bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comprehensive Analysis of Competitive Endogenous RNA Networks And Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells In Intestinal and Diffuse Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhou Qi , Lu Hao , Xin Lin , Zhou Li-qiang , Li Shi-hao , Yuan Yi-wu , Wang Jin-liang , Wu Deng-Zhong , Wu You , Gan Jin-heng , Yue Zhen-qi , Wu Ji-ping
Published: June 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Increasing evidences have revealed different molecular characteristics between intestinal type GC and diffuse type GC.Results: We constructed Lauren subtype-specific competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks and identified common ceRNA network by comprehensive bioinformatics methods including differential expression analyses, RNA-RNA interaction prediction, negatively correlated RNA pairs and weighted genes co-expression network analysis. Besides, we detected the fraction of 22 immune cell types in GC by CIBERSORTx and investigated the correlation of immune cells and markers of ceRNA network. Ultimately, diagnostic performance of lncRNAs and mRNAs in ceRNA network were estimated by support vector machine (SVM). SNHG14 was identified as ceRNA of hsa-miR-429/ ZFPM2, hsa-miR-429/ZEB1 and hsa-miR-200b-3p/ZEB1 axes in all GC. Mast cells and Macrophages significantly differed not only between the tumor and normal tissue, but also between the two subtypes. Mast cells and Macrophages are significantly associated with multiple components in ceRNA network. Our results demonstrated lncRNAs and mRNAs of ceRNA network in the whole group (AUC=0.9152), the intestinal group (AUC=0.9670) and the diffuse group (AUC=0.9737) showed good performance in tumor diagnosis.Conclusion: Based on ceRNA networks and patterns of immune infiltration, our study provided a valid bioinformatics basis in order to explore the molecular mechanism and estimated diagnosis performance of RNAs in ceRNA network.
Comparison Of Tolerant And Susceptible Cultivars Revealed The Roles of Circular RNAs In Rice Responding To Salt Stress
Authors: Yin Junliang , Liu Yike , Lu Lin , Zhang Jian , Chen Shaoyu , Wang Baotong
Published: June 2021

As a newly characterized class of noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified in many plant species, and play important roles in plant stress responses. However, little is known about how salt stress mediates the expression of circRNAs in rice. In this study, we identified circRNAs from root tissues of salt-susceptible recipient cultivar 93-11 and salt-tolerant introgression line 9L136. A total of 190 circRNAs were identified. Among them, 93 circRNAs were differentially expressed under salt stress in 93-11 (36 up- and 57 down-regulated) and 95 in 9L136 (46 up- and 49 down-regulated). Salt stress significantly decreased the average expression level of circRNAs in 93-11, but circRNA expression levels were slightly increased in 9L136, suggesting that circRNAs had different response patterns in these two cultivars. Function annotation and enrichment analysis indicated that, through cis-regulation and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network regulation, those induced circRNAs were commonly involved in transcription, signal transduction, ion transportation, and secondary metabolism. Compared to 93-11, salt-induced circRNAs in line 9L136 targeted more stress response genes participating in transcription regulation, ion transportation, and signal transduction, which may contribute to the salt tolerance of 9L136. Summarily, this study revealed the common response of rice circRNAs to salt stress, and the possible circRNA-related salt tolerance mechanisms of 9L136.
Experimental Study of Solar Energy Based Water Purifier (SEBWP) of Single Slope Type by Incorporating N Similar Evacuated Tubular Collectors (ETCs) having Series Connection
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev Kumar , Mallick Ashis , Singh Desh Bandhu , Tiwari Gopal Nath
Published: June 2021

This research paper deals with the experimental investigation of solar energy based water purifier (SEBWP) of single slope type by incorporating N similar evacuated tubular collectors (ETCs) having series connection. Experimental investigation has been done for a year from August 2018 to July 2019. MATLAB has been used for evaluating performance parameters of the system followed by the validation of these results with their experimental values. A fair agreement has been found between theoretical and experimental values. Values of correlation coefficients for condensing glass temperature, water temperature and water yield have been found to be 0.9932, 0.9928 and 0.9951 respectively. Further, energy metrics, productivity, cost of producing one kg of fresh water, exergoeconomic and enviroeconomic parameters have been evaluated. Values of energy payback time, per kg cost of producing fresh water and exergy loss per unit Rs. have been evaluated to be 1.72 years, Rs. 0.95/kg and 0.128 kWh/Rs. respectively.
Antimicrobial Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Comparators against Levofloxacin-Resistant Escherichia Coli Collected from Four Geographic Regions, 2012–2018
Authors: Stone Gregory
Published: June 2021

Background: Increases in resistance to fluoroquinolones have been correlated with the use of levofloxacin in the treatment of infections caused by Escherichia coli. The analysis presents the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparator agents against 10,840 levofloxacin-resistant E. coli isolates collected from four geographic regions (Africa/Middle East, Europe, Asia/South Pacific, Latin America) between 2012 and 2018.Methods: Non-duplicate clinical isolates of E. coli were collected from participating centres and shipped to International Health Management Associates, Inc. [IHMA], Schaumburg, IL, USA. Susceptibility testing was performed with frozen broth microdilution panels manufactured by IHMA, according to CLSI guidelines. Levofloxacin-resistance was defined at a minimum inhibitory concentration of ≥2 mg/L. Isolates collected between 2012 and 2015 were tested for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) activity by determining susceptibility to cefotaxime, cefotaxime-clavulanate, ceftazidime, and ceftazidime-clavulanate as recommended by CLSI guidelines. Isolates collected between 2016 and 2018 were identified as ESBL-positive by genotype using multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays. Results: A total of 74.8% of levofloxacin-resistant E. coli isolates in the analysis were from three culture sources: urinary tract infections (N = 3,229; 29.8%), skin and skin structure infections (N = 2,564; 23.7%) and intra-abdominal infections (N = 2,313; 21.3%). Susceptibility rates to ceftazidime-avibactam were consistently high in all regions against both ESBL-positive (97.0% in Asia/South Pacific to 99.7% in Africa/Middle East and Latin America) and ESBL-negative isolates (99.4% in Asia/South Pacific to 100% in Latin America). Susceptibility was also high in each region among ESBL-positive and ESBL-negative isolates to colistin (≥98.5%), imipenem (≥96.5%), meropenem (≥96.5%) and tigecycline (≥94.1%). Conclusions: Antimicrobial susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam among levofloxacin-resistant E. coli isolates, including ESBL-positive isolates, collected from four geographical regions between 2012 and 2018 was consistently high. Susceptibility to the comparator agents colistin, tigecycline, imipenem and meropenem was also high.
A Focus Group Interview with Health Professionals: Establishing Efficient Transition Care Plan for Older Adult Patients in Korea
Authors: Park Chan Mi , Han Seung Jun , Lee Jae Hyun , Lim Jin , Moon Sung do , Moon Hongran , Lee Seo-Young , Kim Hyeanji , Jang Il-Young , Jung Hee-Won
Published: June 2021

BackgroundEven though transition care can affect functional status and quality of life after acute hospitalization for older adults, less is known on problems associated with discharge planning in Korean acute hospitals. We aimed to investigate barriers and possible solutions on transfer planning of complex older patients in this study.MethodsWe used focus group interview with application of framework analysis. Twelve physicians providing inpatient care from 6 different institutions in Korea participated for the interview. Facilitating questions were extracted from 2 roundtable meetings prior to the main interview. From transcribed verbatim, themes were constructed from corresponding remarks by participants. ResultsWe revealed two main domains of the barrier which included multiple subdomains for each of them. First domain was a patient factor barrier, a composite of misperception of medical provider’s intentions, incomprehension of the healthcare system, and communication failure between the caregivers or decision makers. Second domain, institutional factors included different fee structures across the different levels of care, high barrier to accessing health service in tertiary hospitals or to be referred to, hardship of communication between institutions, and insufficient subacute rehabilitation service across the country. ConclusionsThrough the interview, physicians in the field recognized barriers of smooth transition care process from tertiary level hospitals to community care especially for older adults. Participants emphasized both the patients and hospital sides of adjustment on behaviors, communication, and greater attention for what really matters for the individuals during the transition period.
Development of an environmentally friendly formulation of silk fibroin associated with fatty acid from Astrocaryum murumuru Mart. fat, effective against larvae of the Aedes aegypti vector
Authors: Marinho Victor H. S. , Neves Fernando B. , Jimenez David E. Q. , Oliveira Fabio R. , Santos Abrahão Victor T. L. T. , Ferreira Ricardo M. A. , Souto Raimundo N. P. , Carvalho José C. T. , Yoshioka Sérgio A. , Ferreira Irlon Maciel
Published: June 2021

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of several diseases, such as dengue, malaria and the Zika virus. Synthetic insecticides such as chlorpyrifos and chlorothalonil have been used for plague control, despite causing damage to the environment and to humans. It is therefore important to study natural active compounds with a low environmental impact. The present paper developed an environmentally friendly formulation of silk fibroin (SF) associated with fatty acid esters [ethyl (FAEE-SF), propyl (FAPE-SF) and butyl (FABE-SF)] from Astrocaryum murumuru Mart. fat, which was effective against Aedes aegypti 3th instar larvae. The FABE-SF nanoemulsion induced a higher mortality rate in the larvae of the A. aegypti after 48 h (LC50 = 18.92 µg / mL). The stabilities of the nanoemulsions were monitored for 21 days, and FABE-SF exhibited greater stability throughout the monitored period, with average particle, zeta and PDI values of around 217 ± 0.85 nm, -25.6 ± 3.24 mV and 0.338 ± 0.01, respectively. This paper reported the first effective action of fatty acid esters from A. murumuru Mart. associated with silk fibroin against A. aegypti. The FABE-SF solution also had a low hemolytic index, suggesting that treatment may be safe for animal and human use.
Robust Quantification of Regional Patterns of Migration in Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models
Authors: Vong Chun Kiet , Wang Alan , Dragunow Mike , Park Thomas I-H , Shim Vickie
Published: June 2021

Wound healing assays is a common two-dimensional migration model, with the spheroid assay three-dimensional migration model recently emerging as being more representative of in vivo migration behaviours. These models provide insight to the overall migration of cells in response to various factors such as biological, chemotactic and molecular agents. However, currently available analysis techniques for these assays fall short on providing quantifiable means to measure regional migration patterns, , which is essential to allow more robust assessment of drug treatments on cell migration in a chemotactic fashion. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a finite element (FE) based pipeline that can objectively quantify regional migration patterns of cells. Here, we report that our FE based approach was able to accurately measure changes in overall migration areas compared to the standard ImageJ method. Furthermore, our regional migration analysis provided accurate and quantitative means to analyse the migration pattern seen in the phantom data and our experimental results, giving us confidence that it can be a robust tool for analysing cell migration patterns.
Simulation of Printer Nozzle for 3D Printing TNT/HMX Based Melt-Cast Explosive
Authors: Zong Huzeng , Cong Qilun , Zhang Tengyue , Hao Yanjun , Xiao Lei , Hao Gazi , Zhang Guangpu , Guo Hu , Hu Yubing , Jiang We
Published: June 2021

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) has been one of the most widely used rapid prototyping (RP) technologies, which has been attracted increasing attentions in the world. However, existing literatures about energetic material flow inside the 3D printer nozzle are sparse. For plunger 3D printer, we summarized the experimental and related literatures, finding that viscosity, temperature, outlet velocity, pressure, and nozzle diameter are the main factors to affect the flow state in the nozzle. Based on the actual printer nozzle structure, in this paper, a finite element model was established by SOLIDWORKS software firstly, meanwhile, the flow channel model of the nozzle was extracted and simplified. Secondly, the factors influencing the printing results were researched and analysed. In the end, numerical simulation on velocity field and temperature field was carried out by FLUENT software. Moreover, the printing test of HMX/TNT was also carried out by using EAM-D-1 3D printer. The printed sample shows that 3D printing is more satisfactory than conventional melt-casting ways to prepare high viscocity and unconventional structure explosives
A Global Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis in The State of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Efflux Pump Research
Authors: Zhang Ruiqin , Wang Siyang , Ren Jian , feng Jinxin , Li Zhen , Wang Hongxia , Zhi Tingting , Zhu Yuanyuan , wang Yanhui , Yao Zhiqing , duan jinju
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE. This study was designed with the goal of surveying the current status of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux pump research field in an effort to explore current and future trends in this clinically relevant research area. METHODS. Bibliometric and visual analyses were used to conduct a global survey of the current status of Pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux pump research. All studies regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux that were published from 1994 to 2019 were retrieved from the Web of Science database, after which we conducted bibliographic coupling, co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analyses, and analyzed trends in Pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux pump research publications using the VOS Viewer software. RESULTS. We identified 2583 total publications that were included in this study. The number of relevant studies from around the world was found to be rising over time. The USA was identified as a central player in this research field at a global level, as studies from the USA had the most citations, the highest H-index values, and the greatest total link strength. Three primary research directions were identified through this analysis, including studies of efflux pump resistance mechanisms, transfer mechanisms, and inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS. Our visual analysis provides a quantitative overview for researchers who wish to quickly understand the past and current dynamics of the field of Pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux pump research. Overall, these findings suggest that future studies of efflux pump resistance mechanisms and efflux pump inhibitors may aid in overcoming clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance.
Geometric Morphology and Population Genomics Provide Insights into the Adaptive Evolution of Apis Cerana in Changbai Mountain
Authors: Nannan Liu , Huamiao Liu , Yan Ju , Xingan Li , Yang Li , Tianjiao Wang , Jinming He , Qingsheng Niu , Xiumei Xing
Published: June 2021

Background: Exploration of adaptive evolution of organisms in response to environmental change will offer us a hint to the evolutionary history of species and the underlying mechanisms of adaptation to local environments, thus guiding future conservation programmes. Before the introduction of Apis mellifera in China, Apis cerana was the only species, which could be reared in captivity to obtain products. Moreover, A. cerana in Changbai Mountain is the only ecotype in such a flora. Result: We investigated the geometric morphological features of A. cerana in Changbai Mountain by analysing 300 wing specimens from 30 populations of A. cerana in 5 geographic regions. A total of 3,859,573 high-quality SNP loci were yielded via the whole-genome resequencing of 130 individuals from 130 A. cerana geographic populations.Conclusion: Corresponding geometric morphology and population genome confirmed the outstanding evolutionary role of the A. cerana population in Changbai Mountain. Genetic differentiation at the subspecies level exists between populations in Changbai Mountain and remaining geographic regions, and a significant reduction in the effective population size and an excessive degree of inbreeding may be responsible for a substantial loss of population genetic diversity. Candidate genes potentially associated with cold environmental adaptations in populations under natural selection were identified, which may represent local adaptations in populations. Our study provided insights into the evolutionary history and adaptive characteristics of A. cerana in Changbai Mountain, as well as the scientific conservation of this population.
Resolvin D1 Inhibits Endothelial Permeability and Mitochondrial Damage Following Cardiac Ischemia–Reperfusion in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Zhang Jialiang , Huang Fangyang , Chen Li , Li Guoyong , Xiao Dan , Lei Wenhua , Zhao Jiahao , Liao Yanbiao , Li Changming , Chen Mao
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Resolvin D1(RvD1), a metabolite derived from docosahexaenoic acid, plays important therapeutic roles in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of RvD1 in diabetic myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) is still unknown.
Methods

Diabetic mice was established by high-fat diet and streptozotocin, RvD1 was pretreated by intraperitoneal injection for 3 days, followed by myocardial IR. To evaluate the effects of RvD1 on chronic cardiac remodeling, RvD1 was administered for another 2 weeks after IR. The effects of RvD1 following myocardial IR injury were measured, including severity of infarct size, regional inflammation, cardiac function, as well as permeability of cultured endothelial monolayer. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mito-ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were determined by MitoSOX and JC-1.
Results

RvD1 pretreatment significantly reduced infarct size and the content of Evans blue in injured heart, which was associated with decreased endothelial damage. RvD1 also reduced leukocyte density, gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, cardiomyocytes death, and mitochondrial damage compared to control group. At 2 weeks after myocardial IR, RvD1 treatment partially improved cardiac performance, and reduced cardiac fibrosis in diabetic IR. In vitro, RvD1 attenuated endothelial leakage induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation, H2O2, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), meanwhile, RvD1 also remarkably protected endothelial cells from H2O2-induced mitochondrial damage as evident from the decreased MMP and increased mito-ROS, which were associated with the preservation of VE-cadherin
Conclusion

RvD1 protects the heart against diabetic IR-induced injuries by attenuating endothelial permeability and mitochondrial damage. Our study also provide insight into a novel underlying mechanism and a new strategy for treating diabetic IR.
The Synergistic Anticancer Effect of Bromodomain Inhibitor OTX015 and Histone Deacetylase 6 Inhibitor WT-161 in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Yu Bo , Liu Lang , Cai Feng , Peng Yuanxiang , Tang Xiaofeng , Zeng Duo , Li Teng , Zhang Feifei , Liang Yiping , Yuan Xuhui , Li Jiayu , Dai Zhengzai , Liao Qi , Lv Xiao-Bin
Published: June 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a tumor with a high malignancy level and a poor prognosis. First-line chemotherapy for OS has not been improved for many decades. Bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) and histone deacetylase (HDACs) regulate histone acetylation in tandem, and BET and HDACs have emerged as potential cancer therapeutic targets. Methods: Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation, and sphere-forming assay were performed with the two inhibitors alone or in combination to evaluate their suppressing effect on malignant properties of OS cells. The apoptosis and cells-cycle profile were measured by flow cytometry. The synergistic inhibitory effect of OTX015/WT-161 on tumor was also examined in a nude mouse xenograft model. Results: The combined therapy of OTX015/WT-161 synergistically inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis, resulted in the G1/S arrest of OS cells. Additionally, OTX015/WT-161 inhibits the self-renewal ability of OS stem cells (OSCs) in a synergistic manner. Further mechanistic exploration uncovered that the synergistic downregulation of β-catenin by OTX015-mediated suppression of FZD2 and WT-161-mediated upregulation of PTEN may be responsible for the synergistic effect. Finally, the result of an in vivo assay showed that tumor xenografts were significantly decreased after treatment with OTX015/WT-161 combination compared with OTX015 or WT-161 alone. Conclusion: Our findings in this study demonstrated that OTX015 and WT-161 had a synergistic anti-cancer efficacy against OS, and their combination might be a promising therapeutic strategy for OS.
Distinct mechanisms involving diacylglycerol, ceramides, and inflammation underlie insulin resistance in oxidative and glycolytic muscles from high fat-fed rats
Authors: Jani Shailee , Eira Daniel , Hadday Ishvinder , Bikopoulos George , Mohasses Arta , Pinho Ricardo A. , Ceddia Rolando B.
Published: June 2021

This study investigated whether oxidative and glycolytic skeletal rat muscles respond differently to a high-fat (HF) sucrose-enriched diet with respect to diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramides accumulation, protein kinase C (PKC) activation, glucose metabolism, and the expression of inflammatory genes. HF diet (8 weeks) suppressed insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis and glucose oxidation in soleus (Sol), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and epitrochlearis (Epit) muscles. However, DAG and ceramides levels increased in Sol and EDL, but not in Epit muscles of HF-fed rats. Additionally, membrane-bound PKC-delta and PKC-theta increased in Sol and EDL, whereas in Epit muscles both PKC isoforms were reduced by HF diet. In Epit muscles, HF diet also increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptors (CD40 and FAS), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nuclear factor kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-kB), whereas in Sol and EDL muscles the expression of these inflammatory genes remained unchanged upon HF feeding. In conclusion, HF diet caused DAG and ceramides accumulation, PKC activation, and the induction of inflammatory pathways in a fiber type-specific manner. These findings help explain why oxidative and glycolytic muscles similarly develop insulin resistance, despite major differences in their metabolic characteristics and responsiveness to dietary lipid abundance.
Measurement of Entropy and Quantum Coherence Properties of Two Type-I Entangled Photonic Qubits
Authors: motazedifard ali , Madani Seyed Ahmad , Vayaghan Nader Sobhkhiz
Published: June 2021

Using the type-I SPDC process in BBO nonlinear crystal (NLC), we generate a polarization-entangled state near to the maximally-entangled Bell-state with high-visibility (high-brightness) 98.50 ±1.33 % (87.71 ± 4.45 %) for HV (DA) basis. We calculate the CHSH version of the Bell inequality, as a nonlocal realism test, and find a strong violation from the classical physics or any hidden variable theory (HVT), S= 2.71±0.10. Via measuring the coincidence count (CC) rate in the SPDC process, we obtain the quantum efficiency of single-photon detectors (SPDs) around (25.5 ±3.4)% , which is in good agreement to their manufacturer company. As expected, we verify the linear dependency of the CC rate vs. pump power of input CW-laser, which may yield to find the effective second-order susceptibility crystal. Using the theory of the measurement of qubits, includes a tomographic reconstruction of quantum states due to the linear set of 16 polarization-measurement, together with a maximum-likelihood-technique (MLT), which is based on the numerical optimization, we calculate the physical non-negative definite density matrices, which implies on the non-separability and entanglement of prepared state. By having the maximum likelihood density operator, we calculate precisely the entanglement measures such as Concurrence, entanglement of formation, tangle, logarithmic negativity, and different entanglement entropies such as linear entropy, Von-Neumann entropy, and Renyi 2-entropy. Finally, this high-brightness and low-rate entangled photons source can be used for short-range quantum measurements in the Lab.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Deaths Among Health Care Workers in the United States
Authors: Lin Shao , Deng Xinlei , Zhang Wangjian , Ryan Ian , Zhang Kai , Oghaghare Ese , Bennett DeeDee , Shaw Benjamin
Published: June 2021

Background: While most COVID-19 research has focused on older individuals with multi-comorbidities, few studies have assessed the predictors of fatality among health care workers (HCWs). This study evaluated if demographics and COVID-19 symptomatology predicted COVID-19 fatality and the temporal trends and spatial distribution among HCWs.Methods: We used a case-control design to compare HCW deaths related to COVID-19 (laboratory-confirmed) with three control groups (i.e., Non-HCW deaths, HCW non-deaths, and non-HCW non-deaths). Patient-level data with 33 variables, including COVID-19 confirmed cases, deaths, demographics, and various specific COVID symptoms reported by all states in the US, have been obtained from the Restricted Access Dataset by the US CDC since January 2020. A logistic regression model was used by regressing the outcome variable against each predictor while controlling for gender, age group, race, and ethnicity.Results: The percentages of 50-69 years old, Hispanics (8.7%), Black (32%), and Asian (23.1%) in HCW death were significantly higher than in their respective controls. The fatality and all severe indicators were higher among the deaths than non-deaths, but not different for HCWs than non-HCWs. Significantly increased risks for deaths were observed with pre-existing medical conditions (RR: 7.24, 95% CI: 5.40-9.70), shortness of breath (RR: 5.73, 95% CI:4.50-7.31), fever (RR:3.52, 95% CI: 2.71-4.56), cough (RR:2.02, 95% CI: 1.54-2.65), and diarrhea (RR: 1.57, 95% CI:1.20-2.05). Conclusion: Older and minority HCWs experienced relatively higher COVID-19 fatality. Severe symptoms are similarly prevalent among HCW deaths and non-HCW deaths. Pre-existing medical conditions, shortness of breath and fever symptoms may be critical COVID indicators for HCWs.
Early and Delayed Rebound Intracranial Hypertension Following Epidural Blood Patch in a Case of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Case Report
Authors: Jafari Elham , Karaminia Maryam , Togha Mansoure
Published: June 2021

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a secondary headache that has been attributed to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. It may resolve spontaneously or require conservative treatment. An epidural blood patch (EBP) with autologous blood is performed in cases exhibiting an inadequate response to conservative methods. Rebound intracranial hypertension (RIH) can develop following an EBP in up to 27% of patients. It is characterized by a change in the headache features and is often accompanied by nausea, blurred vision. and diplopia. Symptoms commonly begin within the first 36 hours, but could develop over days to weeks. It is important to differentiate this rebound phenomenon from unimproved SIH, as the treatment options differ. Case presentation: Here we present an interesting case of a patient with SIH who was treated with EBP and developed both immediate RIH after 24 hours and delayed RIH 3 weeks following EBP. Conclusions: Following EBP for treatment of SIH, new onset of a headache having a different pattern and location should always be monitored for the occurrence of a RIH. A lumbar puncture should be done if the symptoms of elevated CSF pressure become intolerable or if the diagnosis is uncertain. Lack of early diagnosis and treatment and differentiation from SIH can cause complications and could affect the optic nerves.
Effect of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists on Migraine Treatment: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Pak Kyoungjune , Lee Gha-Hyun , Cho Jae Wook , kim Hyun-Woo
Published: June 2021

Background: The pathophysiology of migraine has been researched incessantly, and it has been suggested that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is associated with migraine attacks. CGRP receptor blockers are attracting attention for migraine prevention and treatment of acute episodes, and CGRP receptor antagonists have been shown to be effective in treating acute migraine headaches. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of available CGRP receptor antagonists, focusing on their therapeutic doses for acute migraine treatment.Methods: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE (from inception to March 2021) and EMBASE (from inception to March 2021) for English publications using the keywords “migraine” and “Calcitonin gene-related peptide,” limited to human studies.Results: Five studies that focused on examining the effects of CGRP receptor antagonists on acute migraine treatment met the eligibility criteria for this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that the CGRP receptor antagonist improved freedom from pain (OR=2.066, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.766–2.418, I2=0%), absence of bothersome symptoms (OR=1.606, 95% CI=1.408–1.830, I2=0%), pain relief (OR=1.791, 95% CI=1.598–2.008, I2=0%), and freedom from nausea (OR=1.361, 95% CI=1.196–1.548, I2=0%), significantly more than the placebo. Conclusions: CGRP receptor antagonists are effective for acute migraine treatment and are expected to be used clinically as emerging therapeutic agents.
Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation admitted to an Intensive Care Unit in South Africa.
Authors: Arnold-Day Christel , Zyl-Smit Richard N van , Joubert Ivan A , Thomson David A , Fredericks David L , Miller Malcolm GA , Michell William L , Semple Patrick L , Piercy Jenna L
Published: June 2021

Background Up to 32% of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia may require ICU admission or mechanical ventilation(1, 2). Data from low- and middle-income countries for COVID-19 ARDS are limited. Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa expanded its ICU service to support patients with COVID-19 ARDS requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). We report on patients' characteristics and outcomes from two pandemic waves.Methods All adult patients with COVID-19 ARDS admitted to ICU for IMV were included in this prospective cohort study. Data were collected from 5th April 2020 to 5th April 2021. Ethical approval was granted (HREC: 362/2020).Results Over the 12-month study period 461 patients were admitted to the designated COVID-19 ICU. Three-hundred-and-eighty patients met study criteria and 377 had confirmed hospital discharge outcomes. The median age of patients was 51 years (range 17–71), 50.5% were female and the median BMI was 32kg/m2 (IQR 28–38). The median P/F ratio was 97 (IQR 71.5-127.5) after IMV was initiated. Co-morbidities included diabetes (47.6%), hypertension (46.3%) and HIV infection (10.5%). Of the patients admitted, 30.8% survived to hospital discharge with a median ICU length of stay of 19.5 days (IQR 9–36). Predictors of mortality after multivariate analysis were: male (OR:1.79), increasing age (OR:1.04), higher SOFA score (OR:1.29).Conclusion In a resource limited environment, escalation of ICU IMV support achieved a 30.8% hospital survival in patients with COVID-19 ARDS. The ability to predict survival remains difficult given this complex disease.
Deep Learning for Prediction of Mechanism in Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Brain MRI
Authors: Park Seung , Kim Baik-kyun , Han Moon-Ku , Hong Jeong-Ho , Yum Kyu Sun , Lee Dae-In
Published: June 2021

Acute ischemic stroke is a disease with multiple etiologies. Classifying the mechanism of acute ischemic stroke is therefore fundamental for treatment and secondary prevention. The TOAST classification is currently the most widely-used system, but it has limitations of often classifying unknown causes and inadequate inter-rater reliability. Therefore, we tried to develop a 3D-convolutional neural network(CNN) based algorithm for stroke lesion segmentation and subtype classification using only diffusion and adc information of acute ischemic stroke patients. The recruited patients were 2251 patients with acute ischemic stroke who visited Chungbuk National University Hospital from February 2013 – July 2019. Our segmentation model for lesion segmentation in the training set achieved a Dice score of 0.843±0.009. The subtype classification model achieved an average accuracy of 81.9%, and each subtype was Large artery astherosclerosis (LAA) = 81.6%, Cardioembolism (CE) = 86.8%, Small vessel occlusion (SVO) = 72.9%, and Control = 86.3%. In conclusion, the proposed method shows great potential for identification of diffusion lesion segmentation and stroke subtype classification. As deep learning systems gradually develop, it would be useful in clinical practice and application.
Prevalence of Antibiotic Use and Household Water-Sanitation Risk Factors of Acute Watery Diarrhea Among Children <5 Years: A Retrospective Analysis of Multicounty Health Survey Data, 2006-2018
Authors: Ahmed Md. Shakil
Published: June 2021

A total of 12,69,944 under five years Childs were included in this study among them 1,80,067 Children were acute watery diarrhea (AWD) and 19,502 Children were bloody diarrhea respectively. Among them, 47,755 Childs was taken antibiotic treatment for AWD. The overall prevalence of acute watery diarrhea ~ 14% (prevalence = 0.142; 95% CI = 0.141, 0.142). On the other hand the prevalence of bloody diarrhea ~ 2% (prevalence = 0.015; 95% CI = 0.015, 0.016). The prevalence of antibiotic treatment for AWD was ~ 27% (prevalence = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.27) among the under five years old children in DH survey regions in the world. The prevalence of acute watery diarrhea was higher ~ 17% (prevalence = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.16, 0.17) in the Latin America DHS survey region. The minimum prevalence of AWD was almost equal between South East Asia and Central Asia DHS survey regions ~ 12% (prevalence = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.12) and ~ 12% (prevalence = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.13) respectively. On the other hand the prevalence of AWD between Europe and West North and Central Africa DHS survey regions ~ 16% (prevalence = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.16) and ~ 15% (prevalence = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.15) correspondingly. In the central Asia of 15,089 under five Childs were included in the survey. Among them 1,748 Children were AWD and 967 Childs had taken antibiotic treatment for AWD. The highest prevalence of antibiotic use for AWD in Central Asia ~ 55% (prevalence=(967/1748) = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.59) and Europe DH survey region ~ 44% (prevalence=(5483/12502) = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.45). The lowest prevalence of antibiotic use for under five Child AWD was ~ 23% (prevalence=(11918/51328) = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.22, 0.24) in the DH survey region South East Asia. On the other hand the DH survey region Latin America and West North and Central Africa region the prevalence of antibiotic use for AWD were ~ 30% (prevalence=(7887/26396) = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.31) and ~ 24% (prevalence=(21500/88093) = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.24). The southeast Asia DH survey region countries DHS 2007 (Bangladesh), DHS 2014 and 2010 (Cambodia), DHS 2017 and 2012 (Indonesia), DHS 2009 (Maldives), DHS 2015–2016 (Myanmar), DHS 2012–2013 (Pakistan), DHS 2017 and 2013 (Philippines), and DHS 2009–2010 (Timor-Leste) were higher risks of AWD for drinking unimproved water sources. The prevalence of antibiotic use for u5c AWD was shown the highest prevalence in DHS 2007 (~ 44%), DHS 2012 (~ 49%), DHS 2016 (~ 40%), and DHS 2017 (~ 65%) from DH survey 2006 to 2018 in South East & Central Asia. The linear trend analysis showed an upward trend for using antibiotic of AWD in the South East & Central Asia DH survey region.
Application of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and white blood cell count for the rapid diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Xie Shuhua , Chen Peisong , Wang Dong , Jiang Xiaobing , Wu Zhongwen , Liao Kang , Zhang Shihong , Chen Yili
Published: June 2021

Background: The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased in recent years in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). C. difficile is a toxin-producing bacterium, and CDI results in the worsening of the underlying IBD, increasing the risks of IBD treatment failure, surgery and hospitalization. Since the symptoms of CDI overlap with those of IBD, it is challenging to make a differential diagnosis. Therefore, early, rapid and reliable diagnostic tools that can identify CDI in IBD patients would be valuable to clinicians.Methods: This study enrolled 135 patients with IBD. Among them, 44 patients were diagnosed with CDI, and 42 patients were diagnosed with viral or fungal infections; 49 patients without infections were enrolled in the control group. The diagnostic values of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the white blood cell count (WBC) in the peripheral blood were examined. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyse the diagnostic value of these parameters.Results: In this study, the PCT and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with CDI than in non-CDI patients (including patients with viral/fungal infections and the control group; p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). In the ROC curve analysis of the IBD-CDI group and the control group, PCT and CRP predicted IBD-CDI with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.826 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.743–0.909, p=0.000] and 0.663 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.551–0.774, p=0.007], respectively. The WBC count was inferior as diagnostic tool for CDI. The sensitivity was 56.82% (95% CI: 41.03% to 71.65%), the specificity was 91.84% (95% CI: 80.40% to 97.73%), and the LR (+) was 6.96 for PCT for the diagnosis of CDI.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the superiority of PCT over CRP and the WBC for the rapid diagnosis of CDI in IBD patients. Additionally, PCT can be used to predict the clinical outcomes.
Assessing Permeability Controls and Flood Risks Related to Urban Impervious Surface Expansion: A Case Study of the Southern Part of Kunming City, China
Authors: Xu Tong , Xie Zhiqiang , Zhao Fei , Li Yimin , Yang Shouquan , Zhang Yangbin , Yin Siqiao , Chen Shi , Li Xuan , Zhao Sidong , Hou Zhiqun
Published: June 2021

Because of climate change and rapid urbanization, urban impervious underlying surfaces have expanded, causing Chinese cities to become strongly affected by flood disasters. Therefore, research on urban flood risks has greatly increased in the past decade, with studies focusing on reducing the risk of flood disaster. From 2012 to 2020, the impervious underlying surface has increased, and the permeable underlying surface has decreased annually in Kunming City. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of continuous changes in the urban underlying surface on flood disasters in the Runcheng area south of Kunming City from 2012 to 2020. We constructed a two-dimensional flood model to conduct flood simulations and flood risk analysis for this area. The relationship between the permeability of the underlying surface and urban flood risk was simulated and analyzed by varying the urban underlying surface permeability (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%). The simulation results indicate that the urban flood risk increased with increases in the impervious underlying surface, with a threshold permeability of 35%. Once the permeability of the urban underlying surface decreased to below 35%, the flood risk increased rapidly. We demonstrated the impact of the urban underlying surface permeability on the risk of urban flood disasters, which is useful for urban planning decisions and urban flooding risk controls.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of polycrystalline SnSe by compositing with layered Ti3C2Tx
Authors: Qin Yi , Li Xiaohan , Zhao Ting , Zhu Jianfeng , Yang Yanling , Xie Meiqian
Published: June 2021

Thermoelectric materials convert thermal energy into electricity directly. Constructing nanostructured composite architectures can be an effective strategy to develop thermoelectric performance. SnSe/Ti3C2Tx composite materials were synthesized through the electrostatic self-assembly method followed by spark plasma sintering. The interfaces introduced by Ti3C2Tx can scatter carriers effectively, thus increasing the Seebeck coefficients (S), finally, a high absolute S value of ~ 296.2 µV K− 1 was obtained at 773 K. At the same time, the high-density interfaces of SnSe/Ti3C2Tx composites enhance the phonon scattering, a low lattice thermal conductivity klat of 0.54 W m− 1 K− 1 was obtained in sample ω = 0.1%. Benefit from the elevated Seebeck coefficient and decreased thermal conductivity, a ZT of 0.1 was obtained in sample ω = 0.1% at 773 K along the pressing direction, compared with the pure SnSe, the thermoelectric performance improved by 68%. This research will provide a new way for the development of the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline SnSe.
Synthesis and Ionic Conductivity of Phosphate-Sulfate Fluorapatites Ca10-xNax(PO4)6-x(SO4)xF2 (x = 0;3;6)
Authors: nouri faten , ternane riadh , ayadi malika
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSolid-state electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) with high ionic conductivities has attracted great interest for electrochemical applications because of their interesting ionic conduction. MethodsComples impedance spectroscopy (CIS) was used to study the electrical properties of Phosphate-sulfatefluorapatite.FindingsPhosphate-sulfatefluorapatite Ca10-xNax(PO4)6-x(SO4)xF2(x = 0;3;6) ,have been synthesized by the solid-state reaction at high temperature.The samples have been characterized by X-ray Diffraction(XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman scattering spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. XRD study shows that these materials crystallize in the hexagonal system with P63/m as a space group. An impedance analysis has been used to analyze the electrical behavior of the samples at different temperatures. Evidence of temperature-dependent electrical relaxation phenomena is observed. The bulk resistance decreases with increasing temperature, showing a typical negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR).Ac-conductivity measurements have been performed on a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. The ionic conductivity follows the Arrhenius and the Jonscher laws.
Vibration control of steel frames with setback irregularities equipped with semi-active tuned mass dampers
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Amin , Jahangiri Vahid , Massumi Ali
Published: June 2021

Vibration control of structures has been a focus of research worldwide. Although, several studies have examined the efficiency of semi-active tuned mass dampers (SATMDs) to control the seismic vibration of structures, only a few have focused on the influence of SATMDs on steel moment resisting frames in irregular structures having setbacks. In the current investigation, the use of SATMDs for the vibration control of structures with setbacks subjected to earthquake records has been evaluated. In order to assess the nonlinear seismic performance of buildings with setbacks, the inter-story drift ratio, story displacement, and base shear factor were examined as engineering demand parameters. The results reveal that the use of SATMDs reduced the seismic response of regular and irregular frames with setbacks. However, the use of these control devices requires more attention for structures with significant setbacks because, in some cases, the response of a structure with SATMDs can be greater than of an uncontrolled structure. The investigations also showed that placement of the control systems at the highest (top) level of the structure significantly reduced the structural vibration of both types of structure.
Immediate and postponed results of surgery of tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection
Authors: Suzdalnitskiy A E. , Petrov S. I. , Petukhov V. P. , Novitskaya O. N. , Zhukova O. V.
Published: June 2021

The objective: to evaluate immediate and postponed results of surgical treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with TB/HIV co-infection.Subjects and methods. 106 patients underwent surgery: 64 patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis (81.2% had resections, and 18.8% – thoracoplasty), 36 patients – tuberculous spondylitis (vertebral body resection in combination with anterior spondylodesis), and 6 patients – cerebral TB (removal of tuberculous lesions under neuronavigation). Development of complications in the postoperative period and tuberculosis relapses in the long-term period was assessed.Results. No severe and suppurative complications were observed in the postoperative period in patients with HIV/pulmonary TB and HIV/cerebral TB. In patients with HIV/TB spondylitis, complications were registered in 4/36 (11.1%) cases: in 2/4 – postoperative wound suppuration and in 2/4 – ligature fistulas. No relapse of tuberculosis was reported after lung resection in 45 out of 45 patients availabe for follow-up, after thoracoplasty in 10 out of 12 patients, after surgery due to tuberculous spondylitis – in 25 out of 27 patients, and cerebral tuberculosis – in 5 out of 6.
Bosonic entanglement renormalization circuits from wavelet theory
Authors: Witteveen Freek , Walter Michael
Published: June 2021

Entanglement renormalization is a unitary real-space renormalization scheme.
The corresponding quantum circuits or tensor networks are known as MERA, and they are particularly well-suited to describing quantum systems at criticality.
In this work we show how to construct Gaussian bosonic quantum circuits that implement entanglement renormalization for ground states of arbitrary free bosonic chains.
The construction is based on wavelet theory, and the dispersion relation of the Hamiltonian is translated into a filter design problem.
We give a general algorithm that approximately solves this design problem and provide an approximation theory that relates the properties of the filters to the accuracy of the corresponding quantum circuits.
Finally, we explain how the continuum limit (a free bosonic quantum field) emerges naturally from the wavelet construction.