bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Edentulism and Its Epidemiological Surveillance in Oaxaca, Mexico from 2009–2019.
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Enrique , Medina-Solís Carlo , Alpuche Juan
Published: December 2021

Total edentulism is the loss of all teeth for any cause by a multifactorial process that involves biological and patient-related factors. Studies on edentulism and risk factors in Mexico are limited, and the epidemiological surveillance data is scarce and controversial since official governmental reports are not statistically representative of the country. We estimate the distribution for edentulism according to sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables in adults from a low-income state in 2003 and its progress in Mexico. We analyzed data from the National Performance Evaluation Survey in Oaxaca, Mexico, and the annual reports of the Epidemiological Surveillance System of Oral Pathologies in 2009-2019 using X2. Oaxacan patients older than 75 y.o (17.9%, p<0.05), those with lower schooling (11.2%), and diabetes (14.5%) presented the highest percentage of edentulism. We do not observe differences in edentulism between sex or residence (p>0.05). From 2009 to 2019, country data reports the lowest rate of edentulism in adults over 20 y.o (0.32%; 95% CI 0.18%-0.48%) and the most affected population over 79 y.o. (7.29%; 95% CI 5.2%-9.30%). As it is a cumulative phenomenon, it is necessary to establish better surveillance, prevention, and treatment programs to improve the oral health of older thus reducing edentulism.
Long-Range Correlations and Natural Time Series Analyses from Acoustic Emission Signals
Authors: Friedrich Leandro Ferreira , Cezar Édiblu Silva , Colpo Angélica Bordin , Tanzi Boris Nahuel Rojo , Sobczyk Mario , Lacidogna Giuseppe , Niccolini Gianni , Kosteski Luis Eduardo , Iturrioz Ignacio
Published: December 2021

This work focuses on analyzing acoustic emission (AE) signals as a means to predict failure in structures. Two main approaches are considered: (i) long-range correlation analysis using both the Hurst (H) and the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) exponents, and (ii) natural time domain (NT) analysis. These methodologies are applied to the data collected from two application examples: a glass fiber reinforced polymeric plate and a spaghetti bridge model, where both structures were subjected to increasing loads until collapse. A traditional (AE) signal analysis is also performed to reference the study of the other methods. Results indicate that the proposed methods yield a reliable indication of failure in the studied structures.
Antibiotic Consumption Patterns in European Countries Might Be Associated with the Prevalence of Diabetes Type-1-2 (T1D, T2D)
Authors: Ternák Gábor , Németh Márton , Rozanovic Martin , Bogár Lajos
Published: December 2021

Abstract: Several publications have raised the issue that the development of diabetes is preceded by alteration of the microbiome (dysbiosis) and hence, the role of environmental factors, triggering dysbiosis, should be considered. Antibiotics are powerful agents inducing dysbiosis and the authors wanted to explore the possible relationship between the consumption of different major classes of antibiotics and the prevalence of diabetes (type-1, /T1D/, type-2 /T2D/) in thirty European countries. According to our hypothesis, if such association exists, the dominant use of certain major antibiotic classes might be reflected in the prevalence of T1D and T2D in different countries. Comparisons were performed between the prevalence of diabetes (T1D and T2D) estimated for 2019 and featured in the Diabetes Atlas with the average yearly consumption of major antibiotic classes of the previous 10 years (2010-19) extracted from the ECDC yearly reports on antibiotic consumption in Europe. Pearson correlation and variance analysis were used to estimate the possible relationship. Strong, positive (enhancer) associations were found between the prevalence of T1D and the consumption of tetracycline (J01A /p: 0.001/) and the narrow spectrum penicillin (J01CE /p: 0,006/, CF /p: 0.018/). Strong negative (inhibitor) association was observed with broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase resistant penicillin (J01CR /p: 0.003/), macrolide (J01F /p: 0.008/) and quinolone (J01M /p: 0.001/). T2D showed significant positive associations with cephalosporin (J01D /p: 0.048/) and quinolone (J01M /p: 0.025/), and a non-significant negative association was detected with broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillin (J01CA /p: 0.67/). Countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes (first 10 positions) showed concordance with the higher consumption of “enhancer” and the lower consumption of “inhibitor” antibiotics (first 10 positions) as indicated by variance analysis. Countries with high prevalence of T1D showed high consumption of tetracycline (p: 0.015), and narrow spectrum, beta-lactamase sensitive penicillin (p: 0.008), and low consumption of “inhibitor” antibiotics (broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase resistant, combination penicillin (p: 0.005), cephalosporin (p: 0.036), and quinolone (p: 0.003). Countries with a high prevalence of T2D consumed more cephalosporin (p: 0.084), quinolone (p: 0.54), and less broad-spectrum, beta-lactamase sensitive penicillin (p: 0.012) than other countries. Conclusion/Interpretation: The development of diabetes-related dysbiosis might be attached to higher consumption of specific classes of antibiotics, showing positive (enhancer) associations with the prevalence of diabetes, and the low consumption of other classes of antibiotics shoving negative (inhibitory) associations. Those groups of antibiotics are different in T1D and T2D
Estimation of Intake of Critical Nutrients Associated with Noncommunicable Diseases According to the PAHO/WHO Criteria in the Diet of School-Age Children in Montevideo, Uruguay
Authors: Koncke Florencia , Toledo Cecilia , Beron Christian Damian , Klaczko Iael , Carriquiry Alicia , Cediel Gustavo , da Silva Gomes Fabio
Published: December 2021

Unhealthy diet is an important health problem in the region of the Americas, and Uruguay does not escape this reality. Nutritional problems in Uruguayan school-age children are overweight and obesity. Caloric intake is excessive for 60% of children and 28% of calories come from ultra-processed products (UPP) [CODICEN 2021] [MIDES 2020) (Köncke, Toledo, 2021). In 2018, an evaluation of food intake was conducted in a representative sample of public schools in the city of Montevideo. Food and preparations were categorized according to the NOVA system, later they were analyzed according to the Pan American Health Oganization nutrient profile model (PAHO NPM). Only 0.52% of children consumed exclusively natural foods, unprocessed, minimally processed or culinary ingredients. Twenty-five percent of children consumed ≥ 4 products categorized with excessive content of free sugars, total fat or saturated fat according to the PAHO NPM; in the case of excessive sodium this was 40%. In general, children who included products with excessive free sugars, sodium or saturated fat in their diet exceeded the limits established by PAHO and as a result their diet is of poorer nutritional quality compared to children who did not consume such products.
DAMPAK SISTEM PEMBAYARAN SEWA KENDARAAN TRUCKING TERHADAP KEGIATAN OPERASIONAL PERUM DAMRI LOGISTIK
Authors: Sylvira Ananda Azwar  , Verawati Kencana , Safitri Meliana , Costa Anthony
Published: December 2021

This Research aims to find out the causes and impacts caused by delays in payment of trucking vehicle rentals at Perum DAMRI Logistik, especially on the company's operational activities. Data collection was carried out in 3 divisions in Perum DAMRI Logistics, namely the operational division, the financial division and the engineering division. Data collection was done by interviewing the staff on duty and making observations and observations while in the field. The data obtained is then analyzed and elaborated so as to form a relevant information. In addition to describing the results of interviews, there are some data that are processed using statistical analysis using correlation tests and simple linear regression tests. The statistical data analysis was used to determine the relationship between vehicle rental payments and operational activities and to find out what percentage of the effect was obtained from the two variables. The results of the correlation test using SPSS statistic 25 which shows that vehicle rental payments and operational activities have a positive relationship, the results of a simple linear regression test get the equation Y = 200534,257 + 0.659X. The value of R square is 0.559.
KOMPETENSI DASAR DI SEKTOR TRANSPORTASI LAUT DAN LOGISTIK
Authors: Mulyono Tri , Verawati Kencana
Published: December 2021

The highest development in the marine transportation and logistics sector at this time is adapting to Industry 4.0. Logistic productivity without involving comptencies human resources with expertise is inevitable. Including the development of technology, information and computers. A cluster of related knowledge, skills, and abilities that affects a role or responsibility, that correlates with performance on the job, that can be measured against well accepted standards, and that can be improved via training and development are comptencies needed in marine transportation and logistics sector. Based on literature from various books, journals and websites that are searched on the internet to answer the question of what competency is needed and why it is needed? The aim of research is to understand or explain basic competencies for logistics experts. The research is explanatory research. The basic competencies for logistics experts are (1) individual competencies as soft skill is represent personal attributes, and (2) academic competencies are critical competencies primarily learned in a school setting include cognitive functions and thinking styles.
Uncovering predictability of individual and team success: Significant Hot Hand Effect in International Cricket
Authors: Ram Sumit Kumar , Nandan Shyam , Sornette Didier
Published: December 2021

We investigate the predictability and persistence (hot-hand effect) of individual and team performance by analyzing the complete recorded history of international cricket. We introduce an original temporal representation of performance streaks, which is suitable to be modelled as a self-exciting point process. We confirm the presence of predictability and hot-hands across the individual performance and the absence of the same in team performance and game outcome. Thus, Cricket is a game of skill for individuals and a game of chance for the teams. Our study contributes to recent historiographical debates concerning the presence of persistence in individual and collective productivity and success. The introduction of several metrics and methods can be useful to test and exploit clustering of performance in the study of human behavior and design of algorithms for predicting success.
Diagnostic Performance Improvement with Combined use of Proteomics Biomarker Assay and Breast Ultrasound
Authors: Ha Su Min , Kim Hong-Kyu , Kim Yumi , Noh Dong-Young , Han Wonshik , Chang Jung Min
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To investigate the combined use of blood-based 3-protein signature and breast ultrasound (US) for validating US detected lesions.Methods: From July 2011 to April 2020, women who underwent whole-breast US within at least 6 months from sampling period were retrospectively included. Blood-based 3-protein signature (Mastocheck®) value and US findings were evaluated. Following outcome measures were compared between US alone and the combination of Mastocheck® value with US: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and biopsy rate. Results: Among the 237 women included, 59 (24.9%) were healthy individuals and 178 (75.1%) cancer patients. Mean size of cancers was 1.2±0.8 cm. Median value of Mastocheck® was significantly different between non-malignant (-0.24, interquartile range [IQR], -0.48, -0.03) and malignant lesions (0.55, IQR, -0.03, 1.42) (P < .001). Utilizing Mastocheck® value with US increased the AUC from 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61, 0.73) to 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.88; P < .001), specificity from 35.6% (95% CI: 23.4, 47.8) to 64.4% (95% CI: 52.2, 76.6; P < .001) without loss in sensitivity. PPV was increased from 82.2% (95% CI: 77.1, 87.3) to 89.3% (95% CI: 85.0, 93.6; P < .001), and biopsy rate was significantly decreased from 79.3% (188/237) to 72.1% (171/237) (P < .001). Consistent improvements in specificity, PPV, and AUC were observed in asymptomatic women and in those with normal/benign mammographic findings. Conclusion: Mastocheck® is an effective tool that can be used with US to improve diagnostic specificity and reduce false-positive findings and unnecessary biopsies.
Deuterium labeling enables non-invasive 3D proton MR imaging of glucose and neurotransmitter metabolism in the human brain
Authors: Bednarik Petr , Goranovic Dario , Svátková Alena , Niess Fabian , Hingerl Lukas , Strasser Bernhard , Deelchand Dinesh , Spurny-Dworak Benjamin , Trattnig Siegfried , Hangel Gilbert , Scherer Thomas , Lanzenberger Rupert , Bogner Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

Impaired brain glucose metabolism characterizes most severe brain diseases. Recent studies have proposed deuterium (2H)-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) as a reliable, non-invasive, and safe method to quantify the human metabolism of 2H-labeled substrates such as glucose and their downstream metabolism (e.g., aerobic/anaerobic glucose utilization and neurotransmitter synthesis) and address the major drawbacks of positron emission tomography (PET) or carbon (13C)-MRS. Here, for the first time, we show an indirect dynamic proton (1H)-MRSI technique in humans, which overcomes four critical 2H-MRSI limitations. Our innovative approach provides higher sensitivity with improved spatial/temporal resolution and higher chemical specificity to differentiate glutamate (Glu4), glutamine (Gln4), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA2) deuterated at specific molecular positions while allowing simultaneous mapping of both labeled and unlabeled metabolites without the need for specialized hardware. Our novel method demonstrated significant Glu4, Gln4, and GABA2 decreases, with 18% faster Glu4 reduction in the gray matter than white matter after ingestion of deuterated glucose. Thus, robustly detected downstream glucose metabolism utilizing clinically available MR hardware without the need for radioactive tracers and PET.
Microseismicity and lithosphere thickness at a nearly amagmatic mid-ocean ridge
Authors: Chen Jie , Crawford Wayne , Cannat Mathilde
Published: December 2021

Successive flip-flop detachment faults in a nearly-amagmatic region of the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) at 64°30'E accommodate ~100% of plate divergence, with mostly ultramafic seafloor. As magma is the main heat carrier to the oceanic lithosphere, the nearly-amagmatic SWIR 64°30'E is expected to have a very thick lithosphere. Here, our microseismicity data shows a 15-km thick seismogenic lithosphere, actually thinner than the more magmatic SWIR Dragon Flag detachment with the same spreading rate. This challenges current models of how spreading rate and melt supply control the thermal regime of mid-ocean ridges. Microearthquakes with normal focal mechanisms are colocated with seismically imaged damage zones of the detachment and reveal hanging-wall normal faulting, which is not seen at more magmatic detachments at the SWIR or the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. We also document a two-day seismic swarm, interpret as caused by an upward-migrating melt intrusion in the detachment footwall (6-11 km), triggering a sequence of shallower (~1.5 km) tectonic earthquakes in the detachment fault plane. This points to a possible link between sparse magmatism and tectonic failure at melt-poor ultraslow ridges.
A Comparative Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load Across Different Altitudes
Authors: Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Fernandez-Naranjo Raul , Vásconez Jorge Eduardo , Vallejo-Janeta Alexander Paolo , Rivera-Olivero Ismar A , Lozada Tannya , Viscor Gines , Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel
Published: December 2021

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world, including areas located at high or very high altitudes. There is a debate about the role of high altitude hypoxia on viral transmission, incidence, and COVID-19 related mortality. This is the first comparison of SARS-CoV-2 viral load across elevations ranging from 0 to 4,300 m.Objective: To describe the SARS-CoV-2 viral load across samples coming from 62 cities located at low, moderate, high, and very high altitudes in Ecuador.Methodology: An observational analysis of viral loads among nasopharyngeal swap samples coming from a cohort of 4,929 patients with a RT-qPCR test positive for SARS-CoV-2.Results: The relationship between high and low altitude only considering our sample of 4,929 persons is equal in both cases and not significative (p-value 0.19). In the case of low altitude, adding the gender variable to the analysis, it was possible to find a significative difference between female and male gender (p-value 0.068). Considering initially gender and then altitude, it was possible to find a significative difference between high and low altitude for male gender (p-value 0.065). There is not enough evidence to state that viral load is affected directly by altitude range but adding a new variable as sex in the analysis shows that the presence of new variables influences the relationship of altitude range and viral load.Conclusions: There is no evidence that viral load differs at altitude level when we consider only one measure. Using as reference the variable gender is possible to note that at low altitude there is a difference between female and male gender. There is not difference between gender at high altitude level. In the case of considering gender as reference variable, it was possible to find that high and low altitude are different for male gender an equal for female gender. Viral load not only depends on altitude range; it also is affected by other variables like sex.
Living with dementia under COVID-19 restrictions: coping and support needs among people with dementia and carers from the IDEAL cohort
Authors: O'Rourke Gareth , Pentecost Claire , Heuvel Eleanor van den , Victor Christina , Quinn Catherine , Hillman Alexandra , Litherland Rachael , Clare Linda
Published: December 2021

Stringent social restrictions imposed during 2020 to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly affect the well-being and quality of life of people with dementia living in the community and their family carers. We explored the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on people with dementia and family carers in England and considered how negative effects might be mitigated. We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 11 people with dementia and 11 family carers who were ongoing participants in the IDEAL cohort during the initial ‘lockdown’ period in May-June 2020, and follow-up interviews with five people with dementia and two carers as restrictions were eased in July. We analysed interview data and triangulated the findings with issues raised in dementia-specific online forums. Findings showed some people with dementia were coping well, but others experienced a range of negative impacts, with varying degrees of improvement as restrictions were eased. The need for clear personalised information relating to COVID-19 and the value of support in the form of regular ‘just checking’ phone calls was emphasised. This exceptional situation provides a natural demonstration of how social and psychological resources shape the potential to ‘live well’ with dementia. While some support is recommended for all, a personalised approach to determine needs and coping ability would ensure that further practical and emotional support is targeted effectively.
Bacterial Product Template Domain: An Evolutionary Intermediate between Dehydratase and Aldol Cyclase of Type I Polyketide Synthases
Authors: Feng yuanyuan , Yang Xu , Ji Huining , Deng Zixin , Lin Shuangjun , Zheng Jianting
Published: December 2021

The product template (PT) domains act as an aldol cyclase to control the regiospecific aldol cyclization of the extremely reactive poly-β-ketone intermediate assembled by an iterative type I polyketide synthases (PKSs). Up to now, only the structure of fungal PksA PT that mediates the first-ring cyclization via C4-C9 aldol cyclization is available. We describe here the structural and computational characterization of a bacteria PT domain that controls C2-C7 cyclization in orsellinic acid (OSA) synthesis. Mutating the catalytic His949 of the PT abolishes production of OSA and results in a tetraacetic acid lactone (TTL) generated by spontaneous O-C cyclization of the acyl carrier protein (ACP)-bound tetraketide intermediate. Crystal structure of the bacterial PT domain closely resembles dehydrase (DH) domains of modular type I PKSs in the overall fold, dimerization interface and catalytic “His-Asp” dyad organization, but is significantly different from PTs of fungal iterative type I PKSs. QM/MM calculation reveals that the catalytic His949 abstracts a proton from C2 and transfers it to C7 carbonyl to mediate the cyclization reaction. According to the structural similarity to DHs and the functional similarity to fungal PTs, we propose that the bacterial PT represents an evolutionary intermediate between the two tailoring domains of type I PKSs.
Jaya Optimization Algorithm Implemented on A New Novel Design of 6-DOF AUV Body: A Case Study
Authors: Basil Noorulden , Marhoon Hamzah M. , Ibrahim Ahmed R.
Published: December 2021

The Novel Jaya Optimization Algorithm (JOA) was utilized in this research to evaluate the efficiency of a new novel design of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The Three Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers were used to obtain the optimum output for the AUV Trajectory, which can be considered as a main side of the research for solving the AUV Performance. The optimization technique has been developed to solving the motion model of the AUV in order to reduce the rotations of trajectory for the AUV 6-DOF Body in the axis’s in x, y and z for the overall positions, velocity... etc., and to execute the optimum output for the dynamic kinematics model based on the Novel Euler-6 DOF AUV Body Equation implemented on MATLAB R2021a Version.
Myocardial Deformation Parameters Assessed By CMR Feature Tracking In Chronic Heart Failure: The Influence of An Optimal Medical Therapy On Myocardial Remodeling
Authors: Kersten Johannes , Hackenbroch Carsten , Gann Paula , Hoestermann Anna-Sophie , Bernhardt Peter
Published: December 2021

Background: Myocardial deformation parameters have been shown to yield early detection of pathological changes in chronic heart failure (CHF). Aim of our study was to evaluate myocardial deformation changes under optimal medical therapy (OMT) in CHF patients.Methods: CHF patients were examined longitudinally with two cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) examinations at a median time interval of 140 days. Left and right ventricular volumes were quantified, and deformation analysis was performed using feature tracking, respectively.Results: 57 patients were included into the study. There was a high rate of OMT with a prescription of beta blockers in 98.2% and ACE-inhibitors/Angiotensin receptor blockers in 93.0%. In the total cohort, there were indications of positive remodeling with a significant improvement in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (38.9% ± 11.6 vs. 43.0% ± 12.7, p=0.009), LV enddiastolic volume indexed (92.1ml/m2 ± 23.5 vs. 87.2ml/m2 ± 21.2, p=0.007), LV mass (140.3g ± 35.7 vs. 128.0g ± 34.4, p=0.001) and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) (-18.1% ± 5.1 vs. -20.3% ± 4.5, p<0.001) during follow-up. Discussion: Patients with CHF and OMT show positive reverse remodeling with improvement of LV volumes and function and RV GLS. This has a potential impact on the surveillance of this patient group, which should be further investigated in larger prospective studies.
Highly Sensitive Plasmonic Refractive Index Sensor Based on Dual D-Shaped Photonic Crystal Fiber with Aluminum Nitride-Silver Films
Authors: Gu Sanfeng , Sun Wei , Li Meng , Deng Ming
Published: December 2021

A dual-core and dual D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor with silver and Aluminum Nitride (AlN) films is designed. The distribution characteristics of the electromagnetic fields of core and plasmon modes, as well as the sensing properties are numerically studied by finite element method (FEM). The structure parameters of the designed sensor are optimized by the optical loss spectrum. The results show the resonance wavelength variation of 489 nm for the refractive index (RI) range of 1.36~1.42. In addition, a maximum wavelength sensitivity of 13400 nm/RIU with the corresponding RI resolution of 7.46×10-6 RIU is obtained in the RI range of 1.41~1.42. The proposed sensor with the merits of high sensitivity, low cost and simple structure has a wide application in the fields of RI sensing, such as hazardous gas detection, environmental monitoring and biochemical analysis.
Invasive alien plants in Bangladesh: taxonomic inventory, impact assessment and management issues
Authors: Jain Sreepat , Banaś Krzysztof , Salamon Mariusz , Płachno Bartosz J.
Published: December 2021

The establishment of a database of naturalized species is the first step in understanding the development and spread of invasion, and serves as a stepping-stone for further detailed studies on the biology and impact of individual species on the ecosystem. Preliminary dataset for such a database of Bangladesh is provided here. The inventory of invasive alien flora comprises of 54 species from 48 genera and 24 families. 54% species originate from South America, 17% from Tropical Asia, Tropical Africa and North America - 5% each, Australia and the Mediterranean region - 2% each and China - 1%. With regard to life form representation, herbs constitute the largest share (63%), followed by trees (13%), shrubs (9%), climbers (8%) and grass (7%). Combating plant Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Bangladesh is very difficult due to the absence of (1) a cataloged list of identified plant IAS, (2) properly carried out case studies on economic and ecological impacts, (3) unstructured programs on management efforts, (4) awareness campaigns and (5) and coordination between different nodal ministries and agencies. As combating IAS requires an integrated approach, all relevant departments must integrate their approaches, establish a national focal point, education and strictly monitor and implement legal instruments.
Evidence on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Challenges Faced in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Qualitative Review
Authors: Farah Rebecca , Groot Wim , Pavlova Milena
Published: December 2021

Background
In low-income countries (LIC) and low-middle-income countries (LMIC), the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increased due to the lack of prevention and the presence of barriers to enter rehabilitation programs. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the evidence on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in LIC and LMIC.
Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched for qualitative and quantitative studies that documented the presence of PR in LIC and LMIC. We report our findings following the Prisma guidelines. In addition, grey literature was also searched. Articles not in English, presenting a point of view and/or not treating an adult population (< 18 years old) were excluded from the review. Data were extracted by one reviewer and synthesized in the form of tables. Tables present individual characteristics of the PR reported within countries, including country of origin, study design, population attending, intervention (kind of program setting), frequency and duration of a program established (if available), with health outcomes. The PICO framework was used for every country with reported PR to assess population, intervention, comparison and outcomes found. This systematic review is registered on Prospero: CRD42020141655.
Results
In total, 47 publications were included in the review. In LIC, PR for HIV-infected patients was most frequently reported, while in LMIC, PR for COPD patients was most frequent. Duration and frequency of treatments reported were also different in LIC and LMIC. Health outcomes on cardiopulmonary function were established in all publications. Results found that the implementation of PR in LMIC is ongoing. The most important barriers to access are the lack of funds and know-how among professional healthcare givers.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that the literature on PR is scarce in LIC and LMIC. Structured or non-structured rehabilitation programs for patients suffering from COPD, HIV and Tuberculosis, are infrequently available. Strategic policy initiatives to diminish barriers and challenges are needed to implement more PR programs in LIC and LMIC.
Mechanism and Conformation Changes for the Whole Regeneration Process of Cellulose in Pyridinium-Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Li Chengjie , Fang Timing , Zhou Guohui , Ge Mengmeng , Li Yao , Liu Xiaomin
Published: December 2021

In this work, mechanism and conformation changes of cellulose regenerated from ionic liquid by anti-solvents (water, ethanol and acetone) were investigated by molecular simulations. Cellulose model consists of seven glucose single chains were constructed. In order to depict the regeneration mechanism, both the dissolution and regeneration processes of cellulose in [Bpy][OAc] IL were simulated. The methyl hydroxyl group of cellulose will change its conformation during dissolution and regeneration. The conformation of initial cellulose crystal is mainly the tg conformation. After dissolved in ILs, the cellulose conformation changes into the gt conformation and the gg conformation. After regenerated by anti-solvent, the proportion of the gg and gt conformation changes, and the gg conformation increased and the gt conformation decreased. Based on energy analysis, it is concluded that the energy for tg is the lowest, and the tg widely exists in cellulose I. After cellulose is dissolved in ILs, the conformation changes into two higher energy conformations, the gt and gg. In the subsequent regeneration process, with the completion of regeneration, the gg conformation increases and the gt conformation decreases.
Classifier Performance Evaluation in Wrist and Finger Movement Fitting Task Based on Forearm HD-sEMG
Authors: Duan Haiqiang , Dai Chenyun , Chen Wei
Published: December 2021

Background: The transmission of human body movements to other devices through wearable smart bracelets have attracted more and more attentions in the field of human-machine interface (HMI) applications. However, due to the limitation of the collection range of wearable bracelets, it is necessary to study the relationship between the superposition of wrist and finger motion and their cooperative motion to simplify the collection system of the device.Methods: The multi-channel high-density surface electromyogram (HD-sEMG) signal has high spatial resolution and can improve the accuracy of multi-channel fitting. In this study, we quantified the HD-sEMG forearm spatial activation features of 256 channels of hand movement, and performed a linear fitting of the quantified features of fingers and wrist movements to verify the linear superposition relationship between fingers and wrist cooperative movements and their independent movements. The most important thing is to classify and predict the results of the fitting and the actual measured fingers and wrist cooperative actions by four commonly used classifiers: Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) ,K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) ,Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF), and evaluate the performance of the four classifiers in gesture fitting in detail according to the classification results.Results: In a total of 12 kinds of synthetic gesture actions, in the three cases where the number of fitting channels was selected as 8, 32 and 64, four classifiers of LDA, SVM, RF and KNN are used for classification prediction. When the number of fitting channels was 8, the prediction accuracy of LDA classifier was 99.70%, the classification accuracy of KNN was 99.40%, the classification accuracy of SVM was 99.20%, and the classification accuracy of RF was 93.75%. When the number of fitting channels was 32, the accuracy of LDA was 98.51%, the classification accuracy of KNN was 97.92%, the accuracy of SVM is 96.73%, and the accuracy of RF was 86.61%. When the number of fitting channels is 64, the accuracy of LDA is 95.83%, the classification accuracy of KNN is 91.67%, the accuracy of SVM is 86.90%, and the accuracy of RF is 83.30%.Conclusion: It can be seen from the results that when the number of fitting channels is 8, the classification accuracy of the three classifiers of LDA, KNN and SVM is basically the same, but the time-consuming of SVM is very small. When the amount of data is large, the priority should be selected SVM as the classifier. When the number of fitting channels increases, the classification accuracy of the LDA classifier will be higher than the other three classifiers, so the LDA classifier should be more appropriate. The classification accuracy of the RF classifier in this type of problem has always been far lower than the other three classifiers, so it is not recommended to use the RF classifier as a classifier for gesture stacking related work.
LIM Domain-Wide Comprehensive Virtual Mutagenesis Provides Structural Rationale for Cardiomyopathy Mutations in CSRP3
Authors: Chauhan Pankaj Kumar , Sowdhamini R.
Published: December 2021

Cardiomyopathies are a severe and chronic cardiovascular burden worldwide, affecting a large cohort in the general population. Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 3 (CSRP3) is one of key proteins implicated in dominant dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In this study, we device a rapid in-silico screening protocol that creates a mutational landscape map for all possible allowed and disallowed substitutions in the protein of interest. This map provides the structural and functional insights on the stability of LIM domains of CSRP3. Further, the sequence analysis delineates the eukaryotic CSRP3 protein orthologs which complements the mutational map. Next, we also evaluated the effect of HCM/DCM mutations on these domains. One of highly destabilising mutations - L44P (also disease causing) and a neutral mutation - L44M were further subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results establish that L44P substitution affects the LIM domain structure. The present study provides a useful perspective to our understanding of the role of mutations in the CSRP3 LIM domains and their evolution. Experimentally verifying every reported mutation can become challenging both in time and resources used. This study provides a novel screening method for quick identification of key mutation sites for specific protein structures that can reduce the burden on experimental research.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Malaria Services in Three High Endemic Districts in Rwanda – A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Hakizimana Dieudonne , NTIZIMIRA Christian , Mbituyumuremyi Aimable , Hakizimana Emmanuel , Mahmoud Hani , Birindabagabo Pascal , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Gashumba Diane
Published: December 2021

Background:
Rwanda has achieved impressive reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality over the past two decades. However, the disruption of essential services due to the current Covid-19 pandemic can lead to a reversal of these gains in malaria control unless targeted, evidence-based interventions are implemented to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. The extent to which malaria services have been disrupted has not been fully characterized. In this study, we thus assessed the impact of Covid-19 on malaria services in Rwanda.
Methods:
We conducted a mixed-methods study in three purposively selected districts in Rwanda. The quantitative data included malaria aggregated data reported at the health facility level and the community level. The data included the number of malaria tests, uncomplicated malaria cases, severe malaria cases, and malaria deaths. We collected qualitative data using focus group discussions with community members and community health workers, as well as in-depth interviews with health care providers and staff working in the malaria program. We conducted interrupted time series analysis to compare changes in malaria presentations between the pre-Covid-19 period (January 2019 to February 2020) and Covid-19 periods (from March 2020 to November 2020). We used the constant comparative method in qualitative thematic analysis.
Results:
Compared to pre-Covid-19 period, there was a monthly reduction in patients tested in health facilities of 5.09 per 1000 population and a monthly increase in patients tested in the community of 3.13 per 1000 population during the Covid-19 period. There was no change in presentation rate for uncomplicated malaria or severe malaria. Additionally, although healthcare providers continued to provide malaria services, they were fearful that this would expose them and their families to Covid-19. Covid-19 mitigation measures limited the availability of transportation options for the community to seek care in health facilities and delayed the implementation of some key malaria interventions. The focus on Covid-19-related communication also reduced the amount of health information for other diseases provided to community members.
Conclusion
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in patients increasingly seeking care in the community and poses challenges to maintaining delivery of malaria services in Rwanda. Interventions to mitigate these challenges should focus on strengthening programming for community and home-based care models and integrating malaria messages into Covid-19-related communication. Additionally, implementation of the interrupted interventions should be timed and overlap with the malaria transmission season to mitigate Covid-19 consequences on malaria.
Renal Function during Hospitalization and Outcome in Chinese Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Lee Hao-Wei , Huang Chin-Chou , Yang Chih-Yu , Leu Hsin-Bang , Huang Po-Hsun , Wu Tao-Cheng , Lin Shing-Jong , Chen Jaw-Wen
Published: December 2021

It is well known that the heart and kidney have a bi-directional correlation, in which organ dysfunction results in maladaptive changes in the other. We aimed to investigate the impact of renal function and its decline during hospitalization on clinical outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). A total of 119 consecutive Chinese patients admitted for ADHF were prospectively enrolled. The course of renal function was presented with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), calculated by the four-variable equation proposed by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study. Worsening renal function (WRF), defined as eGFR decline between admission (eGFRadmission) and pre-discharge (eGFRpredischarge), occurred in 41 patients. Clinical outcomes during the follow-up period were defined as 4P-major adverse cardiovascular events (4P-MACE), including the composition of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and nonfatal HF hospitalization. During an average follow-up period of 2.6±3.2 years, 66 patients experienced 4P-MACE. Cox regression analysis revealed that impaired eGFRpredischarge, but not eGFRadmission or WRF, was significantly correlated with the development of 4P-MACE (HR, 2.003; 95% CI, 1.072–3.744; P=0.029). In conclusion, impaired renal function before discharge, but not WRF, is a significant risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with ADHF.
Psychosocial Factors Underlying Sexual Deviance Among Adolescents in ASEAN: a Systematic Review
Authors: Kamaluddin Mohammad Rahim , Chendirasagaram Karunaagaran , Mey Loy See , Ibrahim Fauziah , Rathakrishnan Balan , Singh Soon Singh Bikar , Nasir Norruzeyati Che Mohd , Muda Azlina Tengku , Hinduan Zahrotur Rusyda , Mokhtar Daniella Maryam Mohamed , Rahman Zaizul Ab , Chong Ibrahim Maclean
Published: December 2021

Background: Risky sexual behaviours amongst adolescents are associated with detrimental impact on their personal growth, influenced by psychosocial factors including subjective cultural norms. This systematic review aimed to examine the evidence on ASEAN countries’ adolescents risky sexual behaviour defined as sexual deviance with its associated psychosocial factors.Methods: A systematic literature review was guided by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) for a search through four electronic databases for articles published within the time frame of 2010 and 2020 resulting in 20 articles that meet the inclusion criteria. Results: Adolescent sexual deviance in ASEAN is associated with salient psychosocial factors such as cultural norm, self-esteem, parental support/monitoring, substance abuse (alcohol/drugs/smoking), spirituality and religion. Intention, attitude and motivation of sexual transgression appear to be recurrent factors as well. Most studies are cross-sectional and quantitatively designed. The diverse and nuanced psychosocial factors of sexually deviant behaviour affirm the sexual dimension and values of absolutism, hedonism and relativism.Conclusions: Strategies for reducing risky sexual behaviours among ASEAN adolescents should take regard of subjective culture norms and psychosocial needs to achieve the goal of progress as per the ASEAN Youth Development Index. More qualitative and longitudinal approaches in future research are also recommended for more in-depth insights for appropriate intervention or rehabilitative measures.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Facilitate Sympathoexcitation After Traumatic Brain Injury Via HMGB1/AP1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Kaixin , Hou Xiaoxiang , Qu Xiaolin , Chen Wen , Chen Kun , Zhang Yelei , Xu Haoxiang , Wang Junyu , Lv Liquan , Zhang Danfeng , Hou Lijun
Published: December 2021

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually accompanies with sympathetic excitation, and paradoxical sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) may be detrimental to the prognosis of TBI sufferers. Neutrophils can form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to get involved in the neuroinflammation after TBI. As an important form of NETs, HMGB1 were found to activate the expression of AP1, which can increase the formation of IL-1β in microglia. Considering that IL-1β is able to regulate sympathoexcitation, it is reasonable to infer that HMGB1/AP1 signaling plays an important role in sympathoexcitation after TBI. Methods: In this present study, rat model with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) was established. The existance of NETs and the expression level of HMGB1/AP1/IL-1β in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) after DAI were examined by immunofluorescence and Western blot (WB). The role of HMGB1/AP1 in the activation of microglia, secretion of IL-1β and sympathoexcitaiton were identified in vitro. Moreover, stereotaxic injection of anti-HMGB1 or HMGB1 was conducted to further validate the effect of HMGB1/AP1 pathway on sympathoexcitation after TBI.Results: The indicators of sympathoexcitation, including mean arterial pressure and serum catecholamine, increased and peaked at 72 hours after TBI. The formation of NETs was observed in PVN after injury, whereas, no NETs were found in the control group. And meanwhile, levels of NETs in PVN were higher than that in the para-PVN tissues after the injury. In vitro experiments showed that HMGB1 can promote the activation of microglia as well as increase the expression of AP1 and IL-1β. In vivo experiments suggested HMGB1 have an impact on the expression of AP1 and IL-1β in the PVN, and further controlling the sympathoexcitation after TBI.Conclusion: NETs might mediate sympathoexcitation after TBI through microglial activation in the PVN in a HMGB1/AP1/IL-1β dependent way.
Combination Treatment of Retinoic Acid Plus Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitor Prevents Tumor Growth and Breast Cancer Cells Metastasis
Authors: Castro Ana Carla Guijarro , Mondaca Joselina , Fernandez-Muñoz Juan Manuel , Vanderhoeven Fiorella , Uzair Ivonne , Redondo Analia , Zoppino Felipe Carlos Martin , Sanchez Angel Matias , Flamini Marina Ines
Published: December 2021

All-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the primary metabolite of vitamin A and controls the development and homeostasis of organisms and tissues. RA and its natural and synthetic derivatives, known as retinoids, are promising agents in treating and chemoprevention different neoplasias, including breast cancer (BC). Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a crucial regulator of cell migration, and its overexpression is associated with the metastatic behavior of tumors. Thus, pharmaceutical FAK inhibitors (FAKi) have been developed to counter its action. In this work, we hypothesize that RA plus FAKi (RA+FAKi) approach could improve inhibition of tumor progression. By in silico analysis, we confirmed RARA, SRC, and PTK2 (encoding RARα, Src, and FAK, respectively) overexpression in all breast cells tested. In metastatic BC cells, we reveal that genes encoding proteins that FAK directly or indirectly modulates are deregulated compared to normal cells. We showed a different pattern of genes up/down-regulated between RA-resistant and RA-sensitive BC cells. In addition, we demonstrated that both RA-resistant BC cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) display the same behavior after RA treatment, modulating the expression of genes involved in Src-FAK signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrated that although RA and FAKi administered separately decrease viability, adhesion, and migration in mammary adenocarcinoma LM3 cells, their combination exerts a higher effect. We also evidenced that RA effects are extrapolated to other cancer cells, including the human cervical carcinoma cells HeLa. In an orthotopic assay of LM3 tumor growth, RA and FAKi administered separately reduce tumor growth; however, the combined treatment induces the more potent inhibition increasing mice survival. Moreover, in an experimental metastatic assay, RA significantly reduces metastatic lung dissemination of LM3 cells. Overall, these results indicate that RA resistance would reflect deregulation of most RA-target genes, including genes encoding components of the Src-FAK pathway. Our study demonstrates that RA plays an essential role in disrupting BC tumor growth and metastatic dissemination in vitro and in vivo by controlling FAK expression and localization. RA plus FAKi exacerbated these effects suggesting that the sensibility to RA therapies could be increased with FAKi coadministration in BC tumors.