bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Ferroptosis-related Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction in Patients with Bladder cancer
Authors: Wu Liyuan , Yang Feiya , Xing Nianzeng
Published: April 2021

Background Bladder cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous disease, which makes the prognostic prediction challenging. Ferroptosis is related to a variety of biological pathways, including those involved in the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and iron. However, the prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes in BC remains to be further elucidated. Methods In this study, the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of BC patients were downloaded from public databases. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model was utilized to construct a multigene signature and validated it. Results Our results showed 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were correlated with overall survival (OS) in the univariate Cox regression analysis (all adjusted P< 0.05). A 9-gene signature was constructed to stratify patients into two risk groups. Patients in the high-risk group showed significantly reduced OS compared with patients in the low-risk group (P < 0.001). The risk score was an independent predictor for OS in multivariate Cox regression analyses (HR> 1, P< 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the signature's predictive capacity. Functional analysis revealed that immune-related pathways were enriched, and immune status were different between two risk groups, especially in humoral immune response process. Conclusion In conclusion, a novel ferroptosis-related gene signature can be used for prognostic prediction in BC. Targeting ferroptosis may be a therapeutic alternative for BC.
Effect of Health Education via Mobile Application in Promoting Quality of Life Among Asthmatic Schoolchildren in Urban Malaysia During the COVID-19 Era: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Raimi Abdulaziz Mansoor Al , Chong Mei Chan , Tang Li Yoong , Chua Yan Piaw , Ajeel Latifa Yahya Al
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma among children is a common chronic disease which may have impact on quality of life. Health education is one of the strategy to improve knowledge and quality of life.OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the effect of health education via mobile application (app) in promoting quality of life among schoolchildren with asthma in urban Malaysia during the COVID-19 era. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-intervention design was used in this study involving a total of 214 students, randomly assigned into two groups (intervention group and control group). The control group received face-to-face health education while the experimental group received health education via a mobile application.RESULTS: The findings showed that the total score of quality of life (QoL) has improved from a mean total score at pre-intervention (5.31±1.27) to post-intervention (5.66±1.28) for the control group, compared with the experimental group with a mean total score of QoL at pre-intervention (5.01±1.36) and post-intervention (5.85±1.29). A comparison between the experimental and control groups using an independent t-test showed statistically significant differences in their mean QoL scores. The effect of health education via mobile application showed a statistically significant improvement in the mean QoL score from pre- to post-intervention [F (1,288) = 57.46, p = <0.01].CONCLUSION: The use of mobile technology in health education improved QoL as compared to the traditional methods of face-to-face lecture and/or handbooks among schoolchildren with asthma. Thus, educational modules using mobile applications do improve QoL.
Analysis of Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Sloshing in a Rectangular Tank by Using a Concentrated Mass Model
Authors: Yoshitake Tatsuhiro , Ishikawa Satoshi , Kondou Takahiro
Published: April 2021

Major problems can occur when liquid sloshes in a tank, such as occurs in liquid storage tanks during an earthquake, and this is an important engineering problem to address. To analyze this phenomenon, semi-analytical methods such as the perturbation method, the multimodal method, and the finiteelement method are generally used. However, semi-analytical methods involve quite complicated equations, and the finite-element method involves many degrees of freedom when the tank is large. In this paper, a nonlinear numerical model with relatively few degrees of freedom is established for vertical and horizontal two-dimensional nonlinear sloshing in a rectangular tank excited horizontally. The model comprises concentrated masses of liquid connected by nonlinear springs and dampers. The connecting springs have characteristics based on the static and dynamic pressures of the liquid. In addition, a method is proposed for reducing the number of degrees of freedom in the two-dimensional model. The natural frequencies, modes, and frequency responses are then compared among the concentrated-mass model, theoretical calculations, and experimental results. Good agreement was achieved among them, thus demonstrating the validity of the model.
Intense Browsing by Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon) Drives the Genectic Differentiation of Hairy Nettle (Urtica Thunbergiana) Populations
Authors: Kohyama Tetsuo I. , Yoshida Mei , Kimura Masahito T. , Sato Hiroaki
Published: April 2021

Many studies have inferred the way in which natural selection, genetic drift and gene flow shape the population genetic structures, but very few have quantified the population differentiation under spatially and temporally varying levels of selection pressure, population fluctuation and gene flow. In Nara Park (6.6 km2; NP), central Japan, where several hundred sika deer (Cervus nippon) have been protected for more than 1,200 years, heavily- or moderately-haired nettle (Uritica thunbergiana) populations have evolved probably in response to intense deer browsing. Here, we analysed the genetic structure of two populations from NP and five from surrounding areas using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. A total of 546 marker loci were genotyped from 210 individuals. A Bayesian method estimated 5.5% of these loci to be outliers, which are putatively under natural selection. Neighbour-joining, Bayesian clustering and principal coordinates analyses using all-loci, non-outlier loci and outlier loci datasets showed that the two populations from NP formed a cluster distinct from the surroundings. These results indicate the genome-wide differentiation of the populations from NP and the surroundings. Moreover, these imply that: (1) gene flow is limited between these populations and thus genetic drift is a major factor causing the differentiation; and (2) natural selection imposed by intense deer browsing has contributed to some extent to the differentiation. In conclusion, sika deer seems to have counteracted genetic drift to drive the genetic differentiation of hairy nettles in NP. This study suggests that a single herbivore species could lead genetic differentiation among plant populations.
Study On The Performance Of Carbonate-Mineralized Bacteria Combined With Eggshell For Immobilizing Pb and Cd in Water And Soil
Authors: Wei Ting , Yashir Noman , An Fengqiu , Imtiaz Syed Asad , Li Xian , Li Hong
Published: April 2021

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an advanced bioremediation approach to remediate heavy metals (HMs) contaminated water and soil. In this study, metal tolerant urease-producing bacterial isolates, namely UR1, UR16, UR20 and UR21, were selected based on their urease activity. The efficiency of these isolates in water for Pb and Cd immobilization was explored. Our results revealed that UR21 had the highest removal rates of Pb (81.9%) and Cd (65.0%) in solution within 72 h through MICP. The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray and x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the structure and the existence of PbCO3 and CdCO3 crystals in the precipitates. In addition, the strain UR21, in combination with urea/eggshell waste (EGS) or both, was further employed to investigate the effect of MICP on soil enzymatic activity, chemical fractions and bioavailability of Pb and Cd. The outcomes indicated that the applied treatments reduced the proportion of soluble-exchangeable Pb and Cd, resulted an increment in carbonated bound Pb and Cd in the soil. The DTPA extractable Pb and Cd was reduced by 29.2% and 25.2% with the treatment of UR21 + urea + EGS as compared to the control. Besides, the application of UR21 and EGS significantly increased the soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and enzyme activities. Our findings may provide a novel perceptive for an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to remediate heavy metal contaminated environment through a combination of metal-resistant ureolytic bacterial strain and EGS.
Chronic Fluoxetine Enhances Extinction Therapy for PTSD by Evaluating Brain Glucose Metabolism in Rats: An [18F]FDG PET Study
Authors: Liu Jing , Yu Jun , Liu Hong Biao , Yao Qiong , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2021

Recent studies suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and exposure therapies have been used to reduced footshock-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, the therapeutic effect of the combination of SSRIs treatment with exposure therapy remains a matter of debate.This study aimed to evaluate these therapeutic effect through the behavioral and the neuroimaging changes by positron emission tomography (PET) in model rats. We adopted a Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm to establish model rats, and serial [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging was performed to investigate the neurofunctional changes before and after the therapies (chronic fluoxetine and/or extinction). Behavioral tests indicated combined therapy group performanced lower freezing (%) than the two other groups.Compared with the baseline, fear conditioning increased 18F-FDG uptake in the right amygdala but decreased uptake in the left primary somatosensory cortex. After extinction retrieval, there was increased [18F]FDG uptake in the left striatum but decreased uptake in the anterior cingulate cortex in the extinction group. Fluoxetine increased [18F]FDG uptake in the left hippocampus but decreased uptake in the cuneiform nucleus. The combined therapy increased [18F]FDG uptake in the left hippocampus, left striatum, right insular cortex but reduced uptake in the cerebellar lobule. c-Fos expression was significantly higher in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex in the fluoxetine and combined groups than that in the extinction group, with no significant difference between the two groups. Taken together, chronic fluoxetine enhanced the effects of extinction training in a rat model of PTSD. In vivo PET imaging may provide a promising approach for evaluation chronic fluoxetine treatment of PTSD.
River Branch Inspired Janus Textile with Moisture Wicking and UV Resistant Properties
Authors: Zhang Jinju , Sun Juanjuan , Yin Yunjie , Wang Chaoxia
Published: April 2021

Discontinuous hydrophobic/hydrophilic Janus fabric resembling river branches is prepared by nano-ZnO pretreatment and screen printing for directional water transport and thermal conductivity properties. A river branch-like structure is constructed dexterously, and the effect is quantitatively adjusted by accurately regulating the gap width of hexagon water-transfer-channel. Fabrics based on these rivers branch-like hexagon structure possess enhanced moisture wicking performance, a desired water transport index of 147.26%, which are over seven times higher than conventional cotton fabrics. Meanwhile, nano-ZnO treatment improves the thermal conductivity of cotton fabric, which accelerates the evaporation of sweat on the surface of cotton fabric. Moreover, nano-ZnO cotton fabric shows an outstanding UV resistant property with 145 UPF value. The novel discontinuous hydrophobic/hydrophilic Janus fabric could provide a new strategy for the development of moisture management textiles.
Quality Of Referral, Admission Status And Outcome Of Neonates Referred To Pediatric Emergency Of A Tertiary Care Institution In North India
Authors: Mishra Neeraj , Saini Shiv Sajan , Muralidharan Jayashree , Kumar Praveen
Published: April 2021

Background: We evaluated quality of referral, admission status and outcome of neonates.Methods: We enrolled newborns admitted between March 2016 and October 2016, excluding neonates referred from outpatient department. Information was collected from referral slips, interviewing accompanying persons and observation.Results: 61% were referred from government hospitals with “Sick Newborn Care Units” contributing to maximum. Main mode of transport was ambulance in 80% and referral notes were available in the majority but incomplete in majority. Sepsis (39%), jaundice (16%) and birth asphyxia (13%) were most common diagnoses. Half of the newborns were hemodynamically unstable. 27% had poor circulation, 15% were hypoxic, 9% hypoglycemic and 8% hypothermic. 22% either died or “Left Against Medical Advice” with a high probability of death.Conclusion: National ambulance service is utilized for transporting newborns. However, there are quality gaps which need attention to develop it into efficient referral system.
Bisphenol A Acts As Developmental Agonist in Culex Quinquefasciatus Say
Authors: Gayathri Ayana , DA Evans
Published: April 2021

Plastic – derived Bisphenol A (BPA) contaminated sewages in Trivandrum, Kerala, India are mosquito breeding sites. After summer rain, BPA in the stagnant water samples ranged between 0.86 and 1.14ppm. 1.0 ppm BPA is considered as environmentally relevant concentration. Present study revealed that BPA is a developmental agonist of Culex quinquefasciatus. Embryonic and larval development are shortened by BPA but pupal development is unaffected. Under the atmospheric temperature of 26 to 310C lifecycle was completed within 312 hours but during summer it was completed within 278 hours, meanwhile atmospheric temperature ranged between 30 and 370C. Reduction in the duration of development due to BPA was 50 to 70 hours during summer and 60 to 80 hours in other seasons. Larval – pupal stadium of the mosquito has three surges of 20-hydroxy ecdysone(20-HE), at 24,32 and 48th hour of the 4th instar. BPA resulted dose-dependent advancement of 20-HE peaks, Phospholipase A2 induction and expression of Ecdysone receptor EcRA and Ecdysone inducible gene E75A, which culminated in early pupation. Adults emerging from 1.0 ppm BPA treatment did not show significant difference in sanguivory and fecundity compared to control but pupae developed in 2 and 4 ppm BPA were significantly small.
Potentiation of Resistance to Penicillium Spp. In Valencia Sweet Orange Through Use of Salicylic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Khangura Ravjit , Singh Zora , Rauf Saeed
Published: April 2021

Citrus green and blue moulds cause postharvest losses worldwide. Therefore, the potential of preharvest foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl Jasmonate (MeJ) was investigated to control infection of Penicillium spp. An aqueous solution containing different concentrations of SA (3, 6, 9 mM) or MeJ (3, 4, 5 mM) and ‘Tween 80’ (0.05%) as a surfactant were sprayed onto whole trees seven days before harvest. Among the treatments, the pre-harvest spray of SA (9 mM or MeJ 5 mM) showed good efficacy reducing colony growth, wound rotting (rotting of peel around the wound and spore mass density of Penicillium spp. when compared with control. A pre-harvest spray of SA (9 mM) reduced colony growth by 71.02% and 68.69% on fruit inoculated with P. digitatum and P. italicum, respectively. The activity of fruit softening enzymes markedly increased following fungal infection. The decay in the fruit was found to be associated with the upregulation of activities of exopolygalacturonase (exo-PG), endopolygalacturonase (endo-PG) and Endo-1,4-ß-D-glucanase (e-gase). However, in un-inoculated fruit, negligible enzyme activity was observed. Contrarily the SA-treated fruit showed less activity of exo-PG, endo-PG and e-gase enzymes. These findings clued to develop natural control of Penicillium spp through use of organic elicitors in sweet orange fruit.
Nodal superconductivity and superconducting domes in the topological Kagome metal CsV3Sb5
Authors: Li Shiyan , Zhao ChengCheng , Wang Linshu , Xia Wei , Yin Qiangwei , Ni Jiamin , Huang Yeyu , Tu Chengpeng , Tao Zicheng , Tu Zhijun , Gong Chunsheng , Lei Hechang , Guo Yanfeng , Yang Xiaofan
Published: April 2021

Recently superconductivity was discovered in the Kagome metal AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, and Cs), which has an ideal Kagome lattice of vanadium1-4. These V-based superconductors also host charge density wave (CDW)5 and topological nontrivial band structure2,6, thus provide a great platform to study the interplay of superconductivity, CDW, frustration, and topology. Here we report the ultralow-temperature thermal conductivity and high pressure resistance measurements on CsV3Sb5 with Tc ≈ 2.5 K, the highest among AV3Sb5. A finite residual linear term of thermal conductivity at zero magnetic field and its rapid increase in fields suggest nodal superconductivity. By applying pressure, the Tc of CsV3Sb5 increases first, then decreases to lower than 0.3 K at 11.4 GPa, demonstrating a clear first superconducting dome peaked around 0.8 GPa. Above 11.4 GPa, superconductivity re-emerges, showing a second superconducting dome. Both nodal superconductivity and superconducting domes point to unconventional superconductivity in this V-based superconductor. While our finding of nodal superconductivity puts a strong constrain on the pairing state of the first dome, which should be related to the CDW instability, the superconductivity of the second dome may present another exotic pairing state in this ideal Kagome lattice of vanadium.
Antithrombotic Drugs Have A Minimal Effect on Intraoperative Blood Loss During Emergency Surgery for Generalized Peritonitis: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study In Japan
Authors: Matsuoka Tadashi , Ichihara Nao , Shinozaki Hiroharu , Kobayashi Kenji , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Kimura Toshimoto , Kitagawa Yuko , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Miyata Hiroaki , Sasaki Junichi
Published: April 2021

Background:The effect of antithrombotic drugs on intraoperative operative blood loss volume in patients undergoing emergency surgery for generalized peritonitis is not well defined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether antithrombotic drugs affect intraoperative blood loss in generalized peritonitis using a nationwide surgical registry in Japan.Method:This retrospective cohort study used a nationwide surgical registry data from 2011 to 2017 in Japan. Propensity score matching for the use of antithrombotic drugs was used for the adjustment of age, gender, comorbidities, frailty, preoperative patient’s state, types of surgery, surgical approach, laboratory data, and others. The main outcome was intraoperative blood loss: comparison of intraoperative blood loss; adjusted ratio of intraoperative blood loss after adjustment for confounding factors; variable importance of all covariates.Results: A total of 70,105 of the eligible 75,666 patients were included in this study, and 2,947 patients were taking antithrombotic drugs. Propensity score matching yielded 2,864 well-balanced pairs. There was a statistically difference in the blood loss. (antithrombotic drugs vs control: 100 [10-349] vs 70 [10-299] ml, p<0.01). After adjustment for confounding factors, the use of antithrombotic drugs was related to a 1.30-fold increase in intraoperative blood loss compared to non-use of antithrombotic drugs (95% CI, 1.16 – 1.45). The variable importance revealed that the effect of the use of antithrombotic drugs was minimal compared with surgical approach or type of surgery.Conclusion:This study shows that while taking antithrombotic drugs is associated with a slight increase in intraoperative blood loss in emergency surgery for generalized peritonitis, the difference is negligible and not clinically significant.
Variations of Bacterial and Archaeal Community Structure and Diversity Along Soil Profiles in a Peatland in Southwest China
Authors: Li Wei , Luo Mingmo , Shi Rui , Feng Defeng , Yang Zhenan , Chen Huai , Hu Bin
Published: April 2021

As bacteria and archaea are key components in the ecosystem, their alterations along soil profiles are important in understanding the biogeochemical cycles in peatland. However, little is known about the vertical distribution patterns of bacteria and archaea along the Bitahai peatland, as well as their relationship to soil chemical properties. Here, sequencing of 16S rRNA genes (Illumina, MiSeq) was used to analyze bacterial and archaeal abundance, diversity, and composition across 0-100 cm of the soil. Soil pH, total C, N, and P concentrations and stoichiometric ratios also were estimated. Results revealed that total C and total N contents, as well as C:P and N:P ratios, significantly increased with increasing peatland depths, while total P decreased. The top three dominant phyla were Proteobacteria (39.64%), Acidobacteria (12.93%), and Chloroflexi (12.81%) in bacterial communities, and were Crenarchaeota (58.67%), Thaumarchaeota (14.34%), and Euryarchaeota (10.82%) in archaeal communities in the Bitahai peatland, respectively. The total relative abundance of the methanogenic groups and ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms all significantly decreased with soil depths. Both bacterial and archaeal diversity were greatly affected by the soil depths. Soil C, N, and P concentrations and stoichiometric ratios markedly impacted the community structure and diversity just in archaea, not in bacteria. Therefore, these results highlighted that the microbial community structure and diversity depended on soil depths, and the affecting factors for bacteria and archaea were different in the peatlands.
Edge Finishing of Large Turbine Casings Using Defined Multiedge And Abrasive Tools In Automated Cells
Authors: Rodríguez Adrian , González Mikel , Pereira Octavio , Lacalle Luis Norberto López de , Esparta Mikel
Published: April 2021

Automate finishing processes is a global challenge in several industrial sectors. Concretely, when dealing with aero-engine components, only simple finishing processes were automated nowadays. Most of the high-added value components manufactured are finished hand working, using deburring and polishing manual techniques. The driver of the proposed work is to achieve the necessary knowledge to introduce in a production line a complete and finishing process for automated robotic deburring applications with low machinability materials (Inconel 718 in the case of study) on aero-engine casings with complex geometries: extruded casting bosses, internal features, etc. For this purpose, a three-step methodology is presented and analysed, providing a feasible workflow combining multi-edge solid tools and flexible abrasive tools to automate finishing operations taking account all the process drawbacks and peculiarities. Results show that using the correct techniques, processes and parameters, an automated finishing process that reduces operating time can be implemented in production lines.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis from the health providers’ perspective: strategies for compliance and equity in seeking the care in COVID-19 era (Brazil, 2020)
Authors: Souza Ludmilla Leidianne Limirio , Santos Felipe Lima dos , Crispim Juliane de Almeida , Fiorati Regina Célia , Dias Sónia , Bruce Alexandre Tadashi Inomata , Alves Yan Mathias , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Costa Fernanda Bruzadelli Paulino , Alves Luana Seles , Monroe Aline Aparecida , Fronteira Inês , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) itself is a serious phenomenon on a global scale that can worsen with the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to understand the perception of health professionals about multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, their strategies to ensure adherence to treatment and the challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a priority municipality for disease control in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study and recruited fourteen health professionals, four doctors, three nurses, three nursing technicians, three nursing assistants and a social worker, working in the Ribeirão Preto health system. Remote semi-structured interviews were conducted with these professionals. For data analysis, Thematic Content Analysis was applied according to the theoretical framework defined for the study. RESULTS: The findings showed the relationship between poverty, inequality and MDR-TB. Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, reports from professionals show an interference in the monitoring of patients. As for social protection and the benefits that covered the patients, they were cut. Professionals also reported concerns about obtaining COVID-19 and adopting strategies to ensure adherence, as well as reinforcements of the DOTS strategy. CONCLUSION: The study advances in knowledge by highlighting the challenges faced by the health system for the adherence of MDR-TB patients in a context aggravated by Pandemic. The strategies defined by these health professionals have somehow guaranteed the achievement of equity and avoided the catastrophic encounter between TB-MDR and COVID-19.
Mental Health Monitoring System Using Facial Recognition, PEN Test and IQ Test
Authors: S Veena , Aravindhar John
Published: April 2021

The human face is an important part of an individual’s body and plays an important role in knowing the individual’s mood. The face is where a human expresses all his basic emotions. In the existing system, they examine the mental state manually by assessing them but have many disadvantages like we cannot predict any accurate solutions based on the assessment score because we might be not sure what kind of emotions the human user would be all time. To overcome this problem, a novel system is proposed to suggest an effective solution for predicting the mental state dynamically, we propose a hybrid architecture invoking facial based emotion sequence, PEN test and IQ test. By consistent monitoring of a human’s emotion and subjecting to PEN and IQ tests, the human’s mental state is routed. Combination of the above three techniques provides promising results for mental state and self-control.
Acceptability of a Real-time Notification of Stress and Access to Self- Help Therapies Among Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Jetelina Katelyn K , Molsberry Rebecca , Malthaner Lauren , Beauchamp Alaina , Cannell M. Brad , Hall Trina , Fowler Ed , Anderson Lonzo
Published: April 2021

Background: Law enforcement officers (LEOs) are exposed to chronic stress throughout the course of their shift, which increases the risk of adverse events. Although there have been studies targeting LEO safety through enhanced training or expanded equipment provisions, there has been little attempt to leverage personal technology in the field to provide real-time notification of LEO stress. This study tests the acceptability of implementing of a brief, smart watch intervention to alleviate stress among LEOs. Methods: We assigned smart watches to 22 patrol LEOs across two police departments: one suburban department and one large, urban department. At baseline, we measured participants’ resting heart rates (RHR), activated their watches, and educated them on brief wellness interventions in the field. LEOs were instructed to wear the watch during the entirety of their shift for 30 calendar days. When LEO’s heart rate or stress continuum reached the predetermined threshold for more than 10 minutes, the watch notified LEOs, in real time, of two stress reduction interventions: (1) a 1-minute, guided breathing exercise; and (2) A Calm app, which provided a mix of guided meditations and mindfulness exercises for LEOs needing a longer decompression period. After the study period, participants were invited for semi-structured interviews to elucidate ease-of-use, behavior change, and potential scalability. Qualitative data were analyzed using an immersion-crystallization approach. Results: LEOs reported three particularly useful intervention components: 1) a vibration notification when hearts rates remained high, although receipt of a notification was highly variable; 2) visualization of their heart rate and stress continuum in real time; and, 3) breathing exercises. The most frequently reported type of call for service when the watch vibrated was when a weapon was involved or when a LEO was in pursuit of a murder suspect/hostage. LEOs also recollected that their watch vibrated while reading dispatch notes or while on their way to work.Conclusions: A smart watch can deliver access to brief wellness interventions in the field in a manner that is both feasible and acceptable to LEOs. Trial Registration: NA
Quantification of Tumor Micro-Environment Acidity in Glioblastoma Using Principal Component Analysis of Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging and Machine Learning
Authors: Akbari Hamed , Kazerooni Anahita , Ware Jeffery B. , Mamourian Elizabeth , Anderson Hannah , Guiry Samantha , Sako Chiharu , Raymond Catalina , Yao Jingwen , Brem Steven , O'Rourke Donald M , Desai Arati S , Bagley Stephen J , Ellingson Benjamin M . , Davatzikos Christos , Nabavizadeh Ali
Published: April 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) has high metabolic demands, which can lead to acidification of the tumor microenvironment. We hypothesize that a machine learning model built on temporal principal component analysis (PCA) of dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSC) perfusion MRI can be used to estimate tumor acidity in GBM, as estimated by pH-sensitive amine chemical exchange saturation transfer echo-planar imaging (CEST-EPI). We analyzed 78 MRI scans in 32 treatment naïve and post-treatment GBM patients. All patients were imaged with DSC-MRI, and pH-weighting that was quantified from CEST-EPI estimation of the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) at 3 ppm. Enhancing tumor (ET), non-enhancing core (NC), and peritumoral T2 hyperintensity (namely, edema, ED) were used to extract principal components (PCs) and to build support vector machines regression (SVR) models to predict MTRasym values using PCs. Our predicted map correlated with MTRasym values with Spearman’s r equal to 0.66, 0.47, 0.67, 0.71, in NC, ET, ED, and overall, respectively (p<0.006). The results of this study demonstrates that PCA analysis of DSC imaging data can provide information about tumor pH in GBM patients, with the strongest association within the peritumoral regions.
Organisational Factors Associated With Readiness to Implement a Preventive Intervention for Overweight and Obese Patients in Australian General Practice: a Mixed Methods Exploration From the HELP GP Trial.
Authors: Parker Sharon , Tran An , Saito Shoko , McNamara Carmel , Denney-Wilson Elizabeth , Nutbeam Don , Harris Mark
Published: April 2021

Background: Australian rates of obesity are increasing. General practice has a definite role to play in addressing obesity and preventing further chronic disease but relatively few encounters focus primarily on weight management. The HeLP GP trial assisted overweight and obese patients to make positive lifestyle changes to diet and physical activity and increase the capacity of practice nurses to deliver comprehensive weight management. The nurse led intervention comprised a health check and access to a lifestyle app and/or telephone coaching. Within this paper we describe the experience of implementing this intervention through the lens of organisational readiness with specific emphasis on the role of the practice nurse. Methods: Routinely collected research data, quantitative practice surveys, and qualitative field notes from research officers and facilitators were mapped against a recognised organisational readiness framework. Motivation to implement, general capacity and intervention-specific capacity were assessed. Results: The level of organisational readiness within the participating practices was observed to vary considerably, particularly the domain of intervention specific capacity. The level of practice nurse turnover negatively impacted the implementation of the intervention, affecting half of the intervention practices. Within this study we observed a general lack of practice-based support for the practice nurse regarding intervention delivery and varying levels of interest, skill, and confidence in delivering the program to patients. Nurses struggled to complete the health checks and subsequently to conduct timely follow up appointments. Risk assessment and referral to telephone coaching were generally not problematic, although we noted lower confidence with the setup of the lifestyle app and with instructing patients to use it.Conclusions: Using an organisational readiness checklist is valuable for determining specific capacity issues prior to commencing research but should also assess the capacity of those individuals responsible for the intervention. We found a lack of general ‘readiness’ inherent in the practice nurse role. If they are to fulfil their potential in supporting patients to reduce risk and adopt healthier life choices, our study indicates that more could be done to improve their workforce positioning and remuneration, which may, in turn, improve continuity of care, retention, and individual motivation.Trial registration:The HeLP GP trial is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR - ACTRN12617001508369). The trial was registered 26/10/2017 http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12617001508369.aspx
Long-Term Survival of Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Severe COVID-19: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Penuelas Oscar , Campo-Albendea Laura del , Aledo Amanda Lesmes González de , Añón José Manuel , Rodríguez-Solís Carmen , Mancebo Jordi , Vera Paula , Ballesteros Daniel , Jimenez Jorge , Maseda Emilio , Figueira Juan Carlos , Franco Nieves , Algaba Ángela , Avilés Juan Pablo , Díaz Ricardo , Abad Beatriz , Canabal Alfonso , Abella Ana , Gordo Federico , García Javier , Suarez Jessica García , Cedeño Jamil , Martínez-Palacios Basilia , Manteiga Eva , Martínez Óscar , Blancas Rafael , Bardi Tommaso , Pestaña David , Lorente José Ángel , Muriel Alfonso , Esteban Andrés , Frutos-Vivar Fernando
Published: April 2021

Background: Information is lacking regarding long-term survival and predictive factors for mortality in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. We aimed to estimate 90-day and 180-day survival of patients with COVID-19 requiring invasive ventilation and to develop a predictive model for intensive care unit mortality.Methods: Retrospective, multicentre, national cohort study between March 8 and April 30, 2020 in 16 intensive care units (ICU) in Spain. Participants were consecutive adults who received invasive mechanical ventilation for COVID–19. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection detected in positive testing of a nasopharyngeal sample and confirmed by real time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR). The primary outcomes were 90-day and 180-day survival after hospital admission. Secondary outcomes were length of ICU and hospital stay, and ICU and in-hospital mortality. A predictive model and a nomogram were developed to estimate the probability of ICU mortality. Results: 868 patients were included (median age, 64 years [interquartile range [IQR], 56-71 years]; 72% male). Severity at ICU admission, estimated by SAPS3, was 56 points [IQR 50-63]. Prior to intubation, 26% received some type of noninvasive respiratory support. The 90-day and 180-day survival rates were 69% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66%-72%) and 59% (95% CI 56%-62%) respectively. The predictive factors associated with ICU mortality were: age (odds ratio [OR] 1.049 [95% CI 1.032-1.066] per 1-year increase), SAPS3 (OR 1.025 [95% CI 1.008-1.041] per 1-point increase), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (OR 1.009 [95% CI 1.002-1.016]), a failed attempt of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation previous to orotracheal intubation(OR 2.131 [95% CI 1.279-3.550]), and use of selective digestive decontamination (OR 0.587 [95% CI 0.358-0.963]).Conclusion: The long-term survival of mechanically ventilated patients with severe COVID-19 reaches more than 50% and may help to provide individualized risk stratification and potential treatments.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04379258. Registered 10 April 2020 (retrospectively registered).
Regulatory Network of MiRNAs, IncRNAs, Transcription Factors and Target Genes Associated With Immune Response in Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Tucker Ashley R. , Salazar Nicole A. , Ayoola Adeola O. , Memili Erdoğan , Thomas Bolaji N. , Morenikeji Olanrewaju B.
Published: April 2021

Background: Bovine mastitis is a mammary gland infectious disease caused by a variety of pathogens with a devasting economic impact worldwide. Pre- and post-transcriptional modifications, including transcription factors (TFs), altering gene expression are emerging foci of disease studies, with minimal studies revealing the importance of non-coding transcripts, like long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). We hypothesize TFs, lncRNAs and miRNAs can modulate the immune response in bovine mastitis and can potentially serve as disease biomarkers and/or drug targets.Methods: With computational analyses, we aimed to identify candidate bovine mastitis genes and construct the networks of miRNA, lncRNA and TFs regulating the gene’s mRNA, affecting disease pathogenesis. Experimentally validated genes associated with bovine mastitis were obtained through an extensive search for significantly mentioned genes, utilizing several databases. Prediction of miRNA and lncRNA binding bovine mastitis candidate genes were performed through several algorithms and software that relied on base pair complementation, evolutionary conservation, and thermodynamic stability of binding regions. Combined interactome network of lncRNAs, miRNAs, TFs and immune gene targets were constructed.Results: Sixteen of 923 genes were found to be highly significant in bovine mastitis disease pathway including, CD4, IL-10, IFNγ, IL-4, TLR4, TNFα, and CD14. Remarkably, we found six miRNAs, two being bta-miR-223 and bta-miR-24-3p, to bind to several targets. Eight out of 22 lncRNA, such as NONBTAT027932.1 and XR_003029725.1, were identified as regulatory elements that target the genes based on the normalized binding free energies ranging from -0.1774 to -2.875. Similarly identified were 17 TFs, including JUN and CREB. Our functional and pathway analyses revealed several pathways like lipopolysaccharide-mediated signaling pathway, regulation of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 production and regulation of IL-23 production among others. Conclusions: The overarching interactome in this study is the first of its kind regarding bovine mastitis, deserving further in vitro/in vivo explication for specific molecular regulatory mechanisms during bovine mastitis immune response, which could lay the foundation for development of disease markers and therapeutic intervention.
Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes Between Ipsilateral and Bilateral Central Neck Dissection in Occult Contralateral Central Lymph Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Unilateral Lateral Neck Metastasis Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Back Kyorim , Song Ra-Yeong , Kim Jee Soo , Choe Jun-Ho , Choi Yoo Shin , Kim Jung-Han
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate long-term prognosis of contralateral central neck dissection in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients with ipsilateral lateral neck metastasis. We aimed to produce clinical evidence to help determine the extent of central neck dissection (CND) focusing on the separation between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. A total of 708 PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and concomitant ipsilateral or bilateral CND with ipsilateral lateral neck dissection (LND) were retrospectively included between January 1997 and December 2015 at a single institution. The median follow-up time was 89.7 months, the mean age was 44.7 years and the mean tumor size was 1.5 cm. Among the study population, 507 were female (71.5%) and 201 (28.5%) were male. Locoregional recurrence (LRR) was observed in 26 (7.9%) patients and 30 (7.9%) patients in the ipsilateral and bilateral CND groups, respectively. There were 6 (1.8%) contralateral recurrence cases in the ipsilateral CND group and 5 (1.3%) cases in the bilateral CND group. Male sex (adjusted HR = 1.857, p = 0.034), larger tumor size (adjusted HR = 4.298, p = 0.006), and more metastatic ipsilateral central lymph nodes (adjusted HR = 1.078, p = 0.014) significantly increased the risk of LRR. Ipsilateral CND only did not significantly increase the risk of LRR (adjusted HR = 1.110, p = 0.712). There were no significant differences in recurrence according to contralateral central neck dissection status after propensity score matching (p = 0.424), either. The incidence of hypocalcemia (p = 0.007) was higher in the bilateral CND group compared to the ipsilateral CND group. Surgeons may consider performing contralateral CND only for therapeutic purposes to reduce unnecessary complications.
Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio predict the vascular invasion and outcome in hepatitis B virus related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Zhifeng , Lin Jiayun , Ni Xiaochun , Li Hongjie , Zheng Lei , Zhang Chihao , Qi Xiaoliang , Huo Haizhong , Lou Xiaolou , Fan Qiang , Bao Yongyang , Luo Meng
Published: April 2021

Backgrounds: The ratio of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a predictive biomarker for hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, the relationship between GGT/ALT ratio and vascular invasion was explored in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC and tumor prognosis. Methods: Totally 558 patients were involved in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to evaluate GGT/ALT as the risk factor of vascular invasion. Prognostic value of GGT/ALT was investigated by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis combined with Kaplan Meier curves. In order to reduce confounding bias, subgroup analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed. Results: Patients were divided into high and low GGT/ALT groups with an optimal cut-off value of 2.95 in predicting vascular invasion. In univariate and multivariate logistic regression, high GGT/ALT group was listed as the independent risk factors for vascular invasion(P=0.03), the other risk factors included age (P=0.001), α-fetoprotein (AFP) (P=0.026), tumor size (P<0.001), tumor capsule (P=0.018), pathological differentiation (P<0.001) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification (P<0.001). In survival analysis, high GGT/ALT ratio was associated with decreased overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.87; P<0.0001) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates (HR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.87; P<0.0001). In sensitivity analysis, comparable results were furtherly confirmed by subgroup analysis. In PSM analysis, GGT/ALT was still associated with vascular invasion independently (OR, 186; 95% CI, 1.23, 3.33). Conclusion: Preoperative GGT/ALT has good predictive value for vascular invasion, tumor severity and outcome in HBV-related HCC patients.
Network-Based Analysis of Virulence Factors for Uncovering Aeromonas Veronii Pathogenesis
Authors: Li Hong , Ma Xiang , Tang Yanqiong , Wang Dan , Zhang Ziding , Liu Zhu
Published: April 2021

Background: Aeromonas veronii is a pathogen that causes serious harm to aquaculture. Virulence factors are its pathogenic basis, which could promote pathogens to colonize the host, evade host defense and so on. But because experimental verification of virulence factors is time-consuming and laborious, the number of known virulence factors is limited. In this past, most studies only focused on single virulence factor, resulting the biased interpretation for pathogenesis.Results: In this study, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network at genome-wide scale for A. veronii was first constructed. Then, virulence factors were predicted and mapped on the network. Topological characteristics of the virulence factors were analyzed. The results showed that the virulence factors had higher degree and betweenness centrality than the other proteins in the network. In particular, the virulence factors tended to interact with each other and were enriched in two network modules. One of the modules mainly consisted of histidine kinases, response regulators, diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases, which played important roles in two-component regulatory systems and the synthesis and degradation of cyclic-diGMP. Furthermore, an interspecies PPI network between A. veronii and its host Oreochromis niloticus was also constructed. The structures and interacting sites of the virulence factors and host proteins were added to the interspecies PPI network. By analyzing the interspecies PPI network, we found that the virulence factors could competitively bind host proteins and some of the interacting sites of the virulence factors were shared by different host proteins. Drugs could be designed to target these sites and further prevent pathogen to interfere with host pathways.Conclusions: Our results indicated that the virulence factors regulated the virulence of A. veronii by involving in signal transduction pathway and manipulate host biological processes by mimicking and competitively binding host proteins. Our results deepened the understanding for pathogenesis and had important theoretical significance for designing targeted antibacterial drugs.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Heating and Cooling Degree-Days Over Iran
Authors: Sadeqi Amin , Tabari Hossein , Dinpashoh Yagob
Published: April 2021

Climate change affects the energy demand in different sectors of the society. To investigate this possible impact, in this research, temporal trends and change points in heating degree-days (HDD), cooling degree-days (CDD), and their simultaneous combination (HDD+CDD) were analysed for a 60-year period (1960-2019) in Iran. The results show that less than 20% of the study stations had significant trends (either upward or downward) in HDD time series, while more than 80% of the stations had significant increasing trends in CDD and HDD+CDD time series. Abrupt changes in HDD time series mostly occurred in the early 1980s, but those in CDD time series were mostly observed in the 1990s. The cooling energy demand in Iran has dramatically increased as CDD values have raised up from 690 ºC-days to 1010 ºC-days in the last 60 years. HDD, however, almost remained constant in the same period. The results suggest that if global warming continues with the current pace, cooling energy demand in the residential sector will considerably increase in the future, calling for a change in residential energy consumption policies.