bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the vegetative dysfunction by means of the method of heart rate variability analysis during nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhages
Authors: Sokolova N. A. , Ivanova N. Ye. , Panuntsev V. S. , Kozyreva L. V.
Published: April 2021

Оn the basis of the heart rate variability analysis in 41 patients during acute period of nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhages it was revealed that dynamics of the vegetative dysfunction rise was characterized by transition from reflex to humoral metabolic type of regulation. The reduction of reactivity of vegetative nervous system parasympathetic part during respiratory and active orthostatic test was noted. The method of evaluation of vegetative nervous system reactivity by means of heart rate variability analysis recorded before, during and after lumbar puncture with measure of cerebrospinal fluid pressure was worked out. It allows to evaluate the reactivity of suprasegmental centers (adequate, insufficient, exhaustion), raises accuracy of detection of adaptive organism resources with the detachment of the disease course variant and helps to reveal correlation of exertion extent of suprasegmental centers with hypertensive hydrocephalic syndrome.
Complex method of the prognosis of tick-born neuroinfections
Authors: Subbotin A. V. , Semyonov V. A. , Torshin I. Yu. , Gromova O. A. , Fyodorova Ye. V. , Bashev N. N.
Published: April 2021

Here, we propose a method of forecasting the development of the heavy forms of the tick-borne encephalitis using diagnostic tables. The method is based on evaluation of the patients with syndrome of endogenous intoxication using immunological and biochemical data along with evaluation of the clinical manifestations. We also propose an advanced form of the method that includes data based on the genotype of OAS1 — the gene, coding oligonucleotidesynthetase needed for immune response to RNA viruses. OAS1 genotype is an important risk factor since the differences in catalytic activity of OAS1 isoenzymes result in different susceptibility to the virus of the tick-borne encephalitis.
Epidemiology and structure concomitant craniocerebral and skeletal injuries in Tashkent
Authors: Turapov A. A. , Rabinovich S. S. , Makhkamov K. E. , Burnashev M. E. , Valiyev E. Yu. , Musayev T. S.
Published: April 2021

In period of 2001—2004 in Tashkent we observe growing concomitant craniocerebral and skeletal injuries (CCCSI) on 4,8% per annum. People of working age (at the age of 21—60) often get concomitant craniocerebral and skeletal injuries (CCCSI) though males dominate at the age of 21—40. But at the age of 15—20 and above 60 years old females get a CCCSI in 2—2,5 times higher, than males.

Patients admission to hospital at different times greatly differentiates: the largest was in period from 13 to 18 hours and smallest was from 0 to 6 hours. Road trauma appearance is principal cause of concomitant craniocerebral and skeletal injuries (CCCSI) in Tashkent in all the years of observation. It has the tendency to grow from 19,4 to 29,1%. Noticeable growing of concomitant craniocerebral and skeletal injuries (CCCSI) is alarming at the work and in sport. The severe skeleton injuries were dominant among all kind of injuries.
HRV as predicting the outcome of acute stroke
Authors: Utochkina I. M. , Shamurov Yu. S. , Mironov V. A.
Published: April 2021

To study the peculiarities of parameters autonomic regulation at various types of stroke in the acutest and after the acute stroke periods, and also the degrees of their influence on the forecast at stroke are appreciated results of the spectral analysis of heart rate variability in patients with hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. The indexes of heart rate variability for patients with a fatal outcome are exposed.
Muscular syndrome manifestations at the patients in the late postoperative period after the herniation of invertebral disk surgical treatment
Authors: Fedyanin S. A.
Published: April 2021

Checkup of 215 patients in the late period after the dick herniation surgical treatment. Middle age (45,6 ± 0,6) years. Postoperative period is (7,4 ± 0,4) years. The patients were examined: neurological status, lumbar spine radiography, magnetic resonance imaging procedure, spinal canal ultrasound investigation, muscular syndrome index determination. Revealed pain syndrome caused by the disk herniation relapse in operated and adjacent segments, spondylosis and spondylarthrosis, spinal canal stenosis, aseptic epiduritis. The pain syndrome at those patients entails by development of the muscular syndrome and pathologic motor skill.
Diagnosis of injuries of sciatic nerve and its branches
Authors: Khamzayev R. I. , Bersnev V. P. , Boroda Yu. I. , Zharova Ye. N.
Published: April 2021

The results of examination and surgically treatment of 50 patients with sciatic nerve and branches lesions are presented in paper. Sciatic nerve and branches injury and degree of their damage is diagnosed, functional outcome were described, tactic and treatment recommendations were given in dependence to injury mechanisms, location, surgical techniques.
The modern trends in surgery of extensive tumors affecting the front and mean cranial fosses in nasal cavity and paranasal sinus
Authors: Chebotaryov S. Ya.
Published: April 2021

2—3% of head and neck tumors are comprised by nasal and paranasal sinus’ masses. Complex method based on surgcical operation with maximal cytoreduction is the mainstay of treatment. Pecularities of surgical planning and technique in treatment of paranasal sinus tumors invading the skull base are considered in the article. Short- and long-term surgical results have been analyzed. Long-term results first of all depend on radicality of operation, histological structure of the tumor and its sensitivity to ajunctive methods of treatment. These used techniques are the only possible in this kind of mass lesions.
Role of endothelium dysfunction in starting immunopathologic response in chronic brain ischemia
Authors: Shumakher G. I. , Vorobiyova Ye. N. , Nechounayeva Ye. V. , Khoreva M. A. , Vorobiyov R. I. , Simonova O. G. , Batanina I. A.
Published: April 2021

The paper presents results of clinical and laboratory investigation of 106 patients with chronic brain ischemia (CBI) I-II stages (44 males and 62 females). The age of examined patients varied from 38 to 67 years (mean age was 55,6 ± 2,2). The diagnosis of CBI was estimated according to the generally accepted criteria. Results of laboratory investigation of 22 practically healthy people (10 males and 12 females) served as control. The age of control group varied from 35 to 64 years (mean age was 53,2 ± 2,1). Laboratory diagnostics included detection levels of circulating endothelial cells, autoantibodies to encephalitogenic protein, neuron-specific enolase and protein S-100. Reliable changes of immune status as well as signs of endothelium dysfunction was revealed. These indices are expressed in patients with CBI II stage. Direct correlation between intensity of endothelium dysfunction and activity of autoimmune aggression in brain was revealed.
Peculiarities of surgical management of combined echinococcosis
Authors: Yrysov K. B. , Mamashev N. D.
Published: April 2021

Surgery has remained the mainstay for the management of hydatid cysts. The success of any operation depends to a great extension how well the optimal surgical approach is chosen and which method of residual cyst sanitation. The purpose of the study was to analyze of complications after combined cyst, brain and abdominal, surgery. The complications associate with depth, size and relation to adjacent organs.
A Real-Time Circuit Phase Delay Correction System for MEMS Vibratory Gyroscopes
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Wei Zhenyu , Guo Zhiyu , Jia Lu , Han Guowei , Si Chaowei , Ning Jin , Yang Fuhua
Published: April 2021

With the development of designing and manufacturing level for micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscopes, the control circuit system becomes a key point to determine their internal performances. Nevertheless, phase delay of electron components may result in some serious hazards. This paper describes a real-time circuit phase delay correction system for MEMS vibratory gyroscopes. A detailed theoretical analysis is provided to clarify the influences of circuit phase delay on the in-phase and quadrature (IQ) coupling characteristics and zero rate output (ZRO) utilizing force-to-rebalance (FTR) closed-loop detection and quadrature correction system. By deducing the relationship between amplitude-frequency, phase-frequency of MEMS gyroscope and the phase relationship of the whole control loop, a real-time correction system is proposed to automatically adjust the phase reference value of phase-locked loop (PLL) and thus compensate for the real-time circuit phase delay. The experimental results show that the correction system can accurately measure and compensate the circuit phase delay in real time. Furthermore, the unwanted IQ coupling can be eliminated and the ZRO is decreased by 755% to 0.095°/s. This correction system realizes a small angle random walk of 0.978°/√h, and a low bias instability of 9.458°/h together with a scale factor nonlinearity of 255 ppm at room temperature. Besides, the thermal drift of ZRO is reduced to 0.0034°/s/°C at a temperature range from -20°C to 70°C.
An Orally Bioavailable (Mice) Prodrug of Glutathione
Authors: Nagasawa Herbert T. , Crankshaw Daune L. , Briggs Jacquie E. , Vince Robert
Published: April 2021

Cysteine-glutathione mixed disulfide (CySSG), a prodrug of glutathione (GSH) --the “Master Antioxidant”, was found to be orally bioavailable in mice, and protected against a toxic dose of acetaminophen. If oral bioavailability can also be demonstrated in humans, this suggests a wide range of applicability for CySSG.
A Blockchain Use Case in Cold Chain to Minimize the Risk of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Iftekhar Adnan , Cui Xiaohui
Published: April 2021

The world is facing an unprecedented socio-economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). It is also spreading through the import and export food supply chains. The Chinese authorities have discovered the COVID-19 virus in various imported frozen meat packages. Traceability plays a vital role in food quality and food safety. The Internet of Things (IoT) provides solutions to keep an eye on environmental conditions, product quality, and product traceability. These solutions are traditionally based on the centralized architecture, which does not guarantee tamper-proof data sharing. The blockchain is an emerging technology that provides tamper-proof data sharing in real-time. This article presents Hyperledger Fabric-based blockchain use case and a quick reference guide to develop the blockchain network for tracking and tracing the supply chain to minimize the risk of COVID-19 in the frozen meat supply chain.
GEOMORFOLOGÍA CUATERNARIA Y PROCESOS ACTIVOS EN URIBE KOSTA OCCIDENTAL (VIZCAYA)
Authors: Mezo Ortiz Jon Ander
Published: April 2021

Este estudio geomorfológico se ha centrado en la sección occidental del área de Uribe Kosta (Vizcaya), entre los municipios de Plentzia y Getxo, dentro del dominio del Arco Vasco en la Cuenca Vasco-Cantábrica. Se han diferenciado un sistema morfogenético litoral, incluyendo acantilados y plataforma de abrasión junto con las playas y superficies de rasa; un sistema morfogenético eólico, en el cual se incluyen una serie de depósitos de dunas colgadas (cliff-top dunes); un sistema morfogenético gravitacional, que recoge los procesos de ladera que se dan en los acantilados; y un sistema morfogenético fluvial, que abarca la red fluvial que actúa en la zona incidiendo sobre las superficies de rasa. Una vez caracterizados y cartografiados los sistemas morfogenéticos, así como la cartografía de las unidades geomorfológicas que los componen se ha establecido una secuencia cronológica relativa de la evolución geomorfológica del relieve a lo largo del Cuaternario y hasta el presente.
Osteosarcoma Mimicking Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of the Hip in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Parisien Robert L. , Farooqi Ali S. , Cusano Antonio , Jo Stephanie Y. , Molligan Jeremy D. , Kelly John D.
Published: April 2021

Case:

A 17-year-old boy presented to the clinic complaining of right hip pain after soccer participation. Clinical findings and imaging studies led to the diagnoses of femoroacetabular impingement and diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT). Comprehensive arthroscopic management and biopsy revealed a diagnosis of osteosarcoma. The patient subsequently underwent chemotherapy, surgical resection, and reconstruction.

Conclusion:

Osteosarcoma of the proximal femur may mimic TGCT on imaging studies because osteosarcoma may show changes suggestive of inflammation. We recommend heightened clinical awareness and a comprehensive differential workup in the management of presumed TGCT about the hip in the pediatric patient population.
Comparison of various chemical compounds for the removal of SO2 and NOx with wet scrubbing for marine diesel engines.
Authors: Chin Terence , Tam Ivan , Yin Chun-Yang
Published: April 2021

Seawater, NaOH, NaClO, NaClO2, H2O2 and KMnO4 were used as scrubbing liquids to react with SOx and NOx separately in a customized wet scrubber. The absorption of SO2 in the aqueous phase was influenced by three factors: pH, ionic concentration and oxidation potential. For NOx removal, the effectiveness of various chemical compounds can be ranked from least to most effective as follows: Seawater, NaOH, H2O2 < NaClO < KMnO4 < NaClO2. This effectiveness was influenced by the chemical compound’s ability to oxidize NO to NO2, absorb the NO2 that was formed and retaining the nitrogen in the aqueous phase. High oxidation potential promoted the oxidation of NO to NO2 but hindered the absorption of NO2. NaClO2 was superior compared to NaClO in all three categories of oxidizing, absorption and retention. NaClO could not retain a significant amount of NO2 which it absorbed in the aqueous phase. The pH around 8 provided a good balance between oxidation versus absorption/retention and reactant utilization for the chlorine-based oxidants. KMnO4 had the lowest reactant consumption rate; only half a mole was consumed for every mole of NO removed, compared to around 2–3 moles of chlorite or 3–5 moles of hypochlorite.
Simultaneous Detection of Pathogens and Tumors in Patients With Suspected Infections by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Su Jiachun , Han Xu , Xu Xiaogang , Ding Wenchao , Li Ming , Wang Weiqin , Tian Mi , Chen Xiyuan , Xu Binbin , Chen Zhongqing , Yuan Jinyi , Qin Xiaohua , Lin Dongfang , Wang Ruilan , Gong Ye , Pan Liping , Wang Jun , Wang Minggui
Published: April 2021

Background: Differential diagnosis of patients with suspected infections is particularly difficult, but necessary for prompt diagnosis and rational use of antibiotics. A substantial proportion of these patients have non-infectious diseases that include malignant tumors. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technologies are used with increasing frequency to aid clinical diagnosis of patients with suspected infections. Methods: Based upon mNGS technologies and chromosomal copy number variation (CNV) analysis on abundant human genome, a new workflow named Onco-mNGS was established to simultaneously detect pathogens and malignant tumors in patients with suspected infections. Results: Of 140 patients screened by Onco-mNGS testing at four hospitals in Shanghai, 115 patients were diagnosed with infections; 17 had obvious abnormal CNV signals indicating malignant tumors that were confirmed clinically. The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS testing for diagnosis of a clinically relevant infection was 53.0% (61/115) and 60% (15/25), respectively, vs 20.9% (24/115) and 96.0% (24/25), respectively, for conventional microbiological testing (both P<0.01). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common pathogen detected by mNGS, followed by E. coli and viruses. The chromosomal abnormalities of the 17 cases included genome-wide variations and local variations of a certain chromosome. Five of 17 patients had a final confirmed with malignant tumors, including three lung adenocarcinomas and two hematological tumors; one patient was highly suspected to have lymphoma; and 11 patients had a prior history of malignant tumor.Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility and clinical value of using Onco-mNGS to simultaneously search for potential pathogens and malignant tumors in patients with suspected infections.
Unbalanced Budget Distribution for Automatic Algorithm Configuration
Authors: Ghambari Soheila , Rakhshani Hojjat , Lepagnot Julien , Jourdan Laetitia , Idoumghar Lhassane
Published: April 2021

Optimization algorithms often have several critical setting parameters and the improvement of the empirical performance of these algorithms depends on tuning them. Manually configuration of such parameters is a tedious task that results in unsatisfactory outputs. Therefore, several automatic algorithm configuration frameworks have been proposed to regulate the parameters of a given algorithm for a series of problem instances. Although the developed frameworks perform very well to deal with various problems, however, there is still a trade-off between the accuracy and budget requirements that need to be addressed. This work investigates the performance of unbalanced distribution of budget for different configurations to deal with the automatic algorithm configuration problem. Inspired by the bandit-based approaches, the main goal is to find a better configuration that substantially improves the performance of the target algorithm while using a smaller run time budget. In this work, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is employed as a target algorithm using jMetalPy software platform and the multimodal multi-objective optimization (MMO) test suite of CEC'2020 is used as a set of test problems. We did a comprehensive comparison with other known methods including random search, Bayesian optimization, SMAC, ParamILS, irace, and MAC methods. The experimental results interestingly proved the efficiency of the proposed approach for automatic algorithm configuration with a minimum time budget in comparison with other competitors.
Study on the JH-2 Model Parameters for Metro Shield Cutting Reinforced Concrete Pile
Authors: Xu Ping , Zuo Sixian
Published: April 2021

In order to investigate the application of JH-2 (Johnson-Holmquist-2) constitutive model in concrete, a series of parameters study have been conducted to evaluate the JH-2 model in C30 concrete. The finite element analysis software ABAQUS is utilized to simulate the compression test of the three-dimensional standard concrete test based on the ALE adaptive mesh and the damage failure criterion of element deletion function. The numerical analysis of 3D concrete pile foundation and simplified shield machine cutterhead to simulate shield cutting pile is established. Analyzing the numerical simulation and construction data, the key points of the shield machine cutting pile are illustrated. Research shows that: (1) JH-2 constitutive model can be used to simulate the concrete cutting. (2) The better damage parameters have been represented and verified against the results of experiments, which are the D1 = 0.6 and D2 = 0.1 in the JH-2 model of C30 concrete. (3) In the simulation example of concrete compression and cutting pile, the failure form of concrete is brittle failure, and the non-linear characteristics of concrete has been observed. (4) The simulated torque vibration of the cutterhead is relatively large than actual pile cutting, and the actual shield machine cutting pile construction should have a low rotation speed and low propulsion speed.
Appraising the Historical and Projected Spatiotemporal Changes in Heat Index in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mahzabin Binte , Salam Roquia , I Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Tasnuva Anjum , Haque Ubydul , Shahid Shamsuddin , Hu Zhenghua
Published: April 2021

Climate change-derived extreme heat phenomena are one of the major concerns across the globe, including Bangladesh. The appraisal of ongoing spatiotemporal changes and possible future change in heat index (HI) is essential for developing heat stress mitigation strategies. However, the climate-health nexus is scarcely studied in Bangladesh. This study was intended to appraise historical and projected changes in HI across Bangladesh. The HI was computed from daily dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. The modified Mann-Kendal (MMK) test and linear regression were used to detect trends in HI for the observed period (1985–2015). The future change in HI was projected for the mid-century (2041– 2070) for three Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) as 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 scenarios. The results revealed a monotonic rise in the HI and extreme caution conditions, especially in the humid summer season for most parts of Bangladesh for the observed period (1985-2015). Future projections of HI revealed a continuous rise in HI in the forthcoming period (2041-2070). A higher increase in HI was projected in the northern, western, and south-central regions, while a decrease in the northwestern region in the future. Bangladesh should take region-specific adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of HI.
Factors Correlated with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Use among Black Adults in the United States: Implications for Improving PrEP Uptake
Authors: Wilson Kennethea A. , Przybyla Sarahmona M. , Bleasdale Jacob , Gabriel Steven , Leblanc Natalie , Vil Noelle St.
Published: April 2021

In the United States, low rates of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and utilization persist among Black adults. To date, few studies have assessed PrEP awareness and use among a nationally representative sample of Black adults. The present study explored factors associated with PrEP awareness and use among Black adults in the United States. Most participants were unaware of PrEP (71%). Those reporting a history of incarceration [aOR 1.73 (1.04, 2.90), p <.05] and lifetime sexually transmitted infection testing [aOR 1.76 (1.19, 2.59), p <.05] had greater odds of awareness. In the sample, only 6% of participants had ever taken PrEP. Those with a history of incarceration [aOR 9.96 (2.82, 35.14), p <.05], concurrent sexual partners [aOR 1.09 (1.00, 1.18), p <.05], and substance use during sex [aOR 4.23 (1.02, 17.48), p <.05] had greater odds of use. Interventions to improve PrEP uptake among Black adults must consider the contextual factors associated with awareness and use.
A ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide containing a β-amino acid and a macrocyclic motif
Authors: Wang Shan , Fang Qing , Gyampoh Roland , Lu Zhou , Gao Yingli , Clarke David , Yu Yi , Kyeremeh Kwaku , Milne Bruce , Tabudravu Jioji , Deng Hai
Published: April 2021

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are structurally complex naturally occurring metabolites across all three domains of life. Despite the structural diversity of RiPPs that stems from the extensive post-translational modifications, only α-amino acid residues have been found in known RiPPs. Here we report discovery of a new 27-mer peptide, kintamdin, using comprehensive MS and NMR structural elucidation and genomic analysis together with computational modelling. The peptide features a β-amino acid residue and a new thioether macrocyclic ring. Heterologous expression and gene inactivation allowed the identification of the minimal biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). The gene products in kin BGC share low homologues compared to other known RiPP pathways, further rendering the novelty of kintamdin. Biochemical analysis indicated that KinO mediate di-methylation reaction to yield kintamidn. Finally, the occurrence of the kin-like BGCs in Gram-positive bacteria suggested the biological importance of this new group of RiPPs.
Vaccination Intentions Generate Racial Disparities in the Societal Persistence of COVID-19
Authors: Wang Yanchao , Ristea Alina , Amiri Mehrnaz , Dooley Dan , Gibbons Sage , Grabowski Hannah , Hargraves Lee , Kovacevic Nikola , Roman Anthony , Schutt Russell K. , Gao Jianxi , Wang Qi , O'Brien Daniel T.
Published: April 2021

We combined survey, mobility, and infections data in greater Boston, MA to simulate the effects of racial disparities in the inclination to become vaccinated on continued infection rates and the attainment of herd immunity. The simulation projected marked inequities, with communities of color experiencing infection rates 3 times higher than predominantly White communities and reaching herd immunity 45 days later on average. Persuasion of individuals uncertain about vaccination was crucial to preventing the worst inequities but could only narrow them so far because 1/5th of Black and Latinx individuals said that they would never vaccinate. The results point to a need for well-crafted, compassionate messaging that reaches out to those most resistant to the vaccine.
Four Metastasis-Related mRNAs Signature Predicting the Survival of Patients With Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: chen chao , Qiu ShiXiang , Li Ya , Liu YanQun , Liu Kang , Zhong LiMing
Published: April 2021

Backgrounds: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most malignant tumors, of which prognosis is unsatisfactory in most cases and metastatic of LIHC often results in poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to construct a metastasis- related mRNAs prognostic model to increase the accuracy of prediction of LIHC prognosis.Methods: 374 LIHC samples and 50 normal samples were downloaded from TCGA database, involving transcriptomic and clinical data. Metastatic-related genes were acquired from HCMBD website at the same time. 343 samples were randomly divided into train dataset and test dataset with a proportion of 1:1 by using caret package in R. Kaplan-Meier method and univariate Cox regression analysis and lasso regression analysis were performed to obtain metastasis-related mRNAs which played significant roles in prognosis. Then, using multivariate Cox regression analysis, a prognostic prediction model was established. Transcriptome and clinical data were combined to construct a prognostic model and a nomogram for OS evaluation. Functional enrichment in high- and low-risk groups were also analyzed by GSEA. An entire set was applied to verify the model.Results: 1895 metastasis-related mRNAs were screened and 8mRNAs were associated with prognosis. The overall survival (OS)-related prognostic model which was constructed based on 4 MRGs (MMP1, SPP1, STC2, CDCA8) significantly stratified LIHC patients into high- and low-risk groups. The AUC values of the 4-gene prognostic signature at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 0.807,0.729 and 0.673. A risk score based on the signature was a significantly independent prognostic factor (HR=1.295; 95%CI=1.167-1.436; P<0.001) for LIHC patients. A nomogram which incorporated the 4-gene signature and clinical features was also built for prognostic prediction. GSEA results that low- and high-risk group had an obviously difference in part of pathways. The value of this model was validated in test dataset and entire set.Conclusion: Metastasis-related mRNAs prognostic model was verified that it had a predictable value on the prognosis of LIHC, which could be helpful for gene targeted therapy.
A Randomised Controlled Trial of Interventions for Taxane-Induced Nail Toxicity in Women with Early Breast cancer
Authors: Morrison Audrey , Marshall-McKenna Rebecca , McFadyen Angus K , Hutchison Cathy , Rice Ann Marie , Stirling Lynne , McIlroy Pauline , MacPherson Iain R
Published: April 2021

Purpose Onycholysis and paronychia has been associated with chemotherapy treatment for women with breast cancer. Our primary aim was to investigate the effectiveness of different topical interventions to ameliorate nail toxicity. Secondary aims were to explore the full range and severity of possible nail changes associated with taxane-based chemotherapy and the specific impact this had on quality of life, using two novel measures. Methods This was an exploratory randomised controlled trial of three topical interventions (standard care, nail polish or specialist nail drops) for the prevention or reduction of nail changes induced by taxane-based chemotherapy. Outcomes included nail toxicity assessed at three time points (baseline, 3 weeks and 3 months post completion of chemotherapy) using two novel clinical tools (NToX-G12, NToX-QoL) and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v3) and EQ-5D-5L.Results A total of 105 women were recruited (35 in each arm) and monitored up to three months post completion of chemotherapy. Almost 20% of patients were over the age of 60 years. There were 26 withdrawals, the majority from the nail polish arm. Residual Maximum Likelihood REML analysis indicated a significant arm, time and interaction effect for each intervention (p<0.001). Less nail toxicity was observed in patients receiving specialist nail drops or standard care arms in comparison to those using nail polish.﻿Conclusion This study provides evidence to support clinicians’ suggestions on nail care recommendations based on the patients’ needs and preferences. Future investigations into comparing or combining cryotherapy and topical solutions that can support patient’s decisions are warranted.
Unsupervised Deep Learning for Binary Offloading in Mobile Edge Computation Network
Authors: Chen Xue , Xu Hongbo , Zhang Guoping , Chen Yun , Li Ruijie
Published: April 2021

Mobile edge computation (MEC) is a potential technology to reduce the energy consumption and task execution delay for tackling computation-intensive tasks on mobile device (MD). The resource allocation of MEC is an optimization problem, however, the existing large amount of computation may hinder its practical application. In this work, we propose a multiuser MEC framework based on unsupervised deep learning (DL) to reduce energy consumption and computation by offloading tasks to edge servers. The binary offloading decision and resource allocation are jointly optimized to minimize energy consumption of MDs under latency constraint and transmit power constraint. This joint optimization problem is a mixed integer nonconvex problem which result in the gradient vanishing problem in backpropagation. To address this, we propose a novel binary computation offloading scheme (BCOS), in which a deep neural network (DNN) with an auxiliary network is designed. By using the auxiliary network as a teacher network, the student network can obtain the lossless gradient information in joint training phase. As a result, the sub-optimal solution of the optimization problem can be acquired by the learning-based BCOS. Simulation results demonstrate that the BCOS is effective to solve the binary offloading problem by the trained network with low complexity.
Earthquake Vulnerability Mapping using Binary Comparison Matrix and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) in Lalmatia, Dhaka
Authors: Shawon Tanzila Aktar , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Ahmmed Md. Zibon , Mahmud Md. Akter
Published: April 2021

From the historical records, geological evident and recent trends in earthquake, it is evident that Bangladesh is in a high-risk zone of earthquake hazard. The recent results of the CDMP, if a huge earthquake greater or equal to seven magnitude happened in this country, would lead to a serious human tragedy due to the defective structure. In Lalmatia, Dhaka study area there are various types of structures as like as RCC, masonry, semi-pucca etc. and the area has different old and newly filled soil development. This study considered the characteristics of RCC building elements and their behaviors to assess the risk against earthquake vulnerability in Lalmatia using the Turkish method. Next building vulnerability from Turkish Method used as one total vulnerability factor. In the method of this research, a pair wise comparison matrix for a numerical relationship between two elements and the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) model has been applied to decide in weight and to get rank of the vulnerability factors. By weighted sum vector among the six factors and calculating vulnerability index (VI), the overall vulnerability were identified in Lalmatia. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and defining an ordinal scale of calculated result, the vulnerability status of single buildings of the study area is presented here. This research tells that 8.23% buildings are highly vulnerable and 14.24% buildings are moderately vulnerable to earthquake. About 77.53% buildings are less vulnerable. As the study area is in a major urban center (Dhaka City), the scenario of unplanned urbanization increases the overall vulnerability to higher scale.
Correlation between medical student empathy and a Korean nationwide comprehensive clinical assessment score at a medical school in Korea
Authors: Jung Min Kyu , Yeo Sanghee , Lee Won Kee
Published: April 2021

Background Empathy represents the ability to understand and communicate a patient’s situation, perspective, and feelings and, when demonstrated by healthcare professionals, can increase patient adherence, satisfaction, and treatment outcomes. Empathic students have stronger affective skills and can acquire, develop, reinforce, and display strong affective behaviors, abilities, and attitudes.Methods We measured student empathy using the Student Version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S) and assessed 3-year sequential clinical comprehensive assessment scores conducted by the Korean Medical Education Assessment Corporation to determine the relationship between JSE-S and clinical comprehensive assessment scores.Results This study population comprised 80 males (74%) and 28 females (26%). Thirty-eight students (35%) wanted to be private physicians and 62 (57%) attending faculty. Medical fields were common future majors for 58 students (54%). Surgical fields were considered by 40 students (37%). However, no significant differences in Korean JSE-S were observed according to medical student gender, career aspirations, or future major fields.
The genetic variants of LINC-PINT are related to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility in Chinese population
Authors: Xue Jincai , Dong Fang , Wang Tianchang , Liu Qinjiang , Wang Jun , Su Haixiang , Tian Youxin , Ni Yaqiong , Wang Yunsheng , Guan Quanlin
Published: April 2021

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most leading incident tumor worldwide. Genetic factors act crucial role in the HNSCC progression. Our study is intent to explore the correlation of LINC-PINT polymorphism with the risk of HNSCC in Chinese population.Methods: The case-control study (including 537 HNSCC cases and 533 controls) was performed to determine the relationship between LINC-PINT polymorphisms and HNSCC susceptibility. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the associations.Results: The current study indicated that rs157916 and rs7781295 in the LINC-PINT gene have a strong significant correlation with HNSCC risk (OR 1.32, p = 0.042; OR 1.31, p = 0.016). Stratification analyses showed that rs157916 is related to the increased risk of HNSCC in age ≤ 46 years (OR 1.56, p = 0.029). Rs157916, rs16873842, rs7801029, and rs7781295 exhibited an enhanced risk of HNSCC in men (OR 1.82, p = 0.004; OR 1.61, p = 0.028; OR 1.53, p = 0.047; OR 1.62, p = 0.021). Besides, we found that rs16873842 significantly increased the risk of Nasopharyngeal SCC (OR 4.04, p = 0.015). Rs157916 (OR 1.39, p = 0.028) and rs7781295 (OR 1.30, p = 0.028) had a high susceptibility to Thyroid SCC.Conclusions: This research indicated that polymorphisms in the LINC-PINT gene are significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to HNSCC, which suggest that LINC-PINT polymorphisms have a significant role in prevention and diagnosis of HNSCC.
Genome sequences of human cytomegalovirus strain TB40/E variants propagated in fibroblasts and epithelial cells
Authors: Qaffas Ahmed Al , Camiolo Salvatore , Vo Mai , Aguiar Alexis , Ourahmane Amine , Sorono Myrna , Davison Andrew J , Mcvoy Michael A , Hertel Laura
Published: April 2021

The advent of whole genome sequencing has revealed that common laboratory strains of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) have major genetic deficiencies resulting from serial passage in fibroblasts. In particular, tropism for epithelial and endothelial cells is lost due to mutations disrupting genes UL128, UL130, or UL131A, which encode subunits of a virion-associated pentameric complex (PC) important for viral entry into these cells but not for entry into fibroblasts. The endothelial cell-adapted strain TB40/E has a relatively intact genome and has emerged as a laboratory strain that closely resembles wild-type virus. However, several heterogeneous TB40/E stocks and cloned variants exist that display a range of sequence and tropism properties. Here, we report the use of PacBio sequencing to elucidate the genetic changes that occurred, both at the consensus level and within subpopulations, upon passaging a TB40/E stock on ARPE-19 epithelial cells. The long-read data also facilitated examination of the linkage between mutations. Consistent with inefficient ARPE-19 cell entry, at least 83% of viral genomes present before adaptation contained changes impacting PC subunits. In contrast, and consistent with the importance of the PC for entry into endothelial and epithelial cells, genomes after adaptation lacked these or additional mutations impacting PC subunits. The sequence data also revealed six single noncoding substitutions in the inverted repeat regions, single nonsynonymous substitutions in genes UL26, UL69, US28, and UL122, and a frameshift truncating gene UL141. Among the changes affecting protein-coding regions, only the one in UL122 was strongly selected. This change, resulting in a D390H substitution in the encoded protein IE2, has been previously implicated in rendering another viral protein, UL84, essential for viral replication in fibroblasts. This finding suggests that IE2, and perhaps its interactions with UL84, have important functions unique to HCMV replication in epithelial cells.
The Impact of Long-COVID on Functioning – Results from a Community Survey in Patients After Mild and Moderate SARS-CoV-2-Infection in Germany
Authors: Lemhöfer Christina , Sturm Christian , Loudovici-Krug Dana , Best Norman , Gutenbrunner Christoph
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIn COVID-19 survivors a relatively high number of long-term symptoms have been observed. Besides impact on quality of life, these symptom (now called long-COVID) may have an impact on functioning and my hinder affected people to participate in social life. However, little is known if and to what extent patients with mild and moderate COVID-19 who did not need hospitalization or intensive care develop such a syndrome.MethodsA cross-sectional study in 1027 patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 has been performed in two communities in Bavaria, Germany. The Rehabilitation-Needs-Survey (RehabNeS) that includes Short Form 36 health questionnaire (SF-36) on health-related quality of life, was performed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results97.5 % of patients reported one symptom in infection phase such as fatigue, respiratory problems, limitations of the sense of taste and smell, as well as fear and anxiety and other symptoms. In this phase 84.1% of participants experienced activity limitations and participation restrictions such as carrying out daily routine, handling stress, getting household tasks done, care/support for others, and relaxing and leisure.61.9% of participants reported persisting symptoms after more than 3 months after infection. These were among others fatigue, sleep disturbances, respiratory problems pain, fears and anxiety, and restrictions in movement. 49% of the participants reported on activity limitations and participation restrictions. Predominately these were handling stress, carrying out daily routine, looking after one’s health, relaxing and leisure activities as well as doing house work.The impact on quality of life and vocational performance were rather low.ConclusionThe results show that long-term symptoms after mild and moderate COVID-19 are common and lead to limitations of activities and participation. However, it seems that in most cases they are not very severe and do not lead to frequent or severe issues with quality of live or work ability.
A National Virtual Research Training Workshop for 3800 Medical Students: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of A Novel Research Education Program
Authors: Merchant Asma Altaf Hussain , Khan Abdullah Saeed , Abbas Saadia , Inam Maha , Noorali Ali Aahil , Shahbaz Hamna , Musharraf Muhammad Daniyal , Aamir Faiqa , Rauf Hareem , Khalid Farah , Jehan Fyezah , Hasan Babar , Tariq Muhammed , Haider Adil
Published: April 2021

BackgroundResearch training is necessary to fill the burgeoning global decline in physician-scientists, which is further pronounced in developing countries. This has generated much interest within institutions across the world to increase research exposure for students as part of medical school curricula. In order to produce a cadre of aspiring physician-scientists, the Student Research Forum (SRF) at Aga Khan University conducted a series of online research workshops leveraging innovative technological solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to explore students’ perceptions of engaging undergraduate medical students in online research training workshops and to evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions in improving the knowledge and skillset of participating students.Methods‘A Beginners Guide to Research’ was a nation-wide virtual research workshop series conducted for medical students across Pakistan in June 2020. A mixed-methods study design was employed to evaluate course efficacy in terms of course content, duration and strategy. Dissemination of quantitative feedback forms alongside simultaneous conduction of qualitative interviews were used to receive feedback for the workshop and obtain the perspectives of medical students on the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving research-related knowledge. ResultsA total of 3,862 medical students enrolled in the national workshop series. The feedback form was completed by 2,754 participants, hailing from 113 universities across 37 cities in Pakistan. 2,311 (84.0%) participants stated that the course helped them improve their overall research knowledge and 2,333 (84.7%) felt confident that the skills learnt would help them in future research projects. 40 participants from 25 institutions across Pakistan participated in the qualitative interviews. 24 (60.0%) participants had no prior knowledge of research, 23 (57.5%) found virtual screen-sharing to be the most useful learning strategy and 22 (55.0%) students expressed interest in initiating/expanding their institutional research platforms.ConclusionThis nation-wide series presented a way in which alternative pedagogies can be used for the dissemination of research knowledge and skills to medical students with a strong inclination towards research. Efforts must be made by institutions to provide opportunities to medical students for engaging in meaningful scientific research during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Chemerin as a Diagnostic Marker for Fmf in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Megahed Hisham , Thomas Manal M. , Zaki Moushira E. , Youness Eman , Ashour Adel M. , El-Bassyouni Hala T.
Published: April 2021

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common autoinflammatory disorder characterized by chronic subclinical inflammation. The aim of the work is to access if chemerin can be used as a diagnostic index in FMF patients. Methods: A total of 66 FMF patients and 60 controls matching age and sex were enrolled in the study. Serum chemerin, lipid profile and vitamin D were determined by ELISA assay. Results: Chemerin level which suggested chronic inflammation was significantly elevated as compared to the controls. The FMF patients had highly significant levels of total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL, while the HDL significantly inversely correlated in the FMF patients compared to controls. Moreover, the vitamin D level was significantly lower in FMF patients. Conclusion: chemerin that acts as a pro-inflammatory adipokine, could be used as a biomarker reflecting the chronic pro-inflammatory status in the FMF patients. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended in the FMF patients.
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants follow a historical pattern recorded in outgroups infecting non-human hosts
Authors: Katoh Kazutaka , Standley Daron M.
Published: April 2021

The ability to predict emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 would be of enormous value, as it would enable proactive design of vaccines in advance of such emergence. Based on molecular evolutionary analysis of the S protein, we found a significant correspondence in the location of amino acid substitutions between SARS-CoV-2 variants recently emerging and their relatives that infected bat and pangolin before the pandemic. This observation suggests that a limited number of sites in this protein are repeatedly substituted in different lineages of this group of viruses. It follows, therefore, that the sites of future emerging mutations in SARS-CoV-2 can be predicted by analyzing their relatives (outgroups) that have infected non-human hosts. We discuss a possible evolutionary mechanism behind these substitutions and provide a list of frequently substituted sites that potentially include future emerging variants in SARS-CoV-2.
ZEB2 Regulates Endocrine Therapy Sensitivity and Metastasis in Luminal A Breast Cancer Through a Non-Canonical Mechanism
Authors: Burks Hope E. , Matossian Margarite , Rhodes Lyndsay Vanhoy , Phamduy Theresa , Elliott Steven , Buechlein Aaron , Rusch Douglas B. , Miller David F.B. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Chrisey Douglas , Collins-Burow Bridgette M. , Burow Matthew E.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2 mediate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic progression in numerous malignancies including breast cancer. ZEB1 and ZEB2 drive EMT through transcriptional repression of cell-cell junction proteins and members of the tumor suppressive miR200 family. However, in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, the role of ZEB2 as an independent driver of metastasis has not been fully investigated. Methods: In the current study, we induced exogenous expression of ZEB2 in ER+ MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell lines and examined EMT gene expression and metastasis using dose-response qRT-PCR, transwell migration assays, proliferation assays with immunofluorescence of Ki-67 staining. We used RNA sequencing to identify pathways and genes affected by ZEB2 overexpression. Finally, we treated ZEB2-overexpressing cells with 17β-estradiol (E2) or ICI 182,780 to evaluate how ZEB2 affects estrogen response. Results: Contrary to expectation, we found that ZEB2 did not increase canonical epithelial nor decrease mesenchymal gene expressions. Furthermore, ZEB2 overexpression did not promote a mesenchymal cell morphology. However, ZEB1 and ZEB2 protein expression induced significant migration of MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells in vitro and MCF-7 xenograft metastasis in vivo. Transcriptomic (RNA sequencing) pathway analysis revealed alterations in estrogen signaling regulators and pathways, suggesting a role for ZEB2 in endocrine sensitivity in luminal A breast cancer. Expression of ZEB2 was negatively correlated with estrogen receptor complex genes in luminal A patient tumors. Furthermore, treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) or the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 had no effect on growth of ZEB2 overexpressing cells. Conclusion: ZEB2 is a multi-functional regulator of drug sensitivity, cell migration and metastasis in ER+ breast cancer and functions through non-canonical mechanisms.