bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaperonin Point Mutation Enhances Cadmium Endurance in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Dube Ankita , Kabir M Anaul
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To study the effect of the mutation in conserved G412E in Cct7p subunit of CCT complex on its cellular fate.
Results:

TriC/CCT is a dynamic multimeric protein that assists in protein folding in energy-dependent manner. A point mutation in the ATP binding pocket in the equatorial domain of Cct7p subunit causes a delay in doubling time. The cell’s size was twice the wild type, and the formation of protein aggregates suggests disturbed folding of the proteins. Upon growing in stressful conditions of arsenous acid and cadmium chloride, mutant was found to be lethal in As3+ but grew well in Cd2+ with 10.59µg cadmium uptake mg− 1 compared to wild type. The increased expression of vacuole transporters YCF1 and BPT1 by ten-fold and two-fold in mutant indicates the metal transportation to the vacuole.
Conclusion:

CCT complex was vulnerable to the mutation in G412E in Cct7p subunit of protein folding molecular machinery. Interestingly, already stressed cells provided robustness against oxidative stress and cadmium sequestration in the vacuole.
Design and analysis of highly sensitive solid core gold-coated hexagonal photonic crystal fiber sensor based on surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Kiroriwal Monika , Singal Poonam
Published: April 2021

In this article, a surface plasmon-based hexagonal photonic crystal fiber sensor is numerically computed and studied. Metallic layer thickness and lattice period are optimized to 30 nm and 1.75 µm respectively to enhance the sensor performance. Sensor sensitivity is obtained by employing the finite element method by enclosing the structure with a perfectly matched layer. This studied sensor uncovers the wavelength sensitivity of 8000nm/RIU, amplitude sensitivity of 3959 /RIU, and minimum detection ability of 1.25x10− 5 RIU for the analyte refractive index range from 1.36 to 1.40. The simulated results’ variations are also analyzed by altering the metallic layer thickness, lattice period, and air hole diameter. The computed PCF sensor might be a promising aspirant in the area of chemical sensing, bio-molecule detection, and biological sample recognition.
Modelling Past and Future Urban Ecosystem Health Assessment —A Case Study of Kunming
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Yang , Sheng Weiguo , Qiu Huiyi , Zhou Yilu , Huang Xue , Chen Yanming , Li Mengran
Published: April 2021

Rapid urbanisation leads to increasing conflict in the human-environment relationship. The health of urban ecosystems is deteriorating and this will directly harmcommunity health and wellbeing. This paper used Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, China as a case study. A health assessment model for the urban ecosystem of Kunming was built using 25 indicators reflecting five measures: driving force, pressure, state, impact and response. We calculated the indicator values in 2006, 2011 and 2016 with remote sensing and statistical data. We used the entire-array-polygon method to draw polygon graphs and calculate the overall indicator values of the three periods, based on the standardised values of all indicators. All the indicator values were below 0.25, showing that the urban ecosystem was assessed as unhealthy. On the basis of the past health assessment model, we applied a grey system forecasting method to predict the future health of the urban ecosystem. If the current trends continued, the urban ecosystem would remain in an unhealthy state for 5–10 years. Strong measures should be implemented to improve the overall health of the urban ecosystem. This paper serves as an early warning of the health state of the urban ecosystem in Kunming.
Minimally invasive high-definition microscope assisted small channel treatment of lumbar disc herniation in children: a case report
Authors: Yuan Hao , Zhao Nan , Ao Jun , Sun Lv , Wang Chong , Xiong Liu-Lin
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is common in adults, it is extremely rare in children. The treatment of LDH in children is still a challenge for surgeons. This study aimed to explore the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and treatment methods of LDH in children for communication and learning.Methods: In October 2017, a child with LDH who failed to receive conservative treatment underwent surgical treatment. The child underwent minimally invasive high-definition microscope-assisted nucleus pulposus resection and nerve root decompression. The soft tissues such as muscles and paravertebral ligaments were separated and removed under microscope, the nucleus pulposus of disc herniation was removed, and the left lumbar 5 nerve root was decompressed. During the short-term and long-term follow-up after operation, the assessment pain was significantly improved, the activity was not limited, and the muscle strength returned to normal.Results: The next day after operation, the child could wear ordinary waist circumference to get out of bed, and the left lower limb muscle strength returned to grade 4-5, and were discharged 5 days after operation. After 3 years of telephone follow-up, the patient complained that the pain was significantly relieved, the left lower limb movement was not limited, and the muscle strength returned to normal. Conclusions: In this case, the minimally invasive high-definition microscope assisted small channel treatment of LDH in children was successful, and the postoperative recovery was good. It can provide reference for LDH in children who need surgical treatment when conservative treatment was ineffective.
Prospective, Randomised, Double-Masked Comparison of 0.1% Tacrolimus Ointment and 0.2% Olopatadine Eye Drops in the Treatment of Refractory Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Narayana Shivananda , Khodifad Ashish , Gurnani Bharat , Kaur Kirandeep
Published: April 2021

Purpose- To analyse and compare the outcomes of topical tacrolimus 0.1% and 0.2 % olopatadine eye drops in refractory allergic conjunctivitis.Methods-Prospective, double masked, randomized control trial conducted from January to December 2015 at a tertiary eye care centre with a follow up of 3 months. A total of 100 patients were enrolled. Fifty patients were allocated into the tacrolimus group (Group A) and olopatadine group (Group B) each. Detailed demographics, systemic history, uncorrected, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment findings were recorded. Subjective symptoms and objective signs were recorded in the data forms at baseline and 1, 4, 8 & 12 weeks. The score of the worse eye was considered for analysis. On follow up, vision, IOP, side effects, objective signs and symptoms were recorded.Results- Out of 100 patients, 4 were lost to follow up. The mean age in Group A was 18.63 ± 7.89 years and Group B was 17.21 ± 9.17 years. The M:F ratio was 1.5:1. Among 96 patients, 6 (6.66%) had allergic rhinitis and 3 (3.33%) were asthmatic. The mean sign score, symptom score, giant papillae score, palpebral conjunctival hyperaemia and bulbar conjunctival hyperaemia score was statistically significant between two groups. In Group A, 22.9% patients had punctate epithelial erosions while none had in Group B at 1 month follow up.Conclusion- Topical tacrolimus 0.1% is safe and effective with minimal side effects. It should be considered for patients refractory to conventional treatment or requiring long term treatment, to avoid steroid related complications.
Inservice School Teachers Perception of Adopting Online-Offline Mode of Learning During Current Crisis
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Ilyas Khan Saira Bano Mohd , Talukdar Rehana Khanam Yunus Ahmed
Published: April 2021

The reverberation of the pandemic has been noticed throughout the globe and all the provinces of the society have been affected including the educational sector. The educational institutes have drastically shifted from traditional offline pedagogy of teaching-learning to online learning process. Researchers have a strong belief that the revolution of usage of computers and internet in the field of education has popped up the Blended Learning concept which totally relies on both traditional and technology to provide the education content to the learners in a good and virtual method effectively. Educationalists, researchers and policy makers believe that the offline-online pedagogy could be used as an effective methodology to cater the needs of the learners as well as the teachers during the crisis. The present action research study lays emphasis on the attitude of In-Service School Teachers towards adopting the online-offline approach during the current crisis. The findings reflected that there is no significant difference in the perception of Primary and Secondary In-Service School Teachers in adopting the Blended Learning proactive pedagogical technique as both the section teachers are well aware of the importance of online as well as offline pedagogy and are also aware about the blended learning approach being the new normal during the crisis in order to reach out to all the learner audiences and make learning more flexible.
JMJD4-demethylated RIG-I prevents hepatic steatosis and carcinogenesis
Authors: Li Zhenyang , Zhou Ye , Jia Kaiwei , Yang Yingyun , Zhang Liyuan , Wang Suyuan , Wang Mu , Li Yunhui , Li Nan , Yu Yizhi , Cao Xuetao , Hou Jin
Published: April 2021

Hepatocarcinogenesis is driven by necroinflammation or metabolic disorders, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we interestingly found that DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis was enhanced while NASH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis was abolished by hepatocyte-specific RIG-I deficiency. Further, IL-6 decreased RIG-I expression in HCC progenitor cells (HcPCs), which then viciously promoted IL-6 effector signaling and drove HcPCs to fully established HCC. RIGI expression was increased by HFD, which then enhanced cholesterol synthesis and steatosis, and the in-turn NASH and NASH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, RIG-I was constitutively monomethylated at K18 and K146, and demethylase JMJD4-mediated RIG-I demethylation suppressed IL6STAT3 signaling. The constitutive methylated RIG-I associated with AMPKα to inhibit HMGCR phosphorylation, thus promoting HMGCR enzymatic activity and cholesterol synthesis. Together with clinical data that RIGI was decreased in hepatic precancerous dysplastic nodules while increased in NAFLD, we conclude that decreased RIGI in HcPCs promotes necroinflammationinduced hepatocarcinogenesis, while increased constitutive methylated RIG-I enhances steatosis and NASH-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
Empirical Analysis of Equity in Maternal and Child Health Services Delivery and Access in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Anarwat Samuel George , Salifu Mubarik , Akuriba Margaret Atosina
Published: April 2021

Background

Inequities in the distribution of and access to maternal and child health care services is pervasive in Ghana. Understanding the drivers of inequity in maternal and child health (MCH) is important to achieving the universal health coverage component of the sustainable development goals and poverty reduction in Ghana and other developing countries. However, there is increasing disparities in MCH services, especially in rural -urban and income quintiles. The study aimed to examine the disparities in maternal and child health care services in Ghana for policy intervention.
Methods

Data for this study was extracted from the nationally representative Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) round 4, 2011. Respondents of this survey were women of reproductive age 15–49 years with a sample size of 10,627 households. The models were estimated using multivariate regression analysis together with concentration index (CI) and risk ratio (RR) to assess the distribution of MCH indicator groups across the household wealth index.
Results

Higher educational attainment played an important role in MCH. Women with secondary school level and above were more likely to receive family planning, prenatal care, and delivery by a skilled health professional than those without formal education. Mothers with low level of educational attainment were 87% more likely to have their first pregnancy before the age of 20 years, and 78% were more likely to have children with under-five mortality, and 45% more likely to have children who had diarrhoea. Teenage pregnancy, under five mortality, child underweight, reported diarrhoea, and suspected pneumonia were more concentrated in the poorer than in the richer households. The RR between the top and bottom quintiles ranged from 0.77 for child underweight to 0.82 for child wasting.
Conclusion

Geographic location, income status and formal education are key drivers of maternal and child health inequities in Ghana. Implementing health policies to address inequalities in MCH services through primary health care, and resource allocation skewed towards rural areas and the lower wealth quintile can bridge the inequality gaps and improve MCH outcomes in Ghana.
Predicting the dust events frequency around a degraded ecosystem and determining the contribution of their controlling factors using gradient boosting-based approaches and Game theory
Authors: Ebrahimi-Khusfi Zohre , Dargahian Fatemeh , Nafarzadegan Ali Reza
Published: April 2021

In this study, for the first time, an attempt was made to evaluate the performance of Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) models with linear, tree, and Dart boosters to predict monthly DEF (MDEF) around a degraded wetland in southwestern Iran. The monthly required data were obtained through observational data recorded at ground stations and satellite imagery from 1988 to 2018. The best predictor variables were selected among the eighteen climatic, terrestrial, and hydrological variables based on the multi-collinearity test (MCT) and Boruta algorithm. The models' performance was evaluated using the Taylor diagram. Game theory (i.e., SHAP values: SHV) was then used to determine the contribution of factors controlling MDEF in different seasons. Mean wind speed, maximum wind speed, rainfall, standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), soil moisture, erosive winds frequency, vapor pressure, vegetation area, water body area, and dried bed area of the wetland were confirmed as the best predictive variables. The XGB-linear and XGB-tree showed a higher capability in predicting the MDEF variations in summer and spring seasons. However, the XGB-Dart yielded a better than other study models in forecasting the MDEF in the autumn and winter seasons. The results also showed that the rainfall (SHV = 1.6), surface water discharge (SHV = 2.4), mean wind speed (SHV = 10.1), and erosive winds frequency (SHV = 1.6) had the largest contribution in the variability of MDEF in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, respectively. The results can be useful to provide different scenarios for combating hazards caused by wind erosion events around degraded wetlands.
Socio-cultural Factors affecting People Living with HIV/AIDS Attendance at Hawassa and Yirgalem Hospital ART Clinics, South Ethiopia. Quantitative and Qualitative Mixed Approach.
Authors: Ayalew Alemante A , Asfaw Zeytu G , Lemma Solomon A
Published: April 2021

Background: HIV/AIDS pandemic seriously ravaged the world for the past three decades. It left the world with full of complicated social, economic and political problems. The problem has continued as major health problems for most developing countries, including Ethiopia. Socio-cultural practices which are predominantly determining the life of most of these peoples have structured the spread of HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to investigate how socio-cultural factors are affecting patients' adherence at ART clinics in Hawassa and Yirgalem Referral Hospitals.

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative designs were used to collect the data.

Results: The findings have shown that for fear of stigma and discrimination at family and community levels forced patients' affected adherence at ART clinics. People living with HIV were forced to travel long distance to get rid of social exclusion and isolation that resulting in drug interruptions and drop outs. The findings have also shown that most of the followers of protestant religion make believe that HIV could be cured and boycotted them from taking ART drugs. Moreover, confidentiality of information about HIV positive children living with care givers and newly tested patients found to be resistant to start or continue their drugs. Sense of wellbeing elicited form long term ART drugs effects made patients to imagine complete healing thereby dropping their treatment.

Conclusions: The findings made clear that multidimensional socio-cultural factors structure and restructure adherence problems at the ART clinics in the study hospitals. Interventions targeting to change socio-cultural factors play crucial roles to prevent and control new infections, occurrence of drug resistant strains, and social and economic repercussions in the society.
Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis of Key Biomarkers and Signaling Pathways in Psoriasis
Authors: Tang Suwei , Xu Ping , Xie Shaoqiong , Jiang Wencheng , Lu Jiajing , Yang Yang
Published: April 2021

Background: Psoriasis is a relatively common autoimmune inflammatory skin disease with a chronic etiology. The present study was designed to detect novel biomarkers and pathways associated with psoriasis incidence. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with psoriasis in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were identified, and their functional roles and interactions were then annotated and evaluated through GO, KEGG, and gene set variation (GSVA) analyses. In addition, the STRING database was leveraged to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and key hub genes from this network were validated as being relevant through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses of three additional GEO datasets. The CIBERSORT database was additionally used to assess the relationship between these gene expression-related findings and immune cell infiltration. Results: In total 197 psoriasis-related DEGs were identified and found to primarily be associated with the NOD-like receptor, IL-17, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathways. GSVA revealed significant differences between normal and lesional groups (P < 0.05), while PPI network analyses identified CXCL10 as the hub gene with the highest degree value, whereas IRF7, IFIT3, OAS1, GBP1, and ISG15 were promising candidate genes for the therapeutic treatment of psoriasis. ROC analyses confirmed that these 6 hub genes exhibited good diagnostic efficacy (AUC > 70%), and were predicted to be associated with increased sensitivity to 10 drugs (P < 0.01). The CIBERSORT database further predicted that these hub genes were associated with infiltration by 22 different immune cell types. Conclusion: These results offer a robust foundation for future studies of the molecular basis for psoriasis, potentially guiding efforts to treat this common and disruptive disease.
Morphology and molecular study of three new Cordycipitoid fungi and its related species collected from Jilin Province, Northeast China
Authors: Hu JiaJun , Dai Dan , Zhao Gui-Ping , Guo Di-Zhe , Tuo Yong-Lan , Rao Gu , Qi Zheng-Xiang , Zhang Zheng-Hao , Li Yu , Zhang Bo
Published: April 2021

Cordyceps are notable medicinal fungi in China, which pathogenic on insects and with high biodiversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Recently, three new Cordyceps species, Cordyceps changchunensis and Cordyceps jingyuetanensis grow on pupae of Lepidoptera, and Cordyceps changbaiensis grows on larvae of Lepidoptera, and one new record of Northeast China, Cordyceps taishanensis, are found in Jilin Province, China and detailed descriptions were obtained based on morphological and ecological characteristics. These three new species are similar to Cordyceps militaris group but distinctly distinguishable from known species. Cordyceps changchunensis, characterised by its small and light yellow to orange stromata that forks-like occasionally, covered with white mycelium at base of stipe, globose to ovoid perithecia, is macroscopically similar to Cordyceps militaris. Cordyceps changbaiensis clearly discriminated from other Cordyceps species by its white to orange and branched stromata, clavate to cylindrical fertile apical portion, immersed and globose to ovoid perithecia. Moreover, unbranched, clavate and orange to light red stromata, almond-shaped to ovoid and immersed perithecia differ Cordyceps jingyuetanensis from other Cordyceps species. ITS and nrLSU sequences are undertaken, and phylogenetic trees based on Maximum Likelihood analysis and Bayesian inference analysis confirmed the results of our morphological study. The phylogenetic result showed that the three new species gather with Cordyceps militaris but formed clades alone. Further analysis shows that the group of Cordyceps militaris mainly host on larvae of Lepidoptera.
Genetic Algorithm Based Oversampling Approach to Prune the Class Imbalance issue in Software Defect Prediction
Authors: Chinnathambi Arun , C Lakshmi
Published: April 2021

Class Imbalance is the potential problem that has been existent in machine learning, which hinders the performance of the classification algorithm when applied in real world applications such as electricity pilferage, fraudulent transactions, anomaly detection, prediction of rare diseases, etc. Class Imbalance refers to the problem where the distribution of the sample is skewed or biased towards one particular class. Due to its intrinsic nature the software fault prediction dataset falls into the same category where the software modules contain fewer defective modules compared to the non-defective modules. Majority of the over sampling techniques that has been proposed is to address the issue by generating synthetic samples of minority class to balance the dataset. But the synthetic samples generated are near duplicates that also results in over-generalization issue. We thus propose a novel oversampling approach to introduce synthetic samples using Genetic algorithm (GA). GA is a form of evolutionary algorithm that employs biologically inspired techniques such as inheritance, mutation, selection, and crossover. The proposed algorithm generates synthetic sample of minority class based on the distribution measure and ensures that the samples are diverse within the class and are efficient. The proposed over sampling algorithm has been compared with SMOTE,B-SMOTE, ADASYN, Random Oversampling, MAHAKIL and no sampling approach with a 20 defect prediction dataset from the Promise repository and five prediction models. The results indicate that the Genetic algorithm over sampling approach improves the fault prediction performance and reduced false alarm rate.
Complementary Presence of HBV-Specific Humoral and T-Cellular Immune Response Provide the Long-Lasting Immune Protection After Neonatal Immunization
Authors: Huang Yunmei , Yang Yuting , Wu Tingting , Li Zhiyu , Zhao Yao
Published: April 2021

Background: Hepatitis B vaccination is the most cost-effective way to prevent HBV infection. Currently, hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) efficacy was usually assessed by anti-HBs level, but there were little comprehensive analyses of humoral and cellular immune response to HepB in children after neonatal immunization. Methods: A total of 145 children with primary hepatitis B immunization history were involved in this study to evaluate the efficacy of HepB. Blood samples were obtained from 80 eligible children before one dose of HepB booster and 41 children post-booster. Children with anti-HBs at a low level (<10mIU/mL and [10,100) mIU/mL) were received one dose of HepB booster after informed consent. Subjects were be measured anti-HBs, HBsAg-specific T cell responses and frequency of B cell subsets before and after booster. Results: Among 80 subjects, 81.36% of children showed both T cell and anti-HBs responses positive at baseline. After one dose of booster, anti-HBs titer (P<0.0001), positive rate of HBsAg-specific T cell response (P=0.0036) and magnitude of SFCs (P=0.0003) increased significantly. Comparing preexisting anti-HBs titer <10mIU/mL with anti-HBs titer [10,100) mIU/mL, anti-HBs response (P=0.0005) and HBsAg-specific T lymphocyte response (P<0.0001) increased significantly. The change tendency of HBV specific humoral response is complementary to T cellular response with age. Conclusion: Protection from primary HBV immunization persists long on account of the complementary presence of HBV-specific humoral and T-cellular immune response. One dose of HepB booster is efficient enough to produce protective anti-HBs and enhance HBsAg-specific T cell response. In the HBV endemic areas, HepB booster immunization is still the most economical and effective way to prevent HBV infection, especially in children without anti-HBs.
Differences in the Assessed Performance of Medical Interns in a Comparison of Competency-based and Subject-based Curricula: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Prihatiningsih Titi Savitri , Utomo Prattama Santoso , Nurrokhmanti Hikmawati , Claramita Mora , Scherpbier Albert
Published: April 2021

Background: An internship is a transitional training period a medical school graduate undertakes prior to attaining full registration as a medical doctor. Numerous studies have shone a light on the unpreparedness of medical school graduates for the realities of medical practice. Implementation of a competency-based curriculum (CBC) is thought to produce better prepared medical graduates because this curriculum is more structured and integrated; moreover, learning outcomes, the learning process, and assessment are better aligned in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. During 2006–2011, Indonesia conducted a nation-wide reform shifting to a CBC from a subject-based curriculum (SBC) and launched an internship program in 2013. This study aimed to compare the performances of medical interns training under these two different curricula. Methods: This study was conducted in Yogyakarta Province, involving six supervisors and six interns from six different types of district hospitals. Qualitative, semi-structured interview methods, and thematic analysis were applied. Results: In total, 1,296 initial codings were identified and grouped under the following topics: overall experience (327), effective communication (97), scientific foundation (47), clinical skills (48), information management (23), management of health problems (194), self-insight and professional development (351), and professionalism (209). Eighteen themes emerged, namely understanding the internship, authority, practice context, interprofessional communication, patient communication, cultural awareness in communication, gap and fulfillment in clinical skills, knowledge gap and enhanced knowledge, assumption of a General Practitioner role, progression to profiency, information literacy, internal motivation, learning opportunities, constructive feedback, transition, and working culture. There were irregular patterns of performance from both of the CBC and SBC interns. Interestingly, compared with the SBC group, the CBC group revealed less confidence and assertiveness in handling patients. This group also lacked communication skills when interacting with nurses and patients alike. Moreover, the SBC group demonstrated the ability to learn and adapt quickly to the working environment. Neither group paid much attention to information literacy. Conclusion: We cannot conclude that a CBC would yield better prepared medical graduates. The results of this study showed irregular patterns in eight areas. Hospital contexts and variation in the characters of interns might have contributed to this irregularity. More exposure to the working context and greater contributions from the healthcare system are recommended in the medical curriculum, whether it be a CBC or a SBC. WC:338
Two Novel Esterases from Deep-Sea Sediment Reveal Key Residues for Thermostability
Authors: Ding Yi , Yang Xiao-chen , Huo Ying-yi , Jian Shu-ling , Xu Xue-we , Cui Heng-lin , Wu Yue-hong
Published: April 2021

Thermostability is one of the major concerns in the industrial application of enzymes. In this study, two novel family IV esterases, Est2 and Est4, were identified from a deep-sea sediment metagenomic library. The two enzymes had high amino acid sequence identity (96%) with only twelve different residues. Characteristic analysis indicated that both enzymes shared most of the enzymatic properties, including optimum p-nitrophenyl substrates (p-nitrophenyl butyrate and hexanoate), temperature (40°C) and pH (7.0–8.0). Interestingly, Est2 showed higher thermostability at 50°C than Est4. Mutagenesis analysis of Est2 identified two out of twelve differential amino acids, Asp18 and Lys289, that were crucial for the thermostability of the enzymes. Asp18 determined both the thermostability and catalytic activity of Est2. Structural analysis showed that Asp18 was located at the cap domain of Est2 and might be involved in the mobility of the cap domain. Lys289, located at the surface of Est2, determined the discrepancy in the surface potential between the two enzymes. Our results provide inspiration for research on the thermostability of esterases and improve the application potential of deep sea-derived esterases in industrial production.
Research on functional boards and plastic films based on animal skin and hydroxyapatite
Authors: Zhang Jiaxing , Chen Zhijun , Long Zhongzhen , Shan Zhihua
Published: April 2021

Nano-Hydroxyapatite precursors with calcium and phosphorus salts (Ca/P = 1.67) were introduced into a three-dimensional collagen network matrix (3DCM) based on goat skin pretreated with glutaraldehyde for in situ growth, and a functional HAG-3DCM board was obtained. After plasticity compression, a transparent protein plastic film was formed. Response surface methodology based on plasticity pressure conditions was used, and the strength, hardness and water resistance of the HAG-3DCM plastic film was significantly improved. This study demonstrates a new approach for the preparation of animal skin materials with new application value.
Neonatal Nursing Led Research Activity in the UK: A Survey of Current Practice
Authors: Gallagher Katie , Petty Julia , Cooper Joanne , Marlow Neil
Published: April 2021

Background: Neonatal nurses are ideally placed in practice to undertake research enhancing the care of families. More information is required, however, around neonatal nursing led research to advance leadership in this area. The aim of this study was to determine neonatal nursing led research activity within the UK. Methods: The study used a web-based survey design and neonatal nurses were eligible if they were working at or towards Masters or Doctoral level qualification in the UK. The survey was distributed to members of the Neonatal Nurses Association, UK Schools of Nursing and shared on social media pages of authors and professional organisations. Results were analysed using descriptive and frequency statistics and content analysis. Results: Of the 56 respondents, 14% (n=8) had a Doctoral level qualification and 43% (n=24) of participants held a Masters qualification. Lack of time and funding knowledge was the largest barrier to research. Only 30% (n=3) of participants had a research mentor and only 18% (n=3) were from a neonatal nursing background. Conclusions: There are limited numbers of neonatal nurses undertaking or leading nursing research in the UK. Further support is required to enhance clinical academic career trajectories to ensure research is a viable pathway for future generations of neonatal nurses.
Direct cost of management and clinical profile of severe malaria in Paediatric Hospital of Mbujimayi; Congo DR
Authors: Mbalabu Oshwa Badibengi , Tshibangu Evariste Kabamba , Disashi Guyslain Tumba , Mantshumba Jean Caurent Bikete , Bobanga Thierry Lengu
Published: April 2021

Background: Leading cause of morbidity and mortality of the Congolese child, malaria especially severe is so much a source of economic losses, both direct (related to curative treatment or prevention) and indirect (due to absenteeism or the decrease of productivity), non-negligible for Mbujimayi’s population whose majority lives below the poverty line.Methods: This prospective study related to the direct cost of in-hospital hold in charge of severe malaria among children of 6 to 59 months, as well as the factors influencing it, was undertaken from July 01, 2012 to June 30, 2013 in the Provincial Hospital Dipumba. Consultation, laboratory tests, medication and hospitalization were the components of the direct cost. EPI Info and SPSS software were used to analyse data. Results: Severe malaria accounted for 70.9% of admissions (534 of 753). The subject was generally male (55.1%), under 3 years of age (28.6±17.5 months), having received no correct anti-malarial treatment before admission (81.5%), brought urgently in serious condition (95.5%), subjected to a low rate of laboratory tests (4.8±1.6) and treated mainly with quinine infusion (93.25%). Recovery amounted to 79.2% against 7.3% of deaths most often early. The majority of affected households (81.5%) were very poor as earning less than $ 30/month. The mean direct cost of the hold in charge of a severe malaria episode rose to US $ 38.6±11.2 (range US $ 8.5-79.94) of which 74% were bound to medication, 11% to consultation, 8% to hospitalization and 7% to laboratory tests. Age, quality of treatment before admission, severity at admission, severe anaemia and disease outcome were the factors influencing this direct cost.Conclusion: Malaria is a costly disease in relation to the standard of living of our population and severe malaria is the main reason for hospitalization among children aged 6 to 59 months. It is necessary to reinforce management capabilities of cases correctly and early so much at home that in hospital and to streamline medical prescriptions in order to reduce costs led by malaria.
Micro- and Macrocirculatory Effects of Landiolol: A Double-Blind, Randomized Study Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ferraris Arnaud , Jacquet-Lagrèze Matthias , Cazenave Laure , Fornier William , Jalalzai Wajma , Rousseau-Saine Nicolas , Allaouchiche Bernard , Junot Stephane , Pozzi Matteo , Fellahi Jean-Luc
Published: April 2021

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) increases morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Landiolol, a selective ultra-short-acting betablocker has been recently suggested to prevent POAF in the cardiac surgical setting with a good safety profile. Micro- and detailed macrocirculatory effects of landiolol remain however largely unknown in that setting.Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study versus placebo in patients undergoing conventional cardiac surgery. Incremental doses of intravenous landiolol from 0.5 to 10 μg-1.kg-1.min-1 or placebo were administrated postoperatively. Microcirculatory variables were assessed by both peripheral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in combination with a vascular occlusion test and sublingual videomicroscopy. Macrocirculatory variables were obtained from transpulmonary thermodilution and transthoracic echocardiography. Results: Fifty-nine adult patients were allocated to the landiolol group (n=30) or the placebo group (n=29) from January to November 2019. Heart rate significantly decreased in the landiolol group (P<0.01) whereas mean arterial pressure (P=0.05) and stroke volume (P=0.63) were not significantly modified throughout the study. No modification was found in left and right systolic and diastolic ventricular functions except a significant increase in E/A ratio in the landiolol group (P=0.02). No difference was evidenced between groups in microcirculatory parameters at any landiolol dose. POAF occurred in 9 (32%) vs. 5 (17%) patients in placebo and landiolol groups, respectively (P=0.28). Conclusions: Postoperative incremental doses of landiolol up to 10 μg-1.kg-1.min-1 are efficacious to control heart rate without significant alterations in both micro- and macrocirculation following conventional cardiac surgery.
WITHDRAWN: Intrathecal methotrexate combination with systemic chemotherapy in glioblastoma patients with leptomeningeal metastases
Authors: kang xun , Chen Feng , Kang Zhuang , Wang Ce , Yang Shoubo , Wang Yali , Qian Zenghui , Li Yan , Li Shan , Chen Jianxin , Lin Hao , Fang Aizhong , Lin Yi , Jiang Bo , Li Parker , Peng Yichen , Wang Xiaomin , Li Wenbin
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor with a bad outcome. Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a severe complication of GBM, with a worse outcome and have no effective treatment. A combination chemotherapy was conducted to evaluated the effective of GBM patients with LMD.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted of GBM patients diagnosed with LMD between January 2012 and December 2019 in our institution. All these patients accepted at least one cycle of combination therapy combination intrathecal methotrexate(MTX) with systemic chemotherapy. Clinical and pathological data were analyzed to explore the effective treatment and the outcome of GBM patients with LMD.
Results
Twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study. The median time from GBM diagnosis to LMD development was 9.3 months (range 2–59 months). The median overall survival of LMD patients from diagnosis after accepted systemic chemotherapy combination with intrathecal methotrexate was 10.5 months (range 2–59 months). In the Cox univariate analysis, gross resection of tumor (p = 0.022), KPS༞60 (p = 0.002) and Ommaya reservoir implantation (p༜0.001) were correlated with survival. Multivariate analysis showed that KPS༞60 (p = 0.037) and Ommaya reservoir implantation (p = 0.014) were positive factors correlated with survival. The common toxicities of combination therapy were myelotoxicity and gastrointestinal reactions. According to Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events 4.03, most of the toxicities were less than grade 3.
Conclusion
Intrathecal methotrexate combined with systemic chemotherapy is an effective treatment for GBM patients with LMD and has mild treatment-related side effects.
Serial Changes in Cardiac Sympathetic Nervous Function After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Prospective Observational Study Using 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine Imaging
Authors: Kadoya Yoshito , Zen Kan , Tamaki Nagara , Nakamura Shunsuke , Fujimoto Tomoki , Yashige Masaki , Takamatsu Kazuaki , Ito Nobuyasu , Yamano Michiyo , Yamano Tetsuhiro , Nakamura Takeshi , Kawajiri Hidetake , Numata Satoshi , Yaku Hitoshi , Matoba Satoaki
Published: April 2021

Purpose:Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can rapidly improve cardiac sympathetic nervous function (CSNF) within 2 weeks in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, it remains unclear whether such short-term improvements will be sustained thereafter. The present study aimed to investigate the mid-term (i.e., 6–12 months) effects of TAVR on CSNF in patients with severe AS using 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging.Methods:Patients with severe AS who were scheduled to undergo TAVR between October 2017 and June 2019 were enrolled in this single-centre, prospective, observational study. MIBG imaging was performed at baseline, within 2 weeks after TAVR, and at 6–12 months post-TAVR to evaluate the heart–mediastinum ratio (H/M) and washout rate (WR). Differences between each MIBG parameter at three time points were analysed, and factors involved in the long-term improvement in the late H/M were investigated. Results:Of 183 consecutive patients, 75 (19 men; median age: 86 years) were evaluated. The late H/M significantly improved within 2 weeks after TAVR (P=0.041) and further improved over 6–12 months after TAVR (P=0.041). The WR rapidly improved immediately after TAVR (P=0.003) but remained unchanged at 6–12 months (P=0.827). Multivariate analysis revealed that the baseline mean aortic valve pressure gradient (mPG) was an independent predictor of mid-term improvement in the late H/M (>0.1) (adjusted odds ratio: 0.035; 95% confidence interval: 0.004–0.070; P=0.037). Patients with a high baseline mPG (≥58 mmHg) exhibited a significantly greater increase in the late H/M than those with a low baseline mPG (<42 mmHg) (0.24 vs. 0.01; P=0.029).Conclusions:CSNF, as denoted by the late H/M, demonstrated sustained improvement from within 2 weeks after TAVR until 6–12 months later. Such improvement was related to baseline hemodynamic AS severity.
The understanding of control in patients with advanced cancer. An interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Rodríguez-Prat Andrea , Pergolizzi Denise , Crespo Iris , Balaguer Albert , Porta-Sales Josep , Monforte-Royo Cristina
Published: April 2021

Background

In the context of life-threatening illness, loss of control is argued as a source of suffering and loss of perceived dignity, whereas having control over the dying process has been seen as a way of maintaining personal independence. Little is known about meaning of control since the patients’ perspective. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the meaning of control from the perspective of patients with advanced cancer.
Methods

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews using an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. Eight patients with advanced cancer from an oncology unit and a palliative care unit from Barcelona (Spain) were interviewed.
Results

Two themes emerged: 1) factors that influence the perception of control, with subthemes: uncertainty about future suffering, personality traits underlying a need for control; patient-medical interactions; and 2) perceiving control over an uncontrollable illness, explained by perceived control over subjective wellbeing and relinquishing control through coping strategies.
Conclusions

This study allowed us to understand what control means to advanced cancer patients. The data allowed us to identify strategies that promote a sense of control in these patients. The illness, according to the participants, was experienced as series of losses. However, attention was often focused on areas where they continued to have control. Future research should address how both family members and healthcare professionals can help to empower patients.
Title page Title Perspectives on COVID-19 testing policies and practices: a qualitative study with scientific advisors and NHS health care workers in England
Authors: Martindale Anne-Marie , Pilbeam Caitlin , Mableson Hayley , Tonkin-Crine Sarah , Atkinson Paul , Borek Aleksandra , Lant Suzie , Gobat Nina , Solomon Tom , Sheard Sally
Published: April 2021

Background As COVID-19 death rates have risen and health-care systems have experienced increased demand, national testing strategies have come under scrutiny. Utilising qualitative interview data from a larger COVID-19 study, this paper provides insights into influences on and the enactment of national COVID-19 testing strategies for health care workers (HCWs) in English NHS settings during wave one of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-August 2020). We aim to inform COVID-19 learning and future pandemic diagnostic preparedness.Methods A remote qualitative, semi-structured longitudinal interview method was employed with a purposive snowball sample of senior scientific advisors to the UK Government on COVID-19, and HCWs employed in NHS primary and secondary health care settings in England. 24 interviews from 13 participants were selected from the larger project dataset. Framework analysis was informed by the non-adoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability of patient-facing health and care technologies implementation framework (NASSS) and by normalisation process theory (NPT).Results Our account highlights tensions between the communication and implementation of national testing developments; scientific advisor and HCW perceptions about infectiousness; and uncertainties about the responsibility for testing and its implications at the local level.Conclusions Consideration must be given to the implications of mass NHS staff testing, including the accuracy of information communicated to HCWs; how HCWs interpret, manage, and act on testing guidance; and the influence these have on health care organisations and services.
Benchmarking laboratory processes to characterise low-biomass respiratory microbiota
Authors: Hasrat Raiza , Kool Jolanda , Piters Wouter A.A. de Steenhuijsen , Chu Mei Ling J.N. , Kuiling Sjoerd , Groot James , Logchem Elske van , Fuentes Susana , Franz Eelco , Bogaert Debby , Bosch Thijs
Published: April 2021

The low biomass of respiratory samples makes it difficult to accurately characterise the microbial community composition. PCR conditions and contaminating microbial DNA can alter the biological profile. The objective of this study was to benchmark the currently available protocols to accurately analyse the microbial community of low biomass samples. To study the effect of PCR conditions on the microbial community composition, we amplified the 16S rRNA gene of respiratory samples using various DNA input and different number of PCR cycles. Libraries were purified by gel electrophoresis or AMPure XP and sequenced by V2 and V3 MiSeq reagent kits by Illumina sequencing. The positive control was diluted in different solvents. PCR conditions had no significant influence on the microbial community composition of low biomass samples. Purification methods and MiSeq reagent kits had only a modest impact on microbiota profiles, while profiles of positive controls were significantly influenced by type of dilution solvent. Microbiota profiles of low biomass samples can be accurately distinguished from DNA blanks. Microbiota profiling of low biomass samples is stable under several PCR conditions, purification methods and MiSeq reagent kits. We recommend to use amplification with 30 PCR cycles. The amplicon pools can best be purified by two consecutive AMPure XP steps and sequenced by V3 MiSeq reagent kit. The benchmarked standardized workflow presented here ensures comparability of results within and between low biomass microbiome studies.
A seq2seq model to forecast the COVID-19 cases, deaths and reproductive R numbers in US counties
Authors: Zhang-James Yanli , Hess Jonathan , Salkin Asif , Wang Dongliang , Chen Samuel , Winkelstein Peter , Morley Christopher P , Faraone Stephen V
Published: April 2021

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has killed almost two million people worldwide and over 400 thousand in the United States (US). As the pandemic evolves, informed policy-making and strategic resource allocation relies on accurate forecasts. To predict the spread of the virus within US counties, we curated an array of county-level demographic and COVID-19-relevant health risk factors. In combination with the county-level case and death numbers curated by John Hopkins university, we developed a forecasting model using deep learning (DL). We implemented an autoencoder-based Seq2Seq model with gated recurrent units (GRUs) in the deep recurrent layers. We trained the model to predict future incident cases, deaths and the reproductive number, R. For most counties, it makes accurate predictions of new incident cases, deaths and R values, up to 30 days in the future. Our framework can also be used to predict other targets that are useful indices for policymaking, for example hospitalization or the occupancy of intensive care units. Our DL framework is publicly available on GitHub and can be adapted for other indices of the COVID-19 spread. We hope that our forecasts and model can help local governments in the continued fight against COVID-19.