bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter Migration and Transanal Extrusion in Persistent Vegetative State Adult Patient
Authors: Fauzi Asra Al , Parenrengi Muhammad Arifin , Wahyuhadi Joni , Subagio Eko Agus , Turchan Agus
Published: January 2021

The complications of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are many and are reported in literature extensively. The complication of transanal extrusion after bowel perforation is known although rare. This complication is very well described amongst the children. The authors describe the case of bowel perforation and transanal extrusion of a VP shunt occurring in a 51-year-old adult patient. The patient has a history of craniotomy for acute subdural hematoma after severe head injury one year ago continued with VP shunt for post-traumatic hydrocephalus. Home care with bedridden conditions is done at home until finally, the family gets the catheter extrude from the transanal. Bowel perforation and transanal extrusion of VP shunt catheter is a rare but serious problem. The exact pathogenesis of shunt-related organ perforation and extrusion through the anus is unclear, and various mechanisms have been suggested, Among many factors, age is the prominent factor for bowel perforation.1 Because of weak bowel musculature and stronger peristaltic activity, children are more susceptible to bowel perforation than adult patients. In adult shunted patient, one of the risk factors is related to PVS with chronic immobilization, as described in this case. Risk factors of bowel perforation in adult are quite distinct from children. Persistent vegetative state (PVS) with chronic immobilization is one of the risk factors to be aware of.
Profile of Colorectal Tumor in Gastroentero-Hepatology Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya
Authors: Thamrin Husin , Ilmiah Khafidhotul , Tirthaningsih Ni Wajan
Published: January 2021

Colorectal cancer has became burden in the world.The latest study shows that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and second most common cancer in women globally. There are difference characteristic of epidemiology in every countries. Moreover, there is no study that represents epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Indonesia yet, especially in East Java. The aim of this study was to describe colorectal tumor profile by age and gender in Gastroentero-Hepatology Center, Dr Soetomo Hospital. This study has received a certificate of Ethical Clearance No.273/Panke.KKE/IV/2015, a descriptive retrospective study. We collected data using medical records, and patients who have been colonoscopy examination and suspected colorectal tumor were included. There were 201 patients, divided to 100 males and 101 females. The peak of incidence was on 51-60 years old group, but on the 31-40 years old incidence of colorectal tumor was increased. The youngest patient was 17 years old. And tumors are more likely develop in distal area, especially in rectum. This study shows a different characteristic profile of colorectal tumor, where tumor is developed at young people and there is no significant difference between male and female for the incidence.
Comparison between Early and Late Drain Released after Modified Radical Mastectomy Surgery through Observation over Proportion of Percutaneous Aspiration Technique of Seroma Production in Surgical Polyclinic of Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya
Authors: Parlindungan Putra Gelar , Ishardyanto Hantoro
Published: January 2021

Surgery is the most frequent indication and major therapy in the management of malignancy of breasts. Drain is one method to drainage the seroma formed after the modified radical mastectomy surgery. The drain-release protocol varies in each hospitals. This study aimed to compare the proportion of percutaneous aspiration in patients with early drain release with late drain release in postoperative MRM patients. The present study is a prospective cohort study comparing the proportion of percutaneous aspiration in 30 patients with early drain released with 30 patients with late drain release in Dr. Soetomo hospital The recording of the proportion of aspiration actions was conducted serially on days 3, 7, 10, and 14 after drain release. Recording of age, nutritional status (BMI), tumor histopathology type, stage, shoulder mobilization time, obliterant usage, wound infections surgery, flap necrosis and hematom were analyzed to find out if there was any effect on seroma event In our study we did not find the difference in serum aspiration proportions both in the early and late drain observation group. Age factor, nutritional status (BMI), histopathology type, stage, shoulder mobilization time, obliterant use, presence of surgical wound infection, flap necrosis and hematom did not differ significantly statistically to seroma events. Statistically, there was no difference in the proportion of percutaneous aspiration in a group of observed patients with early and late drain release. Late drain release can be avoided to potentially harm the patient in decreasing the lives’ quality of the patients.
Influence of Administering Watermelon Rind Water Extract (Citrullus vulgaris Schard) on Glucose Level of Male White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced with Streptozotosin
Authors: Asari Hasyim , Sugiyanta Sugiyanta
Published: January 2021

Watermelon rind water extract contain of citrulline. Citrulline is a precursor of generating Nitric Oxide (NO). NO possibly reduced the level of blood glucose in streptozotosin-induced diabetic rats. This study was a laboratory experimental study completely randomized design. A number of 30 male albino Wistar rats weighting 100 – 200 gr were devided into six groups (N=5), with group 1 served as normal control group. The other groups were given streptozotosin to induced diabetes mellitus. The rats in control diabetic group were given CMC 0,5%, the others were given watermelon rind extracs for 8 days with different doses for each group. The results showed that serum glucose levels in posttest control group was significantly different, from that group of the watermelon rind extract 250 mg/kg bw/day (p = 0,000), groups of watermelon rind extract 500 mg/kgbw/day (p = 0,000) and groups of watermelon rind extract 1000 mg/kgbw/day (p = 0,000). The level of triglyceride in postest control was significantly different from that group of the watermelon rind extract 250 mg/kg bw/day (p = 0,000), groups of watermelon rind extract 500 mg/kgbw/day (p = 0,000) and groups of watermelon rind extract 1000 mg/kgbw/day (p = 0,000).The conclusion, the watermelon rind water extrac can be used to reduced glucose serum level (250, 500, 1000mg/kg bw) with the optimal dose was 500 mg /kgbw/day with the optimal dose was 1000 mg /kgbw/day.
Cochlear Dysfunction after Kanamycin Injection in Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Brahmono Aditya , Purnami Nyilo , Surarso Bakti
Published: January 2021

Background: Longterm exposure to aminoglycoside such as kanamycin to cochlear cells is known to be associated with damage to outer hair cells in the organ Cortiand type 1 sensory hair cells in the vestibular organs which ultimately causes permanent damage to hair cells. Hair cell damage occurs from the basal cochlea (high frequency area) to the apex cochlea (low frequency area) and followed by damage from the auditory nerve. Evaluation of cochlear dysfunction on multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) patients have been rarelyreported in the literature based on distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE).Objectives: To prove cochlear dysfunction after kanamycin injection in MDR TB patient based on DPOAE examination of the overall frequencies and specific frequency.Methods: An observational longitudinal analytic with pre and post design without control group conducted in the infection division of MDR TB Outpatients Pulmonology Department and Otorhinolaryngology Community division of ORL-HNS Department Dr. Soetomo general hospital Surabaya, within 3 months in 2018, 15 ear with the best baseline examination were taken by consecutive sampling and statistical analysis for cochlear dysfunction based on overall  frequency and specific frequency DPOAE examination using Mc Nemar test.Results: Based on DPOAE examination of overall frequencies there was no cochlear dysfunction (p > 0.05) but a significant difference was found at frequency of 10,000 Hertz (Hz) (p = 0.002 ).Conclusion:On ototoxicity monitoring there was no cochlear dysfunction after 4 weeks  Kanamycin injection but cochlear dysfunction occurs at a specific frequency of 10,000 Hz.
Effect of High Fat Diet on Weight Loss Through the Expression of Uncouple Protein 1 in Mice Visceral Fat
Authors: Syahraya Indira , Novida Hermina , Herawati Lilik , Rejeki Purwo Sri
Published: January 2021

Obesity has become an epidemic around the world. High fat diet (HFD) have been implemented as one of intervention to battle obesity. Uncouple protein 1 (UCP1) is one of the key factor on energy expenditure. The aim of this experiment is to see the macronutrients composition on weight loss and UCP1 expression in the visceral fat. Fifty male mice, 2-3 months old, 18-30 grams, were put in five different groups. K1 were fed (20% protein, 62.0% carbohydrate, 12% fat), K2 (60% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 30% fat), K3 (45% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 45% fat), K4 (30% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 60% fat), K5 (15% protein, 0% carbohydrate, 75% fat). The experiment was done in four weeks, mice body weight was measured every week. UCP1 expression seen using immunohistochemistry staining was measured at the end of the fourth week. Significant weight loss was achieved by K4 (-9.60±3.81) gram by the end of week four (p<0.05). K4 had the least amount of visceral fat. The result was that K4 achieved a significant visceral fat mass (0.02±0.06) gram compared to K1 (0.53±0.08) gram. Compared to other groups K5 expressed UCP1 more than the others (3.78±3.72) cphfp. HFD fed groups produced significant weight loss, group that had the greatest weight loss is K4. Meanwhile, each group had a variety of UCP1 expression.
In Vitro Characterization of Poly-Glycolyc Lactic-Co Acid (PLGA) –Collagen Based on Red Snapper Fish Scales (Lutjanus Sp.) Coating Chitosan as Duramater Artificial Candidate
Authors: Jabbar Hajria , Widiyanti Prihartini , Paramadini Adanti Wido , Putri Dina Kartika , Isfandiary Andini
Published: January 2021

Head trauma was the third cause of deaths that have a high rank that can make serious head injury for 25.5%-54.9%. This study has been conducted by making a replacement layer of the brain (dura) to overcome the impact of dural defect by utilizing waste fish scales red snapper (Lutjanus sp.). Synthesis brain membranes lining processed by casting method with each various concentrations of chitosan coating of 1%, 1.5%, and 2% then dried using vacuum dry. The samples then were characterized by tensile test, FTIR, SEM and MTT Assay. FTIR test results showed that red snipperscales can produce collagen powder at amide A group with stretching of –NH functional group, amide B group has stretching of CH2 assymetry, amide I area, amide II and amide III area which show –NH bonding. Tensile test results showed that the combination between PLGA-Collagen Chitosan Coating 2% produced the highest tensile strength is 4.8 MPa which meet the standards of human duramater strength. MTT Assay results showed that the dural membrane produced no toxic seen from living cells reached 98.32%. Poly - Glycolyc Lactic - Co Acid (PLGA) - collagen coating chitosan based on red snapper fish scales (Lutjanus sp.) composites has potency as duramater artificial candidate due to the chemistry, biological and physical characteristics.
The Effect of Citrulline Supplementation on Lactic Acid Blood Level and Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) in Submaximal Physical Activity
Authors: Fastabiqi Ibrah , Asnar Elyana , Harlina Harlina
Published: January 2021

An achievement in sport is one of the benchmarks of success of every athlete. One of the causes of the performance degradation is fatigue due to the formation of lactic acid. Supplements are proved to improve the performance in athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of citrulline supplementation on lactic acid levels and oxygen saturation on submaximal physical activity. Fatigue can be seen from lactic acid levels in subjects who have performed physical activity. This research method used randomized group pretest postest group design. The subjects used were male students of pencak silat airlangga university, and divided into two groups. The first group was given placebo and the second group was given citrulline. Each group was given the same treatment of three minutes of submaximal physical activity using an ergocycle. Before and after doing the activity the blood lactic acid and oxygen saturation of the subject was checked. The result of the data showed that lactic acid and oxygen saturation in both groups had p<0,05. Citrulline supplementation had effect on lactic acid and oxygen saturation. The results of the research showed that the group given with citrulline had significant effect on lactic acid and oxygen saturation before and after treatment.
Low Vision Management in A 5-Years-Old Due to Retinopathy of Prematurity for Life Quality Improvement
Authors: Aritonang Christina
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Management of low vision in pediatric patients with greater result  can affect their quality of life than in adult low vision patients.. Retinopathy of Prematurity is the main cause of blindness in children. A case study highlights the tertiary prevention (low vision examination and management) in a 5 year old boy with ROP related blindness to optimize his remaining visual capacity by using optical and  non optical aids that support daily activity and educational learning.Case Report: A 5 year old boy with ROP related blindness visited to the low vision clinic after receiving the several treatments for ROP before. His visual acuities were light perception in the right eye and hand movement in the left eye using his current spectacle correction. He had anti VEGF bevacizumab intravitreal injection, vitrectomy and complicated cataract extraction history on the left eye. He wasdifficult to learn and read numbers and alphabets caused by visual impairment.Discussion : Upon evaluation by assessment low vision method, his distance visual acuity in the left eye was improved significantly up to 3/40 on LEA Acuity chart with +14.00D. His near vision became 10 M at 30 cm of reading distance (without near correction) and 4 M at 13 cm  improved with +3.00 D by spectacle. The non optical aid devices as reading task were also suggested to improove continuous  reading text without difficulty.Conclusion: ROP blindness can be preventable if appropriate, adequate and accessible screening programmes are available. Unfortunately, even with the current screening guidelines and recommended treatment of ROP, many babies suffer from blindness by this disease each year. Low vision assessment and management in pediatric patient with visual impairmentaccording to children’s need can optimize the recent visual capability of low vision patient and give self care daily activity and educational learning.
Health Care Coverage and Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Living in 22 US Cities With vs Without Medicaid Expansion, 2017
Authors: Baugher Amy R. , Finlayson Teresa , Lewis Rashunda , Sionean Catlainn , Whiteman Ari , Wejnert Cyprian ,   for the NHBS Study Group
Published: January 2021

Objectives. To compare health care coverage and utilization between men who have sex with men (MSM) in Medicaid expansion versus nonexpansion states.

Methods. We used cross-sectional weighted data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, which used venue-based methods to interview and test MSM in 22 US cities from June through December, 2017 (n = 8857). We compared MSM in Medicaid expansion versus nonexpansion states by using the Rao-Scott χ2 test stratified by HIV status. We used multivariable logistic regression to model the relationship between Medicaid expansion, coverage, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use.

Results. MSM in expansion states were more likely to have insurance (87.9% vs 71.6%), have Medicaid (21.3% vs 3.8%), discuss PrEP with a provider (58.8% vs 44.3%), or use PrEP (31.1% vs 17.5%).

Conclusions. Medicaid expansion is associated with higher coverage and care, including PrEP.

Public Health Implications. States may consider expanding Medicaid to help end the HIV epidemic.
Opioid Misuse Among American Indian Adolescents
Authors: Stanley Linda R. , Crabtree Meghan A. , Swaim Randall C.
Published: January 2021

Objectives. To present data for opioid misuse among US reservation-based American Indian (AI) adolescents and to compare these data with national rates from Monitoring the Future (MTF).

Methods. Data were from a national sample of 33 schools participating in a substance use epidemiological survey of reservation-based AI adolescents during 2018 and 2019. Participants were 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade AI students (n = 1592). Measures included 12-month and 30-day use of OxyContin, Vicodin, heroin, and narcotics. We computed prevalence and compared it with MTF national prevalence.

Results. Across grades, AI youths demonstrated significantly greater past 12-month and 30-day opioid use relative to a national sample. Significant absolute differences in 12-month and 30-day prevalence levels ranged from 1.6% (8th-grade heroin) to 4.7% (12th-grade narcotics) and from 1.6% (12th-grade narcotics) to 1.8% (12th-grade heroin), respectively.

Conclusions. Opioid misuse prevalence levels were significantly greater for reservation-based AI adolescents relative to national prevalence levels.

Public Health Implications. Findings suggest that implementation of evidence-based efforts, adapted or developed to be culturally appropriate, should be significantly increased in tribal communities, along with policies to address the unique social, economic, and health issues they face.
The Costs of Contradictory Messages About Live Vaccines in Pregnancy
Authors: Jaffe Elana , Goldfarb Ilona Telefus , Lyerly Anne Drapkin
Published: January 2021

The increased risk of harm from COVID-19 infection in pregnancy highlights the importance of including pregnant people in COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment. Promising vaccines being developed include replication-competent platforms, which are typically contraindicated during pregnancy because of theoretical risk. However, replicating vaccines are administered in and around pregnancy, either inadvertently because of unknown pregnancy status or when recommended.

The historical cases of Ebola virus, yellow fever, and rubella demonstrate that contradictory messages around the safety of live vaccines in pregnancy have critical public health costs. First, restricting study or use of replicating vaccines in pregnancy may delay or deny access to the only available protection against deadly diseases. Additionally, not vaccinating pregnant people may slow epidemic control. Finally, uncertainty and worry around the safety of live vaccines may lead to terminations of otherwise desired pregnancies after inadvertent vaccination in pregnancy.

If one of the vaccines deployed to combat the current global COVID-19 pandemic is replication competent, historical cases offer important lessons for ethical and effective protection for pregnant populations.
Prevention of Unwanted Sexual Contact Among Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy: A Brief Small-Group Intervention
Authors: Griffin Kenneth W. , Williams Christopher , Travis Wendy , Tharp Andra
Published: January 2021

This study tested the effectiveness of a small-group preventive intervention designed to prevent unwanted sexual contact among cadets at the US Air Force Academy. Among cadets in the incoming class of 2021, unwanted sexual contact was cut by nearly half in the intervention group relative to the control group. This study is one of the first rigorously designed trials to demonstrate a significant impact on unwanted sexual contact among students attending a US military service academy.

Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03839797.
Elogio de la disculpa. Conocimiento y prejuicio en las glosas de Pedro de Toledo a su traducción de la Guía de perplejos
Authors: Fernández López José Antonio
Published: January 2021

El objetivo del presente artículo es indagar en una problemática concreta vinculada a la traducción cuatrocentista de Pedro de Toledo de la Guía de Perplejos. Los prólogos y epílogos del traductor a los tres libros del Mostrador e enseñador de los turbados, las glosas insertadas por mano de escribano en el texto son la expresión de una idea de ciencia y de conocimiento gestada en el contexto humanista del siglo XV castellano; también, de un mundo de prejuicios y de ignorancia, de saberes velados, perdidos o premeditadamente olvidados. En un tiempo de crisis y de transformación de la sociedad hispana, estas glosas y comentarios, la traducción en su conjunto, son el reflejo de un mundo de paradojas culturales, de aspiración al conocimiento y de limitaciones humanas.
Genetic Diversity Analysis and Development of DNA Fingerprints of 20 Indonesian Local Chili Pepper Varieties Based on SSR Markers
Authors: Terryana Rerenstradika Tizar , Ningrum Nadia Della Savitri Ayu , Nugroho Kristianto , Saptadi Darmawan , Kurniawan Helmi , Lestari Puji
Published: January 2021

Chili pepper is one of the most valuable horticultural crops, widely cultivated in Indonesia. Analysis of its genetic diversity is needed to develop successful breeding programs of local varieties. Simple sequence repeat (SSR), a robust molecular marker used for genetic diversity analysis in plant species, offers potential, reliable DNA fingerprinting method to assess genetic variation and varietal identification of chili pepper. Fifteen SSR markers were used in this study to analyze the genetic diversity and develop profiling identification of DNA fingerprint of local chili pepper varieties. Twenty local and two improved varieties of three chili pepper species, consisting of 3, 1, and 18 varieties of Capsicum frutescens, C. chinense, and C. annuum, respectively, were assessed for their SSR polymorphism. A total of 87 alleles was obtained from the polymorphism analysis with high alleles variation (2–16 alleles) with average total allele of 5.8 and average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.59 (0.34–0.83). Clustering and Principle Coordinate Analyses (PCoA) classified the varieties into two groups with coefficient of similarity of 0.65 indicating their high genetic variability. Most local varieties belonged to the same cluster and separated from the two improved varieties. Based on PIC values and dendrogram with selected markers, five SSR markers, i.e. EPMS441, EPMS331, EPMS335, GPMS194, and CaSSRBio1.1, were identified as SSR marker set for DNA fingerprinting purposes. SSR marker set used in this study was successful in developing the varietal identity of local chili pepper varieties, as indicated by unique code of each variety.
Data-Driven Niching Differential Evolution with Adaptive Parameters Control for History Matching and Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Ma Xiaopeng , Zhang Kai , Zhang Liming , Yao Chuanjin , Yao Jun , Wang Haochen , Jian Wang , Yan Yongfei
Published: January 2021

History matching is a typical inverse problem that adjusts the uncertainty parameters of the reservoir numerical model with limited dynamic response data. In most situations, various parameter combinations can result in the same data fit, termed as nonuniqueness of inversion. It is desirable to find as many global or local optima as possible in a single optimization run, which may help to reveal the distribution of the uncertainty parameters in the posterior space, which is particularly important for robust optimization, risk analysis, and decision making in reservoir management. However, many factors, such as the nonlinearity of inversion problems and the time-consuming numerical simulation, limit the performance of most existing inverse algorithms. In this paper, we propose a novel data-driven niching differential evolution algorithm with adaptive parameter control for nonuniqueness of inversion, called DNDE-APC. On the basis of a differential evolution (DE) framework, the proposed algorithm integrates a clustering approach, niching technique, and local surrogate assistant method, which is designed to balance exploration and convergence in solving the multimodal inverse problems. Empirical studies on three benchmark problems demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is able to locate multiple solutions for complex multimodal problems on a limited computational budget. Integrated with convolutional variational autoencoder (CVAE) for parameterization of the high-dimensional uncertainty parameters, a history matching workflow is developed. The effectiveness of the proposed workflow is validated with heterogeneous waterflooding reservoir case studies. By analyzing the fitting and prediction of production data, history-matched realizations, the distribution of inversion parameters, and uncertainty quantization of forecasts, the results indicate that the new method can effectively tackle the nonuniqueness of inversion, and the prediction result is more robust.
QTL mapping of root traits in wheat under different phosphorus levels using hydroponic culture
Authors: Yang Mengjiao , Wang Cairong , Hassan Muhammad Adeel , Li Faji , Xia Xianchun , Shi Shubing , Xiao Yonggui , He Zhonghu
Published: January 2021

Background: Phosphorus (P) is an important in ensuring plant morphogenesis and grain quality, therefore an efficient root system is crucial for P-uptake. Identification of useful loci for root morphological and P uptake related traits at seedling stage is important for wheat breeding. The aims of this study were to evaluate phenotypic diversity of Yangmai 16/Zhongmai 895 derived doubled haploid (DH) population for root system architecture (RSA) and biomass related traits (BRT) in different P treatments at seedling stage using hydroponic culture, and to identify QTL using 660K SNP array based high-density genetic map.Results: All traits showed significant variations among the DH lines with high heritabilities (0.76 to 0.91) and high correlations (r =0.59 to 0.98) among all traits. Inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) identified 34 QTL with 4.64–20.41% of the phenotypic variances individually, and the log of odds (LOD) values ranging from 2.59 to 10.43. Seven QTL clusters (C1 to C7) were mapped on chromosomes 3DL, 4BS, 4DS, 6BL, 7AS, 7AL and 7BL, cluster C5 on chromosome 7AS (AX-109955164 - AX-109445593) with pleiotropic effect played key role in modulating root length (RL), root tips number (RTN) and root surface area (ROSA) under low P condition, with the favorable allele from Zhongmai 895. Conclusions: This study carried out an imaging pipeline-based rapid phenotyping of RSA and BRT traits in hydroponic culture. It is an efficient approach for screening of large populations under different nutrient conditions. Four QTL on chromosomes 6BL (2) and 7AL (2) identified in low P treatment showed positive additive effects contributed by Zhongmai 895, indicating that Zhongmai 895 could be used as parent for P-deficient breeding. The most stable QTL QRRS.caas-4DS for ratio of root to shoot dry weight (RRS) harbored the stable genetic region with high phenotypic effect, and QTL clusters on 7A might be used for speedy selection of genotypes for P-uptake. SNPs closely linked to QTLs and clusters could be used to improve nutrient-use efficiency.
Environmental and Genetic Regulation of Plant Height in Soybean
Authors: Yang Qing , Lin Gaoming , Lv Huiyong , Wang Cunhu , Yang Yongqing , Liao Hong
Published: January 2021

Background:Shoot architecture is fundamentally crucial to crop growth and productivity. As a key component of shoot architecture, plant height is known to be controlled by both genetic and environmental factors, though specific details remain scarce.Results:In this study, 308 representative soybean lines from a core collection and 168 F9 soybean progeny were planted at distinct field sites. The results demonstrated the presence of significant genotype × environment interaction (G × E) effects on traits associated with plant height in a natural soybean population. In total, 19 loci containing 51 QTLs (quantitative trait locus) for plant height were identified across four environments, with 23, 13 and 15 being QTLs for SH (shoot height), SNN (stem node number) and AIL (average internode length), respectively. Significant LOD ranging from 2.50 to 16.46 explained 2.80% - 26.10% of phenotypic variation. Intriguingly, only two loci, Loc11 and Loc19-1, containing 20 QTLs, were simultaneously detected across all environments. Results from Pearson correlation analysis and PCA (principal component analysis) revealed that each of the five agro-meteorological factors and four soil properties significantly affected soybean plant height traits, and that the corresponding QTLs had additive effects. Among significant environmental factors, AD (average day-length), AMaT (average maximum temperature), pH, and AN (available nitrogen) had the largest impacts on soybean plant height. Therefore, in spite of uncontrollable agro-meteorological factors, soybean shoot architecture might be remolded through combined efforts to produce superior soybean genetic materials while also optimizing soil properties.Conclusions:Overall, the comprehensive set of relationships outlined herein among environment factors, soybean genotypes and QTLs in effects on plant height opens new avenues to explore in work aiming to increase soybean yield through improvements in shoot architecture.
Evaluation of Role of Hyperbilirubinemia as a New Diagnostic Marker of Complicated Appendicitis.
Authors: Bakshi Sabyasachi , Mandal Nilay
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:In appendicitis, elevated intra-luminal pressure and ischemic necrosis of mucosa causes tissue gangrene or perforation. This leads to cytotoxin facilitated progressive bacterial invasion or translocation into the hepatic parenchyma through portal system. This phenomenon interferes with the bilirubin excretion into the bile canaliculi.In the present study, establishment of a possible role of hyperbilirubinemia as a marker of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis has been studied.METHODS:After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study. Per-operative diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination.RESULTS:Out of 110 subjects of acute appendicitis 41 subjects (37.27%) had hyperbilirubinemia. Out of 35 subjects diagnosed as complicated appendicitis 32 subjects (91.42%) had raised total bilirubin levels, while the remaining 03(8.58%) had normal levels .Among 75 subjects diagnosed as acute simple appendicitis 09 subjects (12%) had raised total bilirubin level, while the remaining 66 subjects (88%) had normal levels .It was Mixed Type Of Hyperbilirubinemia in gangrenous/perforated appendicitis.The sensitivity of Total serum bilirubin in predicting complicated appendicitis was found 91.43% (76.942% to 98.196%), where as the specificity of this test was 88.00% (78.439% to 94.363%). positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 78.03% and 95.65% respectively.Positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were found to be 7.619 and 0.097 respectively taking prevalence of Complicated appendicitis be 31.80%.ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve was obtained which shows optimal criterion at Total Bilirubin Level 1.06 mg/dl where sensitivity was 91.43% and specificity was 97.33% at 95% confidence interval with 31.8% disease prevalence.CONCLUSIONS:This is to conclude that Serum bilirubin level estimation, which is a simple, cheap and easily available laboratory test, can be added to the routine investigations in clinically suspected cases of acute appendicitis for early diagnosis of complications.Trial Registration: Registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India (ICMR-NIMS) with Registration number CTRI/2019/05/018879 Dated 01/05/2019.This was a prospective trial. Trial URL:http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=33113&EncHid=99780.32960&modid=1&compid=19%27,%2733113det%27
Determining mutational burden and signature using RNA-seq from tumor-only samples
Authors: Jessen Erik , Liu Yuanhang , Davila Jaime , Kocher Jean-Pierre , Wang Chen
Published: January 2021

Background: Traditionally, mutational burden and mutational signatures have been assessed by tumor-normal pair DNA sequencing. The requirement of having both normal and tumor samples is not always feasible from a clinical perspective, and led us to investigate the efficacy of using RNA sequencing of only the tumor sample to determine the mutational burden and signatures, and subsequently molecular cause of the cancer. The potential advantages include reducing the cost of testing, and simultaneously providing information on the gene expression profile and gene fusions present in the tumor. Results: In this study, we devised supervised and unsupervised learning methods to determine mutational signatures from tumor RNA-seq data. As applications, we applied the methods to a training set of 587 TCGA uterine cancer RNA-seq samples, and examined in an independent testing set of 521 TCGA colorectal cancer RNA-seq samples. Both diseases are known associated with microsatellite instable high (MSI-H) and driver defects in DNA polymerase ɛ (POLɛ). From RNA-seq called variants, we found majority (>95%) are likely germline variants, leading to C>T enriched germline variants (dbSNP) widely applicable in tumor and normal RNA-seq samples. We found significant associations between RNA-derived mutational burdens and MSI/POLɛ status, and insignificant relationship between RNA-seq total coverage and derived mutational burdens. Additionally we found that over 80% of variants could be explained by using the COSMIC mutational signature-5, -6 and -10, which are implicated in natural aging, MSI-H, and POLɛ, respectively. For classifying tumor type, within UCEC we achieved a recall of 0.56 and 0.78, and specificity of 0.66 and 0.99 for MSI and POLɛ respectively. By applying learnt RNA signatures from UCEC to COAD, we were able to improve our classification of both MSI and POLɛ. Conclusions: Taken together, our work provides a novel method to detect RNA-seq derived mutational signatures with effective procedures to remove likely germline variants. It can leads to accurate classification of underlying driving mechanisms of DNA damage deficiency.
Framing and Self-Responsibility Modulate Brain Activities in Decision Escalation
Authors: Liang Ting-Peng , Li Yuwen , Yen Nai-Shing , Turel Ofir , Hsu Sen-Mou
Published: January 2021

Background: Escalation of commitment is a common bias in human decision making. The present study examined (1) differences in neural recruitment for escalation and de-escalation decisions of prior investments, and (2) how the activations of these brain networks are modulated by two factors that are often argued to modulate the behavior: (i) self-responsibility, and (ii) framing of the success probabilities. Results: Imaging data were obtained from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) applied to 29 participants. A whole-brain analysis was conducted to compare brain activations between conditions. ROI analysis, then, was used to examine if these significant activations were modulated by two contextual factors. Finally, mediation analysis was applied to explore how the contextual factors affect escalation decisions through brain activations. The findings showed that (1) escalation decisions are faster than de-escalation decisions, (2) the corresponding network of brain regions recruited for escalation (anterior cingulate cortex, insula and precuneus) decisions differs from this recruited for de-escalation decisions (inferior and superior frontal gyri), (3) the switch from escalation to de-escalation is primarily frontal gyri dependent, and (4) activation in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula and precuneus were further increased in escalation decisions, when the outcome probabilities of the follow-up investment were positively framed; and activation in the inferior and superior frontal gyri in de-escalation decisions were increased when the outcome probabilities were negatively framed. Conclusions: Escalation and de-escalation decisions recruit different brain regions. Framing of possible outcomes as negative leads to escalation decisions through recruitment of the inferior frontal gyrus. Responsibility for decisions affects escalation decisions through recruitment of the superior (inferior) gyrus, when the decision is framed positively (negatively).
Differential metabolism -associated gene expression of duck pancreatic cells in response to two subtype s of duck hepatitis A virus type 1
Authors: SHI Shaohua , CHEN Zhen , HUANG Yu , HUANG Cuiqin , LIU Rongchang , CHENG Longfei , FU Guanghua , CHEN Hongmei , WAN Chunhe , FU Qiuling
Published: January 2021

Background: Duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) causes a highly contagious disease in domestic ducklings, which is traditionally characterized by lesions in the liver and rarely in the pancreas. However, several outbreaks of DHAV-1, which were characterized by yellow coloration and hemorrhage in pancreatic tissues, have occurred in China. The causative agent was named as pancreatitis-type DHAV-1. Genomic sequencing indicated variation rates of 3.4-6.5% in the genome of the pancreatitis-type DHAV-1 compared with those of the classical type DHAV-1. The antigenic relationship between the pancreatitis-type DHAV-1 and classical type DHAV-1 indicated large variation. However, the mechanism involved in infection of the pancreatitis-type DHAV-1 is still unclear. Results: In the present study, transcriptome analysis of duck pancreas infected with classical type DHAV-1 and pancreatitis-type DHAV-1 was carried out. Following deep sequencing with Illumina-Solexa, a total of 53.9 Gb clean data were obtained from the cDNA library of the pancreas and a total of 29,597 unigenes with an average length of 993.43 bp were generated following de novo sequence assembly. The expression levels of D-3-phosphoglyceratedehydrogenase, phosphoserine aminotransferase, phosphoserine phosphatase, which are involved in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism pathway, were significantly downregulated in the pancreatitis-type DHAV-1-infected group compared with those of the classical type DHAV-1-infected group.Conclusion: These findings provide information regarding differential expression levels of metabolism-associated genes between pancreatitis-type DHAV-1 and classical type DHAV-1, indicating that intensive metabolism disorders may contribute to different subtypes of DHAV-1-infection.
Gamification as an entrepreneur well-being intervention: A study protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Naqvi Waqar M.
Published: January 2021

Entrepreneurs usually work for long hours resulting in exhaustion, stress, and burnout. The prevalent symptoms of burnout are reduced levels of physical and mental energy, reduced job efficiency and diminished productivity. Therefore, it is important to improve the health of entrepreneurs. Gamification has a positive relationship with improvements in health and well-being as it influences positive experiences and satisfaction. This trial aims to study how 30-minutes of virtual reality game use via Kinect Azure and Oculus platforms 3-times per week, for 4 weeks, relates to differences in entrepreneur stress, burnout, subjective life quality, and downstream firm performance. We will recruit entrepreneurs over the age of 18 for the gamification analysis. Analysis of previous power using G*Power will determine the sample size. We will divide the participants into 3 groups, wherein Group A will undergo gamification on the Kinect platform, Group B will undergo the Oculus Quest intervention, and Group C will be the control group. We will conduct the study at two sites, one at the HuMen research. The outcome measures include a five-point Likert scale for measuring entrepreneurial stress, burnout-measuring scale (BMS) for burnout, five-point Likert scale for performance and SF-12 for Quality of life. Since current strains pave ways to future accomplishment, entrepreneurs' eudemonic well-being might particularly relate to forward-looking challenge stressors and burnouts. The results will provide an insight into how gamification could help entrepreneurs to deal with work stress and maintain high well-being.
Exploring overcrowding trends in an inner city emergence department in the UK before and during COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Ross Jack , Elkhodair Samer , Baxter-Derrington Christopher , Laing Chris , Raine Rosalind
Published: January 2021

BackgroundWe compared impact of three pre-COVID-19 interventions and of the COVID-19 UK-epidemic and the first UK national lockdown on overcrowding within University College London Hospital Emergency Department (UCLH ED). The three interventions: target the influx of patients at ED (A), reduce the pressure on in-patients’ beds (B) and improve ED processes to improve the flow of patents out from ED (C).MethodsWe analysed the change in overcrowding metrics (daily attendances, the proportion of people leaving within four hours of arrival (four-hours target) and the reduction in overall waiting time) across three analysis. The first analysis used data 01/04/2017-31/12-2019 to calculate changes over a period of six months before and after the start of interventions A-C. The second and third analyses focused on evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, comparing the first 10 months in 2020 and 2019, and of the first national lockdown (23/03/2020-31/05/2020).ResultsPre-COVID-19 all interventions led to small reductions in waiting time (17%, p<0.001 for A and C;9%, p=0.322 for B) but also to a small decrease in the number of patients leaving within four hours of arrival (6.6%,7.4%,6.2% respectively A-C,p<0.001).In presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance and waiting time were reduced (40% and 8%;p<0.001), and the number of people leaving within four hours of arrival was increased (6%,p<0.001). During the first lockdown, there was 65% reduction in attendance, 22% reduction in waiting time and 8% increase in number of people leaving within 4 hours of arrival (p<0.001). Crucially, when the lockdown was lifted, there was an increase (6.5%,p<0.001) in the percentage of people leaving within four hours, together with a larger (12.5%,p<0.001) decrease in waiting time. This occurred despite the increase of 49.6%(p<0.001) in attendance after lockdown ended.ConclusionsThe mixed results pre-COVID-19 (significant improvements in waiting time with some interventions but not improvement in the four-hours target), may be due to a ‘spill-over effect’ where clogging up one part of the ED system affects other parts. Hence multifaceted interventions and a system-wide approach to improve the pathway of flow through the ED system is necessary.During 2020 and in presence of the COVID-19 epidemic, a shift in public behaviour with anxiety over attending hospitals and higher use of virtual consultations, led to notable drop in UCLH ED attendance and consequential curbing of overcrowding.Importantly, once the lockdown was lifted, although there was an increase in arrivals at UCLH ED, overcrowding metrics were reduced. Thus, the combination of shifted public behaviour and the restructuring changes during COVID-19 epidemic, maybe be able to curb future ED overcrowding, but longer timeframe analysis is required to confirm this.
Trapping and amplification of unguided mode EMIC waves in the radiation belt
Authors: Wang Geng , Gao Zhonglei , Wu Mingyu , Wang Guoqiang , Xiao Sudong , Chen Yuanqiang , Zou Zhengyang , Zhang Tielong
Published: January 2021

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves can cause the scattering loss of the relativistic electrons in the earth's radiation belt. They can be classified into the guided mode and the unguided mode, according to waves propagation behavior. The guided mode waves have been widely investigated in the radiation belt, but the observation of the unguided mode waves have not been expected. Based on the observations of Van Allen Probes, we demonstrate for the first time the existence of the intense unguided mode EMIC waves. The reflection interface formed by the spatial locations of local helium cutoff frequencies can be nearly parallel to the equatorial plane when the proton abundance ratio decreases sharply with L-shell. This structure combined with the anisotropic hot protons can lead to the trapping and significant amplification of the unguided mode waves. These results may help to understand the nature of EMIC waves in the radiation belt.
Association of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors With Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma in Kenyan Children
Authors: Muriuki Beatrice , Forconi Catherine , Oluoch Peter , Bailey Jeffrey , Ghansah Anita , Moormann Ann , Ong'echa John
Published: January 2021

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is an aggressive pediatric B cell lymphoma, common in Equatorial Africa. Co-infections with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Plasmodium falciparum, coupled with c-myc translocation are involved in eBL etiology. Infection-induced immune evasion mechanisms to avoid T cell cytotoxicity may increase the role of Natural killer (NK) cells in anti-tumor immunosurveillance. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes on NK cells exhibit genotypic and allelic variations and are associated with susceptibility to diseases and malignancies. However, their role in eBL pathogenesis remains undefined. This retrospective study genotyped sixteen KIR genes and compared their frequencies in eBL patients (n=104) and healthy geographically-matched children (n=104) using sequence-specific primers polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) technique. The relationship between KIR polymorphisms with EBV loads and eBL pathogenesis was investigated. Possession of ≥4 activating KIRs predisposed individuals to eBL (OR=3.340; 95% CI 1.530-7.825; p=0.004). High EBV levels were observed in Bx haplogroup (p=0.016) and AB genotypes (p=0.049) relative to AA haplogroup and AA genotype respectively, in eBL patients but not in healthy controls. Our results suggest that KIR- mediated NK cell stimulation could mute EBV control, contributing to eBL pathogenesis.