phosphatidylserine Is Exposed on Tumor Cells Determines The Tumor’s Microenvironment and the Success or Failure of Checkpoint Therapy
Authors: Kennedy James Randall
Published: June 2021

One constant in all malignant somatic tumors is their continuous growth and it is hypothesized that there are only two types of cell mutations that can cause this and that their microenvironments are determined by how those mutated cells eventually die and by how phosphatidylserine (PS) is exposed on their surface. When a mutation in a cell causes its rate of mitotic cell division to continuously exceed the rate necessary for its replacement after its programed cell death (PCD) a continuously growing tumor will form and all of the tumor cells will expose PS by the Xkr8 transmembrane scramblase molecule when they die causing an inflammatory and immune suppressive microenvironment. When a mutation in a cell eliminates PCD a continuous tumor growth begins because all those cells will continue dividing until they die a senescent death where PS is exposed by the TMEM16F scramblase molecule and causes an inflammatory microenvironment. Inflammation stresses somatic cells to expose checkpoint molecules (CPMs) on them and on immune cells that could potentially eliminate them. Only in tumors where PCD has been eliminated will CPM be exposed and only in them will immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) be effective.
CircPTK2 Suppresses the Progression of Gastric Cancer by Targeting miR-196a-3p/AATK Axis
Authors: Gao Ling , Xia Tingting , Qin Mingde , Xue Xiaofeng , Jiang Linhua , Zhu Xinguo
Published: June 2021

BackgroundGastric cancer is a type of malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. It has been shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert critical functions in gastric cancer progression via working as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate gene expression. However, the role and potential molecular mechanism of circRNAs in gastric cancer remain largely unknown.MethodsCircPTK2 (hsa_circ_0005273) was identified by bioinformatics analysis and validated by RT-qPCR assay. Bioinformatics prediction, dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull down assays were used to determine the interaction between circPTK2, miR-196a-3p, AATK.ResultsThe level of circPTK2 was markedly downregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Upregulation of circPTK2 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, while downregulation of circPTK2 exhibited opposite effects. Mechanically, circPTK2 could competitively bind to miR-196a-3p and prevent miR-196a-3p to reduce the expression of AATK. In addition, circPTK2 overexpression inhibited tumorigenesis in a xenograft mouse model of gastric cancer.ConclusionCollectively, circPTK2 functions as a tumor suppressor to suppress gastric cancer cell proliferation through regulating miR-196a-3p/AATK axis, suggesting that circPTK2 may serve as novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Allometric Models for Aboveground Biomass of Six Common Subtropical Shrubs and Small Trees
Authors: Huang Cheng , Feng Chun , Ma Yuhua , Liu Hua , Wang Zhaocheng , Yang Shaobo , Wang Wenjing , Fu Songling , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: June 2021

Background: The aboveground biomass (AGB) of shrubs and small trees is the main component for the productivity and carbon storage of understory vegetation in subtropical natural secondary forests. However, few allometric models exist for shrubs and small trees, even though they can accurately evaluate understory vegetative biomass. Methods: To estimate the ABG of six common shrub and small tree species, we utilized harvesting to sample 206 individuals, and developed species-specific and multi-species allometric models based on four predictors including height (H), stem diameter (D), crown area (Ca), and wood density (ρ). Results: As expected, these six shrub and small tree species possessed greater biomass in their stems in contrast to branches, with the lowest biomass in the leaves. Species-specific allometric models that employed D and the combined variables of D2H and ρDH as predictors, could accurately estimate the components and total AGB, with R2 values ranging from between 0.602 and 0.971. A multi-species shrub allometric model revealed that ρDH was the best predictor, with R2 values ranging from between 0.809 and 0.890. Conclusions: These results indicated that H and D were effective predictors for the models to estimate the AGB of the six shrub and small tree species, and the introduction of ρ improved their accuracy. The optimal model selected in this study could be applied to estimate the biomass of shrubs and small trees in the subtropical regions.
Preparation and Characterization of Sodium Alginate Polymeric Scaffold by Electrospinning Method for Skin Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: Jadbabaei Sorour , Naiemi Farid , Ebadi-Dehaghani Hassan , Kolahdoozan Majid
Published: June 2021

Sodium alginate (SA) approved its high potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One of the main weaknesses of this polysaccharide is its low spinnability which nanofiber based scaffolds are the interest of scientists in biomedical engineering. The main aim of this study was to improve the spinnability of SA in combination with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). It was also tried to optimize the main parameters in electrospinning of the optimized SA;PVA ratio including voltage, flow rate, and working space. To aim this, Response surface methodology under central composite design was employed to design the experiments scientifically. The final nanofiber scaffolds were studied using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, degradability, swelling, tensile strength, porosity, nanofiber diameter, contact angle, and cytotoxicity. Based on the results, the best ratio for SA:PVA was 1:6.5. The solution with this concentration was spinnable in various values for the process parameters. The fabricated scaffolds under these conditions revealed good physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological features. L929 cell lines revealed high viability during 48 h of culture. The results revealed the uniform and homogeneous nanofibers with the regular size distribution (166 nm) were obtained at 30 kV, 0.55 µl/h, and 12.5 cm. To sum up, the optimized ratio under the reported conditions can be a good biologically compatible candidate for skin tissue engineering.
Study Of The Effect Of Different Ratios of Forage To Concentrate On Performance And Carcass Traits Of Zel Fattening Lambs
Authors: Kashani Seyed Mohsen Mousavi , Gharahveysi Shahabodin , Khorshidi Kaveh Jafari
Published: June 2021

Fattening refers to the proper management and feeding of livestock to achieve maximum weight gain at a minimum cost over a specified period of time. This study aimed to determine the most effective ratio of forage to concentrate on feed intake, performance, and carcasses of male Zel fattening lambs. The present study was performed using 20 lambs of 16-week-old for 90 days in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications at the Islamic Azad University of Qaemshahr. Experimental treatments included different ratios of forage to concentrate (80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50). Traits were measured during the fattening period. The collected data were analyzed by LSmeans procedure and regression in SAS software. Effect of different ratios of forage to concentrate was significant on all performance traits (p < 0.01), slaughter weight (p < 0.05), weight gain during rearing (p < 0.05), daily weight gain (p < 0.05), feed intake (p < 0.01), feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01), the weight of digestive system contents (p < 0.05), hot and cold carcass weight (p < 0.05), carcass percentage (p < 0.05) and thickness Backfat (p < 0.05). The linear change in the mentioned traits is due to the increase of the concentrate to forage ratio (p < 0.01). As the percentage of concentrate in the ration increases, feed intake increases. The concentrate is palatable and contains more energy and nutrients than forage. Therefore, lambs that consumed more concentrate had higher body weight and slaughter weight. Based on the results for optimal performance in fattening lambs, a ration with the ratio of forage to concentrate equal (50:50) is recommended.
Cantharidin-Loaded Biomimetic MOF Nanoparticles Cascade To Enhance Fenton Reaction Based On Amplified Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Liu Ye , Zhou Hao , Leng Junke , Dai Xiaofeng , Wang Dong , Ma Kun , Cui Changhao , Fu Jijun , Guo Zhaoming
Published: June 2021

The treatment efficiency of Fenton reaction is expected to be greatly restricted due to problems such as inefficient delivery of Fenton catalysis, limited H 2 O 2 concentration and uneven tumour tissue. Accurate photothermal therapy (PTT) can to some extent improve the efficiency of Fenton catalysis by raising temperature. However, the heat shock response (HSR) of tumour cells caused by PTT and Fenton reaction can attenuate the treatment effect. In this study, we developed a combined treatment platform based on the Fenton reaction mediated by iron ions consisting of a metal organic framework, i.e., PPy-CTD@MIL-100@MPCM nanoparticles (PCMM NPs), and we explored the inhibitory effect of PCMM NPs on the heat shock response (HSR). PCMM NPs can be recruited into tumour tissues through the response of biomacromolecules on the surface of macrophage cell membranes (MPCMs) to tumour cell signaling molecules, thereby increasing retention and accumulation. The photothermal effect of polypyrrole (PPy) can stimulate the HSR of tumour, and loaded HSP inhibitor-cantharidin (CTD) can inhibit this response to a large extent. In addition, the heat generated during the PTT process can accelerate the release of iron ions from the PCMM NPs and simultaneously improve the efficiency of the Fenton reaction to achieve a combined treatment of tumour PTT, Fenton therapy and chemotherapy.
Influence of the Key Process Parameters in Hydrodynamic Deep Drawing Utilizing a Combined Floating and Static Die Cavity
Authors: Wang Huiting , Kong Jianfei , Pan Hongbo , Fang Jinxiu , Shen Xiaohui
Published: June 2021

This study focus on the effects of the key process parameters during a modified hydrodynamic deep drawing utilizing a combined floating and static die cavity (HDDC). A two-stage hydraulic loading path is recommended in the novel process, and each stage of the hydraulic loading path is a linear loading path with an inflection point. The method to evaluate the wrinkle and forming dimension precision of the formed parts is introduced at first. Then the influence of the key parameters of the two-stage hydraulic loading path as well as the blank holder force on the dimension accuracy and surface quality of the formed parts was studied in detail. The results showed that the influence of the liquid pressure during the second stage is more significant than that in the first stage in hydrodynamic deep drawing utilizing a combined floating and static die cavity. The initial pressure of the second stage and the maximum pressure arriving moment during this stage have a significant impact on the dimensional accuracy of the formed parts, and the smaller initial pressure or the later the maximum pressure of the second stage arrives, the higher the accuracy of the formed part is. Similarly, the influence of the blank holder force in the second stage on the forming accuracy is more significant than that in the first stage.
Old Age, Number and Specific Comorbidities are Closely Related to Progression and Poor Prognosis in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Liu Dafeng , Zheng Yongli , Kang Jun , Wang Dongmei , Bai Lang , Mao Yi , Zha Guifang , Tang Hong , Zhang Rengqing
Published: June 2021

Background— Some patients with comorbidities and rapid disease progression have a poor prognosis.Aim—In this study, we aimed to investigate the distribution characteristics of comorbidities and their relationship with disease progression and outcomes of COVID-19 patients.Methods— A total of 718 COVID-19 patients were divided into five clinical type groups and eight age-interval groups. The distribution characteristics of comorbidities were compared between the different clinical type groups and between the different age-interval groups, and their relationships with disease progression and outcomes of COVID-19 patients were assessed.Results—Approximately 88.62% (637/718) of the COVID-19 patients were twenty to fifty-nine years old. Approximately 65.73% (554/718) had one or more comorbidities, and common comorbidities included non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), hyperuricaemia and gout. COVID-19 patients with comorbidities were older, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension, DM, COPD, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD were mainly found in severe COVID-19 patients, and hypertension, CKD and CVD were primarily associated with those who died. Risk factors included the number of comorbidities and hyperlipidaemia for disease severity, age, the number of comorbidities, hyperlipidaemia, NAFLD and COPD for the virus negative conversion time, and the number of comorbidities and CKD for prognosis. Number of comorbidities played a predictive role in disease progression and outcomes.Conclusions—These findings provide a reference for clinicians to focus on the number and specific comorbidities in COVID-19 patients to predict disease progression and prognosis.Clinical Trial Registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2000034563
Short-term Effects of a Three-week Inpatient Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program - a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Hayden Markus C. , Limbach Matthias , Schuler Michael , Merkl Steffen , Schwarzl Gabriele , Jakab Katalin , Nowak Dennis , Schultz Konrad
Published: June 2021

Background:The clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) varies distinctly. Particularly after severe or critical courses, i.e., after hospitalization, clinical manifestations frequently persist after the acute phase. However, symptoms may also persist after initially milder courses that can be treated in an outpatient setting. For patients who remain symptomatic after COVID-19, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended. However, only few studies investigated the effectiveness of PR, especially considering different disease courses. The main objective was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of post-COVID-19 PR.Methods:A total of 120 post-COVID-19 patients who were referred to the Bad Reichenhall Clinic between April 2020 and January 2021 were asked to participate in this prospective observational study. PR was tailored to each patient’s individual needs and was based on the current recommendations. The primary outcome dyspnea was assessed with numerical rating scales and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. Secondary outcomes included other symptoms such as cough and sputum; physical capacity; lung function; fatigue; quality of life (QoL); depression; and anxiety. Furthermore, patients rated the overall effectiveness of PR and their subjective change in health status.Results:A total of 108 patients (mean age 55.6±10.1 years, 45.4% female) were included and were assigned to 3 groups depending on the referral mode (A: severe acute; B: severe after interval, C: mild after interval). At the end of PR, we detected improvements in the intensity of exertional dyspnea, physical capacity, QoL, fatigue, and depression in the overall group, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d>0.8). Moderate effect sizes (0.5≤d<0.8) were found for resting dyspnea and the mMRC-dyspnea scale. Cohen’s d>0.4 was found for vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, partial oxygen pressure, and anxiety. Significant but rather small effect sizes (0.2<d<0.4) were found for cough, sputum, pain, and other lung function parameters.Conclusions:PR is feasible, safe, and effective after acute COVID-19, which was true for all 3 groups analyzed, with a trend toward greater efficacy after severe courses of COVID-19 and an earlier start of PR after acute COVID-19. Therefore, all post-COVID-19 patients who remain symptomatic should be offered PR.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00023180. Registered 01 September 2020 – Retrospectively registered, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023180
Real-World Data from Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Brazil
Authors: Abe Ricardo Y. , Maestrini Heloísa A. , Guedes Guilherme B. , Nascimento Marcelo M. , Iguma Camila I. , Santos Hérika Danielle Miranda , Nasr Muna Georges , Lucena-Junior Ricarte P , Prata Tiago S.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Evaluate real-world data of outcomes from selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) performed in different regions of Brazil and also investigate potential predictors of success associated with treatment.Methods: Multicenter retrospective case series with patients who underwent a primary SLT procedure. Results: A total of 835 eyes from 835 patients were included. The mean follow-up was 916.8 ± 563.0 days. The mean age was 64.5 ± 14.9 years and 56.6% were women. We observed a intraocular pressure reduction comparing baseline to post-SLT measurements (18.4 ± 3.8mmHg versus 14.8 ± 3.5mmHg; P<0.001) and mean number of glaucoma medications (1.8 ± 1.3 versus 1.4 ± 1.4; P<0.001). We observed visual acuity loss over time (0.1 ± 0.3 versus 0.2 ± 0.3 logMAR, baseline and post-SLT, respectively, P=0.009) and decrease in visual field mean deviation values (-5.4 ± 5.9 versus -5.7 ± 6.0dB; P=0.054) The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed an estimated probability of treatment success of 88% at 12 months, declining to 70% at 24 months and 54% at 36 months post-SLT. In the multivariable model, we found that a denser angle pigmentation (HR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.57 – 0.85, P=0.001) and corticosteroid treatment following SLT (HR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.39 – 0.91, P=0.018) were significantly associated with a lower risk for failure. Conclusions: Primary SLT achieved relatively high success rates without sight-threating complications in this real-world study with a large sample of Brazilian patients. These findings corroborate previous studies regarding SLT outcomes and may help clinicians to identify the best candidates for laser treatment.
Realization of quantum nanomagnets in metal-free porphyrins
Authors: Wang Shiyong , Zhao Yan , Jiang Kaiyue , Li Can , Liu Yufeng , Zhu Gucheng , Guan Dandan , Li Yaoyi , Zheng Hao , Liu Canhua , Jia Jin-Feng , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

Quantum nanomagnets exhibit collective quantum behaviors beyond the usual long range ordered states due to the interplay of low dimension, competing interactions and strong quantum fluctuations. Despite numerous theoretical works treating quantum magnetism, the experimental study of individual quantum nanomagnets remains very challenge, greatly hindering the development of this cutting-edge field. Here, we demonstrate an effective strategy to realize individual quantum nanomagnets in metal-free porphyrins by using combined on-surface synthesis and atom manipulation approaches, with the ultimate ability to arrange coupled spins one by one as envisioned by Richard Feynman 60 years ago. A series of metal-free porphyrin nanomagnets have been constructed on Au(111) and their collective magnetic properties have been thoroughly characterized on the atomic scale by scanning probe microscopy together with theoretical calculations. Our results reveal that the constructed S=1/2 antiferromagnets host a gapped excitation in consistent with isotropic Heisenberg antiferromagnets S=1/2 model, while the S=1 antiferromagnets with odd-number units exhibit two zero-mode end states due to quantum fluctuations. Our achieved strategy not only provides a unique testing bed to study the strongly correlated effects of quantum magnetism in purely organic materials, but expands the functionalities of porphyrins with implications for quantum technological applications.
Responses of Terrestrial Mosses to Simulated Climate Change in a Secondary Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest in Southern China
Authors: Hao Jiewei , Chu L.M.
Published: June 2021

Tropical regions are biodiversity hotspots and are well suited to explore the potential influence of global climate change on forest ecosystems. Bryophytes have essential ecological functions in tropical forest ecosystems. Knowledge of the potential impact of global warming and possible changes in water availability patterns on terrestrial bryophytes is limited. We transplanted eight moss species from two elevations (900 and 500 m) to warmer and drier elevations (500 and 100 m) during a half-year observation period on Tai Mo Shan, southern China. The simulated climate change resulted in a marked decrease in growth and a negative effect on the health of the transplanted species. Few moss species survived six months after transplanting to the warmer and drier lowlands, and their health status deteriorated severely. Three moss species, Sematophyllum subhumile, Pseudotaxiphyllum pohliaecarpum, and Brachythecium buchananii, were highly susceptible to changes in temperature and moisture and might be used as suitable bioindicators. As the tropics are expected to become hotter and drier, terrestrial mosses might be negatively affected or even be at risk of extinction. The cascading negative effects on the forest ecosystem might be induced by the dying back or even disappearance of terrestrial moss species. Thus, conservation of bryophyte communities is important to sustain and improve the stability and resilience of tropical forest ecosystems to climate change.
No Species-level Losses of the Horizontally Transferred Genetic Element s2m Within the SARS-related Coronaviruses
Authors: Gilbert Clément , Tengs Torstein
Published: June 2021

Horizontal transfer of genetic elements is a common phenomenon in nature. Both prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses have been shown to contain genetic elements acquired through horizontal transfer. Some of these elements may be retained over long periods of time after being integrated into the recipient genome because they offer a selective advantage. The genetic element s2m has been acquired through horizontal transfer by many distantly related viruses, including the SARS-related coronaviruses. Here we show that s2m is evolutionarily conserved within this cluster of viruses and that while several short-lived SARS-CoV-2 lineages devoid of the element have been sequenced, there do not appear to be any species-level losses. This pattern strongly suggests that s2m is essential to virus replication in SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses, and that further experiments are needed to characterize its function.
Incidence and Prediction Nomogram for Metabolic Syndrome in a Middle-aged Vietnamese Population: a 5-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Thuyen Tran Quang , Duong Dinh Hong , Nga Bui Thi Thuy , Ngoc Nguyen Anh , Linh Duong Tuan , Phuong Pham Tran , Nhung Bui Thi , Binh Tran Quang
Published: June 2021

Purpose We aimed to determine the incidence and prediction nomogram for new-onset metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a middle-aged Vietnamese population.Methods A population-based prospective study was conducted in 1150 participants aged 40-64 years without MetS at baseline and followed-up for 5 years. Data on lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status, family diabetes history, and anthropometric measures were collected. MetS incidence was estimated in general population and subgroup of age, gender, and MetS components. A Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for MetS. A prediction nomogram was developed and checked for discrimination and calibration.Results During median follow-up of 5.14 years, the accumulate MetS incidence rate was 23.4% (95% CI: 22.2-24.7). The annual incidence rate (95%CI) was 52.9 (46.7-60.1) per 1000 person-years in general population and higher in women [56.6 (48.7-65.9)] than men [46.5 (36.9-59.3)]. The HRs (95% CI) for developing MetS were gender [females vs males: 2.04 (1.26-3.29)], advanced age [1.02 (1.01-1.04) per one year], waist circumference [1.08 (1.06-1.10) per one cm] and other obesity-related traits, and systolic blood pressure [1.02 (1.01-1.03) per one mmHg]. The prediction nomogram for MetS had a good discrimination (C-statistics = 0.742) and fit calibration (mean absolute error = 0.009) with a positive net benefit in the predicted probability thresholds between 0.13 and 0.70. Conclusions The study is the first to indicate an alarmingly high incidence of MetS in a middle-aged population in Vietnam. The nomogram with simply applicable variables would be useful to qualify individual risk of developing MetS.
Clinical, Immunological and Molecular Variability of RAG Deficiency: a Retrospective Analysis of 22 RAG Patients
Authors: Cifaldi Cristina , Rivalta Beatrice , Amodio Donato , Mattia Algeri , Pacillo Lucia , Cesare Silvia Di , Chiriaco Maria , Ursu Giorgiana Madalina , Cotugno Nicola , Giancotta Carmela , Manno Emma , Santilli Veronica , Zangari Paola , Federica Galaverna , Palumbo Giuseppe , Merli Pietro , Palma Paolo , Rossi Paolo , Matteo Gigliola Di , Locatelli Franco , Finocchi Andrea , Cancrini Caterina
Published: June 2021

Purpose

RAG deficiency is associated with a variety of clinical phenotypes. We described clinical, immunological and molecular characterization within a cohort of 22 RAG patients focused on the possible correlation between clinical and genetic data.

Methods

Immunological and genetic features were investigated by Multiparametric Flow Cytometry and by Sanger or Next generation sequencing (NGS) respectively.

Results

Patients represented a broad spectrum of RAG deficiencies: SCID n=8, OS n=6, LS/AS n=4 and CID n=4. Four novel mutation in RAG1 gene and one in RAG2 were reported.

The primary symptom at presentation were infections (81.8%). Infections and autoimmunity occurred together in the majority of cases (63.6%). Fifteen out of 22 (68.2%) patients presented autoimmune/hyperinflammatory manifestations. Four patients experienced severe autoimmune cytopenia refractory to different lines of therapy.

Total lymphocytes count was reduced or almost lacking in SCID group. CD4 cells count was higher in OS patients. B lymphocytes were variably detected in AS and CID groups. Eighteen patients underwent HSCT permitting definitive control of autoimmune/hyperinflammatory manifestations in twelve of them (80%).

Conclusion

RAG deficiency still represents a challenge in the tracing of effective management and follow-up, notably considering the inability to predict the disease course in atypical cases. Immune dysregulation manifestations are common features often refractory to conventional medical management. Severe and early autoimmune refractory cytopenia is frequent and could be the first symptom of onset. Prompt recognition of RAG deficiency in patients with early onset of autoimmune/hyperinflammatory manifestations could contribute to the choice of a timely and specific treatment preventing the onset of other complications.
Use of Cardiac Tomography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to Predict the Absence of Intracardiac Thrombus in Anticoagulated Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.
Authors: Zaraket Fatima , Deva Bas , jimenez Jesus , Casteigt Benjamin , Benito Begoña , Martí-Almor Julio , Conejo Javi , Mojón Diana , Tizón-Marcos Helena , Vallès Ermengol
Published: June 2021

Background: Pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) is a standard treatment for recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). Uninterrupted anticoagulation for minimum 3 weeks before the ablation and exclusion of left atrial (LA) thrombus with transesophageal echography (TEE) immediately before or during the procedure minimize peri-procedural risk. We aimed to demonstrate the utility of cardiac tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to rule out LA thrombus prior to PVI.Methods: Patients undergoing PVI for recurrent AF were retrospectively evaluated. Only patients that started anticoagulation at least 3 weeks prior to the CT/CMR and subsequently uninterrupted until the ablation procedure were selected. An intracardiac echo (ICE) catheter was used in all patients to evaluate LA thrombus. The results of CT/CMR were compared to ICE imaging.Results: We included 272 consecutive patients averaging 54.5 years (71% male; 30% persistent AF). Average CHA2DS2VASC Score was 0.9 and mean LA diameter was 43 mm, 111 patients on Acenocumarol and 161 on direct oral anticoagulants. Anticoagulation was started 227±392 days before the CT/CMR, and 291±416 days before the ablation procedure. CT/CMR diagnosed intracardiac thrombus in 2 cases, both in the LA appendage. A new CT/CMR revealed resolution of thrombus after 6 additional months of uninterrupted anticoagulation. No macroscopic thrombus was observed in any patients with ICE (negative predictive value of 100%; p<0.01).Conclusions: CT and MRI are excellent surrogates to TEE and ICE to rule out intracardiac thrombus in patients adequately anticoagulated prior AF ablation. This is true even for delayed procedures as long as anticoagulation is uninterrupted.
Senegal Health System Analysis and Its Implications to Global Health Cooperation
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Jingyi , Zhang Chunfeng , Chen Lucy
Published: June 2021

As an active participant of global health cooperation in west Africa, the Republic of Senegal is one of the major recipients of international development assistance. Yet, funding and actions from different donors and implementing organizations are fragmented, which is one of the reasons that Senegal is failing to outstand its health performance disproportionally. This report provides an overview of Senegal’s population health status and health system performance and pinpoint areas that should be prioritized for focused global health assistance. Undernutrition and neonatal disorders were found to have posed the highest and most urgent risks on the public health of Senegal. This is intensified by the severe shortage of health human resources, vast disparity of resources between rural and urban areas, and unsatisfactory health financing mechanism. Based on the situation analysis of Senegal’s population health and health system, this report recommends (1) the Senegal MSAS to take the lead of integrating and coordinating public, private, and international health programs to reduce fragmentation with a focus on financing rural health human resources; (2) to research the root causes of undernutrition and neonatal disorders in Senegal and construct nutrition and maternal health interventions based on evidence generated; and (3) to conduct continued training of doctors, nurses, midwives, community health workers with strong focus in Kedougou and Kolda.
Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing in enhanced geothermal systems considering thermal stress cracks
Authors: Zhou Ziyang , MIKADA Hitoshi , TAKEKAWA Junichi , Xu Shibo
Published: June 2021

With the increasing attention to clean and economical energy resources, geothermal energy and enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) have gained much importance. For the efficient development of deep geothermal reservoirs, it is crucial to understand the mechanical behavior of reservoir rock and its interaction with injected fluid under high temperature and high confining pressure environments. In the present study, we develop a novel numerical scheme based on the distinct element method (DEM) to simulate the failure behavior of rock by considering the influence of thermal stress cracks and high confining pressure for EGS. We validated the proposing method by comparing our numerical results with experimental laboratory results of uniaxial compression tests under various temperatures and biaxial compression tests under different confining pressure regarding failure patterns and stress-strain curves. We then apply the developed scheme to the hydraulic fracturing simulations under various temperatures, confining pressure, and injection fluid conditions. Our numerical results indicate that the number of hydraulic cracks is proportional to the temperature. At a high temperature and low confining pressure environment, a complex crack network with large crack width can be observed, whereas the generation of the micro cracks is suppressed in high confining pressure conditions. In addition, high-viscosity injection fluid tends to induce more hydraulic fractures. Since the fracture network in the geothermal reservoir is an essential factor for the efficient production of geothermal energy, the combination of the above factors should be considered in hydraulic fracturing treatment in EGS.
From a Quantum Paradox to Counterportation
Authors: Salih Hatim
Published: June 2021

We uncover a new quantum paradox, where a simple question about two identical quantum systems reveals unsettlingly paradoxical answers when weak measurements are considered. Our resolution of the paradox, from within the weak measurement framework, amounts to a demonstration of exchange-free communication for the generalised protocol for sending an unknown qubit without any particles travelling between the communicating parties, i.e. counterfactually. The paradox and its resolution are reproduced from a consistent-histories viewpoint. We go on to propose a novel, experimentally feasible implementation of this counterfactual disembodied transport that we call counterportation, based on cavity quantum electrodynamics, estimating resources for beating the no-cloning fidelity limit---except that unlike teleportation no previously-shared entanglement nor classical communication are required. Our approach is several orders of magnitude more efficient in terms of physical resources than previously proposed techniques, while being remarkably tolerant to device imperfections, paving the way for an experimental demonstration. Surprisingly, while counterfactual communication is intuitively explained in terms of interaction-free measurement and the Zeno effect, we show based on our proposed scheme that neither is necessary, with implications in support of an underlying physical reality.
Os usos de si no trabalho em um banco de leite humano: uma análise do ponto de vista da atividade
Authors: Demarchi Stephania Mendes , Bianco Monica De Fatima , Santos Luana Sodré da silva
Published: June 2021

Este estudo tem como objetivo compreender os usos de si nas situações de trabalho de profissionais de enfermagem inseridas em um banco de leite humano (BLH), localizado em uma capital do sudeste do Brasil. Para a produção de dados da pesquisa, utilizou-se da abordagem qualitativa e foi feito levantamento documental, com observação participante no setor por um período de 3 meses e geração de diário de campo. Além disso, foram quatorze entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas e um grupo de discussão com as participantes que se disponibilizaram. A pesquisa mostrou como a ergologia contribui para a compreensão do trabalho nas organizações. Os usos de si dessas profissionais, permeadas por experiências, histórias e valores, estão presentes no contexto e produzem melhorias significativas no setor de BLH. As análises colocaram em evidência como as profissionais se engajam no cuidar, visando fazer o que pensam ser o melhor para os outros. Sendo assim, as profissionais renormalizam suas atividades em um meio repleto de prescrições técnicas, fazendo usos de si e transformando o trabalho.
Inequality and water pollution in India
Authors: Ridzuan Sulhi
Published: June 2021

India is notorious for high inequality and high water pollution. There is a growing body of literature that says inequality is harmful to the environment, but it does not receive strong empirical support. We discuss some econometric problems that may have caused mixed findings in the empirical literature and use appropriate tools to overcome the problems. Our empirical results using Indian time-series data show (i) that inequality leads to an increase in water pollution, (ii) that the magnitude of inequality is nearly as large as that of corruption, suggesting that reducing inequality is almost as important as curbing corruption in addressing water pollution challenges in India, and (iii) that increases in water pollution, in turn, widen inequality in India. Our results are robust to various sensitivity checks. We also find no evidence of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for water pollution in India.
O olhar de Medusa e a reparação do mundo: 6 flashes e um álbum aberto
Authors: Coutinho Ana Paula
Published: June 2021

In Thinking about the “salvation of the world” from the vantage point of photography, understood not so much as the product of an optical mechanism or as a form of social communication but as the art of the gaze, has led me to gather a series of reflections which seek to elucidate, on the one hand, the idea of “salvation” as a “reparation” paradigm in contemporary literature and, on the other, some intrinsic and extrinsic conditions, through a more or less protracted process that extends from the rendering of the photographer’s gaze by the camera to its reception by the gaze(s) of different spectators, that allow the photographic image to effectively participate in a leisurely and life-enhancing revelation of reality that all kinds of viewers can enjoy
El quiensabe, Hedeoma piperita (Lamiaceae), una especie con importancia cultural en la comunidad indígena de San Francisco Pichátaro, Michoacán, México: bases para su manejo de conservación
Authors: Herrera María Luisa , Rico Yessica , Pascual-Cortes Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Hedeoma piperita es una especie popularmente conocida como quiensabe con importantes usos tradicionales entre los purépechas de San Francisco Pichátaro en Michoacán, México. A pesar de su importancia cultural, las poblaciones de H. piperita han sido reducidas drásticamente debido a la sobreexplotación. Este trabajo se realizó para evaluar el conocimiento tradicional acerca de la biología, ecología y manejo de H. piperita en la comunidad indígena de San Francisco Pichátaro. Además, se evaluó su desarrollo fenológico y las relaciones entre fases fenológicas y variables ambientales locales.
Métodos: Se realizaron 75 encuestas semiestructuradas en hombres y mujeres en tres grupos de edades de la comunidad. El análisis fenológico se realizó en 31 plantas en estado silvestre y se registró la altura, el número total de hojas, ramas, flores, frutos y retoños cada 15 días entre marzo de 2014 y marzo de 2015. Las correlaciones entre las variables fenológicas y ambientales se calcularon utilizando el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman.
Resultados clave: Sesenta por ciento de los entrevistados reconocieron y han usado a H. piperita, siendo la mayoría mujeres (71%). Los usos alimenticios (té en el desayuno) fueron reconocidos como el principal uso por niños y jóvenes, mientras que los adultos la usan principalmente como medicinal. Sin embargo, entre los entrevistados muy pocos conocen detalles de la biología y ecología de la especie. Encontramos que las etapas de floración y fructificación coinciden con la temporada de recolección.
Conclusiones: Es urgente diseñar estrategias de manejo que permitan recuperar las poblaciones silvestres para seguir manteniendo a la especie dentro del complejo cosmos-corpus-praxis purépecha.
Tracking Stress, Mental Health, and Resilience Factors in Medical Students Before, During, and After a Stress-Inducing Exam Period: Protocol and Proof-of-Principle Analyses for the RESIST Cohort Study
Authors: Fritz Jessica , Stochl Jan , Kievit Rogier A , van Harmelen Anne-Laura , Wilkinson Paul O
Published: June 2021

Background

Knowledge of mental distress and resilience factors over the time span from before to after a stressor is important to be able to leverage the most promising resilience factors and promote mental health at the right time. To shed light on this topic, we designed the RESIST (Resilience Study) study, in which we assessed medical students before, during, and after their yearly exam period. Exam time is generally a period of notable stress among medical students, and it has been suggested that exam time triggers mental distress.

Objective

In this paper, we aim to describe the study protocol and to examine whether the exam period indeed induces higher perceived stress and mental distress. We also aim to explore whether perceived stress and mental distress coevolve in response to exams.

Methods

RESIST is a cohort study in which exam stress functions as a within-subject natural stress manipulation. In this paper, we outline the sample (N=451), procedure, assessed measures (including demographics, perceived stress, mental distress, 13 resilience factors, and adversity), and ethical considerations. Moreover, we conducted a series of latent growth models and bivariate latent change score models to analyze perceived stress and mental distress changes over the 3 time points.

Results

We found that perceived stress and mental distress increased from the time before the exams to the exam period and decreased after the exams to a lower level than before the exams. Our findings further suggest that higher mental distress before exams increased the risk of developing more perceived stress during exams. Higher perceived stress during exams, in turn, increased the risk of experiencing a less successful (or quick) recovery of mental distress after exams.

Conclusions

As expected, the exam period caused a temporary increase in perceived stress and mental distress. Therefore, the RESIST study lends itself well to exploring resilience factors in response to naturally occurring exam stress. Such knowledge will eventually help researchers to find out which resilience factors lend themselves best as prevention targets and which lend themselves best as treatment targets for the mitigation of mental health problems that are triggered or accelerated by natural exam stress. The findings from the RESIST study may therefore inform student support services, mental health services, and resilience theory.
Machine Learning–Based Analysis of Encrypted Medical Data in the Cloud: Qualitative Study of Expert Stakeholders’ Perspectives
Authors: Alaqra Ala Sarah , Kane Bridget , Fischer-Hübner Simone
Published: June 2021

Background

Third-party cloud-based data analysis applications are proliferating in electronic health (eHealth) because of the expertise offered and their monetary advantage. However, privacy and security are critical concerns when handling sensitive medical data in the cloud. Technical advances based on “crypto magic” in privacy-preserving machine learning (ML) enable data analysis in encrypted form for maintaining confidentiality. Such privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) could be counterintuitive to relevant stakeholders in eHealth, which could in turn hinder adoption; thus, more attention is needed on human factors for establishing trust and transparency.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze eHealth expert stakeholders’ perspectives and the perceived tradeoffs in regard to data analysis on encrypted medical data in the cloud, and to derive user requirements for development of a privacy-preserving data analysis tool.

Methods

We used semistructured interviews and report on 14 interviews with individuals having medical, technical, or research expertise in eHealth. We used thematic analysis for analyzing interview data. In addition, we conducted a workshop for eliciting requirements.

Results

Our results show differences in the understanding of and in trusting the technology; caution is advised by technical experts, whereas patient safety assurances are required by medical experts. Themes were identified with general perspectives on data privacy and practices (eg, acceptance of using external services), as well as themes highlighting specific perspectives (eg, data protection drawbacks and concerns of the data analysis on encrypted data). The latter themes result in requiring assurances and conformance testing for trusting tools such as the proposed ML-based tool. Communicating privacy, and utility benefits and tradeoffs with stakeholders is essential for trust. Furthermore, stakeholders and their organizations share accountability of patient data. Finally, stakeholders stressed the importance of informing patients about the privacy of their data.

Conclusions

Understanding the benefits and risks of using eHealth PETs is crucial, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential. Assurances of the tool’s privacy, accuracy, and patient safety should be in place for establishing trust of ML-based PETs, especially if used in the cloud.
Smartphone Delivery of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postintensive Care Syndrome-Family: Protocol for a Pilot Study
Authors: Petrinec Amy B , Hughes Joel W , Zullo Melissa D , Wilk Cindy , George Richard L
Published: June 2021

Background

Family members of critically ill patients experience symptoms of postintensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F), including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Postintensive care syndrome-family reduces the quality of life of the families of critically ill patients and may impede the recovery of such patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy has become a first-line nonpharmacological treatment of many psychological symptoms and disorders, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. With regard to managing mild-to-moderate symptoms, the delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy via mobile technology without input from a clinician has been found to be feasible and well accepted, and its efficacy rivals that of face-to-face therapy.

Objective

The purpose of our pilot study is to examine the efficacy of using a smartphone mobile health (mHealth) app to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy and diminish the severity and prevalence of PICS-F symptoms in family members of critically ill patients.

Methods

For our pilot study, 60 family members of critically ill patients will be recruited. A repeated-measures longitudinal study design that involves the randomization of participants to 2 groups (the control and intervention groups) will be used. The intervention group will receive cognitive behavioral therapy, which will be delivered via a smartphone mHealth app. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and an emphasis on mental health self-efficacy form the theoretical framework of the study.

Results

Recruitment for the study began in August 2020. Data collection and analysis are expected to be completed by March 2022.

Conclusions

The proposed study represents a novel approach to the treatment of PICS-F symptoms and is an extension of previous work conducted by the research team. The study will be used to plan a fully powered randomized controlled trial.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04316767; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04316767

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/30813