bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitive-Blockchain-Based Parking System with Fairness Constraints
Authors: Balzano Walter , Pegna Marco La , Stranieri Silvia , Vitale Fabio
Published: June 2021

Parking slot detection is one of the most popular applications of Vehicular ad Hoc Network re-search field. Proposing smart algorithms for fast parking is crucial not only to facilitate drivers, but also to reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and vehicle energy consumption. Typically, an urban area has several competitive car parks and, in order to make the parking process automatic, a mechanism to ensure a fair competition among them is needed. Among all the methods able to guarantee transparency and equity in a system, blockchain is a robust technology. It has been success- fully applied in many different research fields, from financial to health. In this work, we provide an automaticparking system in which vehicles are allocated among several competitive parking areas (called competitors), through a blockchain-based approach, by applying a consensus mechanism to manage the system modifications. To this aim, two classes of fairness constraints are defined, according to which any new operation on the parking consortium must be approved by the members. Such an approach brings benefits for different reasons, starting from traffic condition improvement, up to driver stress and pollution decrease.
Patient Participation In Surgical Upper Abdominal Cancer Care: Assessment of The Alignment Between Patients’ Preferences And Experiences With The Patient Preferences For Patient Participation (4Ps) Tool
Authors: Drott Jenny , Fomichov Victoria , Nordén Maria , Larsson Anna Lindhoff , Sandström Per , Björnsson Bergthor , Eldh Ann Catrine
Published: June 2021

PurposeQuality healthcare necessitates opportunities for patient participation. The study aim was to investigate the level of preference-based patient participation in surgical upper abdominal cancer care based on patients’ reports of their preferences and experiences of patient participation.MethodsA cross-sectional design was used, and patients completed the Patient Preferences for Patient Participation (4P) tool after hospital discharge. Patient ratings of the 12 attributes of the 4Ps in terms of their preferences for and experiences of patient participation were analysed with descriptive and comparative statistical methods.ResultsThe 101 respondents often reported sufficient levels of preference-based patient participation. Having reciprocal communication and being listened to by healthcare staff were commonly deemed crucial for participation. Furthermore, 60% of the patients suggested that taking part in planning was crucial for their participation, but they experienced this attribute only to some extent.ConclusionTo support person-centred participation, further efforts are needed to recognize patients’ preferences for involvement; opportunities to share experiences and share in planning healthcare activities are important for patients in surgical upper abdominal cancer care. Probing and recognizing patients’ preferences and experiences makes it easier to tailor patient participation to the individual patient, supporting more holistic surgical cancer care.
Unique Clinical Features of Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis Withelevated Expression of Human β-Defensin-2 and -3 in Gingival Epithelia
Authors: Gao Ge , Tian qing , Han Peng An , Yang Xia Rong , Shi Fan , Chen Dong
Published: June 2021

Background: Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF), a rare benign oral condition, has several adverse consequences such as aesthetic changes, malocclusion, speech impediments, and abnormal dentition . H owever, relatively few studies have addressed the beneficial effects of thick gingival tissues on resisting external stimuli. Patients with HGF commonly manifest a ‘healthy’ gingiva , and the aetiology and pathogenesis of this condition remain unclear. H uman β-defensins (hBDs) are known to play a pivotal role in the clearance and killing of various microbes and contribute to maintaining a harmonious oral environment, which is currently an emerg ing research focus. We previously performed an immunohistochemi cal analysis of gingival tissues from a multigenerational family with non-syndromic HGFs (NHGF) . However , the expression pattern and localisation of hBD-2 and - 3 in patients with NHGF has not been reported. Methods: Gingival tissue was paraffin embedding, sectioned, and then the expression and localisation of hBD-2 and -3 in the gingival epithelium of patients with HGF and normal individuals were compared using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with descriptive and quantitative analysis. Results: The immunohistochemical staining showed a statistically significant increase in hBD-2 and 3 in gingiva l tissue derived from patients with HGF. Conclusion: Our current findings provide evidence to support the novel hypothesis that certain gene mutations of the HGF lead to relatively elevated expression levels of hBDs, which may be beneficial in protect ing oral tissue from external stimuli and promot ing periodontal regeneration.
Modeling D2D Underlaying Cellular Network for Hotspot Communications with Poisson Cluster and Hole Processes
Authors: jia xiangdong , wei Zhemin , Hao Zhenchao , Ouyang Yuhua
Published: June 2021

This paper develops a new approach to the modeling and analysis of device-to-device (D2D) underlaying multi-tier cellular network for the dense hotspot communications, which consist of macro base stations (MBSs), pico BSs (PBSs), femto BSs (FBSs). A typicl user equipment (UE) can work either in D2D mode or cellular mode. Considering the dense hotspot communications, this work employs Poisson point process (PPP) to model the locations of MBSs and PBSs, and uses Poisson cluster process (PCP) to model the ones of UEs and FBSs. The locations of PBSs are also modeled as the centers of hotspots, referred to as the centers of PCPs. UEs and FBSs cluster around the common parent process PBSs. To guard the cluster-edge UEs, the clustered-UE classification and modified fractional frequency reuse (FFR) are jointly used, by which both the UEs and FBSs are classified two sets, cluster-center UEs and cluster-edge UEs, cluster-center FBSs and cluster-edge FBSs, respectively. The total frequency band is divided into two orthogonal segments, one of which is shared by D2D devices, cluster-edge FBSs, and PBSs, and the other segment is shared by cluster-center FBSs and MBSs. For such clustered multi-tier network, by using the methods from PPP, PCP, and PHP, this paper presents a tractable approach for modeling and analyzing the performance of cellular and D2D networks and gives the statistical descriptions of the experienced interference at a typical receiver by using the approximated Poisson hole processes (PCP) theory. This yields the derivations of the coverage probabilities of both the D2D receivers and cellular destinations. In additon, during the analysis of cellular UEs, to derive the coverage probabilities, this paper specially constructs a UE association criterion as well as the derivations of both the association probabilities and the statistical descriptions of association distances for cluster-center and cluster-edge UEs. The simulations and numerical results exploit the effect of various network parameters on the network performance and give the insights in terms of the proposed schemes as well as the comparison between cluster-center and cluster-edge UEs.
When Technology Enters at Home: The Challenges of Home Health Care Providers in a Developing Country
Authors: Esmaeili Maryam , nayeri Nahid Dehghan , Bahramnezhad Fatemeh , Ghazi Samrand Fattah , Asgari Parvaneh
Published: June 2021

Background: The number of patients with chronic diseases requiring invasive mechanical ventilation at home is increasing. Family caregiving for patients with home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is associated with a particularly heavy workload. Thus, identifying the challenges of this valuable type of care can be an elective step for achieving health-related goals. This study was carried out to determine the challenges faced by home health care providers.Methods: 15 participants (9 family caregivers, 3 home nurses, and 3 home care attendants) were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and structured observation. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis and Max Qualitative Data Analysis 2010.Results: Three themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Hospital-based challenges with two subthemes the family unpreparedness for home care and the lack of continuous education, (2) Home health care agency challenges with two sub themes. Home health care workers and the deficiency in organizational policies, and (3) Economic challenges.Conclusions: Three themes of hospital-related challenges, home health care agency challenges, and economic challenges emerged in the study showed that support from the insurance system, improvement of home care agency policies, and holistic care for patients through a multidisciplinary team approach are essential for addressing the current challenges of home care for patients under invasive mechanical ventilation at home.
Validation of the Dutch version of the Chemotherpy-induced Taste Alteration Scale (CiTAS)
Authors: Corremans Marleen , Geurden Bart , Luyten Sarah , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Taste and smell alterations are known side-effects of an oncological treatment with chemotherapy and can cause reduced food intake and lead to malnutrition and cachexia. ESPEN guidelines state that organizations should foresee a protocol to identify patients at nutritional risk and that screening should be available for all patients. The Chemotherapy-induced Taste alteration Scale (CiTAS) is described as a self -reported scale with a high reliability and validity. The aim of this study is to make a back translation and validation of the Chemotherapy-Induced Taste Alteration Scale in Dutch.Methods: The evaluation instrument was constructed in a three-phased project. First, the Japanese version was backtranslated to Dutch and piloted in a cognitive interview. In a second phase, a Delphi procedure was followed. Context validity and Cronbach’s alpha were calculated. In a third phase comfirmatory analysis was tested.Results and conclusion: The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.89. The convergent and discriminant validity show us that the items that should be related indeed are, like the items in the construct and that items that shouldn’t, are not, as between the constructs. The scale was successfully backward translated and validated in Dutch and is ready to be used to screen Dutch speaking cancer patients with chemotherapy as a treatment for their cancer diagnosis. This version of CiTAS can be implemented in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium and in the Netherlands.
Target-Adverse Events and Fear of Cancer Progression, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Chu Chun , Chu Chia Yu , Lai Yeur Hur , Chan Jui Chun , Chen Yen Ju , Hsu Hui Te , Lee Yun-Hsiang
Published: June 2021

Objective: To examine the difference in levels of fear of cancer progression (FoP), anxiety, depression between presence/absence of the target-adverse events (AEs); and to examine the differences in incidence rate of AEs and FoP, anxiety, and depression among three generations of EGFR-TKIs therapy (first, gefitinib and erlotinib [G1]; second, afatinib [G2]; third, osimertinib [G3]) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study design. NSCLC patients (n=128) were recruited from a medical center in Taiwan. A set of structured questionnaires assessing AEs, FoP, anxiety and depression. Results: Parts of AEs, such as photosensitivity, paronychia, and alopecia, exhibited significantly higher levels of FoP, anxiety, and depression. Less patients experienced AEs in the G3 group than those in the G1 or G2 group but still reported experiencing itching, dry skin with grade 3 severity. The incidence rates of mouth/throat sores, and cheilosis/cheilitis in the G2 group was significantly higher than those in the G1 or G3 group. The incidence rate of FoP, anxiety and depression were 13.8-26.3%, 23.8-40.4% and 16.7-42.1%, respectively.Conclusions: The priorities of care among three generations of EGFR-TKIs in patients with NSCLC were established. FoP, anxiety and depression were present among different targeted therapies and require further attention.
The Improved TBW Versus the Standard TBW for Olecranon Fractures in the Aged: a Retrospectively Comparative Study
Authors: Lin Xiaoyong , Liao Hai
Published: June 2021

Objectivession: Olecranon fractures of the aged are traditionally managed operatively with Tension Band Wire (TBW). We compared clinical outcomes of treatment of the improved TBW versus the standard TBW for the treatment of the senile Olecranon fractures patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on senile olecranon fractures patients in our hospital from June 2016 to January 2019. After appropriate exclusion, 62 olecranon fractures patients (29 patients in group A of the improved TBW, 33 patients in group B of the standard TBW) were reviewed in this study. All reviewed patients underwent preoperative immobilization and detumescence, open reduction and internal fixation, and postoperative function exercise. Duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, times of fluoroscopy intraoperatively, postoperative pain score, fracture union time, soft tissue irritation, failure of fixation and Broberg Morrey score of elbow function were recorded and compared.Results: The duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain score, Broberg Morrey score of elbow function had no significant difference between the two groups. The improved TBW (group A) was better than the standard (group B) in terms of the fixation loosening, fracture union time, the skin irritation, and the difference was significant ( all p< 0.05) .Conclusions: On the basis of no additional surgical trauma, the improved TBW was not only benefit for the fracture union, but also benefit for reducing the incidence of internal fixation loosening and soft tissue irritation. This improved internal fixation is not an unattractive option for senile olecranon fractures patients.
A Chebyshev Polynomial-Based Conditional Privacy-Preserving Authentication and Group-Key Agreement Scheme for VANET
Authors: Yang Jiyun , Deng Jiamin , Xiang Tao , Tang Bo
Published: June 2021

Vehicle ad hoc network (VANET) is an open communication environment. Any user can broadcast messages, which means that it can be easily attacked by malicious users. Therefore, the authentication of vehicles is needed. In this paper, we propose a Chebyshev polynomial-based conditional privacy-preserving authentication and group-key agreement scheme for VANET. Specifically, we solve three problems in VANET: (1) we improve the effectiveness of TA by using Chebyshev polynomial to authenticate vehicles; (2) we reduce the computational burden of TA by using Chinese remainder theorem to manage group members; (3) we provide conditional privacy for users by using traceable pseudonym scheme. Theoretical and experimental results show that the proposed scheme is more efficient than existing related work.
Targeting Histone Deacetylase-3 Blocked Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity And Metastatic Dissemination In Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Sheng-Mao , Jan Yee-Jee , Tsai Shih-Chuan , Pan Hung-Chuan , Shen Chin-Chang , Yang Cheng-Ning , Lee Shu-Hua , Liu Shing-Hwa , Chiu Chien-Shan , Arbiser Jack L. , Meng Menghsiao , Sheu Meei-Ling
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDIs) were shown to modulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and inhibit the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Emerging as a novel class of anti-cancer drugs, HDIs have attracted much attention in the field of drug discovery. This study aimed to the underlying mechanisms of Honokiol in preventing the metastatic dissemination of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting HDAC3 activity/expression.Experimental Approach: Clinical pathological analysis was performed to determine the relationship between HDAC3 and tumor progression. The effects of Honokiol on pharmacological characterization, functional, transcriptional activities, organelle structure changes, and molecular signalings were analyzed using binding assays, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, luciferase reporter assay, HDAC3 activity, ER stress response element activity, transmission electron microscopy, immune-blotting and Wnt/b-catenin activity assays. The in vivo effects of Honokiol on peritoneal dissemination were determined by a mouse model and detected by the PET/CT tomography.Key Results: HDAC3 over-expression was correlated with poor prognosis. Honokiol significantly abolished HDAC3 activity (Y298) via inhibition of NFκBp65/CEBPb signaling, which was reversed by the over-expression of plasmids of NFκBp65/CEBPb. Honokiol-inhibited NFκBp65/CEBPb activation could be reversed by 4-phenylbutyric acid (a chemical chaperone) and calpain-2 gene silencing. Honokiol increased ER stress markers and inhibited EMT-associated epithelial markers, but decreased Wnt/β-catenin activity. Suppression of HDAC3 by both Honokiol and HDAC3 gene silencing decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Conclusions and Implications: Honokiol acts by suppressing HDAC3-mediated EMT and metastatic signaling. By prohibiting HDAC3, metastatic dissemination of gastric cancer may be blocked.
Landscape-Level And Stand-Level Factors Play Diverse Roles During Different Periods of Dendroctonus Valens Invasion In North China
Authors: Zhan Zhongyi , Ren Lili , Yu Linfeng , Guo Zhiwen , Liu Yujie , Li Haonan , Wang Lixia , Luo Youqing
Published: June 2021

In recent years, the red turpentine beetle (RTB), an invasive pest species, has caused extensive pine mortality in North China. Although some studies have theoretically clarified the interference mechanism of multi-level factors with the development of RTB damage, knowledge about this mechanism from the empirical research is still limited. The aim of this study was to determine whether the primary factors influencing RTB occurrence change during different periods of RTB invasion. Stand-level variables of sample plots were obtained through field investigation and the forest resource survey data including forest stand characteristics, topographic characteristics, and soil properties. Remote sensing classified images were to develop the characteristic variables related to landscape composition and configuration around the sample plots at multiple scales. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to explore the relative importance of stand-level and landscape-level variables in explaining the severity of RTB damage. Result showed that two stand-level factors, aspect and canopy density, were the best predictors of damage in the early stage of RTB invasion. The landscape-level factor, the proportion of Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis) patches, was the main predictor of damage in the middle stage of RTB invasion. The most effective spatial scale at which RTB responded to landscape pattern was 250 m. With the increasing severity of RTB damage, the factors driving RTB invasion have shifted from the stand-level to the landscape-level. This calls for an urgent consideration of multi-scale processes to address the changing disturbance regimes in ecosystem management.
Solidified Liquid Metal with Regulated Plasticity for Channel-Free Construction of 3D Structured Flexible Electronics
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Zhang Mingyang , Liu Sanhu , Yuan Man , Wu Junjie , Yu Mei , Xu Zhiwu , Guo Jinhong , Guanglin Li , Liu Zhiyuan , Ma Xing
Published: June 2021

Gallium alloy based liquid metals (LMs) have shown great promise for soft and stretchable electronics in virtue of intrinsic fluidity and metallic conductivity. However, it has been a challenge by using LM to construct 3D structured circuits which are crucial for building flexible electronics with high integration. Hereby, taking advantage of the solid-liquid phase transition and plastic deformation of a Ga-10In LM alloy, we propose a novel strategy to fabricate LM based flexible electronic devices, in particular comprised of 3D circuits, without the need to pre-fabricate microchannels. We demonstrate applications including 3D interconnect arches for the integration of a multi-channel LED array, a 3D structured wearable sensor and a multilayer flexible circuit board for monitoring of finger movement. The current work provides a facile strategy for constructing LM based flexible electronics, which is of particular interest for building highly integrated electronics of hierarchical structure involving complicated 3D circuits.
Analysis of Driving Factors Influencing Human Vaccine Development in Iran: a Cross-impact Analysis
Authors: Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Goharinezhad Salime , AmirKafi Ali , Zahraei Seyed Mohsen , Esteghamati Abdolreza , Tehrani-Banihashemi Arash
Published: June 2021

Background: Despite many successes in Immunization programs in Iran, vaccine policymaking has confronted with important weaknesses, and more effort is required to improve progress and prepare for the preferred future. In order to address the challenges facing vaccine development, this study has defined to identify influential factors on the future of development of human vaccines in Iran for strengthening evidence-based policy-making.Method:This mixed-method study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the future of human vaccine development using Cross Impact Analysis. Firstly, with a scoping review, the factors affecting the future of human vaccine development were identified. Secondly, a semi-structured interview was carried out with the determined experts in this sphere to add more factors and confirm the identified factors in the Iran context. Finally, a cross-impact analysis (CIA) approach was applied to understand the complex relationships between the given factors. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data and MICMAC analysis was applied for characterizing the relationships between factors.Results: Seventeen key driving forces factors were first identified through reviewing and interviewing. These factors are weighted from zero-three and analyzed by MICMAC software. The CIA technique characterized the effect of each one of these factors on vaccine development and then elaborated on the interaction between them. The results revealed that strong leadership and governance, innovation ecosystem, and immunization information systems were critical driving forces for developing vaccines in Iran. In fact, the degree of influence of these factors is much stronger than the degree of their dependency in the future. So, the vaccine development system is basically dependent on these key drivers. Conclusion: This study explores interactions among factors affecting vaccine development by using cross-impact analysis. It indicates that interactions among the identified factors do have a major influence on the overall system. Understanding the interactions among factors help policymakers formulating successful strategies for shaping a desirable future. Future studies could ratify the findings from this research applying other methodological approaches.
The Activation Fragment of PAR2 Is Increased in RA and Modulated in Response To Anti-IL-6R Treatment
Authors: Kalogera Stefania , He Yi , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Gantzel Thorbjørn , Sun Shu , Manon-Jensen Tina , Karsdal Morten Asser , Thudium Christian S.
Published: June 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are serious and painful diseases. Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is involved in the pathology of both OA and RA including roles in synovial hyperplasia, cartilage destruction, osteophyogenesis and pain. PAR2 is activated via cleavage of its N-terminus by serine proteases. In this study a competitive ELISA assay was developed targeting the 36-amino acid peptide that is cleaved and released after PAR2 activation. Technical assay parameters including antibody specificity, intra- and inter-assay variation (CV%), linearity, accuracy, analyte stability and interference were evaluated. PAR2 pro-fragment release was confirmed after in vitro cleavage of PAR2 recombinant protein and treatment of human synovial explants with matriptase. Serum levels of 22 healthy individuals, 23 OA patients and 15 RA patients as well as a subset of RA patients treated with tocilizumab were evaluated. The PAR2 antibody was specific for the neo-epitope and intra-inter assay CV% were 6.4% and 5.8% respectively. In vitro cleavage and matriptase treated explants showed increased PAR2 pro-fragment levels compared to controls. In serum, PAR2 pro-fragment levels were increased in RA patients and decreased in RA patients treated with tocilizumab. In conclusion, PAR2 may be a potential biomarker for monitoring RA disease and pharmacodynamics of treatment.
Study on the Dust Removal and Temperature Reduction Coupling Performances of Magnetized Water Spray
Authors: Wang Chengfeng , Lu Shouqing , Li Mingjie , Zhang Yongliang , Sa Zhanyou , Liu Jie , Wang Hao , Wang Shengcheng
Published: June 2021

Dust pollution and heat damage hazards are important problems affecting underground safety production. This paper is aimed at exploring the optimal magnetization conditions of magnetized water for dust removal and temperature reduction, and improve the utilization rate of water. First, the surface tension, viscosity and specific heat capacity of water under different magnetization conditions were measured experimentally. Then, the magnetization conditions with the best coupling performances were obtained through ANSYS Fluent simulation. Finally, a spray system was designed to control the magnetization conditions strictly. The results demonstrate that the dust removal performance is better when the magnetic field intensity is 150 mT and the magnetization time is 80 s. Under this condition, the specific heat capacity also reaches the maximum. These research results can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of dust pollution and heat damage control measures in mines.
Emergence of Novel Combinations of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor Binding Domain Variants in Senegal
Authors: Ahouidi Ambroise D , Rodgers Mary A , Padane Abdou , Leye Nafissatou , Olivo Ana , Mbow Moustapha , Mboup Aminata , Diaw Papa Alassane , Dia Aminata , Harris Barbara , Padane Yacine Amet  Dia , Lo Gora , Meyer Todd V , Diedhiou Cyrille K. , Diagne Diabou , Kane Ndeye Coumba Toure , Cloherty Gavin , Mboup Souleymane
Published: June 2021

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages that carry mutations in the spike gene are of concern for potential impact to treatment and prevention efforts. To monitor for new SARS-CoV-2 mutations, a panel of specimens were sequenced from both wave one (N=96), and wave two (N=117) of the pandemic in Senegal by whole genome next generation sequencing. Amongst these genomes, new combinations of SARS-CoV-2 spike mutations were identified, with E484K+N501T, L452R+N501Y, and L452M+S477N exclusively found in second wave specimens. These sequences are evidence of local diversification over the course of the pandemic and parallel evolution of escape mutations in different lineages.
The Childbirth Fear Questionnaire: A New Measure of Fear of Childbirth
Authors: Fairbrother Nichole , Collardeau Fanie , Albert Arianne , Thordarson Dana , Stroll Kathrin
Published: June 2021

Background

Fear of childbirth affects as many as 20% of pregnant people, and has been associated with pregnancy termination, prolonged labour, increased risk of emergency and elective caesarean delivery, poor maternal mental health, and poor maternal-infant bonding. Currently available measures of fear of childbirth fail to fully capture pregnant people’s childbirth-related fears. The purpose of this research was to develop a new measure of fear of childbirth (the Childbirth Fear Questionnaire; CFQ) that would address the limitations of existing measures.
Methods

The CFQ’s psychometric properties were evaluated through two studies. Participants were 643 pregnant people residing in English speaking countries for study one, and 881 pregnant people residing in Canada for study two. In both studies, participants completed a set of questionnaires, including the CFQ, via an online survey.
Results

Exploratory factor analysis in study one resulted in a 40-item, 9-factor scale which was well supported in study two. Both studies provided strong evidence of high internal consistency and as well as convergent and discriminant validity. Study one also provided evidence that the CFQ detects group differences between pregnant people across mode of delivery preference, and parity. Study 2 added to findings from study 1 by providing evidence for the dimensional structure of the construct of fear of childbirth, and measurement invariance across parity groups (i.e., the measurement model of the CFQ is generalizable across parity groups).
Conclusions

The CFQ is psychometrically sound, and currently the most comprehensive measure of fear of childbirth currently available. The CFQ covers a broad range of domains of fear of childbirth, and can serve to identify specific fear domains to be targeted in treatment.
The Accuracy and Reliability of Cardiac Output Assessment by Measuring Descending Aortic Blood Flow in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Peng Ling , Zeng Jun , Wei Wei
Published: June 2021

Background

To investigate the accuracy and reliability of cardiac output (CO) assessment by transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) measuring descending aortic blood flow (DABF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). And the influence of DABF/CO on the accuracy and reliability of CO assessment were also analyzed.
Methods

Paired CO measured by both thermodilution (TCO) and Doppler method (DCO) were obtained before incision, immediately after CPB, 15 minutes after CPB, 30 minutes after CPB, 45 minutes after CPB, and at the end of surgery. The DCO was converted from TEE measured DABF using theoretical proportion (70%) of DABF/CO. Regression analysis, Bland-Altman graph, and Polar plot were used to analyze the correlation and agreement between the CO measurements by the two methods. Parameters were compared by one-way ANOVA among different time points.
Results

A total of 132 pairs of CO measurements were obtained from 22 patients. The average proportion of DABF/TCO ranged from 54% before CPB to 63% after CBP. A good correlation between DCO and TCO (r = 0.81) was found. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a large positive bias between the TCO and DCO. The Polar plot also showed a poor concordance between changes of DCO and TCO. The proportion of DABF/TCO had a mild negative correlation with systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) but not with cardiac output index (CI).
Conclusions

The CO, converted from TEE measured DABF, was underestimated in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The varied proportion between DABF and CO mainly influenced the accuracy and reliability of CO assessment.
Trial registration:

Chinese Clinical Trials Register Identifier: ChiCTR-OCS-12002789 (retrospective registered). Date: 2012.12.21
Health Belief Model for Empowering Parental Toothbrushing and Sugar Intake Control in Reducing Early Childhood Caries Among Young Children – Study Protocol for A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Ketian , Lee Gillian Hiu Man , Liu Pei , Gao Xiaoli , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan , Wong May Chun Mei
Published: June 2021

Background: It has been recognized that oral health education for parents is critical for preventing early childhood caries (ECC). Few parents practiced caries prevention procedures for their children in daily life, though. A novel intervention scheme using mobile messages will be developed in this study under the framework of the Health Belief Model (HBM). The objective of the present randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new scheme in promoting oral health of young children by reducing dental caries.Methods: This RCT will involve 26-36 child care centers or kindergartens with nursery classes (clusters) located in Hong Kong. A total of 518-628 child-parent dyads (child age: 18-30 months) will be recruited and randomly allocated at the cluster level into the test or control group with a 1:1 ratio. For parents in the test group, the intervention will consist of a set of HBM-based text messages sent regularly in 48 weeks. A standard text message will be sent to the parents in the control group in the first week. The primary outcome will be dental caries measured by dmft/dmfs of the children after 2 years (around 4 years of age). The secondary outcomes will be toothbtushing and sugar intakes. Discussion: HBM-based intervention via a low-cost text messaging vehicle may serves as a viable way to empower parents to establish proper oral health behaviors for their children and safeguard the oral health of children in Hong Kong.Trial registration: This study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04665219).
Climate Change Water Vulnerability and Adaptation Mechanism in Constrained Touristic Himalayan City, Nainital
Authors: Chauhan Disha , Thiyaharajan Muthuprasad , Pandey Anvita , Singh Nidhi , Singh Vishal , Sen Sumit , Pandey Rajiv
Published: June 2021

Urban water management is a growing concern in India’s rapidly urbanizing cities. Population growth and climatic variability are further exuberating the impact on surface and underground water supply. Understanding the causes and the extent of water vulnerability is required for developing effective strategies for water insecurities. This study attempts to assess the water vulnerability across different wards of a touristic city of Himalaya - Nainital using IPCC approach considering the three dimensions exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Seven indicators, mostly spatial i.e. edaphic (aspect, elevation), climatic (land surface temperature) besides some water infrastructural (distance to water distribution) and population were considered for development of vulnerability index using Analytical Hierarchy Process for assigning weights. These indicators were simple to extract and easy to obtain and mostly available from secondary sources and were capable to account the variability at micro level. Moreover, the current adaptation mechanisms for water security were also derived through conducting surveys by randomly selecting households across the wards. Staff House and Harinagar wards were the most vulnerable. The survey results that the adaptation mechanism should be managed at individual and organisation level. Policy measures such as optimum use of water; grey water recycling, spring rejuvenation, rain water harvesting, leakage proof infrastructure with intervention of new technologies may be adopted and implemented for reducing the water vulnerability in the city along with the public participation.
Association of Three Micro-RNA Gene Polymorphisms with the Risk of Cervical Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Xu Jingyu , Fan Yihua , Zhang Qiang , Geng Junze , Xia Tian
Published: June 2021

Objective: Regulation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in micro-RNA ( miRNA) on the host cells may be one of the most important factors influencing the occurrence of cervical cancer based on the prevalence of HPV infection and the development of cervical cancer. In order to explore the contribution of miRNA polymorphism to the occurrence and development of cervical cancer, we conducted an analytical study. Methods: We selected the polymorphisms of three widely studied miRNAs (miRNA-146a rs2910164, miRNA-499 rs3746444 and miRNA-196a2 rs11614913). Then we conducted a meta-analysis (for the first time) to investigate their susceptibility to cervical cancer. Case control studies on the correlation between these three miRNAs and cervical cancer susceptibility were investigated by searching on from Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang database and VIP database. Basic characteristics were recorded and meta-analysis of the case studies was performed using STATA 15.1 software. Results: The miRNA-146a rs2910164 mutation significantly reduced the risk of cervical cancer in both recessive model (OR= 0.804, 95%CI= 0.652-0.992, P= 0.042；CC vs. CG+GG) and allelic model (OR= 0.845, 95%CI= 0.721-0.991, P= 0.038；C vs. G). There was no significant correlation between miRNA -499 rs3746444 and the risk of cervical cancer. The miRNA -196a2 rs11614913 mutation was significantly associated with a reduced risk of cervical cancer in homozygous model (OR= 0.641, 95%CI= 0.447-0.919, P= 0.016；TT vs. CC), dominant model (OR= 0.795, 95%CI= 0.636-0.994, P= 0.045；CT+TT vs. CC), recessive model (OR= 0.698, 95%CI= 0.532-0.917, P= 0.01；TT vs. CC+CT), and allelic models (OR= 0.783, 95%CI= 0.643-0.954, P= 0.015；T vs. C). Conclusion: In summary, this meta-analysis shows that the mutant genotypes of miRNA -146a rs2910164 and miRNA -196a2 rs11614913 are associated with a reduced risk of cervical cancer. Therefore, they may be two gene regulatory points for the prevention of cervical cancer.
Variation Between Community and Hospital Acquired Methicillin Resistant Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus Isolates from The Nasal Carriage in The Central Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aqel Hazem , Johani Sameera Al , Khalid Norah Abu , Shammari Hajeer Al , Koblan Dema Al , Jambi Shatha Al , Waeel Wejdan Al , Bokhari Nouf Al , Outaibi Etzaz Al , Emam Razan
Published: June 2021

Background

The coagulase-positive staphylococcus (CoPS) has become progressively prevailing in both community and hospital. The variation between community and hospital acquired methicillin resistant coagulase positive staphylococcus has been used to monitor decisions about realistic therapy.
Methods

Participants presenting with culture proven coagulase positive staphylococcus from the nose were enclosed during this study. Antibiotic susceptibility test was verified by exploiting the E-test and disk diffusion methods. Eleven toxin genes had been analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction.
Results

The oxacillin-resistant E-test showed extremely vital resistance in hospital-isolates (34.5%) than in community-isolates (19.2%) (p-value = 0.009). The most effective antibiotic against community acquired CoPS is a quinupristin followed by vancomycin and rifampin then clindamycin. Whereas, clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, rifampin, and quinupristin seem to be more effective against hospital acquired CoPS. The intermediate effects of both cefoxitin and vancomycin were highly significant in hospital acquired CoPS isolates compared with hospital acquired CoPS isolates (p-value = 0.009 and 0.005). The proven methicillin resistance coagulase positive staphylococcus (MRCoPS) was subjected for detection the following toxin embp (480 bp), aap (180 bp, 200 bp, 300 bp, 460 bp, and 480 bp), and aae (110 bp) genes that were present only in a community acquired MRCoPS. But the following coa (400 bp and 800 bp), spa (1100 bp and 1120 bp), aae (220 bp), and IcaD (100 bp) genes were present only in a hospital acquired MRCoPS. The PVL gene was absent in both community and hospital acquired MRCoPS isolates.
Conclusion

Hospital acquired coagulase positive staphylococci were highly significant resistant effects against oxacillin and intermediate effects against cefoxitin compared to community acquired coagulase positive staphylococci. All coagulase positive staphylococcus isolates were sensitive to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and quinupristin, but they were resistant to penicillin only. Genotypically, all tested toxin genes showed variation between community and hospital depending on the gene size bands. This study stresses the vital would like for broad screening, precautionary, and educational methods to accomplish the cumulative MRSA prevalence rate.
Atorvastatin in Helicobacter Pylori Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Review
Authors: Azar Mohammad Reza Mohammad Hoseini , Porteghali Parham , Sedokani Amin
Published: June 2021

Background: Considering the increase in drug resistance over time to Helicobacter pylori treatment relying on the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of atorvastatin to increase the success rate of H. pylori eradication, we examined the effect of adding atorvastatin to standard treatment of H. pylori eradication.Results: A total of 186 symptomatic patients who had been diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection and tested for H. pylori eradication were examined by a pathological response or positive urea breath test. Patients who received atorvastatin in addition to standard treatment were also identified based on a table of random numbers. Standard treatment included a 240mg bismuth subcitrate tablet, a 40mg pantoprazole tablet, a 500mg metronidazole tablet, and 2 capsules of 500mg amoxicillin, all taken BID for 14 days. After 4 weeks of treatment, all patients underwent stool testing for H. pylori fecal antigen. If the test was positive, the request was considered a failure of treatment, and if the test was negative, it was considered a successful eradication of H. pylori. The clinical trial registration code for this study is IRCT20190823044589N1. The eradication rate of H. pylori was 80% in the control group and 80.9% in the intervention group, which did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P-value=0.971).Conclusion: Adding atorvastatin to 4-drug regimen of PPI, bismuth subcitrate, amoxicillin, and metronidazole as the first line of treatment for H. pylori eradication is ineffective.Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20190823044589N1. Registered 28 December 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://en.irct.ir/trial/41734
Observation of perfect diamagnetism and interfacial effect on the electronic structures in infinite layer Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 superconductors
Authors: Zeng Shengwei , Yin Xinmao , Li C. J. , Tang Chi Sin , Han K. , Huang Z. , Cao Y. , Chow L. E. , Wan D.Y. , Zhang Z. T. , Lim Z. S. , Diao Caozheng , Yang Ping , Wee Andrew , Pennycook Stephen , Ariando A.
Published: June 2021

Nickel-based complex oxides have served as a playground for decades in the quest for a copper-oxide analog of the high-temperature (high-Tc) superconductivity. They may provide key points towards understanding the mechanism and an alternative route for high-Tc superconductors. The recent discovery of superconductivity in the infinite-layer nickelate thin films has fulfilled this pursuit. Thus far, however, material synthesis remains challenging. The demonstration of perfect diamagnetism is still missing, and understanding of the role of the interface and bulk to the superconducting properties is still lacking. Here, we synthesized high-quality Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 thin films with different thicknesses and investigated the interface and strain effects on the electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Perfect diamagnetism is demonstrated, confirming the occurrence of superconductivity in the thin films. Unlike the thick films in which the normal-state Hall coefficient (RH) changes signs as the temperature decreases, the RH of films thinner than 6.1 nm remains negative, suggesting a thickness-driven band structure modification. Moreover, X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals the Ni-O hybridization nature in doped infinite-layer nickelates, and the hybridization is enhanced as the thickness decreases. Consistent with band structure calculations on the nickelate/SrTiO3 heterostructure, the interface and strain effect induce a dominating electron-like band in the ultrathin film, thus causing the sign change of the RH.
Country-Level Factors Dynamics and ABO/Rh Blood Groups Contribution To COVID-19 Mortality
Authors: Monaco Alfonso , Pantaleo Ester , Amoroso Nicola , Bellantuono Loredana , Stella Alessandro , Bellotti Roberto
Published: June 2021

Identifying factors related to COVID-19 mortality is important to deploy effective containment measures and to safeguard categories at risk. In the last months, several investigations have tried to ascertain essential features for predicting the COVID-19 mortality tolls depending on country-specific dynamics and population structure. Most studies focused on the initial outbreak of COVID-19 spanning the first half of 2020. Several variables, including obesity, health system indicators such as hospital bed density, and bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination have been reported as significantly associated to COVID-19 mortality. Here, we examined in different pandemic stages some of the mentioned associations as well as ABO and Rh blood group indicators, which have also been previously linked to COVID-19 severity and fatal outcome. Using a machine learning approach, we found that the “B+” blood group frequency is an important factor at all stages of the pandemic.
Assessment and Validation of the Internal Gross Tumour Volume of Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer During Simultaneous Integrated Boost Radiotherapy
Authors: Shi Jinming , Tang Yuan , Li Ning , Song Yongwen , Wang Shulian , Liu Yueping , Fang Hui , Lu Ningning , Tang Yu , Qi Shunan , Chen Bo , Li Yexiong , Liu Wenyang , Jin Jing
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRespiratory motion may introduce errors during radiotherapy. This study aims to assess and validate internal gross tumour volume (IGTV) margins in different regions in gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumours during simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy.MethodsWe enrolled 10 patients in group A and 9 patients in group B. For all patients, two markers were placed at the upper and lower boundaries of tumour before treatment. In group A, within the simulation and every five fractions of radiotherapy, we used 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) to record the intrafractional displacement of the proximal and distal markers. By fusing the average image of each fraction with the simulation image according to the lumbar vertebra, the interfractional displacement could be obtained. We calculated the IGTV margin in the proximal and distal regions of the GEJ tumour. In group B, by referring to the simulation images and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, the range of tumour displacement in different regions within the GEJ tumour was estimated. We verified the proportion of tumours with marker displacement within the range obtained in group A to estimate the accuracy of the IGTV margin.ResultsThe intrafractional displacement in the cranio-caudal (CC) direction was significantly larger than that in the anterior-posterior (AP) and left-right (LR) directions for both the proximal and distal markers of the tumour. The interfractional displacement in the AP and LR directions was larger than that in the CC direction (p=0.001, p=0.017) according to the distal marker. The IGTV margins for in the LR, AP and CC directions were 9 mm, 8.5 mm and 12.1 mm for proximal marker and 15.8 mm, 12.7 mm and 11.5 mm for distal marker. In group B, the proportions of tumours that fell within the IGTV margin in the LR, AP and CC directions were 96.5%, 91.3% and 96.5% for the proximal marker and 100%, 96.5%, 93.1% for the distal marker.ConclusionsOur study proposed individualized IGTV margins for different regions within GEJ tumours during neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The IGTV margin determined in this study was relatively small and was validated appropriately. It could be a reference in clinical practice.