bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of the significance of ferroptosis-related genes in the prognosis and immunotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yin Junhao , Zeng Xiaoli , Ai Zexin , Yu Miao , Wu Yang'ou , Jiang Jirui , Zheng Zhanglong , Li Shengjiao , Li Jia
Published: December 2020

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a life-threatening disease that emerged as a major international health concern, associated with poor prognosis and the absence of specific biomarkers. Studies have shown that the ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) can be used as tumor prognostic markers. However, FRGs’ prognostic value in OSCC needs further exploration. Our aim was to construct a novel FRG signature for overall survival (OS) prediction in OSCC patients and explore its role in immunotherapy.Methods: In our study, gene expression profile and clinical data of OSCC patients were collected from a public domain. FRGs were available from the FerrDb database. We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to construct a multigene signature. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methods were utilized to test the effectiveness of the FRG signature. A differential gene expression analysis was performed by the limma R package, followed by functional enrichment analyses. CIBERSORT was applied to analyze the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and immune checkpoint molecules were analyzed to confirm the sensitivity of immunotherapy.Results: A total of 103 FRGs, expressed in OSCC (FRGs-OSCC), were identified from the two datasets by the Venn analysis. The Cox regression analysis identified 5 FRGs-OSCC that were associated with overall survival (all P < 0.01). The FRGs-OSCC risk model was established to classify patients into high risk and low risk groups. Compared with the low risk group, the survival time of the high-risk group was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). According to the multivariate Cox regression analyses, the risk score acted as an independent predictor for OS (HR > 1, P < 0.001). The accuracy of the FRGs-OSCC risk predictive model was confirmed by ROC curve analysis. The results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) showed significant enrichment of immune-related pathways, and a difference in tumor microenvironment between the two groups. The low risk group had the characteristics of higher expression of HLA and immune checkpoints (IDO1, LAG3, PDCD1 and TIGHT), a lower tumor purity and a higher infiltration of immune cells, indicating a more sensitive response to immunotherapy.Conclusions: The novel FRGs-OSCC risk score system can be used to predict OSCC prognosis. Ferroptosis targeting may be a therapeutic option for OSCC.
Deletion of SarX decreases biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus in a polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) dependent manner
Authors: Hao Zhihao , Guo Yinjuan , Rao Lulin , Yu Jingyi , Zhan Qing , Xu Yanlei , Wang Bingjie , Wu Xiaocui , Yu Fangyou
Published: December 2020

Background: Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus is an important virulence determinant mediated by the polysaccharide intercellular adhere (PIA) encoded by ica operon or by surface and extracellular proteins. Previous studies have shown that S. epidermidis SarX protein regulated the transcriptional activity of the agr and ica loci and controled the biofilm phenotype, primarily by regulating icaADBC transcription and PIA production.Results: In this study, our results indicated that biofilm formation and detachment of S. aureus were significantly decreased in the sarX mutant strain. sarX mutant in S. aureus biofilm formation was related to the production of PIA and not to that of eDNA. RT-PCR results showed that deletion of sarX was associated with a 1.8-fold reduction in spa transcription, which was complemented by sarX. Expression of Spa protein was decreased in sarX mutant strain.Conclusions: sarX promoted biofilm production of S. aureus may mediated primarily through increasing ica operon expression and PIA production. Deletion of sarX was associated with reduction in spa transcription.
Single Head-Neck Irradiation Intervention Increases Thyroid Hormone Level and Enhances Energy Metabolism in High-Fat Diet Mice
Authors: Lin Qian , Zhang Caishun , Li Manwen , Wang Haidan , Su Kaizhen , Liu Defeng , Zhang Jvchen , Jiang Peng , Wang Peige , Dong Jing
Published: December 2020

Radiotherapy, an established treatment of malignant diseases of the head and neck, increases the risk of chronic metabolic disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for metabolic dysfunction after irradiation remain unknown. We aimed to determine whether single head-neck irradiation intervention changes the levels of thyroid hormones and affects energy metabolism in high-fat diet mice and in chow diet mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated with a single dose of 6 Gy X-ray head-neck irradiation and were fed a high-fat diet. Body weight, accumulated food intake, fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance were measured during the study. Plasma, brown adipose tissue, thyroid, liver and white adipose tissue were collected for histological analysis. We found that head-neck irradiation significantly increased food intake and decreased body weight in high-fat diet mice. However, there were no obvious changes in chow diet mice. Further studies showed that head-neck irradiation significantly increased levels of 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone, as well as expression of uncoupling protein 1 in brown adipose tissue and glucose transporter 2 in liver in high-fat diet mice. Our results suggest that single head-neck irradiation intervention increases thyroid hormones levels and enhances energy metabolism in high-fat diet mice.
Insecticidal and P450 mediate mechanism of fluralaner against Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Xiong Ting , Ling Siquan , Liu Jiali , Zeng Xinnian
Published: December 2020

The increasing consumption of pesticides caused lots of problems, such as resistance, food safety, and various environmental toxicity. Finding an alternative pesticide which is environmentally friendly is urgent and crucial. Fluralaner, a novel isoxazoline insecticide, has been proven to possess selective toxicity for insects versus mammals and have safety to mammals and nontarget organism, suggesting its potential in pest’s management. However, little information is available about its effect on the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), a worldwide invasive and polyphagous pest, often nest in neighborhood area.The toxicity results showed that the topical application and feeding application was all effective to S.invicta. Moreover, fluralaner can be transmitted among workers by contacting and feeding which lead to toxic reaction among nestmates. By exploring the biochemistry change, we found cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) may be involved in the detoxification of fluralaner but not carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Synergism assays gave a solid evidence in which piperonyl butoxide, an activity inhibitor of P450, increased the toxicity of fluralaner to S. invicta. Importantly, with the qRT-PCR analysis 12 P450 genes of S.invicta were significantly upregulated after fluralaner treatment. Our result indicated that fluralaner could be a potential alternative pesticide in S. invicta control. And the involvement of P450s on metabolism provides basic information for the sustainable use of fluralaner.
Tissue Segmentation from Whole-Slide Images Using Lightweight Neural Networks
Authors: Frank Steven
Published: December 2020

Pathology slides of malignancies are segmented using lightweight convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that may be deployed on mobile devices. This is made possible by preprocessing candidate images to make CNN analysis tractable and also to exclude regions unlikely to be diagnostically relevant. In a training phase, labeled whole-slide histopathology images are first downsampled and decomposed into square tiles. Tiles corresponding to diseased regions are analyzed to determine boundary values of a visual criterion, image entropy. A lightweight CNN is then trained to distinguish tiles of diseased and non-diseased tissue, and if more than one disease type is present, to discriminate among these as well. A segmentation is generated by downsampling and tiling a candidate image, and retaining only those tiles with values of the visual criterion falling within the previously established extrema. The sifted tiles, which now exclude much of the non-diseased image content, are efficiently and accurately classified by the trained CNN. Tiles classified as diseased tissue -- or in the case of multiple possible subtypes, as the dominant subtype in the tile set -- are combined, either as a simple union or at a pixel level, to produce a segmentation mask or map. This approach was applied successfully to two very different datasets of large whole-slide images, one (PAIP2020) involving multiple subtypes of colorectal cancer and the other (CAMELYON16) single-type breast-cancer metastases. Scored using standard similarity metrics, the segmentations exhibited notably high recall, even when tiles were large relative to tumor features. With segmentations that can be generated locally and broadcast widely, efficiencies in utilizing expert resources can be achieved.
Interactions Among mTORC, AMPK and SIRT A Computational Model for Cell Energy Balance and Metabolism
Authors: Sadria Mehrshad , Layton Anita T.
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCells adapt their metabolism and activities in response to signals from their surroundings, and this ability is essential for their survival in the face of perturbations. In tissues a deficit of these mechanisms is commonly associated with cellular aging and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, immune system decline, and neurological pathologies. Several proteins have been identified as being able to respond directly to energy, nutrient, and growth factor levels and stress stimuli in order to mediate adaptations in the cell. In particular, mTOR, AMPK, and sirtuins are known to play an essential role in the management of metabolic stress and energy balance in mammals.MethodsTo understand the complex interactions of these signalling pathways and environmental signals, and how those interactions may impact lifespan and health-span, we have developed a computational model of metabolic signalling pathways. Specifically, the model includes the insulin/IGF-1 pathway, which couples energy and nutrient abundance to the execution of cell growth and division, (ii) mTORC1 and the amino acid sensors such as sestrin, (iii) the Preiss-Handler and salvage pathways, which regulate the metabolism of NAD+ and the NAD+-consuming factor SIRT1, (iv) the energy sensor AMPK, and (v) transcription factors FOXO and PGC-1α.ResultsThe model simulates the interactions among key regulators such as Akt, mTORC1, AMPK, NAD+, and SIRT, and predicts their dynamics. Key findings include the clinically important role of PRAS40 and diet in mTORC1 inhibition, and a potential link between SIRT1-activating compounds and premature autophagy. Moreover, the model captures the exquisite interactions of leucine, sestrin2, and arginine, and the resulting signal to the mTORC1 pathway. These results can be leveraged in the development of novel treatment of cancers and other diseases.ConclusionsThis study presents a state-of-the-art computational model for investigating the interactions among signaling pathways and environmental stimuli in growth, ageing, metabolism, and diseases. The model can be used as an essential component to simulate gene manipulation, therapies (e.g., rapamycin and wortmannin), calorie restrictions, and chronic stress, and assess their functional implications on longevity and ageing‐related diseases.
Trajectories of Key Physiological Parameters in COVID-19 Patients Using Continuous Remote Monitoring and Health AI
Authors: Eisenkraft Arik , Maor Yasmin , Constantini Keren , Goldstein Nir , Nachman Dean , Levy Ran , Halberthal Michael , Horowitz Netanel , Golan Ron , Rosenberg Elli , Lavon Eitan , Cohen Ornit , Shapira Guy , Shomron Noam , Ishay Arik Ben , Sand Efrat , Merin Roei , Fons Meir , Littman Romi , Gepner Yftach
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exerts deleterious effects on the cardiorespiratory system, leading to worse prognosis in the most effected. The aim of this retrospective multi-center study was to describe the variability of key cardiopulmonary vitals amongst hospitalized COVID-19 patients, measured every 15 minutes using a novel wearable chest-monitor. A total of 492 patients were included, with >3 million measurements collected including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiac output, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature. We show differential trajectories of these vital signs, apparent within the first 24hrs of monitoring. Importantly, we show for the first time that cardiovascular deterioration appears early after admission and in parallel with changes in the respiratory parameters, and identify sub-populations at high risk. Combining frequent monitoring using wearable technology with advanced big data and AI analysis tools may aid early detection of deterioration of COVID-19 patients.
Determination of the friction coefficient of coal particles by discrete element simulation and experimentation
Authors: CHAI Jinrong , WANG Shifeng , ZHOU Zihao , LI Guohua , LIU Xunan
Published: December 2020

The friction coefficient of coal is the main factor influencing the results of discrete element simulation. In this study, the friction coefficient of coal was determined using a self-made testing instrument for measuring the static friction coefficient and an automatic cylinder lifting device on the basis of discrete element simulation, image processing, and orthogonal testing. The correlations between the angle of repose of coal particles, the rolling friction coefficient between coal particles, and the rolling friction coefficient between the coal particles and stainless steel were evaluated by linear regression analysis. Results indicated that the dependent variable (angle of repose of coal particles) was linearly correlated to the two independent variables (rolling friction factor between the coal particles, as well as the rolling friction factor between the coal and the stainless steel). The angle of repose of the coal particles was largely affected by the rolling friction coefficient between the coal particles but not by the rolling friction coefficient between the coal particle and stainless steel. Moreover, the static friction coefficient between the coal particles was 0.53, and that between the coal particle and the stainless steel was 0.38. The rolling friction coefficient between the coal particles was 0.048, and that between the coal particles and the stainless steel was 0.03. These friction coefficients were used to simulate the bottomless cylinder test of the coal particles. The angle of repose in the simulation test was 30.77°, whereas that in the real test was 31.47°; the relative error was 2.22%. Therefore, no significant difference in the results was indicated between the simulation test and the real test, verifying the effectiveness of the method used to determine friction coefficients. The aforementioned technique can be applied to determine the friction coefficient of lump coal particles.
Diagnostic Performance of Two-dimensional Shear Wave Elastography in Advanced Liver Fibrosis: A Prospective Pathology-based Study
Authors: Huang Yao-Kuang , Wang Ren-Ching , Yang Sheng-Shun , Lee Shou-Wu , Tsai Hsin-Ju , Lee Teng-Yu
Published: December 2020

Studies for evaluating the diagnostic performance of two-dimensional Shear-wave Elastography (2D-SWE) in a patient cohort including various liver disorders, remain limited. We aimed to evaluate the validity of 2D-SWE in the diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis amongst patients with various liver disorders. In this pathology-based study, patients who underwent a liver biopsy for various benign liver diseases were prospectively recruited during the period between February, 2017 and September, 2020. Data of 2D-SWE, Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4), and Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) were simultaneously collected. The cut-off values for predicting advanced fibrosis, i.e. Metavir fibrosis stage ≥ F3, were determined using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The diagnostic performance was evaluated and then compared by Area Under the ROC (AUROC). In total, 95 patients were recruited for study analysis. The diagnostic performance of 2D-SWE was significantly superior to that of both FIB-4 (AUROC: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.94; vs 0.72, 95%CI: 0.62-0.81; p=0.001) and APRI (AUROC: 0.88, 95%CI: 80-0.94; vs 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.84; p=0.007). With an optimal cutoff value of 9.3 kPa, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.91% and 76.47%, respectively. In subgroup analysis, the AUROC of 2D-SWE was the highest when compared to that of FIB-4 and APRI in patients with chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, fatty liver, and concurrent hepatitis. 2D-SWE can therefore be a valid non-invasive method in the detection of advanced liver fibrosis in various liver diseases.
Detection of glioma infiltration at the tumor margin using quantitative stimulated Raman scattering histology
Authors: Morshed Ramin , Chunduru Pranathi , Pandian Balaji , Young Jacob , Villanueva-Meyer Javier , Tihan Tarik , Sloan Emily , Aghi Manish , Molinaro Annette , Berger Mitchel , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Pekmezci Melike
Published: December 2020

In the management of diffuse gliomas, the identification and removal of tumor at the infiltrative margin remains a central challenge. Prior work has demonstrated that fluorescence labeling tools and radiographic imaging are useful surgical adjuvants with macroscopic resolution, however they lose sensitivity at the tumor margin and have limited clinical utility for lower grade histologies. Fiber-laser based stimulated Raman histology (SRH) is an optical imaging technique that provides microscopic tissue characterization of unprocessed tissues. It remains unknown whether SRH of tissues taken from the infiltrative glioma margin will identify microscopic residual disease. Here we acquired glioma margin specimens for SRH, histology, and tumor specific tissue characterization. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate agreement. We find that SRH identified residual tumor in 82 of 167 margin specimens (49%), compared to IHC confirming residual tumor in 72 of 128 samples (56%), and H&E confirming residual tumor in 82 of 169 samples (49%). Intraobserver agreements between all 3 modalities were confirmed. These data demonstrate that SRH detects residual microscopic tumor at the infiltrative glioma margin and may be a promising tool to enhance extent of resection.
Comparative Genome-wide Analysis and Expression Profiling of Histone Acetyltransferases and Histone Deacetylases Involved in the Response to Drought in Wheat
Authors: Li Hua , Liu Huajie , Pei Xinxin , Chen Hongyu , Li Xiao , Wang Jiarui , Wang Chenyang
Published: December 2020

Background: Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) contribute to plant growth, development, and stress responses. A number of HAT and HDAC genes have been identified in several plants. However, wheat HATs and HDACs have not been comprehensively characterized. In this study, we identified TaHATs and TaHDACs in the wheat genome using bioinformatics tools. Result: In total, 30 TaHAT genes and 53 TaHDAC genes were detected in the wheat genome. As described in other plants, TaHATs were classified into four subfamilies (i.e., GNAT, p300/CBP, MYST, and TAFII250) and TaHDACs were divided into three subfamilies (i.e., RPD3/HDA1, HD2, and SIR2). Phylogenetic and conserved domain analyses showed that TaHATs and TaHDACs are highly similar to those in Arabidopsis and rice; however, divergence and expansion from Arabidopsis and rice were also observed. We detected many stress-related cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions of these genes (i.e., ABRE, STRE, MYB et al.). Further, based on a comparative expression analyses of three varieties with different degrees of drought resistance under drought stress, we found that TaHAG2, TaHAG3, TaHAC2, TaHDA18, TaHDT1, and TaHDT2 are likely regulate drought stress in wheat. Conclusions: In this study, TaHATs and TaHDACs from the wheat genome were identified. Three TaHATs and three TaHDACs were very likely to regulate drought stress based on a promoter analysis and gene expression analysis. These results provide a foundation for further research on the regulation of acetylation in wheat and its role in the response to drought stress.
A High Burden of Cerebral white Matter Lesion: Evidences from 9 Asian Cities
Authors: Lam Bonnie Yin Ka , Yiu Brian , Ampil Encarnita , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian , Dikot Yustiani , Dominguez Jacqueline , Ganeshbhai Patel Vishal , Hilal Saima , Kandiah Nagaendran , Kim SangYun , Lee Jun-Young , Ong Paulus Anam , Senanarong Vorapun , Leung Kam Tat , Wang Huali , Yang Yuan-Han , Yong Tingting , Arshad Faheem , Alladi Suvarna , Wong Samuel , Ko Ho , Lau Alexander Yuk Lun , Mok Vincent Chung Tong
Published: December 2020

Background Age-related white matter lesion (WML) is considered a manifestation of sporadic cerebral small vessel disease and an important pathological substrate for dementia. Asia is notable for its large population with a looming dementia epidemic. Yet, the burden of WML and its associated risk factors across different Asian societies are unknown. Methods Subjects from 9 Asian cities (Bangkok, Bandung, Beijing, Bengaluru, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Manila, Seoul, and Singapore) were recruited (n = 5,701) and classified into i) stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), ii) Alzheimer’s disease (AD)/mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or iii) control groups. Data on vascular risk factors and cognitive performance were collected. The severity of WML was visually rated on MRI or CT. ResultsThe prevalence of moderate-to-severe WML was the highest in subjects with stroke/TIA (43.3 %). Bandang Indonesia showed the highest prevalence of WML, adjusted for age, sex, education and disease groups. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia were significant risk factors for WML, and WML was negatively associated with MMSE in all groups. ConclusionsWML is highly prevalent in Asia and is associated with increasing age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and worse cognitive performance. Concerted efforts to prevent WML will alleviate the huge dementia burden in the rapidly aging Asian societies.
Development and Validation of a Customer Satisfaction Measuring Instrument With Laboratory Services at The University Hospital of Kinshasa
Authors: Alain CHABO , Rostin Mabela Matendo , Joël Konde Numbi , Hippolyte Muhindo , Donatien Kayembe , Koffi Tanon , Jérémie Muwonga , Situakibanza Hippolyte
Published: December 2020

Background: In clinical laboratory, monitoring customers’ satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality management system and required by laboratory quality standards, such as ISO 15189: 2012 and ISO17025: 2017. However, there is no reliable and valid scale to measure clinical laboratory customers’ satisfaction in Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this article, an instrument for measuring customer satisfaction with clinical laboratory services is developed and validated.Methods: In order to develop a reliable and valid measurement tool, the general methodological approach recommended by Churchill was followed. Principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was used to study the dimensionality of the construct. The developed questionnaire was checked for reliability and validity using exploratory and confirmatory analysis. The reliability checks were done using the internal consistency reliability by analyzing the Cronbach’s Alpha, composite reliability and Jöreskog Rhô values. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to determine whether the hypothesis of the conceptual framework is acceptable in measuring customer satisfaction.Results: The PCA results showed a three-dimensionality of Customer Satisfaction. Cronbachs alpha coefficients (0.983, 0.981 and 0.981), Jöreskog Rhô (0.973, 0.970 and 0.967) and composite reliability values (0.95, 0.92 and 0.93) of the latent variables were greater than 0.9, which confirms the very high reliability of the model. Indicator loadings were all greater than the threshold of 0.7 or higher. Also, all the latent variables have average variance extracted (AVE) greater than 0.5, therefore, convergent validity has been achieved. Both the Maximum Shared Variance (0.195, 0.297 and 0.234) and the Average Shared Variance (0.805, 0.703 and 0.766) were lower than the AVE (0.897, 0.839 and 0.875) for all the constructs in the scale. Therefore, Discriminant validity has been achieved. Fit indices used to assess CFA and structural equation model were found to be at an acceptable level for the two-factor model where chi-square/df was 1.6, p=0.476, GFI = .99, AGFI= .99, SRMR= .069 , RMSEA= .000 , CFI= 1.00, NFI= .98, RFI= .98, IFI= .98, TLI= .98. Conclusion: The instrument demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and thus the tool is fit for measuring customer satisfaction with laboratory services.
Person-Centred Quality, Provider Involvement and Family Planning Continuation in India
Authors: Diamond-Smith Nadia , Phillips Beth , Afulani Patience , Srivast Aradhana , Golub Ginger , Sudhinaraset May
Published: December 2020

Background: Quality of care of family planning provision has many dimensions, including those related to a woman’s experience, or person-centered care, and measuring and understanding these different components is challenging. Understanding which components are most important for women’s experiences and method continuation is essential for improving the quality of care provision. The objective of this paper is to explore weather a recently developed scale to measure person-centered family planning experiences is associated with method continuation in India. The secondary objective is to compare this scale to other commonly used measures of quality, and if other measures are more associated with continuation. Methods: We use longitudinal data collected from women in Uttar Pradesh, India (N=225 at baseline, N=179 6 weeks later) to explore the association between different measures of quality (provider preference, provider involvement, and a newly developed scale of person-centered care experiences) and method continuation. Results: We find that a woman’s person-centered care experience is not associated with continuation in this population in India. Providers having a strong method preference is associated with continuation. Conclusion: Certain measures of person-centered quality appear to impact family planning continuation, but the validated person-centered care measure is not. Socio-cultural factors such as power dynamics and gender norms likely impact expectations, and need to be considered in interpreting and choosing quality measures.
Analysis of the Demand for Older Adult Care Services and Related Influencing Factors among Older Adults Living Alone in China
Authors: Zeng Yanbing , Lin Chenxi , Fang Ya
Published: December 2020

Background: The number of older adults living alone in China is rising sharply and their care needs have become an increasing public health concern. This study aimed to explore the anticipated living arrangements and demand for home and community-based care services (HCBS) of older adults living alone and examine the related influencing factors.Methods: The data of 2217 participants living alone were extracted from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). A chi-square test was used to examine the differences in older adult care services between respondents with different characteristics. Using the Andersen model as the analysis framework, multinomial and binary logistic regressions were used to analyze the influencing factors of anticipated living arrangements and HCBS, respectively. Results: 75.4% of the respondents hoped to maintain living alone when considering the future. Those who were older, had more children, income source was family members, always felt lonely and isolated and had limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) were inclined to choose the arrangement of “co-residence with children”. Childless and loneliness had significant impact on older adults’ willingness to live in institution. There were significant differences between urban and rural areas for provision of HCBS and the demand exceeds supply in all service types. Those who were younger, lived in urban areas, farmers, income source was family members, had poor economic status, had access to social services, with higher sense of loneliness and chronic diseases tend to show anticipated demands for various HCBS.Conclusions: The demand for older adult care services were affected by predisposing, enabling and need variables. There is a need for an overall improvement of the community care system to create a supportive environment for older adults living alone.
Wide Range Detector of Plasma Induced Charging Effect for Advanced CMOS BEOL Processes
Authors: Chao Yi-Jie , Su Chi , Yang Kai-Wei , Lin Chrong-Jung , King Ya-Chin
Published: December 2020

This work proposed a modified plasma induced charging recorder to widen detection range, for monitoring the possible plasma damage across a wafer during advanced CMOS BEOL processes. New antenna designs for plasma induced damage patterns with extended capacitance are investigated. By adapting the novel PID recorders, maximum charging levels of the detectors have been enhanced.
Genetic diversity of Entamoeba Species among Children Under 5 years in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Maponya Marc , Bessong Pascal , Ngobeni R , Elbakri Ali , Samie Amidou
Published: December 2020

Background: Our understanding of the disease caused by the various Entamoeba species and its epidemiology is changing with time, and very little is known about their genetic diversity. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Entamoeba species among children under 5 years in the Vhembe District, South Africa.Methods: A total of 534 stool samples from 313 children (both males and females) aged under 5 were collected from 12 villages in Vhembe District, Limpopo. The prevalence of Entamoeba infections was examined by microscope and PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing for specific regions of 18S rRNA gene to identify and differentiate the circulating species of Entamoeba in the study population. Results: Of the 313 children recruited in the study, 163 were females and 150 were males, the ages ranged from 1 to 3 years. Of the 534 samples, 130/534 (24.3%) were microscopically positive for Entamoeba cysts. However, Entamoeba genus-specific DNA ampliﬁcation using PCR identiﬁed 43/534 (8%) of Entamoeba species. Twenty positive amplicons were sequenced by Sanger sequencing technologies. Out of the twenty samples, twelve (60%) were confirmed to be Entamoeba species. The Entamoeba species identified in the study as evidenced by BLAST calls in the NCBI database and phylogenetic tree after narrowing the search using the option Entamoeba taxid (5758) from the NCBI database included 4 E. polecki (33.3%), 6 E. coli (50%), one E. muris (8.3%) and one E. hartmanni (8.3%). The phylogenetic tree showed the close relationship between isolated species and the ones in the GenBank.Conclusion: The current study has shown for the first time the presence of E. polecki in humans and the existence of possibly two types of E. coli infecting humans. Our findings further emphasize the need for the re-evaluation of the pathogenicity of species such as E. polecki which are quite common in the study population and might be responsible for some of the health complications.
Optimum Composition of Developed Additive Based Insect Repellent Paint
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan , Noor Sana , Ahmad Munir , Rashid Khalid
Published: December 2020

Active compounds of Cymbopogon winterianius, Cymbopogoncitratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cedrus, and Eugenol, have been reported to have different insect repellant compounds. Control and development of natural insect repellent additive based decorative coating has driven this work to incorporate the essential oils with long chain fatty acids in water-based lab developed conventional paint. In this work, the Additive based Paint was formulated and its ability to repel different insects was determined. The optimum composition of developed additive based paint was determined by three standard paint analyses which were adhesion, elasticity and insect repellency. As per challenge of Pigment powder and Polymer use for such paint is achieved by testing on Latest instruments. The best composition of additive in paint was found to be 15%. Where it able to repel Pavement Ants, non-biting Flies, Mosquitoes and Black field ant with 80% efficiency. It is envisioned that the formulated paint is effectively function as insect repellent thus as an alternative way to reduce the insect-borne diseases.
Far Infrared Light Irradiation Enhances Microglial Aβ Clearance and Ameliorates Cognitive Deficit in Alzheimer’s Disease-like Mice
Authors: Wang Zhi , Li Qingyong , Wu Wensi , Lu Yanan , Wen Jing , Ren Jiaoyan , Zhao Huiying , Zuo Zhiyi
Published: December 2020

Background: Exposure to sunlight may decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the wavelength of the light with this therapeutic effect and the related mechanism remain elusive. Failure to clear amyloid-β (Aβ), the main component of amyloid plaque, has been considered as a key risk to cause the development of AD. As the resident immune cell in the brain, microglia is able to carry out Aβ clearance. We hypothesize that a component of sunlight improves AD-related cognitive dysfunction and that this beneficial effect may be via Aβ clearance by microglia. Method: The APP/PS1 mice by 8.5 months of age were exposed to the visible light (λ = 500 nm), near infrared light (λ = 800 nm) and far infrared light (λ = 3 - 25 µm) for 60 min per day. After 5-week treatment with different light, all mice began to be subjected to Morris water maze behavior test under SPF environment. Western blotting was carried out to detect the expression of postsynaptic density-95 protein and synaptophysin in the hippocampus. The protein amount of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the cerebral cortex were determined by using ELISA kits. Immunostaining was performed to characterize the Aβ, microglia, cluster of differentiation 68. Under the condition of Aβ existing, primary cultured microglia were treated with light for 2 h before Aβ phagocytosis assay.Results: The APP/PS1 mice with different light (VIS, NIR and FIR) treatments showed a trend of improvement in learning compared to those without light treatment during training stage. Moreover, FIR light-treated APP/PS1 mice had better spatial memory than APP/PS1 mice in the probe test. Simultaneously, FIR light treatment restored synaptophysin protein expression, promoted the recruitment of microglia to Aβ plaques, enhanced the phagocytosis of Aβ, reduced Aβ burden and alleviated neuroinflammation.Conclusions: Taken together, FIR light treatment ameliorates the learning and memory impairment in AD-like mice. Our findings uncovered a previously unappreciated function of FIR light, suggesting that FIR light treatment may be a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
Perceived Fear of COVID-19 and its Associated Factors Among Nepalese Older Adults in Eastern Nepal: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yadav Uday , Yadav Om Prakash , Singh Devendra Raj , Ghimire Saruna , Rayamajhee Binod , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Rawal Lal Bahadur , Ali ARM Mehrab , Tamang Man Kumar , Mehta Suresh
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted all age groups, but older adults may have greater distress given their increased risk for severe illness and mortality. In Nepal, most stories of older adults are untold ̶ both in pre-COVID-19 and the COVID-19 era. In this study, we aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19, and associated factors, among older adults in eastern Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 among 847 older adults (≥60 years) residing in three districts of eastern Nepal. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). In order to examine the factors associated with the COVID 19 fear, a generalized estimating equation, adjusting the sampling design was used. STATA 15 and JASP 0.13.1 were used for data analyses.ResultsThe mean score of the FCV-19S was 18.1±5.2, and a sizeable proportion of participants, ranging between 12%-34%, agreed to the seven items of the fear scale. Increasing age, Dalit ethnicity remoteness to the health facility, and being concerned or overwhelmed with the COVID-19 were associated with greater fear of COVID-19. Surprisingly, pre-existing health conditions were inversely associated with fear of COVID-19.ConclusionGreater fear of the COVID-19 pandemic among the older population suggests that during unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, the psychological needs of most vulnerable groups should be prioritized. Fear among the most vulnerable groups could be reduced with the flow of adequate genuine information as well as better preparedness and psychosocial interventions.
Development and Validation of Nomograms to Predict Prognosis of Oral and Oropharyngeal Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: liu muyuan , Tong Litian , Xu Manbin , Xu Xiang , Liang Bin , Song Xuhong , Xie Lingzhu , Su Ting , Peng Hanwei , Huang Dongyang
Published: December 2020

Background: Due to the low incidence of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, there lacks sufficient studies for determining optimal treatment and predicting prognosis. The purpose of this study was to develop prognostic nomograms, to predict overall survival and disease-specific survival (DSS) of oral and oropharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma patients, using the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods: Clinicopathological and follow-up data of patients diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma between 2004 and 2017 were collected from the SEER database. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test was employed to identify single prognostic factors. Multivariate Cox regression was utilized to identify independent prognostic factors. C-index, area under the ROC curve (AUC) and calibration curves were used to assess performance of the prognostic nomograms. Results: A total of 1230 patients with oral and oropharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma were enrolled in the present study. After multivariate Cox regression analysis, age, sex, tumor subsite, T stage, N stage, M stage, grade and surgery were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. T stage, N stage, M stage, grade and surgery were identified as independent prognostic factors for disease-specific survival. Nomograms were constructed to predict the overall survival and disease-specific survival based on the independent prognostic factors. The fitted nomograms possessed excellent prediction accuracy, with a C-index of 0.899 for OS prediction and 0.893 for DSS prediction. Internal validation by computing the bootstrap calibration plots, using the validation set, indicated excellent performance by the nomograms. Conclusion: The prognostic nomograms developed, based on individual clinicopathological characteristics, in the present study, accurately predicted the overall survival and disease-specific survival of patients with oral and oropharyngeal mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Rhythm of 24-h Intraocular and Perfusion Pressure in Patients With Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Xia Ran , Shu Na , Cui Huixian , PERDOMO JORGE AGUSTÍN TRUJILLO , Zhang Hong , Chen Zhiqi
Published: December 2020

AIMThe aim of the present study was to characterize the rhythm of 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHTN), in order to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of OHTN. METHODSAccording to the diagnostic criteria, 107 patients with OHTN were included, and an age- and sex-matched healthy control group (71 patients) was selected. The IOP and blood pressure (BP) of the OHTN and the healthy control groups were recorded every 2 h over a 24-h period. BP was measured using a digital automatic BP monitor, and IOP was measured using a non-contact tonometer. RESULTSThe maximum, minimum and mean IOP were significantly higher in subjects with OHTN than in the healthy control group (P<0.05), and the maximum, minimum and mean MOPP were significantly lower in the OHTN group than in the healthy control group (P<0.05). The minimum and mean SOPP and DOPP values of the OHTN group were lower than those of the healthy control group (P<0.05), and the IOP, MOPP, SOPP and DOPP diurnal and nocturnal fluctuation values were significantly greater in the OHTN group than in the healthy control group (P<0.05). The peak and trough IOP times of the two groups coincided, which tended to be low during the day and higher at night. The peak and trough MOPP and SOPP times of the two groups also coincided, and were primarily higher during the day and lower at night. The 24-h DOPP in the healthy control group was generally higher during the daytime and lower at night, with peak values between 19:00-23:00 h, and trough values between 3:00-7:00 h. No obvious day-to-night fluctuations were observed in the OHTN group. CONCLUSIONThe OPP of patients with OHTN is lower, and the 24-h OPP fluctuates more than that of healthy control subjects. This may be an important blood flow factor for the progression to primary open angle glaucoma in patients with OHTN.
Treatment of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy With Ultrasound-Guided Intrabursal Retrocalcaneal Hyaluronic Acid Injection - A Prospective Study
Authors: Slevin Omer , Segal David , Ohana Nissim , Kots Eugene , Feldman Viktor , Nyska Meir , Palmanovich Ezequiel
Published: December 2020

Background: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a chronic degenerative enthesopathy involving fibrocartilage changes that resemble osteoarthritic changes in articular cartilage. Thus, our primary goal was to evaluate the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) injections on IAT. Methods: Fifteen IAT ankles (14 patients) were treated with three consecutive weekly ultrasound-guided retrocalcaneal intrabursal injections of hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc®). Patients answered the "Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles" (VISA-A) questionnaire before every injection and on 1 month and 6 months follow-up visits. Univariate analysis was performed to identify differences in functional scores. Results: The mean (VISA-A) score improved significantly following HA injections from 34.8 ± 15.2 (range, 11-63) points before the first injection to 53.6 ± 20.9 (range, 15-77) points after 1 month, and 50.7 ± 18.6 (20-75) points after 6 months. No adverse drug reactions were noted.Conclusions: Three consecutive ultrasound-guided intrabursal retrocalcaneal HA injections were found in our cohort to be beneficial in treating IAT.Trial registration: NCT02368561. Registered 23 February 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02368561?term=insertional+achilles&draw=2&rank=2
Metformin-induced TRAIL Upregulation Promotes Apoptosis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Shuang , Polsdofer Erik V , Zhou Lukun , Ruan Sanbao , Lyu Hui , Hou Defu , Liu Hao , Thor Ann D , He Zhimin , Liu Bolin
Published: December 2020

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are highly aggressive types of cancer with limited therapeutic options. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows promising antitumor activity and is well tolerated in preclinical studies. However, the efficacy of recombinant TRAIL in clinical trials is compromised in part by its short serum half-life and low in vivo stability. Induction of endogenous TRAIL may overcome the limitations and become a new strategy for cancer treatment. Methods: Cell proliferation (MTS) and colony formation assays were performed to determine the anti-proliferative/anti-survival effects of metformin, a common drug for type II diabetes, on TNBC and NSCLC cells. A Live/Dead imaging assay and specific apoptotic ELISA analyzed cells undergoing apoptosis. Western blot analyses were used to examine protein expression and cleavage. A recombinant TRAIL-R2-Fc chimera protein was applied to block TRAIL binding to its receptors. Lentiviral vector containing shRNAs was used to specifically knockdown TRAIL expression. A tumor xenograft model was established by inoculation of H460 cells into nude mice. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with metformin to assess the drug’s antitumor activity. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to study the effects of metformin on tumor cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis and TRAIL in vivo. Results: Metformin upregulated TRAIL protein, but not mRNA expression, which correlated with increased apoptosis in TNBC and NSCLC cells. Metformin did not alter the expression of TRAIL receptors (TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5). Metformin-induced TRAIL was secreted into conditioned medium (CM) and functional, since the CM potently promoted apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells, which was effectively blocked by a recombinant TRAIL-R2-Fc chimera protein. Inhibition of TRAIL function by blockade of its binding to DR4/DR5 or specific knockdown of TRAIL expression significantly attenuated metformin-induced apoptosis. Studies with a tumor xenograft model revealed that metformin not only significantly inhibited tumor growth; it also elicited apoptosis and upregulated TRAIL expression in vivo. Conclusions: TRAIL upregulation and activation of death receptor signaling are pivotal for metformin-induced apoptosis in TNBC and NSCLC cells. Our studies identify a novel mechanism of action of metformin exhibiting potent antitumor activity via induction of endogenous TRAIL.
Radiomic Feature Analysis for Distinguishing Solitary Pulmonary Capillary Hemangioma From Lepidic-Predominant Lung Adenocarcinoma in Ground Glass Lung Nodules
Authors: Lin Mong-Wei , Wang Hao-Jen , Chen Yi-Chang , Chen Li-Wei , Hsieh Min-Shu , Yang Shun-Mao , Chen Ho-Feng , Wang Chuan-Wei , Chen Jin-Shing , Chang Yeun-Chung , Chen Chun-Ming
Published: December 2020

Solitary pulmonary capillary hemangioma (SPCH) is a benign lung tumor that presents as ground-glass nodules (GGN) on computed tomography (CT) images, mimicking lepidic-predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA). This study aimed to establish a discriminant model using a radiomic feature analysis to distinguish SPCH from LPA in lung GGNs. This study included 13 and 49 patients who underwent complete resection for lung SPCH and LPA, respectively. An SPCH/LPA classification model was proposed based on a two-level decision tree and 26 radiomic features extracted from each segmented lesion, including 5 and 21 features from the histogram and co-occurrence matrix, respectively. The two-level decision tree was constructed based on the training data with a support vector machine (SVM) as the classifier in each tree node. For comparison, a baseline model was built with the same 26 features using an SVM as the classifier. Both models were assessed by the leave-one-out cross-validation method. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the proposed SPCH/LPA model were 0.954, 91.9%, 92.3%, and 91.8%. The proposed SPCH/LPA model significantly outperformed the baseline model (p<0.05). Our results may help surgeons to preoperatively discriminate SPCH from LPA, thus avoiding unnecessary surgery for benign tumors.