bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of an Educational Program for Public Health Nurses to Promote Local Healthcare Planning: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yoshioka-Maeda Kyoko , Katayama Takafumi , Shiomi Misa , Hosoya Noriko , Fujii Hitoshi , Mayama Tatsushi
Published: April 2021

Background: The promotion of local healthcare planning is crucial to assist public health nurses in improving community health inequities. However, there is no effective educational program for developing relevant skills and knowledge among these nurses. Therefore, this study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a newly developed web-based self-learning program, designed to promote the involvement of public health nurses in the local healthcare planning process. Methods: This pilot randomized control trial will randomly allocate eligible public health nurses to intervention and control wait-list groups [1:1]. The intervention group will be exposed to six web-based learning modules from July to October 2021. After collecting post-test data, the wait-list group will be exposed to the same modules to ensure learning equity. We will then evaluate the primary outcomes by implementing a validated and standardized scale designed to measure public health policy competencies both at baseline and post-intervention, while secondary outcomes will be measured on an action scale to demonstrate the necessity of healthcare activities. The third outcome will be knowledge and skills related to local healthcare planning by public health nurses. Participants will also provide feedback on both trial feasibility and the web-based self-learning program itself, which will help us identify improvement points for continual refinement. Feedback will be given through free descriptions. Discussion: This pilot study will assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a web-based self-learning program designed to develop the competencies of public health nurses involved in local healthcare planning. We will examine all outcome scales and data collection procedures in preparation for a future definitive randomized controlled trial. This will provide preliminary data for an intervention aimed at improving relevant competencies among public health nurses who are tasked with resolving health inequities in their respective communities through local health planning. Trial registration: The protocol for this study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry and approved by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (No. UMIN000043628, March 23, 2021).
Effect of Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction (SSSI) between Three Dissimilar Adjacent Bridges
Authors: Alfach Mohanad Talal , Ayoub Ashraf
Published: April 2021

The present study assesses the effect of Structure-Soil-Structure-Interaction (SSSI) on the seismic behavior of three dissimilar adjacent bridges by comparing their seismic responses with the seismic response of the isolated bridge including Soil-Structure-Interaction (SSI). To this end, an extensive series of numerical analyses have been carried out to elicit the effects of Structure-Soil-Structure-Interaction (SSSI) on the seismic behavior of three dissimilar bridges with different superstructure masses. The studied bridges are based on groups of piles founded in nonlinear clay. A parametric study has been performed for configurations of three dissimilar bridges with superstructure masses ratios of 200% and 300%, concentrating on the influence of the inter-bridge spacing, and the geometrical position of the bridges towards each other and towards the seismic excitation direction. The numerical analyses have been conducted using a three-dimensional finite difference modeling software FLAC 3D (Fast Lagrangian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions). The results of the numerical simulations clearly show that the seismic responses of the dissimilar grouped bridges were strongly influenced by the neighboring bridges. In particular, the results reveal a salient positive impact on the acceleration of the superstructure by a considerable drop (up to 90.63%) and by (up to 91.27%) for the internal forces induced in the piles. Comparably, the influence of bridge arrangement towards the seismic loading were prominent on both of superstructure acceleration and the internal forces in the piles. The responses were as much as 27 times lesser for the acceleration and 11 times smaller for the internal forces than the response of the isolated bridge. Contrarily, the inter-bridge spacing has a limited effect on the seismic response of the grouped bridges.
Laser Additive Remanufacturing Parameters Optimization and Experimental Study of Heavy-Duty Sprocket
Authors: Guo Chenguang , Lv Ning , Yue Haitao , Li Qiang , Zhang Jianzhuo
Published: April 2021

Experimental research on laser additive remanufacturing technology of heavy-duty sprocket was carried out. The influences of laser power, scanning speed and powder feeding rate on cladding height, cladding area, melting area and dilution rate were compared and analyzed. The prediction models of the combination of process parameters with the geometric characteristics of cladding layer and dilution were established. A multi-objective process parameter optimization model with the maximum cladding height and cladding area maximum, the minimum melting area and dilution rate as objective functions was established, and the model was optimized and solved based on MOPSO algorithm. The laser additive remanufacturing repairing experiment of damaged sprocket was carried out by using the optimal parameters combination, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the repaired region were analyzed. The results show that the scanning speed and powder feeding rate are the main factors influencing the geometric characteristics and dilution of the cladding area, and the models have good prediction accuracy. The optimal process parameters (1150 W, 950 mm/min, 3.8 rad/min) obtained by MOPSO algorithm is adopted to repair the damaged sprocket. The repaired area without cracks and pores, the cladding layer shows good metallurgical bonding with the substrate and the microhardness is twice that of the substrate. The experimental results prove that the laser additive remanufacturing technology is feasible to repair the damaged heavy-duty sprocket and has a strong engineering application prospect.
Identification, Characterization, and Tissue Expression Pattern of Alternatively Spliced Transcript Variants of Mouse RARRES2 Gene
Authors: Kwiecien Kamila , Majewski Pawel , Bak Maciej , Brzoza Piotr , Godlewska Urszula , Skulimowska Izabella , Cichy Joanna , Kwitniewski Mateusz
Published: April 2021

Chemerin is a chemoattractant protein with adipokine and antimicrobial properties encoded by the retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) gene. Chemerin bioactivity is largely dependent on carboxyl-terminal proteolytic processing that generates chemerin isoforms with the different chemotactive, regulatory and antimicrobial potential.While these mechanisms are relatively well known, a role of alternative splicing in generating isoform diversity remains obscure. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR, we have identified novel transcript variant 4 of mouse RARRES2 encoding mChem153K. Moreover, RT-QPCR results and analysis of publicly available RNA-seq datasets showed that different alternatively spliced variants of mouse RARRES2 are present in mouse tissues, and their expression pattern was not affected by inflammatory nor infectious stimuli. Finally, we demonstratedthat chemerin isoform mChem157S exhibits higher bactericidal but not chemotactic activity compared to mChem156S. Together, our findings highlight the importance of an alternative splicing in generation of chemerin isoforms diversity and activity.
Preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ibarrola-Peña Juan Carlos , Barbosa-Camacho Francisco José , Almanza-Mena Yolanda Lorelei , Chejfec-Ciociano Jonathan Matias , Reyes-Elizalde Emilio Alberto , Romero-Limón Olaya Moramay , Zaragoza-Organista Rafael , Cervantes-Pérez Enrique , Sapién-Fernández José Hector , Guzmán-Barba José Aldo , Flores-Becerril Paola , López-Zendejas Martín , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde , Cervantes-Guevara Gabino , Miranda-Ackerman Roberto Carlos , González-Ojeda Alejandro
Published: April 2021

Background: In December 2019, the World Health Organization announced a new viral pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2, which originated in Wuhan, China. In Mexico, the official announcement regarding the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case was made on February 29, 2020. Understanding how Mexicans behave during the pandemic could present a complete picture of the pandemic in Mexico while providing better handling of the pandemic.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey in which we inquired about the Mexican population's behavior and preventive measures. In total, 4004 subjects from the general population responded to the survey. The survey comprised a questionnaire that included demographic data, housing conditions, daily coexistence with people, use of preventive measures, confidence in the Mexican health-care sector, acceptance of medical procedures, and knowledge of COVID-19.Results: Participants' mean age was 30 ± 13.7 years, and 43.8% of participants reported at least one comorbidity. Almost 99% of the participants mentioned knowing the symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, 68.1% of them lived with three to five cohabitants, and 87.4% of them stated that at least one household member had to break social isolation every week. Although 77.5% of participants considered that they followed proper social distancing measures, 60% of them mentioned that they knew at least six individuals who did not follow social distancing measures. Furthermore, 96.2% of participants reported using preventive measures at least 50% of the time. Face masks were used by 99.5% of them, but only 51.3% used a certified mask.Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic outcomes in Mexico are the result of multiple negative factors, such as high rates of comorbidities (e.g., diabetes and hypertension); a high number of people living together at home, with many people breaking social isolation; and most of the population using noncertified preventive measures, which may not have the necessary effectiveness.
Surgical Treatment of Pediatric and Adolescent Papillary Thyroid Cancer: a Retrospective Study of 54 Patients in a Single Center
Authors: Su Yanjun , Cheng Shaohao , Zhang Min , Liu Wen , Diao Chang , Ma Yunhai , Qian Jun , Cheng Ruochuan
Published: April 2021

Background: In 2015, American Thyroid Association (ATA) issued the first version of Management Guidelines for Children with Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the ATA pediatric guidelines recommended surgical approach for the patient can be applied to surgical treatment of pediatric PTC in China.Method: From April 2012 to December 2020, clinical data of children (≤18 years) with PTC consecutively admitted and treated with initial surgery in our department were retrospectively reviewed. Result: A total of 54 children with PTC were enrolled in the study. We find that central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) rate was significantly higher than that in the lateral neck (83.33 % vs 62.96%，χ2= 5.704, p= 0.017), and the CLNM rate and LLNM rate both gradually increased with increasing of T stage. The lymph node metastasis rate was significantly lower in cN1b (-) patients than in cN1b (+) patient following routine CND (55.00% vs 100.00%, χ2=15.263, p=0.000). Meanwhile, the CLNM and LLNM rates of ipsilateral were significantly higher than those of contralateral central compartment (83.33％vs 57.41％%, χ2=8.704, p= 0.003) and contralateral lateral compartment (62.96% vs 31.48%, χ2 =10.737, p= 0.001). lymph nodes of 51 lateral LND from 34 children with cN1b (+) were analysed, which revealed the LNM rate of cN1b (-) patients was significantly lower than that of cN1b (+) patients (55.00% vs 100.00%, χ2 =15.263, p=0.000). Meanwhile, the CLNM and LLNM rates of ipsilateral were significantly higher than those of contralateral central compartment (83.33％vs 57.41％%, χ2=8.704, p= 0.003) and contralateral lateral compartment (62.96% vs 31.48%, χ2 =10.737, p= 0.001).Conclusion: Pediatric and adolescent PTC is characterized with high involvement of CLNM and LLNM at the time of diagnosis. TT should be conducted in the majority of children with PTC, and lobectomy with isthmustomy should be selectively applied. CND should be routinely performed, therapeutic LND is recommended for children with cN1b (+), SLND including level II-V is preferred, and SSLND should be performed with caution. Based on single-center data, we believe that the 2015 ATA guidelines for children are applicable to the surgical treatment of PTC in domestic children.
Alarm Method of Communication Intelligent Manhole Cover Based on Multiple Event Fusion
Authors: li chengfan , gu shanming , guo gang , liu xuefeng , liu lan , zhao junjuan
Published: April 2021

Communication intelligent manhole cover (CIMC) can effectively, accurately and in real time monitor the status change of communication manhole cover and helps protect the safety of communication pipeline and the comprehensive utilization of pipeline resources. The traditional monitoring method often leads to frequent false alarms due to the complex working environment of manhole cover and the random error of sensor. In terms of the equipment status signals generated by the CIMC terminal, a new alarm method of CIMC with multiple event fusion in this paper via jointing analysis of multi-sensor status signals is proposed on the basis of abnormal alarm events definition. The experimental result shows that the proposed CIMC alarm method by means of multiple sensor signals in this paper can not only make up for the defect that it is difficult to fully reflect the real state of manhole cover by a single sensor, but also reduces the false alarm rate caused by the random error of sensor and CIMC system. It has better practicability for the intelligent management of manhole cover and be conducive to the construction of intelligent transportation and smart city.
Evolution of mechanisms controlling epithelial morphogenesis across animals: new insights from dissociation - reaggregation experiments in the sponge Oscarella lobularis
Authors: Vernale Amélie , Prünster Maria Mandela , Marchianò Fabio , Debost Henry , Brouilly Nicolas , Rocher Caroline , Massey-Harroche Dominique , Renard Emmanuelle , Bivic André Le , Habermann Bianca H. , Borchiellini Carole
Published: April 2021

Background: The ancestral presence of epithelia in Metazoa is no longer debated. Even though Porifera seem to be the best candidates to be the sister group to all other Metazoa, hardly anything is known about the proteins involved in the composition of cell-cell junctions or about the mechanisms that regulate epithelial morphogenetic processes in this phylum. Results: To get insights into the early evolution of epithelial morphogenesis, we focused on morphogenic characteristics of the homoscleromorph sponge Oscarella lobularis. Homoscleromorpha are a sponge class with a typical basement membrane and adherens-like junctions unknown in other sponge classes. We took advantage of the dynamic context provided by cell dissociation-reaggregation experiments to explore morphogenetic processes in epithelial cells in an early lineage by combining fluorescent and electronic microscopy observations and RNA sequencing approaches at key time-points of the dissociation and reaggregation processes. Conclusions: Our results show that part of the molecular toolkit involved in the loss and restoration of epithelial features such as cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion is conserved between Homoscleromorpha and Bilateria, suggesting their common role in the last common ancestor of animals. In addition, Sponge-specific genes are differently expressed during the dissociation and reaggregation processes, calling for future functional characterization of these genes.
Assessment of Heat Stress and Cloudiness Probabilities in Post-Flowering of Wheat and Canola in The Southern Cone of South America
Authors: Rivelli Gonzalo Martín , Long María Elena Fernández , Abeledo Leonor Gabriela , Calderini Daniel , Miralles Daniel Julio , Rondanini Deborah Paola
Published: April 2021

Episodes of heat stress constrain crop production and will be aggravated in the near future according to short and medium-term climate scenarios. Global increase in cloudiness has also been observed, decreasing the incident solar radiation. This work was aimed to quantify the probability of occurrence of heat stress and cloudiness, alone or combined, during the typical post-flowering period of wheat and canola in the Southern Cone of South America. Extended climate series (last 3-5 decades with daily register) of 33 conventional weather stations from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay (23ºS to 40ºS) were analysed considering the period from September to December. Two different daily events of heat stress were determined: i) maximum daily temperature above 30ºC (T>30ºC), and ii) 5ºC above the historical average maximum temperature of that day (T+5ºC). A cloudiness event was defined in our work as incident solar radiation 50% lower than the historical average radiation of that day (R50%). The T>30ºC event increased its probability of occurrence throughout the post-flowering phase, from September to December. By contrast, the risk of T+5ºC event decreased slightly, just like for R50%, and the higher the latitude, the lower the probability of R50%. The T>30ºC plus R50% combined stresses reached greater cumulated probabilities during post-flowering, compared to T+5ºC plus R50%, being 42% vs. 15% in northernmost locations, 26% vs. 19% in central (between 31ºS to 35ºS), and 28% vs. 1% in southernmost locations, respectively. A curvilinear relationship emerged between the monthly probability of combined stresses and the number of days with stress per month. In summary, T>30ºC was the most frequent thermal stress during post-flowering in wheat and canola. Both combined stresses had a noticeable risk of occurrence, but T>30ºC plus R50% was the highest. Evidence of the recent past and current occurrence of heat stress individually, and its combination with cloudiness events during post-flowering of temperate crops, serves as a baseline for future climate scenarios in main cropped areas in the Southern Cone of South America.
Comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognosis for COL4A family genes in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Qian Jun , Tu Bizhi , Jia Yaya , Wei Laifu , Gao Fei , Zhang Yiqun , Sha Qi
Published: April 2021

Background

COL4A family genes are a group of genes related to the extracellular matrix, which have been proven to be associated with various cancers. However, its relationship with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) has not been reported.
Methods

Hence, we obtained the data of differential expression and survival time of COL4A genes in KIRC from an online open-access database including ONCOMINE, UALCAN, GEPIA, Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, cBioPortal, Metascape, and STRING.
Results

We found significant overexpression in COL4A1, COL4A2 while COL4A 3, COL4A4, COL4A5, and COL4A6 has decreased in tumor tissues. Moreover, almost all COL4A family genes obviously correlated with individual cancer stages of KIRC; and higher expression of COL4A1/2/3/BP/4 was found to accompany better overall survival time (OS) while COL4A5 with a lower OS in KIRC patients. We also found that the COL4A genes altered group had longer OS and DFS than unaltered teams.
The association of TNF-α promoter polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to cervical cancer in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Yang Jia , Wang Yingying , Yan Zhiling , Li Chuanyin , Liu Shuyuan , Liu Weipeng , Zhang Xinwen , Yao Yufeng , Shi Li
Published: April 2021

Background
The Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene plays an important role in the host immune response. Recent studies have found that TNF-α also plays an important role in cancer. Polymorphism of the TNF-α promoter region is considered to influence its transcription and be a risk factor for tumorigenesis. In the current study, we evaluated the role of TNF-α promoter region polymorphisms in susceptibility to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer (CC).
Methods
A total of 2,732 subjects, including 1,173 healthy controls, 579 patients with CIN and 980 patients with cervical cancer in a Chinese Han population, were selected for the current study. Five SNPs in the TNF-α promoter, rs1799964 (C > T), rs800630 (A > C), rs1799724 (C > T), rs1800629 (A > G) and rs361525 (A > G), were selected and genotyped using TaqMan Assays. The association of these SNPs with cervical cancer was evaluated among healthy controls and CIN and cervical cancer patients.
Results
The frequency distribution of rs1800629 and rs361525 alleles was significantly different between the cervical cancer group and the control group (P = 0.009 and P = 0.002). The A alleles of rs1800629 and rs361525 were found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.722; 95%CI = 0.564–0.923) and a risk factor (OR = 1.693; 95%CI = 1.205–2.378) for cervical cancer, respectively. In comparison of different pathological types of cervical cancer group and the control group, the distribution of allele frequencies of rs1800629 and rs361525 was significantly different between the squamous cell carcinoma and control groups (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001). The A alleles of rs1800629 and rs361525 were protective (OR = 0.659; 95%CI = 0.502–0.864) and risk (OR = 1.868; 95%CI = 1.317–2.648) factors for cervical squamous cell carcinoma, respectively.
Conclusion
rs1800629 and rs361525 in the TNF-α promoter are associated with susceptibility to cervical cancer and squamous cell carcinoma in the Chinese Han population.
Increased Early Mortality After Fludarabine and Melphalan Conditioning with Peripheral Blood Grafts in Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Eastburg Luke , Russler-Germain David , DiPersio John , Fountaine Thomas , Andolina Jeffrey , Abboud Ramzi , Huselton Eric
Published: April 2021

Due to the evolving use of haploidentical donor grafts in hematopoietic cell transplantation, there is increased need to better understand the risks and benefits of using bone marrow versus peripheral blood grafts, as well as how specific pre-transplantation conditioning regimens impact patient safety and treatment outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of 38 patients at two centers who specifically underwent haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation using fludarabine plus melphalan-based conditioning regimens with post-transplant cyclophosphamide and peripheral blood donor grafts. We observed an unexpectedly high rate of early non-relapse mortality of 21% at 100 days and 34% at 1-year. In addition, 40% of all patients suffered from severe cytokine release syndrome and 45% of all patients suffered from kidney injury, often necessitating renal replacement therapy. The poor outcomes with 1-year overall survival of 34%, disease-free survival of 29%, and non-relapse mortality of 34% motivate us to reconsider the appropriateness of the combination of fludarabine and melphalan conditioning with T-cell replete peripheral blood grafts in the setting of haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplant with post-transplant cyclophosphamide.
Research Methodology to Define the Introduction of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.429 Variant in Hawaii
Authors: Maison David P , Nerurkar Vivek R
Published: April 2021

Here, we present a methodology to define the origin of SARS-CoV-2 variants as exemplified by defining the introduction of the B.1.429 variant in Hawaii. We used 187 B.1.429 variant sequences from Hawai’i deposited in the GenBank and GISAID as of March 20, 2021, as an example to develop the methodology. Briefly, i) acquire sequences, ii) perform multiple sequence alignment, iii) trim the alignment, iv) remove incomplete sequences, v) remove duplicates, and vi) generate a phylogenetic tree. The tree defined the most recent common ancestor as the origin. Further, the multiple sequence alignment used to generate the phylogenetic tree identified 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the B.1.429 variant genome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines B.1.429 as a variant initially found in California. This variant was introduced in Hawai'i multiple times in early 2021. Based on the phylogenetic tree, we conclude that the B.1.429 variant has entered Hawai’i at different timepoints from at least seven different states in the continental United States. This information provides a tool for policy makers and public health officials in applying precision public health genomics.
Discovery of potential drugs to treat aggressive pituitary adenomas through text mining
Authors: Cai Xintao , Sun Zhixiang , Shao Dongqi , Li Yu , Wang Yu , Jiang Zhiquan
Published: April 2021

Background

Aggressive growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHSPAs) account for 20–45% of GHSPAs. Although they are benign, treatment of GHSPAs is usually unsatisfactory.We wished to identify existing gene–drug interactions and expand the potential indications for new drugs to treat GHSPAs.
Methods

We used text mining with the keywords “growth hormone” and “visual disturbance” to obtain a common set of genes. These genes were analyzed using Genome Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases, as well as protein–protein interaction networks. Finally, important genes clustered in PPI networks were selected for analyses of gene–drug interactions to identify potential drugs.
Results

Through text mining, we obtained 2848 genes related to growth hormone and 220 genes related to visual disturbance, and 157 genes were common to both. Common genes were clustered in significant gene modules. Finally, 12 of the 17 genes were targeted against 46 existing drugs: APOE, TRH, MMP2, ACE, CXCL8, MMP1, ALB, VEGFA, EDN1, TNF, PTH, and VWF.
Conclusion

Drug–gene interactions increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of invasive GHSPAs, and could be used in their prevention and treatment.
The Cancer Treatment Helpline – a retrospective study of the NHS Tayside Experience
Authors: Trip Ilse , George Sherie , Thomson Michael J. , Petty Russell , Baxter Mark
Published: April 2021

Background: Treatment related toxicity and delays in the management of this toxicity can impact cancer patient outcomes. In Scotland, a national cancer helpline was established to provide triage assessment for patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) in an attempt to minimize delays in toxicity management. In this article we describe the use and impact of the helpline in our region over the last 5 years.Methods: Patients who contacted the NHS Tayside cancer helpline between the 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics as well as the reason and outcome of each call was recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed.Results: 6,562 individual patients received SACT and 8,397 calls were recorded during the time period. Median age of callers was 63 years (range 17-98) and 59.2% were female. Use of the helpline increased by 83.6% between 2016 and 2020, driven by an increase in in-hours calls. 41% of calls required review by a healthcare professional only, 24% required review and admission and the remaining 35% telephone advice only. The majority of cases (85%) were either assessed or advised solely by oncology. The proportional use of General Practitioner services has decreased. Conclusions: The helpline provides a way for patients to report symptoms directly to their clinical team and receive appropriate specialist advice at an early stage. We demonstrate that most of these calls can be managed solely by our oncology team. This system can reduce pressure on other parts of the local health system.
Predector: an automated and combinative method for the predictive ranking of candidate effector proteins of fungal plant-pathogens
Authors: Jones Darcy A. B. , Rozano Lina , Debler Johannes , Mancera Ricardo L. , Moolhuijzen Paula , Hane James K.
Published: April 2021

‘Effectors’ are a broad class of cytotoxic or virulence-promoting molecules that are released from plant-pathogen cells to cause disease in their host. Fungal effectors are a core research area for improving host disease resistance; however, because they generally lack common distinguishing features or obvious sequence similarity, discovery of effectors remains a major challenge. This study presents a novel tool and pipeline for effector prediction - Predector - which interfaces with multiple software tools and methods, aggregates disparate features that are relevant to fungal effector proteins, and ranks effector candidate proteins using a pairwise learning to rank approach. Predector outperformed alternative effector prediction methods that were applied to a curated set of confirmed effectors derived from multiple species. We present Predector as a useful tool for the prediction and ranking of effector candidates, which aggregates and reports additional supporting information relevant to effector and secretome prediction in a simple, efficient, and reproducible manner. Predector is available from https://github.com/ccdmb/predector and associated data from https://github.com/ccdmb/predector-data.
A Relationship Between Unexplained Dizziness and Beta-amyloid Plaques Among Older Adults – Mayo Clinic Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: FAKIR RAZAN AL
Published: April 2021

Background and ObjectiveBeta-amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposition, which can be detected by amyloid C-11 labeled Pittsburgh Compound B (11C-PiB) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and occurs years before the onset of symptoms. It is well-documented that the onset of AD initially involves degeneration of cholinergic systems in the posterior parietal-temporal, medial-temporal, and posterior-cingulate regions, which have a strong relationship with the vestibular labyrinth. In the context of an aging population, the symptoms-related vestibular system ranks among the most frequent complaints in primary care but remains unexplained in 40–80% of cases over the age of 65. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between the symptoms-related vestibular system and Aβ-PET imaging among older adults.MethodsA retrospective study design. The study included 5707 participants without dementia, enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (mean age (SD) 74.4 (9.7) years) with cognitive evaluation and information about symptoms-related vestibular system, mainly dizziness or lightheadedness, at baseline and for every 15 months.ResultsOf the 5707, 924 (16%) participants were complaining of ‘unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness. The estimated risk of developing symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness at 10 years was 49%. Data suggested that AD-related risk factors including, age, male gender, lower education, high comorbidity index, high-density lipoprotein, balance problems, presence of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral outcomes, and brain-related changes can contribute to the risk of developing ‘unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness among older adults. Adjusting for the risk factors, a statistically significant association between ‘unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness and Aβ-PET imaging was evident [HR = 1.8, P = 0.009]. This association seems to be significantly modulated by psychological outcomes including, depressive symptomatology and anxiety [HR = 1.0, P = 0.001].Conclusions‘Unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness was associated with Aβ plaque deposition among older adults. This association seems to be modulated by psychological outcomes. Although these symptoms can be linked by a common cause, it may suggest functional dizziness, also known as psychogenic dizziness or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. Further studies are needed to support the findings.
Survival of eight LLIN brands 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after a mass distribution campaign in rural and urban settings in Senegal
Authors: DIOUF Mbaye , FAYE Babacar Thiendella , DIOUF El hadji , DIA Abdoulaye Kane , KONATE Abdoulaye , FALL Fatou Ba , SENE Doudou , DIOUF Mame Birame , GADIAGA Libasse , KONATE Lassana , DIONE Demba Anta , TINE Roger Clément , FAYE Ousmane
Published: April 2021

Background

Long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) are one of the core components of global malaria prevention and control. The lifespan of LLIN varies widely depending on the population or environment, and randomized studies are required to compare LLIN in households under different field conditions. This study investigated survival of different LLIN brands in Senegal.

Methods

10,608 LLINs were distributed in five regions, each stratified by rural and urban setting. As part of the longitudinal follow-up, 2,222 nets were randomly sampled and monitored from 6 to 36 months. Using random effects for households, Bayesian models were used to estimate independent survival by net type (Interceptor®, Life Net®, MAGNet™, Netprotect®, Olyset® Net, PermaNet® 2.0 R, PermaNet® 2.0 C, Yorkool® LN) and by area (rural/urban). In addition to survival, median survival time and attrition of each LLIN brand was determined. Attrition was defined as nets that were missing because they were reported given away, destroyed and thrown away, or repurposed.

Results

Three net types had a proportion of survival above 80% after 24 months: Interceptor ® 87.8% (95% CI 80-93.4); conical PermaNet ® 2.0 86.9% (95% CI 79.3-92.4) and Life Net ® 85.6% (95% CI 75-93). At 36 months, conical PermaNet ® 2.0 maintained a good survival rate, 79.5% (95% CI 65.9-88.8). The attrition due to redistributed nets showed that the two conical net types (PermaNet ® 2.0 and Interceptor ® ) were more often retained by households and their median retention time was well above three years (median survival time =3.5 years for PermaNet ® 2.0 and median survival time =4 years for Interceptor ® ). Despite this good retention, Interceptor ® had weak physical integrity and its median survival due to wear and tear was below three years (median survival time = 2.4 years). The odds ratio of survival was 2.5 times higher in rural settings than in urban settings (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7-3.7).

Conclusions

Differences in survival among LLIN may be driven by brand, shape or environmental setting. In this study in Senegal, conical PermaNet ® 2.0 were retained in households while rectangular PermaNet ® 2.0 had lower retention, suggesting that net shape may play a role in retention and should be further investigated. Distribution of preferred LLIN shape, accompanied by good communication on care and repair, could lead to increased effective lifespan, and allow for longer intervals between universal coverage campaigns.
CORRELATION BETWEEN FLUORINE CONTAMINATED ANIMAL FODDER AND CATTLE MILK IN HIGH RISK FLUOROSIS DISTRICTS OF RAJASTHAN
Authors:   Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur., Iram Arshi , Datta Soumanna ,   Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Published: April 2021

The toxic effects of fluorine depend on the intake into the body, the solubility and bio-availability of it. When daily intake of fluorine is 0.5 to 1.7 mg/kg body wt. in the form of sodium fluoride produces dental lesions in growing animals without affecting general health, whereas the adult animals can tolerate double the dose of the above intake i.e. 1 to 3.5 mg/kg. body weight per day, Minor teeth lesion occurs at 5 ppm. In cattle lateral incisors show most pronoused changes. Mottling of tooth enamel, erosion of teeth are the earlier signs of dental fluorosis. Lucerne, Barley, Common Duckweed, Rapeseed, Red Clover, False oat grass, Rye grass, Corn, Millet, Sorghum, Wheat were analyzed in all seven districts, fluoride ranges from 2.197Â±0.107 to 5.624Â±0.219mg/kg in Lucerene and False oat grass respectively. Buffalos milk (6.034Â±1.837ppm) of Nagore district was highly contaminated.As concentration of fluoride increase in drinking water, there was increased concentration of fluoride in milk, blood and urine.
Treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in children: multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled randomized comparative clinical trial
Authors: Lukashova L. V. , Afanasyeva O. I. , Portnyagina E. V. , Khmeleva A. N. , Chernyshova N. P.
Published: April 2021

The article presents the main results of a randomized clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of Panavir®, rectal suppositories 100 μg, in children with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI).

Characteristics of children and research methods. The trial included 40 children from 12 to 17 years old, the children were randomized into 2 groups: 20 children were treated with Panavir®, 1 rectal suppository per day for 7days, 20 children received placebo according to Panavir® regimen on the background of standard symptomatic therapy. The scientists monitored the efficacy criteria: the primary criteria: recovery time and the number of patients with successful treatment (normalization of axillary body temperature no later than 48 hours of therapy); the main secondary criteria: the timing of the normalization of body temperature, the disappearance of intoxication and catarrhal symptoms and satisfaction with the results of treatment by the parents /adoptive parents of patients on the IMPSS scale.

Results. In the Group of Panavir®, the authors registered shorter mean recovery periods (4.5 days versus 7.4 days in the Group of Placebo), normalization of body temperature (39.1 hours versus 76.1 hours) and regression of intoxication manifestations (2.9 days versus 4.3 days) and catarrhal (3.4 days versus 5.6 days) syndromes (with statistical significance of intergroup differences). The treatment success was achieved in 85% of cases in the Panavir® Group versus 30% of cases in the Placebo Group; according to this criterion Panavir® exceeded placebo by at least 24.7%. At the end of the therapy course, 80% of the parents /adoptive parents were satisfied with the treatment results in the Panavir® Group versus 25% of cases in the Placebo Group. The authors determined a comparable incidence of adverse events in the Panavir® and Placebo Groups. There were no adverse events associated with the administration of Panavir®.

Conclusion. This study established the efficacy and safety of Panavir® in the treatment of children of 12-17 years old with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. This drug with a combined antiviral and immunomodulatory effect is promising for pediatric practice.
Sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease: which comes first?
Authors: Nikitin A. V. , Volynets G. V.
Published: April 2021

Sclerosing cholangitis is one of the most common hepatologic extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. The article discusses the phenotype of the combination of sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease. The authors present their theories of the etiopathogenesis of sclerosing cholangitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, as well as some features of the phenotype of both mixed and monogenic forms of diseases.

Sclerosing cholangitis in combination with inflammatory bowel disease is commonly associated with pancolitis, but the endoscopically visualized activity of inflammatory bowel diseases is significantly lower and clinical symptoms are less pronounced. The authors have established that the patients with the combination of sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease are at the increased risk of developing malignant neoplasms. The formation mechanisms of a combination of inflammatory bowel disease and sclerosing cholangitis remain poorly understood, although this pathology is influenced by lymphocytic cross-reactivity, aberrant recognition of microbiotic epitopes and intestinal microbiota imbalance. New biological agents aimed at correcting the interaction between the immune system and target organs may provide new ways of treatment for sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Effectiveness of thiamphenicol glycinate acetilcysteinate in inhalation treatment of children with rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bogomilskiy M. R. , Radtsig E. Yu. , Pivneva N. D. , Kuyanova V. E.
Published: April 2021

The article evaluates the effectiveness of thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate for inhalation versus systemic antibiotic for oral administration in complex treatment of uncomplicated rhinosinusitis in the outpatient conditions.

Characteristics of children and research methods. The prospective, single-center, randomized, pilot, open-label comparative study included 61 patients from 3 to 9 years old with acute rhinosinusitis meeting the inclusion criteria. Group 1: children were prescribed thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate (0.125 mg per inhalation twice a day), Group 2: patients received amoxicillin clavulanate at an age-specific dosage of 40-45 mg/kg orally 2 or 3 times a day. At each visit (Day 0 and Day 7–8) the scientists assessed such symptoms as nasal breathing and rhinoscopy findings (edema, hyperemia of the mucous membrane and nasal discharge) on a 10-point visual analogue scale. At the repeated examination (Day 7-8), they assessed the effectiveness of the treatment (recovery/improvement/cure), the duration of treatment (in days) and the number of drugs taken simultaneously, as well as the tolerability of treatment by the presence/absence of undesirable or side effects. The Python language (Python 3.8.) was used for statistical processing of the obtained data. They used the built-in functions from the Scipy module for calculation.

Results. At the time of inclusion in the study (Day 0), the condition of the patients in both groups was comparable (p>0.05). When comparing condition of the patients on Day 0 and Day 7-8 there was a therapeutic effect in both groups for all studied symptoms (p<0.01) and for the duration of the treatment course (p=0.2302). Thiamphenicol glyceinate acetylcysteinate reduced the need for other drugs in the complex treatment of sinusitis (p<0.001). In most cases the result of treatment was assessed as recovery. None of the observed patients had undesirable side effects.

Conclusion. Thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate (Fluimucil-antibiotic IT) in the form of inhalation is as effective as amoxicillin clavulanate for the treatment of children with acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis. A decrease in the need to take additional drugs (p<0.001) can be considered as the advantage of thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate in complex treatment for uncomplicated rhinosinusitis.
Medico-social study of the opinions of parents (legal representatives) on the medical care for children with cancer in the Russian Federation
Authors: Rykov M. Yu. , Manerova O. A. , Turabov I. A. , Kozlov V. V. , Reshetnikov V. A.
Published: April 2021

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Objective. To study the opinion of parents (legal representatives) on the problems of medical care for children with oncological diseases.

Methods. The study was based on the Questionnaire for parents (legal representatives) on medical care children with cancer. The questionnaire consisted of 27 questions, the respondents were asked to choose one or several answers or to enter their own option.

Results. This medical and social study demonstrated that 81.1±1.9% of respondents are not satisfied with the attitude of doctors and nurses towards them and their children, 15.9±1.8% of respondents are partially satisfied and only 3±0.8% of respondents are fully satisfied. The reasons for dissatisfaction were as follows: rude communication (35.8±2.4%), inadequate attention of medical personnel (21.3±2.0%) and lack of interest in the treatment success (19.7±2.0%). The combination of these options was noted by 23.2±2.0% of the respondents. 63.7±2.4% of respondents would prefer to treat their children at a medical organization of federal subordination, 33.9±2.4% – at medical organization outside the territory of the Russian Federation, of which 57.4±2.4% would like to receive a patient-oriented service and simplified routing between medical organizations during treatment. 12.7±1.6% mistrust in the qualifications of medical personnel in the Russian Federation, 11.8±1.6% of respondents indicated the lack of comfortable conditions for examination and treatment, 5.3±1.1% of respondents indicated the lack of necessary diagnostic and treatment methods and 12.8 1.6% of respondents indicated a combination of the above options.

Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the need to implement patient-oriented approaches and to improve the routing of children with cancer.
Community-acquired﻿ pneumonia﻿ in﻿ children﻿ –﻿ problems﻿ and﻿ solutions
Authors: Tatochenko V. K.
Published: April 2021

Pneumonia in children remains one of the most serious diseases. Despite intensive study, the diagnosis and treatment still present a variety of problems. The article is aimed to identify these problems and show the ways of their solution.

One of the criteria for the diagnosis of pneumonia is pulmonary infiltrate on the X-ray image. Community-acquired pneumonia is often caused by Pneumococci and mycoplasma; respiratory viruses, influenza usually serve as contributing factors for bacterial infection. The high level of hyperand underdiagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia is associated with its similarity with ARVI; the registration of general violations (signs of the severity of the disease) improves the quality of diagnosis. The clinical and radiological picture helps to distinguish pneumococcal pneumonia from pneumonia caused by mycoplasma. To improve the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, it is necessary to study inflammation markers during the first examination of the patient, which is impossible in the conditions of home care. Due to the growth of resistance of pneumococci to macrolides a community-acquired pneumonia of pneumococcal (and unclear) etiology requires the use of amoxicillin in high doses and macrolides (in case of atypical pneumonia). Gentle therapy of destructive pneumonia, steroids for metapneumonic pleurisy allow avoiding invasive interventions and help to repair lung tissue.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with neuropsychiatric manifestations in a child: case report and review of the international recommendations for the diagnostics and management
Authors: Кuchinskaya E. M. , Yakovleva Yu. A. , Rakova M. A. , Lyubimova N. A. , Suspitsin E. N. , Коstik M. M.
Published: April 2021

The article describes a clinical case of a teenage girl with systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric manifestations. The overview part describes modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of children with systemic lupus erythematosus with central nervous system lesions. The authors describe actual Russian and international clinical recommendations, they pay particular attention to the imperfection and inconsistency of classifications, differences in terminological systems, and the features of the rheumatologists’ and psychiatrists’ clinical practice. They provide the recommendations on the correct diagnosis wording in children with neuropsychiatric symptoms as a part of autoimmune disease. The article substantiates the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach and the cooperation of pediatric rheumatologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, clinical psychologists.