bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between The Loudness Dependence of The Auditory Evoked Potential and Age in Patients With Schizophrenia and Depression
Authors: Jang Kuk-In , Kim Sungkean , Lee Chany , Chae Jeong-Ho
Published: August 2021

Background

The loudness dependence of the auditory evoked potential (LDAEP) reflects serotonin neurotransmission. Abnormality in serotonergic activity is dominant in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients with SCZ show weak LDAEPs, reflecting high serotonergic activity. Some patients with MDD show high serotonergic activity. Although the changes in serotonin neurotransmission in the aging brain of SCZ and MDD have been observed, the relationship between central serotonergic activity and age remains unclear. The present study compared LDAEP between patients with SCZ and MDD, and healthy controls (HCs). We further examined whether age correlated with LDAEP and clinical symptoms, controlling usage of serotonin-related drugs.
Methods

A total of 105 patients with SCZ and MDD were enrolled (54 patients with SCZ and 51 patients with MDD). Thirty-five HCs were recruited. LDAEP was measured on midline channels (Fz, FCz, Cz, Pz, and Oz) among 62 electroencephalography channels. Positive and negative symptoms were assessed in patients with SCZ while depression and/or anxiety symptoms were evaluated in patients with MDD and HC.
Results

Patients with SCZ and MDD showed smaller mean LDAEP than that of HC group (p < 0.001). Age was positively correlated with LDAEPs in patients with SCZ and MDD.
Conclusion

Decreased serotonergic activity with aged brain could be indicated by LDAEP in patients with SCZ and MDD. Changes in LDAEP according to age would be a compensatory mechanism across progression of disease in SCZ and MDD.
Extending Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention To Five Cycles: A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Acceptability in Mangodara District, Burkina Faso
Authors: TRAORE Adama , DONOVAN Laura , SAWADOGO Benoit , WARD Charlotte , SMITH Helen , RASSI Christian , COUNIHAN Helen , JOHANSSON Johanna , RICHARDSON Sol , SAVADOGO Justin Ragnessi , BAKER Kevin
Published: August 2021

BackgroundSeasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) involves administering antimalarial drugs at monthly intervals during the high malaria transmission period to children aged 3 to 59 months as recommended by the World Health Organization. Typically, a full SMC course is administered over four monthly cycles from July to October, coinciding with the rainy season. However, an analysis of rainfall patterns suggest that the malaria transmission season is now longer and starting as early as June in the south of Burkina Faso, leading to a rise in cases prior to the first cycle. This study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of extending SMC from four to five cycles to coincide with the earlier rainy season in Mangodara health district.MethodsThe mixed-methods study was conducted between July and November 2019. Quantitative data were collected through end-of-cycle and end-of-round household surveys to determine the effect of the additional cycle on the coverage of SMC in Mangodara. The data were then compared with 22 other districts where SMC was implemented by Malaria Consortium. Eight focus group discussions were conducted with caregivers and community distributors and 11 key informant interviews with community, programme and national-level stakeholders. These aimed to determine perceptions of the acceptability and feasibility of extending SMC to five cycles.Results The extension was perceived as acceptable by caregivers, community distributors and stakeholders due to the positive impact on the health of children under five. However, many community distributors expressed concern over the feasibility, mainly due to the clash with farming activities in June. Stakeholders highlighted the need for more evidence on the impact of the additional cycle on parasite resistance prior to scale-up. End-of-cycle survey data showed no difference in coverage between five SMC cycles in Mangodara and four cycles in the 22 comparison districts.Conclusions The additional cycle should begin early in the day in order to not coincide with the agricultural activities of community distributors. Continuous sensitisation at community level is critical for the sustainability of SMC and acceptance of an additional cycle. Further studies are required to understand the effectiveness, including cost-effectiveness, of tailoring SMC according to the rainy season.
Which One Causes More Anxiety: Pandemic or Cancer?
Authors: Sönmez Özlem , Meeuw Evrim Tezcanli Tjon A , Taşçı Elif Şenocak , Kazancı Hande Büşra , Altınok Ayşe , Toklucu Elvan , Taşçı Yusuf , Aydoğdu Çise , Aydın Ayşegül Bakır , Yüce Sabiha , Oyan Başak
Published: August 2021

Introduction :

We conducted a survey among cancer patients undergoing active oncology treatment to evaluate their psychological wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to healthy individuals and whether the COVID-19 anxiety affected treatment adherence.
Material and Methods

402 participants were included in the study; 193 were cancer patients receiving active treatment while 209 were healthy volunteers. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and COVID-19 phobia scale (C19P-S) questionnaires were used.
Results

Patient group had significantly lower CP19-S compared to healthy individuals. Patients’ mean HADS-anxiety score was significantly higher. Mean depression scores were similar between patients and healthy volunteers. There were no treatment deferrals.
Conclusion

Although the pandemic increased levels of anxiety, oncology treatment continued to be a priority for cancer patients.
Effect of Transport Infrastructure Development On Selected Components of The Environment of Inner-City River Valley And The Possibility of Its Revitalization (Lublin, Poland)
Authors: Zubala Tomasz
Published: August 2021

The study covered an urban river valley, strongly transformed due to the transport infrastructure development. The paper evaluates changes in spatial management of the valley section passing through the city centre that occurred during the past two centuries (long and short term phenomena) as well as their effect on selected environmental components. The basic spatial analyses were carried out with the use of specialised software, cartographic materials and photographic and descriptive documentation of the studied area (archival data). The most unfavourable changes in the potential of the valley environment occurred over the past few decades. They are manifested in a considerable deterioration of landscape values as well as the quantity and quality of water resources. Relationship was identified between water quality and intensity of motor vehicle traffic near the river. Despite the progressing urbanisation of the valley, revitalisation procedures can be still carried out and attractive space in the city centre can be created. In order to demonstrate the reasonableness of the presented concept, the paper suggests that urban succession should be incorporated as a term covering time trends and accumulated transformations. It can be helpful in analysing and determining the directions of development in disputable situations.
Factors Affecting Views On Electronic Health Data Sharing：A Survey of Chinese Residents
Authors: He Ying , Li Lun , Wang Weihong
Published: August 2021

Background: China has been promoting electronic health data sharing for years. However, few studies have focused on Chinese residents' views on sharing personal health data or analyzed factors that affect them. This study targets this gap and investigates China's public attitude toward sharing EHRs and the influential factors, including awareness of privacy and security and potential benefits of sharing EHRs. Methods: The survey adopted multi-stage stratified sampling to select residents in Hunan province randomly and received 932 responses. The primary outcome measures were the responses to the 29-item questionnaire evaluating different views on privacy and safety of Electronic Health Record Data Sharing, using a five-point answering scale with the extremes labeled as "poor" and "excellent".Results: Most Chinese residents hold reservations about sharing them. 297（32.18%）were willing to share their healthcare data between institutions; 438(47.45%)supported sharing only for a better healthcare service. The Logistic Regression(αin=0.05,αout=0.10) was used to find out the factors affecting willingness. The results demonstrated that people who hold the following characteristics would be more likely to consent to share EHRs: (1) have EHRs, (2) value potential benefits of sharing EHRs, (3) believe sharing EHRs would improve quality of care, (4)disagree that sharing EHRs would increase the risks of privacy breach, (5)prefer benefits of sharing EHRs than protecting privacy, and (6)work in a healthcare-related position.(likelihood-ratio chi-squared test 274.058 ,P<0.05).Conclusions: The attitude of the Chinese public towards data sharing in electronic health records is influenced by several factors. Our study provides new and solid references for Chinese public opinion on EHRs. Those results may assist related research or benefit public health administration, like formulating policies to improve public acceptance of EHRs and promoting EHRs-based public health services.
Psychosocial Responses To The Outbreak of COVID-19 Infectious Disease Among Health Care Staff in a Referral Hospital in South of Iran
Authors: Esfandiari Atefeh , Kiani Jamileh , Amiri Batool , Sadatboveyr Neda , Daneshi Safieh , Javanmardi Erfan , Darvishi Behnaz , Mahmoodi Marzieh , Beigi Saidee
Published: August 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most stressful situations, worldwide in the twenty first century, and healthcare providers, at the frontline of this crisis, have been exposed to high viral loads through their patients. Therefore, in addition to being at risk of contracting the virus they have also been under mental distress. In this study, we assessed how the healthcare providers in Shohadaye-Khalije-Fars hospital, located in Bushehr, Iran, psychosocially reacted to this outbreak and what were their coping mechanisms. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted between March and July 2020. The population were 177 of the providers and staffs in infectious disease and general medicine wards which were selected via simple random sampling method. The online survey was carried out using GHQ-28 mental health and COPE coping skills questionnaires.Results showed that the mean score of mental health symptoms in female participants (mean=28.65 and standard deviation=12.71) were higher than in male participants (mean=23.97 and standard deviation=10.073), which was statistically significant. Using Chi-square test, there was an outstanding correlation between coping methods and gender. The majority of female participants made use of emotional coping mechanisms (70 out of 113 women) while male participants employed problem-oriented techniques (36 out of 64 men). The results of Pearson’s correlation coefficient test revealed that emotion focused and avoidance oriented coping skills were significantly associated with the incidence of mental health illnesses and presentation of anxiety symptoms.Conclusion: The utilization of emotion-oriented and avoidant–oriented coping skills by the healthcare providers and ward staffs aggravated their anxiety symptoms and increased mental health problems in this population during the COVID-19 pandemic. On that account, offering workshops and trainings in regards with coping skills will improve their ability to understand their emotions, detect signs of anxiety early and learn how to manage them in unpredictable stressful situations.
The endoplasmic reticulum adopts two distinct forms of tubules
Authors: Wang Bowen , Zhao Zhiheng , Xiong Michael , Yan Rui , Xu Ke
Published: August 2021

Being the largest and most expansive organelle in the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) carries diverse key functions from protein and lipid synthesis, protein folding and modification, transport, calcium storage, to organelle interactions1-6. The shaping mechanism of this complex, membrane-bounded organelle is thus of fundamental significance7-21. Using super-resolution microscopy, we uncover the coexistence of two distinct, well-defined forms of ER tubules in the mammalian cell. Whereas an ultrathin form, R1, is consistently covered by the membrane curvature-promoting protein Rtn4, in the second form, R2, Rtn4 curiously appears as two parallel lines at a conserved separation of ~105 nm over long ranges. The two tubule forms together account for ~90% of the total tubule lengths, with either one being dominant in different cell types. The R1-R2 dichotomy and the final tubule geometry are both co-regulated by Rtn4 and the ER sheet-maintaining protein Climp63, which respectively define the edge curvature and lumen height of the R2 tubules to generate a ribbon-like structure of well-defined width. The R1 and R2 tubules undergo active remodeling in the cell as they differently accommodate proteins, with the former effectively excluding ER-luminal proteins and ER-membrane proteins with large intraluminal domains. We thus unveil a dynamic ER-tubule structural dichotomy with intriguing functional implications.
Land Use/ Land Cover Dynamics Study and Prediction In Jaipur City us­ing CA Markov Model Integrated with Road Network
Authors: Mourya Nitesh Kumar , Rafi Sana , Shamoo Saima
Published: August 2021

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) dynamics analysis is critical and should be done regularly. It draws attention to LULC developments that can be addressed before they become unmanageable disasters or circumstances. For the years 2000, 2010, and 2020, LULC change analysis was carried out in Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India. The LULC maps were created using Landsat data through a visual interpretation technique at a scale of 1:50,000. These maps were classified into vegetation, agriculture, built-up areas, barren land, and water bodies. LULC was predicted by extrapolating the current LULC change pattern. Using a Cellular Automata-Markov Chain Model (CA Markov) integrated with road network, the current LULC change trend was extrapolated and utilized to estimate the LULC map for the years 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050. The strategy was validated by estimating LULC change for 2020 and comparing it to the actual LULC map for that year. The urban area contributed to 4. 75% in 2000 of the total area in Jaipur city. The percentage of area under urban class has increased to 9.68% in 2010 and 12.96% in 2020. The prediction based on 2000-2010 and 2010-2020 has shown an unprecedented decadal growth in the built-up area till 2050. The prediction based on the 2000-2010 period has shown a rise of 92.04 % during 2020-2030, 77.13 % during 2030-2040 and, 64.34 % during 2040-2050. The prediction based on the 2010-2020 period has shown a rise of 102.42% during 2020-2030, 73.56% during 2030-2040 and, 54.47 % during 2040-2050. This study is, therefore, calls for policy interventions to manage population and urban growth.
Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Insecticides Used in Cotton on Harmonia Axyridis
Authors: Neto Dyrson O. A. , Gontijo Pablo C. , CARVALHO Geraldo Andrade
Published: August 2021

The agriculture industry seeks to reconcile control tactics for pest management, necessitating studies of lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on natural enemies. The effect of six insecticides with diverse modes of action—ethiprole, etofenprox, lambda-cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole, pymetrozine, and thiamethoxam + chlorantraniliprole—were evaluated after spraying on eggs, third-instar larvae, pupae, and adults of Harmonia axyridis , a generalist predator in cotton crops. Ethiprole was the only one that had no lethal effect on the predator at any stage of its development; however, it caused sublethal effects when applied to eggs (shortening of the larval phase and lower reproduction). Lambda-cyhalothrin caused high predator mortality after exposure at all stages. Due to the high compatibility between the ladybug H. axyridis and ethiprole, this compound is recommended for use in cotton integrated pest management programs. The other insecticides were harmful in lethal or sublethal tests, and further work in semifield and field conditions is required to confirm if they reduce H. axyridis populations.
Identifying Service Gaps Between Patients and Providers in a Native American Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Dorsey Robert , Claudio David , Velazquez Maria A. , Petersen Polly
Published: August 2021

Background: Native American communities in Montana reservations have reported low-level satisfaction in health services. This research explored if the services provided at a Blackfeet Indian Reservation outpatient clinic were designed to meet patient expectations. Methods: Staff and patient interviews and surveys allowed service expectations to be assessed according to the clinic’s ability to meet those expectations. A total of 48 patients and ten staff members (83% of the staff at this clinic) participated in the study voluntarily. Results: We found a disconnect between what patients anticipate for care and what staff think they are anticipating. We also found a discontent between what staff believes patients need versus what the patients feel is needed. Conclusions: These gaps combine to increase the breach between patient expectations and perceptions of their healthcare services. With better insight that captures what patients are looking for from a service, the potential to meet those needs increases and patients feel that their voice is respected and that they are valued.
Guillain-barre Syndrome and Hemophagocytic Syndrome Heralding the Diagnosis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhou Qiaolin , Li Zhaokun , Xu Fang , Liang Xiaogong , Wang Xingbiao , Su Jing , Tang Yufeng
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCentral nervous system (CNS) lesions and peripheral neuropathy are rare among non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients. Usually, lymphoma infiltration or local oppression account for CNS or peripheral nerve lesions. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy was reported to be 5%. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is rarer and may occur in less than 0.3% of NHL patients. Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is another rare complication of NHL. It was reported that 1% of patients with hematological malignancies suffer from HPS. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) combined with GBS has been reported in 10 cases to date. Case presentationHerein, we reported the case of a 53-year-old man, who was initially hospitalized for abnormal feeling in lower limbs and urinary incontinence. He was finally diagnosed as DLBCL combined with GBS and HPS after 16 days, which is earlier than previously reported. Immunoglobulin pulse therapy, dexamethasone and etoposide were immediately administered. The neurological symptoms did not improve obviously, but cytopenia was relieved. However, GBS-related clinical manifestations partially recovered after one cycle of R-CHOP (Rituximab-Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, Prednisone) chemotherapy, and disappeared after six cycles of R-CHOP. Conclusions﻿Literature review indicated that DLBCL patients combined with GBS were usually elderly, more than 80% of patients were male and over 60 years old. GBS could occur before lymphoma is diagnosed or occur after lymphoma is diagnosed or treated. Pathogenesis of GBS remains unclear. Molecular simulation is considered as the main mechanism. For such patients, tumor-related immune activation may be the main pathogenesis, and chemotherapy for lymphoma may be crucial. GBS and HPS heralding the diagnosis of EBV DLBCL is clinically rare. Herein, we reported a rare case and shared our clinical experience. If GBS occurs before lymphoma diagnosis, traditional therapies may be effective. Rapid diagnosis and timely treatment of DLBCL are crucial.
Microrna-342-3p Loaded by Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomes Attenuates Deep Vein Thrombosis by Downregulating EDNRA
Authors: Pan Zhiyu , Chen Qian , Ding Hongjian , Li Huaqing
Published: August 2021

Objectivexosomes (exos) exert biological functions to maintain the dynamic balance of cells and tissues by transferring biological cargo to recipient cells. Thus, this study explored human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs)-derived exo transfer of microRNA (miR)-342-3p in deep vein thrombosis (DVT).MethodsHucMSCs were isolated and transfected with miR-342-3p antagomir/agomir. Then, hucMSCs-exos were extracted and injected into rats with DVT to observe inflammation and pathological damage in thrombotic vein. HucMSCs-exos were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro to observe angiogenesis. miR-342-3p and endothelin A receptor (EDNRA) expression in rats with DVT, as well as their interaction was analyzed.ResultsmiR-342-3p was downregulated and EDNRA was upregulated in rats with DVT. HucMSCs-exos induced the repair of venous thrombosis and suppressed inflammation and pathological injury in rats with DVT, as well as promoted angiogenesis of HUVECs. Upregulated miR-342-3p delivery by hucMSCs-exos alleviated DVT in rats and improved angiogenesis of HUVECs, while downregulated miR-342-3p performed oppositely. miR-342-3p targeted EDNRA, and the effect of hucMSCs-exos transfer of upregulated miR-342-3p was rescued by overexpressing EDNRA.ConclusionBriefly, miR-342-3p loaded by hucMSCs-exos attenuates DVT by downregulating EDNRA, offering a novel direction to treat DVT.
Evidence for a Pleckstrin Homology Domain-containing Proteins as Novel Class of Leaderless Bacteriocins Transporters
Authors: Pérez-Ramos Adrián , Benachour Abdallah , Drider Djamel
Published: August 2021

Bacteriocins biosynthetic pathway is initiated from an inactive precursor, which is composed of an N-terminal leader peptide attached to a C-terminal pro-peptide. However, leaderless bacteriocins (LLB) do not possess this N-terminal leader peptide, nor undergo post-translational modifications. These atypical bacteriocins are observed to be immediately active after their translation in the cytoplasm. However, although considered to be simple, the biosynthetic pathway of LLB remains to be fully understood. Enterocin DD14 (EntDD14) is a two-peptide LLB produced by Enterococcus faecalis 14, a strain isolated from meconium. In silico analysis of DNA encoding EntDD14 located a cluster of 10 genes ddABCDEFGHIJ, where ddE and ddF encode the peculiar DdE and DdF proteins, carrying pleckstrin homology (PH) domains. These modules are quite common in Eucarya proteins and are known to be involved in intracellular signalling or cytoskeleton organization. To elucidate their role within the EntDD14 genetic determinant, we constructed deletion mutants of the 2 corresponding genes. As a result, the ddE or ddF mutants are unable to externalize EntDD14 outside of the cytoplasm, even though there was clear expression of structural genes ddAB encoding EntDD14, and genes ddHIJ encoding an ABC transporter. Importantly, in these mutant strains (DddE and DddF), EntDD14 was detected by mass spectrometry in the intracellular soluble fraction exerting, upon its accumulation, a toxic effect on the producing strain as revealed by cell-counting and confocal microscopy analysis. Taken together, these results clearly indicate that PH domain-containing proteins, like DdE and DdF, are acting as transporters of the leaderless two-peptide EntDD14.
Flood Risk Assessment Using Geographic Information System Techniques: In Guba Lafto District, North Wollo Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.
Authors: Ebabu Dinku , Fufa Fikadu , Boyana Asnake , Sisay Getahun
Published: August 2021

Background

In Ethiopia, flooding has long been recognized as one of the major environmental perils that often develop into a disaster affecting the lives and livelihoods of people for many years. Assessing flood causative factors and identifying flood risk prone areas are very crucial to minimize the harmful consequences of the hazard on the socio-economic conditions of the environment.
Result

The causative factors of flooding were developed and converted into raster formats to make them classification-ready. Finally, weighted overlay analysis is used to generate the flood risk areas. Based on key factors, the district was classified in to five-risk classes namely; very low, low, moderate, high and very high-risk Flooding zones. The major finding of the study prevails that, most areas of the district is at low, moderate and high-risk zones accounts 25.58, 61.41 and 12.81% respectively.
Conclusion

The flood prone area is mainly found in the eastern and southern parts of the study area based on their LULC type, soil characteristics and nearness to rivers. The study demonstrates, a significant area of the district is at a high risk for flooding and hence preliminary measures should be taken with the concerned bodies to reverse the resulting adverse impacts on environment.
Role of Alkaline Constituent On Properties And Microstructure of Crushed Rock Based Alkali-Activated Material For Low Strength Applications
Authors: SUWAN Teewara , Jitsangiam Peerapong , THONGCHUA Hemwadee , RATTANASAK Ubolluk , TANGCHIRAPAT Weerachart , MAICHIN Phattharachai
Published: August 2021

A more sustainable and innovative cementitious material would serve green construction for the future and could yield tremendous leverage to the problem of CO2 emissions. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) could be an alternative binder for relatively low strength construction and rehabilitation as a cement replacement material. The lower strength requirements, e.g., road construction materials, compared to other applications could ease any difficulties with AAM production. For this study, crushed rock (CR) was used as the prime material of a precursor. A laboratory investigation of mechanical properties was performed in conjunction with XRF, XRD, and SEM techniques. The results showed that CR-based AAM with an optimum mixture of 5 M of NaOH concentration, an SS/SH ratio of 1.0, and a liquid-to-binder (L/B) ratio of 0.5 could be used a part of relatively low strength materials. At this ratio, the paste samples cured at room temperature (25 ⁰C) had an early compressive strength of 3.82 MPa, and the paste samples cured at 60 ⁰C had an early compressive strength of 6.45 MPa. The results passed the target compressive strength of cementitious construction materials such as construction block (3.0 MPa–7.0 MPa) and cement-treated base (CTB) for pavement (2.1 MPa–5.5 MPa).
Introduction of Day Case Hip and Knee Replacement Programme at an Inpatient Ward is Safe and May Expedite Shortening of Hospital Stays of Traditional Arthroplasties
Authors: Lovasz Gyorgy , Aros Attila , Toth Ferenc , Faye John Va , Malfa Marco La
Published: August 2021

Purpose: We investigated the safety of primary hip and knee replacements with same day discharge (SDD) and their effect on length of stay (LOS) of traditional inpatient arthroplasties at our elective orthopaedic ward.Methods: 200 patients underwent elective, unilateral primary day case total hip (THA, n=94), total knee (TKA, n=60) and unicondylar knee replacements (UKA, n=46). SDD rates, reasons for failure to discharge, readmission, complication and satisfaction rates were recorded at 6-week follow up. Changes in LOS of inpatient arthroplasties (n=6518) and rate of patients discharged with only one night stay treated at the same ward were tracked from 1 year prior to introduction of day case arthroplasty (DCA) program to the end of observation period.Results: 166 patients (83%) had SDD while 34 (17%) needed overnight stay. Main reasons for failure to discharge were lack of confidence (4%) fainting due to single vasovagal episode (3.5 %), urine retention (3 %) and late resolution of spinal anaesthesia (3%). 5 patients (3%) had readmission within 6 weeks, including 1 (0.6%) with a partial and treated pulmonary embolism. 163 patients were satisfied with SDD (98%). After launching the DCA program, average LOS of inpatients was reduced from 2.3 days to 1.8 days and rate of discharge with only 1-night stay increased from 12% to around 60%. Conclusion: Introduction of routine SDD hip and knee arthroplasty programme at an elective orthopaedic centre is safe and also may confer wider benefits leading to shorter inpatient hospital stays.
Variability In Non-HDL-C and Lp(a) Affect The Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio In Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Zhang Sisi , Li Duanbin , Xie Daqi , Xu Tian , Hu Wenyi , Lin Maoning , Li Ya , Zhang Wenbin , Chen Zhaoyang
Published: August 2021

Objective: To evaluate the influence of the variability of Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) and Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) on the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) during the follow-up period in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after elective coronary intervention.Methods: A total of 3320 consecutive patients with CHD after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a multi-center from January 2010 to January 2019 were enrolled. The baseline demographic data were Analyzed, and the NLR levels in tertile groups according to the baseline Lp(a) and non-HDL-C levels were compared. Linear regression is used to analyze the association of the variation rate of Lp(a) and non-HDL-C with NLR; and subgroup analysis of the relevant factors were found. All verifications are verified by SD, CV, and VIM triple methods.Results: The NLR is significantly different among tertile Lp(a) variation groups in SD, CV and VIM methods, which is consistent in non-HDL-C variation rate except SD method. Multiple linear regression indicated that Lp(a) variability, age, gender, BMI, hypertension, eGFR were related to NLR, which was verified in age, gender, hypertension and non-diabetic subgroups. Non-HDL-C variability, age, gender, BMI, eGFR, statins, follow-up HDL-C and non-HDL-C were also related to NLR, and established in the above subgroups.Conclusion: The variation rate of Lp(a) and non-HDL-C are independent positive predictors of NLR after elective PCI.
Multiple Walker Breakdowns in Magnetic Multilayers
Authors: Moon Joon , Yoon Jaesung , Kim Kitae , Lee Seong-Hyub , Kim Dae-Yun , Choe Sug-Bong
Published: August 2021

Herein, we report an exotic domain-wall dynamics showing double Walker breakdowns in magnetic multilayer films composed of two magnetic layers. Such multiple Walker breakdowns are attributed to the internal magnetic dipole field, which is antisymmetric on the domain walls of the lower and upper magnetic layers. A micromagnetic simulation shows four phases of the domain-wall dynamics, which result in a phase diagram with the phase boundaries of the double Walker breakdown fields. Such double Walker breakdowns lead to two minima in the variation of the domain-wall velocity, as often observed experimentally.
Prediction Model for Potential Depression using Sex and Age-reflected qEEG Biomarkers.
Authors: Kim Taehyoung , Park Ukeob , Kang Seung Wan
Published: August 2021

Depression is the mental disorder that prevalent in modern society, causing many people to suffer or even commit suicide. Psychiatrists and psychologists typically diagnose depression using representative tests such as the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) in conjunction with patient consultations. Traditional tests, however, are time consuming, can be trained on patients, and entail a lot of clinician subjectivity. In the present study, we trained the machine learning models using sex and age-reflected z-score values of QEEG indicators based on data from Data Center for Korean EEG with 116 potential depression subjects and 80 healthy controls. The classification model distinguished potential depression groups and normal groups with a test accuracy of up to 92.31% and a 10-fold cross validation loss of 0.13. This performance proposes a model with z-score QEEG metrics considering sex and age as an objective and a reliable method for detecting potential depression.
Comparing The Models SARIMA, ANFIS And ANFIS-DE In Forecasting Monthly Evapotranspiration Rates Under Heterogeneous Climatic Conditions
Authors: Aghelpour Pouya , Varshavian Vahid , Hamedi Zahra
Published: August 2021

Reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) is one of the most important hydro-climatological components which directly affects agricultural productions, and its forecasting is critical for water managers and irrigation planners. In this study, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model has been hybridized by differential evolution (DE) optimization algorithm as a novel approach to forecast monthly ET0. Furthermore, this model has been compared with the classic stochastic time series model. For this, the ET0 rates were calculated on monthly scale during 1995-2018, based on FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation and meteorological data including: minimum air temperature, maximum air temperature, mean air temperature, minimum relative humidity, maximum relative humidity & sunshine duration. The investigation was performed on 6 stations in different climates of Iran, including: Bandar Anzali & Ramsar (per-humid), Gharakhil (sub-humid), Shiraz (semi-arid), Ahwaz (arid) and Yazd (extra-arid). The models’ performances were evaluated by the criteria percent bias (PB), root mean squared error (RMSE), normalized RMSE (NRMSE) and Nash-Sutcliff (NS) coefficient. Surveys confirm the high capability of the hybrid ANFIS-DE model in monthly ET0 forecasting; so that the DE algorithm was able to improve the accuracy of ANFIS, by 16% on average. Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) was the most suitable pattern among the time series stochastic models, and superior compared to its other competitors. Consequently, due to the simplicity and parsimony, the SARIMA was suggested more appropriate for monthly ET0 forecasting in all the climates. Comparison between the different climates confirmed that the climate type significantly affects the forecasting accuracies: it’s revealed that all the models work better in extra-arid, arid and semi-arid climates, than the humid and per-humid areas.
Photoprotective Effects of Sargassum Thunbergii on Ultraviolet B-Induced Mouse L929 Fibroblasts and Zebrafish
Authors: Chen Bei , Chen Honghong , Qu Haidong , Qiao Kun , Xu Min , Wu Jingna , Su Yongchang , Shi Yan , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Qin
Published: August 2021

Background: Chronic exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) causes a series of adverse skin reactions, such as erythema, sunburn, photoaging, and cancer, by altering signaling pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Marine algae have abundant amounts and varieties of bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the photoprotective effects of an ethanol extract of Sargassum thunbergii.Methods: Sargassum thunbergii phenolic-rich extract (STPE) was prepared, and its activity against UVB damage was evaluated using L929 fibroblast cells and zebrafish. STPE was extracted and purified by 40% ethanol and macroporous resin XDA-7. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were analyzed. The effect of STPE on UVB-induced inflammation was determined by inflammatory cytokine gene and protein expression. The expression of signaling molecules in the Nuclear Factor KappaB (NF-κB) pathway was determined by western blotting. DNA condensation was analyzed and visualized by Hoechst 33342 staining. In vivo evaluation was performed by tail fin area and ROS measurement using the zebrafish model. Results: The total polyphenol content of STPE was 72%. STPE reduced ROS content in L929 cells, improved SOD and CAT activities, and significantly reduced MDA content, thereby effectively alleviating UVB radiation-induced oxidative damage. STPE inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1α. STPE reversed DNA condensation at concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/mL compared with the UVB control. Moreover, STPE inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway activation and alleviated DNA agglutination in L929 cells after UVB irradiation. Additionally, 1.67 μg/mL STPE significantly increased the tail fin area in zebrafish, and 0.8–1.6 μg/mL STPE effectively eliminated excessive ROS after UVB radiation. Conclusions: STPE inhibited UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine expression, and DNA condensation via downregulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting that it prevents UVB-induced cell damage and photoaging, and has potential for clinical development for skin disease treatment.
Longitudinal Observational Study of the Effect of Social Isolation on Quality of Life in a Vulnerable Population.
Authors: Silva Andreia Gonçalves Rossi da Silva , Lorena Fernanda Beraldo , Rocha Marina Monzani da , Ribeiro Miriam Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Background: The goal of the present study was to assess the impact of measures imposed by the government due to the pandemic of COVID-19 to guarantee social isolation in the quality of life of people in a situation of social vulnerability. Methods: To this end, we interviewed 63 adults, aged 18 to 59 years, living in a low financial income, 30 days before and 90 days after the start of social isolation and restrictions imposed by the government, using the WHOQOL-bref. Results: All domains of the WHOQOL-bref were negatively affected showing a worsening of the quality of life in the individual evaluated. Conclusion: The results suggest that the isolation period imposed by the pandemic COVID-19 led to a significant reduction in the indicators of quality of life of the population living in a social vulnerability situation.
A Visual Fingerprint Update Algorithm Based On Crowdsourced Localization And Deep Learning For Smart IoV
Authors: Yin Xiliang , Ma Lin , Sun Ping
Published: August 2021

Recently, the deep learning and vision-based technologies has shown their great significance for the prospective development of smart Internet of Vehicle (IoV). When the smart vehicle enters the indoor parking of a shopping mall, the vision-based localization technology can provide reliable parking service. As known, the vision-based technique relies on a visual map without a change in the position of the reference object. Although, some researchers have proposed a few automatic visual fingerprinting (AVF) methods, which are aiming at reducing the cost of building the visual map database. However, the AVF method still costs too much under such situation, since it is impossible to determine the specific location of the displaced object. In view of the smart IoV and the development of deep learning approach, we propose a crowdsourcing and deep learning based algorithm for solving the problem in this paper. Firstly, we propose a Region-based Fully Convolutional Network (R-FCN) based method with the feedback of crowdsourced images to locate the specific displaced object in the visual map database. Secondly, we propose a method based on quadratic programming (QP) for solving the translation vector of the displaced objects, which finally solves the problem of updating the visual map database. The simulation results show that our method can provide a higher detection sensitivity and correction accuracy as well as the relocation results. It means that our proposed algorithm outperforms the compared one, which is verified by both synthetic and real data simulation.
Isolation, characterization, anticancer and antioxidant activities of 2-methoxy mucic acid from Rhizophora apiculata: An in vitro and in silico studies
Authors: Parthiban A. , V Sachithanandam , Lalitha P. , Muthukumaran Jayaraman , Jain Monika , Misra Ranjita , Sri R. , Purvaja Ramachandran , Ramesh Ramachandran
Published: August 2021

In this present study, the sugar based bioactive molecule, 2-methoxy mucic acid ( 4) was isolated for the first time from the methanolic extract from the leaves of Rhizophora apiculata . The structure of compound was well characterized by different spectroscopic analysis, including FT-IR, 1 H, 13 C NMR spectroscopy and HRMS. Anticancer activity of 2-methoxy mucic acid ( 4 ) was evaluated against HeLa and MDA-MB231 cancer cell lines and they displayed promising activity with the IC 50 values of 22.88283±0.72 µg/ml in HeLa and 2.91925±0.52 µg/ml in case of MDA-MB231, respectively. The antioxidant property of 2-methoxy mucic acid ( 4 ) was found to be (IC 50 ) 21.361±0.41 µg/ml. Apart from in vitro studies, we also performed extensive in silico studies (molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation) on four key anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members (Bcl-2, Bcl-w, Bcl-xL and Bcl-B) towards 2-methoxy mucic acid ( 4) and the results revealed that this molecule showed higher binding affinity towards Bcl-B protein ( ΔG = -5.8 kcal/mol) and the structural stability of Bcl-B protein was significantly improved upon binding of this molecule. The present study affords key insights about the importance of 2-methoxy mucic acid ( 4 ), and thus leads to open the therapeutic route for anticancer drug discovery process.
TRP channel expression correlates with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and high-risk endometrial carcinoma.
Authors: Eynde Charlotte Van den , De Clercq Katrien , Bree Rieta Van , Annibali Daniela , Amant Frédéric , Han Sileny , Nieuwenhuysen Els Van , Baert Thaïs , Peeraer Karen , Voets Thomas , Gorp Toon Van , Vriens Joris
Published: August 2021

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels excel in cellular sensing as they allow rapid ion influx across the plasma membrane in response to a variety of extracellular cues. Recently, a distinct TRP expression signature was observed in stromal cells (ESC) and epithelial cells (EEC) of the endometrium, a tissue in which cell phenotypic plasticity is essential for normal functioning. However, it is unknown whether TRP channel expression is subject to the phenotypic switching that occurs during epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), and whether TRP channel expression is associated with aggressive phenotypes in endometrial cancer (EC). Here, we induced EMT and MET in vitro using in primary EEC and ESC, respectively, and analyzed expression and functionality of TRP channels using RT-qPCR and intracellular Ca2+ imaging. The outcome of these experiments showed a strong association between TRPV2 and TRPC1 expression and the mesenchymal phenotype, whereas TRPM4 expression correlated with the epithelial phenotype. In line herewith, increased TRPV2 and TRPC1 expression levels were observed in both primary and metastatic EC biopsies and in primary EC cells with a high EMT status, indicating an association with an aggressive tumor phenotype. Remarkably, TRPV2 expression in primary EC biopsies was associated with tumor invasiveness and cancer stage. In contrast, increased TRPM4 expression was observed in EC biopsies with a low EMT status and less aggressive tumor phenotypes. Taken together, this dataset demonstrated for the first time that TRP channel expression is strongly linked to cellular phenotypes of the endometrium, and that phenotypic transitions caused by either experimental manipulation or malignancy could alter this expression in a predictable manner. These results implicate that TRP channels are viable biomarkers to identify high-risk EC, and potential targets for EC treatment.
The Value of Dual-Source CT in the Diagnosis of Anomalous Origin of Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Feng Yusen , Ma Pengcheng , Wang Lijuan , Sun Guifang , Liu Bin , Wang Liqiong , Li Jing , Dong Xuemin , Liu Hui
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study is designed to explore the dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) imaging manifestations of the origin of three rare pulmonary artery abnormalities, and to improve the understanding and diagnosis of the disease.Methods: Collected 30 cases of patients diagnosed by DSCT with pulmonary artery abnormal origins, and retrospectively analyzed their imaging data and postoperative pathological data.Results: Among the 30 patients with abnormal pulmonary artery origin, 16 patients were with unilateral pulmonary artery absence (UAPA), 8 patients were with anomalous origin of unilateral pulmonary artery (AOPA), and 6 patients were left pulmonary artery suspension (LPAS). The diagnosis rate of DSCT is significantly higher than that of echocardiography. The results of DSCT imaging showed that the inner diameter of the ascending aorta, the aortic arch and the descending aorta of UAPA patients were significantly larger than those of LPAS patients (P<0.05). Compared with AOPA patients, the left pulmonary artery diameter, the ratio of the left main pulmonary artery diameter to the main pulmonary artery diameter, and ratio of the left main pulmonary artery diameter to the right main pulmonary artery diameter were significantly increased in UAPA patients (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the ratio of the inner diameter of the ascending aorta to the descending aorta in patients with UAPA, AOPA and LPAS. Compared with UAPA patients, AOPA patients had no significant changes in the inner diameter of the main pulmonary artery, the inner diameter of the right main pulmonary artery, and the ratio of the inner diameter of the right main pulmonary artery to the main pulmonary artery.Conclusion: DSCT can be used to diagnose the origin of pulmonary artery abnormalities and distinguish its types.
Gamma-glutamyl Transferase Levels are Associated with the Occurrence of Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Li Siqi , Liao Xiaoling , Pan Yuesong , Xiang Xianglong , Zhang Yumei
Published: August 2021

Background: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) can maintain the physiological concentration of glutathione in cells, and protect them from oxidative stress-induced damage. However, its role in post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains unknown. Here, we explored the impact of serum biomarker-GGT on PSCI. Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study. 1, 957 participants who suffered a stroke and measured baseline GGT were enrolled from the Impairment of Cognition and Sleep (ICONS) study of the China National Stroke Registry-3 (CNSR-3). They were categorized into four groups according to the quartiles of baseline GGT levels. Cognitive function was assessed by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) approach. The multiple logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the relationship between GGT and PSCI at 3 months follow-up.Results: Among 1,957 participants, 671 (34.29%) patients suffered PSCI at 3 months follow-up. The highest GGT level quartile group exhibited a lower risk of PSCI in the fully adjusted model [OR (95% CI): 0.69 (0.50-0.96)], relative to the lowest group. Moreover, incorporation of GGT to the conventional model resulted in a slight improvement in PSCI outcomes after 3 months (NRI: 12.00%; IDI: 0.30%).Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that serum GGT level was inversely associated with the risk of PSCI, with extremely low levels acting as a risk factor for PSCI.