bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Profiling Using The UltraSEEK Panel Identifies Discordancy Between Paired Primary And Breast Cancer Brain Metastases And An Association With Brain Metastasis-Free Survival
Authors: Palmieri Carlo , Giannoudis Athina , Sartori Alexander , Eastoe Lee , Zakaria Rasheed , Charlton Christopher , Hickson Nicholas , Platt-Higgins Angela , Rudland Philip S. , Irwin Darryl , Jenkinson Michael D.
Published: April 2021

Purpose. Brain metastases (BM) are an increasing clinical problem. This study aimed to assess paired primary breast cancers (BC) and BM for aberrations within TP53, PIK3CA, ESR1, ERBB2 and AKT utilising the MassARRAY® UltraSEEK® technology (Agena Bioscience, San Diego, USA). Methods. DNA isolated from 32 paired primary BCs and BMs was screened using the custom UltraSEEK® Breast Cancer Panel. Data acquisition and analysis was performed by the Agena Bioscience Typer software v4.0.26.74. Results. Mutations were identified in 91% primary BCs and 88% BM cases. TP53, AKT1, ESR1, PIK3CA and ERBB2 genes were mutated in 68.8%, 37.5%, 31.3%, 28.1% and 3.1% respectively of primary BCs and in 59.4%, 37.5%, 28.1%, 28.1% and 3.1% respectively of BMs. Differences in the mutations within the 5 genes between BC and paired BM were identified in 62.5% of paired cases. In primary BCs, ER-positive/HER2-negative cases harboured the most mutations (70%), followed by ER-positive/HER2-positive (15%) and triple-negatives (13.4%) whereas in BMs, the highest number of mutations was observed in triple-negatives (52.5%), followed by ER-positive/HER2-negative (35.6%) and ER-negative/HER2-positive (12%). There was a significant association between the number of mutations in the primary BC and breast-to-brain metastasis-free survival (p=0.0001) but not with overall survival (p=0.056). Conclusion. These data demonstrate the discordancy between primary BC and BM, as well as the presence of clinically important, actionable mutations in BCBM. The UltraSEEK® Breast Cancer Panel provides a tool for BCBM that can be utilised to direct more tailored treatment decisions and for clinical studies investigating targeted agents.
An evaluation of a combined psychological and parenting intervention for HIV-positive women depressed in the perinatal period, to enhance child development and reduce maternal depression: Study Protocol for the Insika Yomama Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Rochat Tamsen , Dube Sam , Herbst Kobus , Hoegfeldt Cecilia , Redinger Stephanie , Khoza Thandeka , Bland Ruth Margret , Richter Linda , Linsell Louise , Desmond Chris , Yousafzai Aisha K. , Craske Michelle , Juszczak Ed , Abas Melanie , Edwards Taygen , Ekers David , Stein Alan
Published: April 2021

Background: The combination of poverty, HIV and depression in the perinatal period represents a major public health challenge in many Southern African countries. In some areas, up to a third of HIV-positive women experience perinatal depression. Perinatal depression is associated with negative effects on parenting and key domains of child development including cognitive, behavioural and growth, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Several studies have documented the benefits of psychological interventions for perinatal depression in low- and middle-income countries, but none have evaluated an integrated psychological and parenting intervention for HIV-positive women using task-sharing. This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a home-based intervention, combining a psychological treatment for depression and a parenting programme for perinatally depressed HIV-positive women. Methods: This study is a cluster-randomised controlled trial, consisting of 48-60 geospatial clusters. A total of 528 pregnant HIV-positive women aged ≥16 years who meet the criteria for depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, score ≥9)) are recruited from antenatal clinics in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The geospatial clusters are randomised on an allocation ratio of 1:1 to either the intervention or Enhanced Standard of Care. The intervention group receives 10 home-based counselling sessions by a lay-counsellor (4 antenatal and 6 postnatal sessions) and a booster session at 16 months. The intervention combines Behavioural Activation for depression with a parenting programme, adapted from the UNICEF/WHO Care for Child Development programme. The ESoC group receives two antenatal and two postnatal support and advice telephone calls. The co-primary outcomes are child cognitive development at 24 months assessed on the cognitive sub-scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition and maternal depression at 12 months measured by the EPDS. Analysis: The primary analysis will be a modified Intention-to-Treat analysis. The primary outcomes will be analysed using mixed-effects linear regression. Discussion: If this treatment is successful, policymakers could use this model of mental health-care delivered by lay-counsellors within HIV treatment programmes to provide more comprehensive services for families affected by HIV.
Solar Light-Driven Photocatalysis Using BaFe2O4/rGO for Chlorhexidine Digluconate Contaminated Water: Comparison With Artificial UV and Visible Light-Mediated Photocatalysis
Authors: Singh Astha , Mishra Brijesh Kumar
Published: April 2021

Synthesis and characterization of dual functioning material is an effective approach for promotion of organic pollutant degradation through adsorption as well as photocatalysis. Herein, graphene oxide modified by addition of barium nitrate and iron to construct smooth sheet-like structure (BaFe2O4/rGO) for removal of Chlorhexidine Digluconate (CHD). Compare with GO (75.69% -UV-light ;88.17%-visible-light), BaFe2O4/rGO showed significant adsorption-photocatalysis effect under visible-light (93.95%) than UV-light (78.17%). The introduction of barium nitrate and iron into graphene oxide led to smooth porous structure with increased surface area (93.66 m2 g-1), which resulted in large number of adsorption active site and great photocatalytic activity with efficient charge separation. Although, catalysts did not mineralize CHD completely, but the parent compound mineralized to some extent, which was confirmed by the TOC measurement and UV254 absorbance variation. In addition, toxicity of degraded products was analyzed by bacterial susceptibility test on Bacillus cereus DPAML065 suggested that nontoxic byproducts of CHD formed, which led to their safe disposal. Based on the identified transformed products, the possible degradation pathway was proposed. Batch studies demonstrated that BaFe2O4/rGO is highly photoactive based on reaction rate constant (R2=0.984), where the kinetics data was well-fitted using the pseudo-first order. Moreover, efficiency of catalysts was examined under solar light to achieve the sustainability.
The Influence of Urban Haze Pollution on Urban Shrinkage in China – An Analysis of the Mediating Effect of the Labour Supply
Authors: Liu Xiaohong
Published: April 2021

Panel data of 234 cities in China from 2011 to 2018 is used to measure the urban shrinkage index. PM2.5 is used as an indicator of haze pollution, and labour supply is the mediator. On this basis, the influence mechanism of haze pollution on urban shrinkage is analysed theoretically. Next, using the dynamic panel model and the mediating effect model, we empirically examine the impact of urban shrinkage on haze pollution and the mediating effect of labour supply. The main findings are as follows: haze pollution increases the degree of urban shrinkage, and labour supply plays a regulatory role in the process of haze pollution affecting urban shrinkage. According to our research, pertinent policies and suggestions are proposed to reduce both urban shrinkage and haze pollution.
Does Resource Abundance Require Special Approaches to Climate Policies? The Case of Russia
Authors: Makarov Igor
Published: April 2021

As the world’s largest fossil fuels exporter, Russia is one of the key countries for addressing global climate change. However, it has never demonstrated any significant ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper applies ideational research methodology to identify the structural differences in economic, political, and social normative contexts between industrialized fossil fuel importing economies and Russia that lead to the fundamental gap in motivations driving decarbonization efforts. Consequently, Russia is unlikely to replicate the approach to the green transition and use instruments of climate policies which are utilized in energy-importing countries. In order to launch decarbonization in Russia, interested stakeholders need to frame climate policies in Russia differently. Specifically, the framing must address the priority of diversification as a means to adapting the national economy to a new green landscape, the combination of diverse channels for decarbonization, the promotion of energy-efficiency, closer attention to climate-related forest projects and linkage of climate change with other environmental problems. Moreover, considering Russia’s emissions as a part of the global economic system and shifting from a simplistic national focus on GHG emissions reduction would help coordinate policies through dialogue between exporters and importers of fossil fuels energy-intensive goods, which is essential for the global movement towards a net-zero future.
Does industrial collaborative agglomeration improve environmental efficiency? Insights from China's population structure
Authors: Zhu Yue , Du Wenbo , Zhang Juntao
Published: April 2021

It is the theme of today to develop green economy and improve environmental efficiency (EE). As a comprehensive index to measure energy input, economic output and environmental development, environmental efficiency (EE) is of great significance for China to realize the sustainable development of economy and environment. China is in a critical period of industrial transformation and upgrading and ecological civilization construction, the effect of the collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and productive services on environmental efficiency has drawn attention from policymakers. In this study, the stochastic frontier approach (SFA) with unpaid input is used to measure the environmental efficiency (EE) of 66 cities in eastern China during 2009–2018. Population structure is regarded as a mediator to investigate the impact of industrial collaborative agglomeration on environmental efficiency based on the spatial econometric model. The results show that industrial collaborative agglomeration has a positive impact on environmental efficiency, which can be moderated by population density, aging and quality at the same time, while the moderating effect of population urbanization is not significant. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the coordinated governance system of regional ecological environment, accelerate the construction of industrial collaborative agglomeration, and promote the sustainable development of industry and ecology with the advantage of population structure in order to improve environmental efficiency (EE).
The relationship between triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and coronary slow-flow phenomenon
Authors: Aciksari Gonul , CETINKAL Gokhan , KOCAK Mehmet , Atici Adem , Celik Fatma Betul , Caliskan Mustafa
Published: April 2021

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between high triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease. Methods: This prospective study included a total of 84 CSFP patients and 83 controls with normal coronary flow, as evidenced by coronary angiography. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) was used to measure the coronary blood flow velocity. The lipid profiles were analyzed and TG/HDL-C ratio were calculated dividing absolute TG levels by absolute HDL-C levels in peripheral blood. Results: The median TG/HDL-C ratio was higher in the CSFP group than the control group (3.4 [2.6 to 4.9] vs. 2.3 [1.8 to 3], respectively; p<0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TG/HDL-C ratio was an independent predictor of CSFP (odds ratio [OR]: 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59-2.32; p=0.001) and TG/HDL-C ratio was positively correlated with the TFC in the CSFP group ( r =0.311, p<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TG/HDL-C for the diagnosis of CSFP was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.65-0.81; p<0.001). If a cut-off value of 2.75 was used, higher levels of TG/HDL-C ratio could predict the presence of CSFP with 72% sensitivity and 71% specificity. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with CSFP and may be a useful biomarker for predicting CSFP and its severity.
ELK1-induced up-regulation of KIF26B promotes cell cycle progression in breast cancer
Authors: Wang SuXia , Zhang Hui , Liu HaiTing , Guo XiangYu , Ma RanRan , Zhu WenJie , Gao Peng
Published: April 2021

Purpose: KIF26B is a member of the kinesin superfamily that is up-regulated in various tumors, including breast cancer (BC), which can promote tumor progression. This study aimed to investigate the potential function of KIF26B in BC, and the underlying mechanisms, focusing mainly on cell proliferation. Methods: KIF26B expression was examined in BC tissue samples obtained from 99 patients. We performed MTS, EdU and flow cytometry assays to detect cell proliferation, and western blotting to measure the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells following KIF26B knockdown. Promoter analysis was used to study the upstream regulatory mechanism of KIF26B. Results：KIF26B was upregulated in BC tissue samples. High expression of KIF26B was associated with clinicopathological parameters, such as positive lymph node metastasis, higher tumor grade and high proliferative index in BC tissue. Furthermore, knockdown of KIF26B expression inhibited MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell proliferation, arresting cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle in vitro. Similarly, KIF26B silencing decreased the expression levels of Wnt, β-catenin and cell cycle-related proteins such as c-Myc, cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4, whilst increasing the expression of p27. Moreover, ELK1 could bind to the core promoter region of KIF26B and activate its transcription. Conclusion: KIF26B acts as an oncogene in BC that can promote development of BC by regulating multiple proteins involved in the cell cycle. ELK1 activates KIF26B transcription.
Structural basis of the complete poxvirus transcription initiation process
Authors: Fischer Utz , Grimm Clemens , Bartuli Julia , Böttcher Bettina , Szalay Aladar
Published: April 2021

Poxviruses express their genes in the cytoplasm of infected cells using a virus-encoded multi-subunit polymerase (vRNAP) and unique transcription factors. We present cryo-EM structures that uncover the complete transcription initiation of the poxvirus vaccinia. In the pre-initiation complex, the heterodimeric early transcription factor VETFs/l adopts an arc-like shape spanning the polymerase cleft and anchoring upstream and downstream promoter elements. VETFI emerges as a TBP-like protein that inserts asymmetrically into the DNA major groove, triggers DNA melting, ensures promoter recognition and enforces transcription directionality. The helicase VETFs fosters promoter melting and the phospho-peptide domain (PPD) of vRNAP subunit Rpo30 enables transcription initiation. An unprecedented upstream promoter scrunching mechanism assisted by the helicase NPH-I likely fosters promoter escape and transition into elongation. Our structures shed light on unique mechanisms of poxviral gene expression and aid the understanding of thus far unexplained universal principles in transcription.
Pre-compiling Parallel Algorithms for Compilers into a Network
Authors: Jemmali Mahdi , Fayez Fayez Al
Published: April 2021

The paper presents a novel pre-compiler approach by introducing several algorithms to solve the NP-hard problem. The paper address the challenge of transferring a large number of files from a data center (DC), encrypt it using compilers and send it through a network in the optimum time possible. Due to the high usage of big data, one compiler is not sufficient to encrypt such data in a timely manner. In order to achieve high efficiency of sending encrypted data while guarantee security and time efficiency, a new novel architecture of two parallel compilers is proposed. The running time of a given application is calculated through program instructions running time, memory allocation time and the compilation time. To have an appropriate running time it is important to choose an efficient algorithm to schedule files to compilers. Several algorithms will be coded and experimented to show the performance in time and gap.
MiRNA biomarkers and potential critical genes associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Zhou , Xu Hao , Bai Zhongtian , Dong Shi , Zhang Jian , Zhou Wence
Published: April 2021

Background Dysregulated expression of miRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) is associated with tumor progression. MiRNA markers are important for the prognosis and therapeutic targeting of GC patients. Methods To detect differentially expressed miRNAs in GC from the TCGA database and predict their target genes. We downloaded RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), miRNA-seq and clinical data of GC from TCGA. Differential expression analysis of RNA-seq and miRNA-seq data was performed by R 3.6.1. MiRNAs associated with prognosis were evaluated with the Cox model, and differentially expressed miRNAs were assessed by Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. Risk factors were identified in the Cox model. Target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were searched in three databases. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses were used to evaluate the biological functions of these target genes.Results Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-135b-3p, hsa-miR-143-5p, hsa-miR-196b-3p, hsa-miR-942-3p, hsa-miR-9-3p) were related to survival. Eight target genes (AKAP12, AR, DZIP1, PCDHA11, PCDHA12, PI15, SH3BGRL and TMEM108) were closely correlated with patient overall survival (OS). Conclusion Differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes have an important influence on the diagnosis and prognosis of GC and may be used as tumor biomarkers in further studies and as potential therapeutic targets.
How can green building development promote the efficiency of carbon emission reduction in the construction industry? ——Based on the dual perspective of industry and space
Authors: Liao Bin , Lin Li
Published: April 2021

Green building development plays an important role in improving the efficiency of carbon reduction in the construction industry and accelerating the construction industry to achieve carbon neutrality goals. Based on the dual perspective of "industrial upgrading and space overflow", this paper integrates the topic of "green building development to promote carbon neutrality in the construction industry" into the cross-study of industrial economics and spatial economics Using China's provincial panel data from 2008 to 2019, use the intermediary adjustment model to prove how green building development builds an internal green supply and demand system in the industry to promote the efficiency of carbon emission reduction in the construction industryand use the space panel Dubin model to discuss the green building Development affects the spatial mechanism and attenuation boundary of the construction industry's carbon emission reduction efficiency. The study found that green building development has a positive effect on the efficiency of carbon reduction in the construction industry. And there is a clear "center-peripheral pattern" between green building development and the efficiency of carbon reduction in the construction industry. At the same time, the impact of green building development on the efficiency of carbon emission reduction in the construction industry exists "industry-space" two-dimensional mechanism, from the industrial perspective, green building development can activate the construction market form a green supply and demand system by promoting the green upgrading of supporting industries and stimulating the green consumption of the market, and finally realize the overall green upgrading of the construction industry. from the spatial level, the development of regional green buildings forms a new growth pole and enhances the carbon emission reduction efficiency of the construction industry in the region through polarization effect, inhibits the carbon emission reduction efficiency of the construction industry in neighboring areas, and this spatial polarization effect also shows obvious spatial attenuation characteristics. In the 1,000 km, rangethe spillover effect is higher, while attenuation occurs outside the 1,000 km range. The results provide a theoretical basis and empirical evidence for the construction industry to improve the efficiency of carbon reduction and achieve industrial carbon neutrality.
Trauma Experiences of African Men from a Refugee Background in Western Australia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nnadigwe Ernest Obiechina , Fisher Colleen , Wood Lisa , Martin. Karen
Published: April 2021

Background

As people from the African continent continue to settle in Australia, exposure of men from African refugee backgrounds to potentially traumatic events not only impact negatively on their settlement but have also been linked to increased mental health issues and family and domestic violence. This study aims to describe the prevalence and dominant forms of potentially traumatic experiences of African men from a refuge background in Western Australia.
Methods

Survey data from 421 African men from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Republic of Congo–Brazzaville, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sudan and South Sudan, Burundi and Somalia were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results

The study showed that 81% of the participants experienced at least one potentially traumatic event either in their home country or in a refugee country. However, the prevalence of potentially traumatic events in their home country ranged from 45% (Somalia) to 95% (Democratic Republic of Congo) while in refuge countries, the potentially traumatic experience prevalence ranged from 17% (Somalia) to 51% (Sudan and South Sudan). The majority of the participants (64%) experienced "War at close quarter" in their home country. In comparison, the dominant potentially traumatic experience in refuge countries was "Forced Separation" (28%). The study showed that 53% of the participants who experienced one or more potentially traumatic events in their home country also experienced one or more potentially traumatic events in the refugee country.
Conclusions

This study will provide baseline data on the prevalence and dominant forms of potentially traumatic events of African refugee men now resident in WA. The impact of potentially traumatic events should be addressed in counselling, and other interventions developed and delivered by both government and non-government agencies.
Dynamics and synchronization of the complex simplified Lorenz system
Authors: Jin Mengxin , Sun Kehui , Wang Huihai
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the complex simplified Lorenz system is proposed. It is the complex extension of the simplified Lorenz system. Dynamics of the proposed system are investigated by theoretical analysis as well as numerical simulation, including bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent spectrum, phase portraits, Poincaré section, and basins of attraction. The results show that the complex simplified Lorenz system has non-trivial circular equilibria and displays abundant and complicated dynamical behaviors. Particularly, the coexistence of infinitely many attractors, i.e., extreme multistability, is discovered in the proposed system. Furthermore, the adaptive complex generalized function projective synchronization between two complex simplified Lorenz systems with unknown parameter is achieved. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the corresponding adaptive controllers and parameter update law are designed. The numerical simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed synchronization scheme. It provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the applications of the complex simplified Lorenz system.
Polyploidization Increases the Lipid Content and Improves the Nutritional Quality of Rice
Authors: Zhang Xianhua , Wang Wei , Tu Qiang , Chen Rongrong , Lv Pincang , Xu Yanqing , Xie Qian , Song Zhaojian , He Yuchi , Li Li , Cai Detian
Published: April 2021

Background: Plant polyploidization is frequently associated with changes in nutrient contents. However, the possible contribution of metabolites to this change has not been investigated by characterizing the metabolite contents of diploid and tetraploid forms of rice ( Oryza sativa L.). Results: We compared the metabolites of a group of diploid–tetraploid japonica brown rice and a group of diploid–tetraploid indica brown rice based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 401 differential expression metabolites were identified between diploids and tetraploids; of these, between the japonica and indica groups, 180 showed opposite expression trends but 221 showed the same trends (141 up-regulated vs 69 down-regulated). Hierarchical cluster analysis of differential metabolites between diploid and tetraploid species showed a clear grouping pattern, in which the relative contents of lipids, amino acids and derivatives, and phenolic acids increased in tetraploids. Further analysis revealed that the lipids in tetraploid rice increased significantly, especially unsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids. Conclusions: This study provides more basis for the changes in rice nutritional quality following polyploidization, and may serve as a new theoretical reference for breeding eutrophic or functional rice varieties via polyploidization.
Effects of Perturbations on the Stability of Equilibrium Points in the CR3BP with Luminous and Heterogeneous Spheroid Primaries
Authors: Singh Jagadish , Ahmad Shitu Muktar
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the position and stability of equilibrium points in the circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP) under the influence of small perturbations in the Coriolis and centrifugal forces when the primaries are radiating and heterogeneous oblate spheroids. It is seen that there exist five libration points as in the classical restricted three-body problem, three collinear Li(i=1,2,3) and two triangular Li(i= 4,5). It is also seen that the triangular points are no longer to form equilateral triangles with the primaries rather they form simple triangles with line joining the primaries. It is further observed that despite all perturbations the collinear points remain unstable while the triangular points are stable for 0 < µ < µc and unstable for µc ≤ µ ≤ ½, where µc is the critical mass ratio depending upon aforementioned parameters. It is marked that small perturbation in the Coriolis force, radiation and heterogeneous oblateness of the both primaries have destabilizing tendencies. Their numerical examination is also performed.
Effects of Exogenous Application of Indole-3-Butyric Acid on Maize Plants Under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Šípošová Kristína , Labancová Eva , Kučerová Danica , Kollárová Karin , Vivodová Zuzana
Published: April 2021

Exogenously-applied auxins can alleviate the toxicity of various metals and improve a plant’s tolerance to stress. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that has a wide range of negative effects on plants. The mechanisms that result in the positive effects of auxins on stressed plants are still not fully understood. In the present study, we found that the application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in concentration 10− 9 M had positive effect on the plants cultivated in the presence of Cd. IBA caused changes in the growth and morphology of the maize also under non-stress conditions; hence, we were able to select three concentrations of IBA (10− 7 M as inhibitory, 10− 8 M as non-effective, and 10− 11 M as stimulatory). Cadmium treatment increased the concentration of H2O2 and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT), while IBA (10− 9 M) ameliorated its negative effects. IBA affected the content of macronutrients and micronutrients in roots in relation to the concentration of applied IBA and the presence of Cd in the solution. The heatmap visualises the differences between the Cd and Cd + IBA effects on all parameters studied, and indicates the positive effects of IBA (10− 9 M) during Cd stress.
Epidemiology and therapeutic management of highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis adults in the French national health insurance database
Authors: Kwiatkowski Arnaud , Payet Marianne , Préaud Emmanuelle , Lamarsalle Ludovic , Raguideau Fanny , Chevreuil Olivier , Hille Benoit van , Vandhuick Olivier
Published: April 2021

Background: In France, no specific information on the Highly Active Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (HA-RRMS) population is available.Objective: To describe the epidemiology and therapeutic management of HA-RRMS patients in France.Methods: In this cohort study, HA-RRMS patients were identified in the health data system with a new algorithm using outpatient healthcare consumption and hospital discharge data. Results: Over 2010–2015, 9,596 incident HA-RRMS patients were identified (sex ratio: 2.8; mean age 39.9 years old) and followed-up for 4.0 years, on average. In 2015, the incidence and mortality rates in patients aged 20 and above were 3.6 and 389 per 100,000, respectively (lower mortality than in the MS population but twice as high as in the French population). During the study, 39.7% of patients took a disease-modifying drug (DMD) and 83.5% a high efficacy DMD (HE-DMD, fingolimod or natalizumab, with a mean treatment duration of 3.5 years). When patients treated by an HE-DMD required to switch to another treatment, it was more often to the other HE-DMD (more often from natalizumab to fingolimod) than to a DMD. Conclusions: According to this first real-world study, HA-RRMS patients could represent 8% of MS patients. The results validated the algorithm to identify HA-RRMS patients.
Bioaccumulation of Metals in Eels Taken From Lakes Köyceğiz (Turkey) and Võrtsjärv (Estonia) and Health Risk Assessments
Authors: Demirak Ahmet , Keskin Feyyaz , Silm Maidu , Özdemir Nedim , Yıldız Dilek , Bernotas Priit , Öğlü Burak
Published: April 2021

Monitoring heavy metal contaminants in fish is important for the assessment of environmental quality as well as food safety. In this study, European eel samples were collected from Lake Köyceğiz and Lake Võrtsjärv in 2017 and 2018. The concentrations of Mn, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu metals were measured by using GF-AAS in four selected tissues of eel, including liver, gill, skin, and muscle in both lakes. The pollution indexes (Pi, MPI) values were calculated for both lakes and the health risk for consumers was assessed for both adults and children in Turkey and Estonia. The estimated weekly intake (EWI), hazard index (HI), and lifetime cancer risk values ​​(CRs) for the metals were calculated for both lakes. According to the results of this study, a significant difference was determined the between the metal concentrations (especially Cu, Cd and Pb) in the tissues of the eel samples taken from the two lakes. These results show that besides the pollution levels in the aquatic environment, physiological needs, and metabolic activities in different habitats have a significant effect on metal accumulation in eels. In addition, HI was found to be < 1 for both adult and child consumers in both lakes, which indicates that consumers would not experience non-carcinogenic health effects. However, the values of CR for Pb and Cd were found negligible in Lake Köyceğiz, while the CR value for Pb was found to be very close to the danger limits in Lake Võrtsjärv.
Understanding Patient Perspectives Regarding Long Acting Reversible Contraception: A Qualitative Study to Inform A Key Domain of Implementation Science
Authors: Livingood William C , Bull Katryne Lukens , Biegner Staci , Kaunitz Andrew M , Howard LaRonda , Jefferson Vanessa , Geisselmaier Pia Julia , Michel Isabelle , Bilello Lori
Published: April 2021

Background: Evidence has continued to emerge that Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is highly effective in preventing unintended pregnancies and induced abortions, but utilization of LARC remains low among US women, particularly among minority and low income women. Aims: We designed this study to develop insights into factors that can better inform urban, predominantly African American women’s decisions to use LARC.Methods: We conducted focus group interviews with women, in conjunction with a community-based organization providing programs for underserved women, in an urban southeastern U.S city with sites in predominantly African American neighborhoods. Results: Key insights from the focus group results for healthcare providers include: the importance of framing discussions with patients within the context of the patients’ goals; the need to acknowledge and respect the support systems that women rely on for child birthing and childcare; recognition of the clinician’s role as a trusted and respected source of information; and the need to understand and be prepared to address much of the inaccurate and misleading information that can interfere with the patients’ optimal choices for contraception. Discussion: A critical component for applying Implementation Science theory to increase utilization of evidence based practices such as LARC requires understanding women’s perspectives of the factors influencing their decisions to use LARC. Conclusion: This study provides important insights into: 1) the potential barriers inherent in minority women’s concerns about LARC, and 2) how these insights can inform implementation strategies such as patient centered counseling and education to overcome those barriers.
The Role of Good Governance in the Race for Global Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tatar Moosa , Faraji Mohammad Reza , Shoorekchali Jalal Montazeri , Pagán Jose , Wilson Fernando
Published: April 2021

Governments have developed and implemented various policies and interventions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are now being produced and distributed globally. This study investigates the role of good governance and government effectiveness indicators in the acquisition and administration of COVID-19 vaccines at the population level.Data on six World Bank good governance indicators for 172 countries for 2019 and machine-learning methods (K-Means Method and Principal Component Analysis) were used to cluster countries based on these indicators and COVID-19 vaccination rates. XGBoost was used to classify countries based on their vaccination status and identify the relative contribution of each governance indicator to the vaccination rollout in each country.Countries with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates (e.g., Israel, United Arab Emirates, United States) also have higher effective governance indicators. Regulatory Quality is the most important indicator in predicting COVID-19 vaccination status in a country, followed by Voice and Accountability, and Government Effectiveness. Our findings suggest that coordinated global efforts led by the World Health Organization and wealthier nations may be necessary to assist in the supply and distribution of vaccines to those countries that have less effective governance.
Experimental Analysis of Microhardness Changes of Subsurface Areas Affected by WEDM
Authors: Mouralova Katerina , Michna Stefan , Zahradnicek Radim , Bednar Josef , Plichta Tomas , Fries Jiri
Published: April 2021

The influence of the surface area by the impact of high temperatures after wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is a known fact. However, the affected parameters also include a change in microhardness. In order to further investigate this statement, 5 different metallic and non-metallic materials were selected, from which three samples were always made with different settings of machine parameters (gap voltage, pulse on and off time, wire feed and discharge current). This examined not only the effect of the machining itself on the material but also whether the change in the microhardness of the material is affected by the setting of the machine parameters. In order to measure the microhardness of the subsurface layer, a metallographic preparation was made from each sample, which enabled accurate measurements always in the same area. Subsequent evaluation revealed that the microhardness may not be affected at all and everything depends only on the type of material being machined. The changes in microhardness affected by setting machine parameters are negligible.
A Molecule Based Nomogram Optimized the Prediction of Relapse in Stage I NSCLC
Authors: Bian Rongrong , Zhu Guorong , Zhao Feng , Chen Rui , Xia Wengji , wang lin , Chen Qiang
Published: April 2021

Background:
Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is being diagnosed increasingly, and in 30% of diagnosed patients, recurrence will develop within 5 years. Thus, it is urgent to identify recurrence-related markers in order to optimize the management of patient-tailored therapeutics. The aim of the study was to develop a feasible tool to optimize the recurrence prediction of stage I NSCLC.
Methods:
The eligible datasets were downloaded from TCGA and GEO. In discovery phase, two algorithms, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selector Operation and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination, were used to identify candidate genes. Recurrence associated signature was developed by penalized cox regression. The nomogram was constructed and further tested via two independent cohorts.
Results:
In this retrospective study, 14 eligible datasets and 7 published signatures were included. In discovery phase, 42 significant genes were highlighted as candidate predictors by two algorithms. A 13-gene based signature was generated by penalized cox regression categorized training cohort into high-risk and low-risk subgroups (HR = 8.873, 95% CI:4.228–18.480 P < 0.001). Furthermore, a nomogram integrating the recurrence related signature, age, and histology was developed to predict the recurrence-free survival in the training cohort, which performed well in the two external validation cohorts (concordance index: 0.737, 95%CI:0.732–0.742, P < 0.001; 0.666, 95%CI: 0.650–0.682, P < 0.001; 0.651, 95%CI:0.637–0.665, P < 0.001 respectively).
Conclusions:
The proposed nomogram is a promising tool for estimating recurrence free survival in stage I NSCLC, which might have tremendous value in guiding adjuvant therapy. Prospective studies are needed to test the clinical utility of the nomogram in individualized management of stage I NSCLC.
Remote Interviews for Medical Residency Selection During the Initial COVID-19 Crisis: a National Survey
Authors: Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Alkhattabi Fadiah , Alhasan Khalid , Alherbish Adi , Philby Mona , Alsohime Fahad , Alobaylan Mohamad , Alabdulkarim Hayfa , Almosned Badr , Gashgarey Deema , Felimban Ghadah , Alkathiri Ziyad , Almaghrabi Randa , Jamal Amr , Barry Mazin , Alsaywid Basim , Bashiri Fahad A.
Published: April 2021

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, structured medical training is challenging because the necessary travel for on-site interviews could increase the spread of the disease.Aim: This study was conducted to describe an urgently implemented, web-based interview process for selecting medical residents for the National Residency Matching in Saudi Arabia.Method: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey (appendix 1) was sent to 4,153 residency-nominated applicants in Saudi Arabia to the matching interview for 2020.Results: Among the 510 candidates who responded, 62.2% applied for medical specialties, 20.2% applied for surgical specialties, and 17.6% applied for critical care and emergency specialties. Most respondents (61.2%) never had video conferences. Besides, most respondents (80.2%) had used Zoom to conduct E-interviews, whereas only 15.9% used FaceTime. Among the respondents, 75.7% agreed that their questions regarding the residency programs were adequately answered during the virtual interviews. The top perceived factors that enhanced the experience were the free application, the clarification emails they received from the organizers, and the organizers’ effective communication. Conversely, what negatively impacted the interviews were the slow and interrupted Internet, the absence of clear instructions, and the lack of previous experience with teleconferencing.Conclusion: Videoconferencing was successfully implemented on an urgent basis during the COVID-19 pandemic in the medical residency application process in Saudi Arabia. The residency applicants preferred video interviews, along with the cost savings and easier logistics to conduct the interviews from various locations. Future studies to enhance this experience are warranted.
Relationship Between Amniotic Fluid Metabolic Profile With Fetal Gender, Maternal Age, and Gestational Age
Authors: Li Yahong , Sun Yun , Zhang Xiaojuan , Wang Xin , Yang Peiying , Guan Xianwei , Wang Yan , Zhou Xiaoyan , Hu Ping , Jiang Tao , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: April 2021

Background

Amniotic fluid (AF) provides vital information on fetal development, which is also valuable in identifying fetal abnormalities during pregnancy. However, the relationship between the metabolic profile of AF in the second trimester of a normal pregnancy with several maternal-fetal parameters remains poorly understood, which therefore limits its application in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the metabolic profile of AF with fetal gender, maternal age, and gestational age using an untargeted metabolomics method.
Methods

A total of 114 AF samples of normal pregnancy were selected. Clinical data on fetal gender, maternal age, and gestational week of these samples were collected. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS). Principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least square discrimination analysis༈OPLS-DA༉or partial least square discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) were conducted to compare metabolic profiles, and differential metabolites were obtained by univariate analysis.
Results

Both PCA and OPLS-DA demonstrated no significant separation trend between the metabolic profiles of male and female fetuses, and there were only 7 differential metabolites. When the association between the maternal age on AF metabolic profile was explored, both PCA and PLS-DA revealed that the maternal age in the range of 21 to 40 years had no significant effect on the metabolic profile of AF, and only four different metabolites were found. There was no significant difference in the metabolic profiles of AF from fetuses of 17–22 weeks, and 23 differential metabolites were found.
Conclusions

In the scope of our study, there was no significant correlation between the AF metabolic profile and the fetal gender, maternal age and gestational age of a small range. Nevertheless, few metabolites appeared differentially expressed.
A qualitative study on the implementation of a holistic care package for control and management of lymphoedema: Experience from a pilot intervention in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Oumer , Kinfe Mersha , Semrau Maya , Tora Abebayehu , Tesfaye Abraham , Mengiste Asrat , Davey Gail , Fekadu Abebaw
Published: April 2021

Background Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as podoconiosis, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy mainly affect communities in low resource settings. These diseases are associated with physical disability due to lymphoedema as well as poor mental health and psychosocial outcomes. Integration of care across these NTDs at primary health care level, which includes mental health and psychosocial care alongside physical health care, is increasingly recommended. Methods A holistic integrated care package was developed and piloted as part of the EnDPoINT project in Gusha district, Awi zone, Ethiopia. The intervention was conducted at the health care organization, health facility and community levels. To assess the impact of the care package in terms of acceptability, scalability, sustainability and barriers to implementation, a qualitative study was conducted in January 2020. This included four focus group discussions (29 participants) and ten key informant interviews with decision makers, health professionals, patients, and community representatives. Results The integrated lymphoedema care package was found to be efficient compared to vertical programs in saving time and resources. It also resulted in improved awareness of the causes, treatment and prevention of lymphoedema, in marked improvements in the lymphoedema, and in reduced stigma and discrimination. The care package was found to be acceptable to patients, health professionals and decision makers. The barriers to integrated care were unrealistic patient expectations, inadequate dissemination across health workers, and poor transportation access. Health professionals, decision makers and patients believed the integrated lymphoedema care package to be scalable and sustainable. Conclusion The integrated holistic care package was found to be acceptable to patients, health professionals and decision makers. We recommend its scale-up to other endemic districts.
Coupling of Nutrient Removal and Biodiesel Production By Asterarcys quadricellulare Microalga Grown in Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Morsi Hanaa , Eladel Hamed , Maher Ayah
Published: April 2021

The present study focused on the feasibility of using municipal wastewater (WW) as culture medium for cultivation of microalgae. The study aimed to assess the efficiency of microalgae in nutrients removing capacity from wastewater and its biomass and lipid productivity for using as biodiesel feedstock. Based on that, the green microalga Asterarcys quadricellulare was isolated and grown for 24 days in Bold’s Basal Medium as a control and at different concentration of secondary treated municipal wastewater (WW) diluted with distilled water (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%WW). Results of 75%WW treatment recorded 96.6%, 98.4%, and 89.9% removal efficiency for, nitrate, ammonia and total phosphorus, respectively. Also, it revealed high biomass productivity and biomass content, where it recorded 69.0 mgL-1 day-1, and 1.44 g/L, respectively. Likewise, high lipid productivity 17.2 mg L−1 day−1 and 360.6 mg/L lipid content. Consequently, Asterarcys quadricellulare fatty acids profile estimation revealed an increase in Oleic, Palmitic and Linoleic acids levels. Most properties of biodiesel derived from the studied microalga meet with values established by the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 biodiesel standards. According to this analysis, A. quadricellulare microalga could be used for wastewater bioremediation and biomass production with a suitable content of lipids proper as biodiesel feedstock. The predictive biodiesel properties pointed that it has a good quality compared with international standards.