bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Fixation and Diazotrophic Community in Plastic-Eating Mealworms Tenebrio Molitor L.
Authors: Yang Yu , Hu Lin , Li Xiaoxi , Wang Jialei , Jin Guishan
Published: June 2021

Mealworms, the larvae of a coleopteran insect Tenebrio molitor L., are capable of eating, living on and degrading the non-hydrolyzable vinyl plastics as sole diet. However, vinyl plastics are carbon-rich but nitrogen-deficient. It remains puzzling how plastic-eating mealworms overcome the nutritional obstacle of nitrogen limitation. Here, we provide the evidence for nitrogen-fixation activity within plastic-eating mealworms. Acetylene reduction assays illustrate that the nitrogen-fixing activity ranges from 12.3 ± 0.7 to 32.9 ± 9.3 nmol ethylene·h− 1·gut− 1 and the corresponding fixed nitrogen equivalents of protein are estimated as 8.6 to 23.0 µg per day per mealworm. Nature nitrogen isotopic analyses of plastic-eating mealworms provide further evidence for the importance of nitrogen fixation as a new nitrogen source. Eliminating the gut microbial microbiota with antibiotics impairs the mealworm’s ability to fix nitrogen from atmosphere, indicating the contribution of gut microbiota to nitrogen fixation. By using the traditional culture-dependent technique, PCR and RT-PCR of nifH gene, nitrogen-fixing bacteria diversity within the gut was detected and the genus Klebsiella was demonstrated to be an important nitrogen-fixing symbiont. These findings first build the relationship between the plastic degradation (carbon metabolism) and nitrogen fixation (nitrogen metabolism) within mealworms. Combined with previously reported plastic-degrading capability and nitrogen-fixing activity, mealworms may be potential candidates for up-recycling of plastic waste to produce protein sources.
Comparison of induction therapy with anti-thymocyte/antilymphocyte globulin or anti-IL-2 receptor antibody in pediatric kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Xiaohong , Deng Miaohan , Hong Xitao , Ju Weiqiang , Chen Maogen
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAnti-IL-2 antibody (basiliximab or daclizumab) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)/antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) are widely used as induction agents in pediatric kidney transplantation. However, which of them benefits patients more remains unknown.MethodsOnline databases were searched to identify controlled clinical studies that compared anti-IL-2 with ATG/ALG for induction therapy in pediatric kidney transplantation. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were chosen to compare the gathered data. Review Manager 5.4 was applied to identify differences in outcomes between the two agents.ResultsFive retrospective cohort studies were included, enrolling a total of 2510 pediatric patients, 1152 (45.7%) of whom had received ATG/ALG therapy and 1370 (54.3%) of whom received anti-IL-2. According to the pooled results, no differences were seen between anti-IL-2 and ATG/ALG regarding the delayed graft function (DGF) rate (odds ratio (OR) 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–3.39; P = 0.85), 6-month acute rejection rate (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.62–1.03; P = 0.09), 1-year acute rejection rate (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.78–1.24; P = 0.88), 1-year graft survival rate (OR 1.37; 95% CI 0.91–2.06; P = 0.13), 1-year patient survival rate (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.40–1.86; P = 0.70) and 1-year post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) rate (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.03–3.16; P = 0.32).ConclusionsAnti-IL-2 have the same efficacy and safety as ATG/ALG in transplant induction therapy. However, as most of included studies were small-scale retrospective studies, further studies are needed to identify an optimal choice with certain.The analysis had been registered in PROSPERO and the registration ID is CRD42021237561. Comparison of induction therapy with anti-thymocyte/antilymphocyte globulin or anti-IL-2 receptor antibody in pediatric kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The effectiveness and safety of corticosteroid therapy for IgA nephropathy with crescents: a prospective, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Liang Mengjun , Xiong Liping , Li Aihua , Zhou Jiafan , Huang Yajuan , Huang Miaofang , Zhang Xing , Shi Hongrui , Su Ning , Wei Yi , Jiang Zongpei
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPozzi protocol (methylprednisolone intravenous infusion in 1st-3rd-5th months and oral steroid for 6 months) has been thought to be the classic therapy for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients with proteinuria > 1.0g/24h. There is no consensus on the treatments for IgAN with active pathological changes, especially for IgAN patients with crescents proportion < 50%. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment protocol of methylprednisolone intravenous infusion at the 1st-2nd-3rd months for IgAN patients with crescents.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled, non-blind study, 68 IgAN patients with crescents proportion < 50% were divided into the 1-2-3 group receiving 0.25g/d methylprednisolone intravenously for 3 consecutive days in the 1st-2nd-3rd months, and oral prednisone 0.5mg/kg/d on consecutive days for 6 months and the 1-3-5 group with the same intravenous methylprednisolone treatment in the 1st-3rd-5th months, and the same oral prednisone. The primary outcome measure was remission of proteinuria (complete or partial); while the secondary outcome measures were deterioration of renal function (evidenced by a 50% rise from baseline serum creatinine levels, or a 25% decline from baseline eGFR levels).ResultsThere was no significant difference in incidence of crescents (median 14.66% vs. 11.45%, p = 0.143) between the 1-2-3 and 1-3-5 groups. From month 1 to month 6, there was a decreasing trend in the levels of urine protein and serum creatinine and an increasing trend in eGFR in both groups. The mean period of remission in 1-2-3 group seemed shorter. Overall, there were 55 (80.89%) patients meeting remission. The rates of remission in 1-2-3 group and 1-3-5 group were 85.3% and 76.47%, respectively (P = 0.644). The 1-2-3 group had lower creatinine and higher eGFR than 1-3-5 group, but the difference was not significant. The complication rate was 11.11% and 15.79% in the two groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the complications between groups.ConclusionsBoth the 1st-3rd-5th and 1st-2nd-3rd protocols can effectively alleviate proteinuria and protect renal function in IgAN patients with crescents but the 1st-2nd-3rd protocol seemed to have better effectiveness.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02160132, Registered June 10, 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02160132
Active Coolant Control Onto Thermal Behaviors of Precision Ball Screw Unit
Authors: Liu Teng , Li Chentao , Zhang Yifan , Gao Weiguo , Fu Zhikai , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Dawei
Published: June 2021

Being a critical factor affecting the motion accuracy of precision machine tools, structural thermal elongation of precision ball screw unit is generally caused by the comprehensive influence from heat generations of screw-nut pair / bearings and time-varying ambient temperature. To resist 2 thermal disturbances above to guarantee precisely the original length of screw shaft, an active coolant control strategy is proposed in this paper. This strategy is based on an empirical model: For the slender and long tubular structure of screw shaft, the screw shaft temperature is approximately equal to its recirculating coolant temperature. The reason is that the intensive forced coolant convection is capable of eliminating screw shaft temperature rises caused by friction heat generations and ambient air convections. Based on this premise, screw coolant temperature can be consistently controlled by an active strategy, further to correct the thermal elongation of screw shaft. It can be experimentally verified that the thermal variations of machine positioning accuracy caused by the active coolant control strategy are not more than 10µm, which are lower than traditional strategy. Besides, based on detected structural temperatures of precision ball screw unit, the empirical model above is further proved to be reliable by FE simulation method.
Better Understanding of the Polymeric Irradiation Using Physico-Electrochemical Characteristics
Authors: El-Raheem Hany Abd , Hassan Rabeay Y. A. , Khaled Rehab , El-Dek Samaa , Farghali Ahmed , El-Sherbiny Ibrahim M.
Published: June 2021

Poly (ester-urethane) urea (PEUU) based on ethanolamine as a chain extender contain hydroxyl and amino groups was chemically synthesized using 1,1'-methylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene) MDI diisocyanates, and castor oil. One step polymerization procedure has been used to complete the PEUU formation and this polymeric target was irradiated with different doses (100, 250, 400 and 600 kGy) of gamma-rays. A full physico-electrochemical characterization package was performed on the solid surfaces, radiated vs non-irradiated, for the better understanding of the structure changes. To that end, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the morphological features were characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermal stability was investigated using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while the crystallinity and electrochemical properties were explored by the X-ray diﬀraction (XRD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. Eventually, swelling, crosslinking density, mechanical strength, water absorption and contact angle measurements were discussed. Ultimately, the crosslinking density was discovered to be irradiated dependent. Worth mentioning here, this kind of study is recommended as a protocol that could be applied on other polymeric targets exposed to electromagnetic radiations.
Enhanced cadmium removal by growing Bacillus cereus RC-1 immobilized on different magnetic biochars through simultaneous adsorption and bioaccumulation
Authors: Deng Min , Li Kai , Yan Yu-Jian , Huang Fei , Peng Dan
Published: June 2021

Biosorption of cadmium by growing bacteria immobilized on the three magnetic biochars derived from rice straw (MRSB-pellet), sewage sludge (MSSB-pellet), and chicken manure (MCMB-pellet) was investigated, respectively. Total biosorption capacity of the pellets was tested under varying range of pH, culture time, and initial Cd 2+ concentration. The maximum biosorption capacity of 93.02 mg/g was obtained with MRSB-pellet, followed by MSSB-pellet (68.02 mg/g) and MCMB-pellet (63.95 mg/g). The biosorption by these immobilized bacterial pellets was more effective than free bacteria, this enhancement could be the result of simultaneous adsorption and bioaccumulation, mainly resulting from magnetic biochar carrier and active bacteria, respectively. The biosorption process by immobilized pellets was primarily driven by ion-exchange and complexation, which jointly contributed of 73.56% (MRSB-pellet) to 78.62% (MSSB-pellet) the total adsorption, while the mechanisms of chemical precipitation and physical adsorption could averagely contribute 6.91% (MSSB-pellet) and 11.24% (MRSB-pellet), respectively. Intracellular accumulation was comparably tiny among these mechanisms accounting for 4.30-5.92% of total biosorption, in turn, it would maintain intracellular Cd 2+ concentration below a toxic threshold to promote cell growth. These suggested that magnetic biochar immobilized bacteria, particularly MRSB-pellet could be used as an effective biosorbent to remove the Cd 2+ from the growth medium. This study further deepened our understanding of biosorption process by microorganism immobilized onto magnetic biochar for the metals removal.
Appropriate chamber deployment time for separate quantification of CH4 emissions via plant and ebullition from rice paddies using a modified closed-chamber method
Authors: KAJIURA Masako , TOKIDA Takeshi
Published: June 2021

A modified closed-chamber method for estimating total, plant-mediated, and bubbling (ebullition) emissions of CH4 from rice paddies has been developed to use high-time-resolution CH4 concentration data (~ 1 Hz) obtained by a spectroscopic mobile gas analyzer. Here we aimed at determining an appropriate minimum time length of chamber closure for accurate flux measurement by investigating 3255 datasets obtained from a 2-year field survey. To investigate the minimum time length for each chamber measurement, we generated a series of datasets from each measurement: by setting the hypothetical termination time of the chamber closure ahead in 1-min intervals, we obtained various chamber CH4 concentration time series with different durations of chamber closure, and separately estimated CH4 emissions via rice plants and bubbling from each. The estimated flux was sensitive to time length with short closure times, but became less sensitive with longer closure. We defined the minimum time length at which the difference in estimated flux between adjacent time windows was small enough (< 10% of plant-mediated emission). The estimated minimum time length differed from one measurement to another, but 10 min was sufficient for > 99% of cases. Detailed analysis showed a positive correlation between minimum time length and frequency of bubbling events; the time length needed to be longer as bubbling events became more frequent. From this relationship, we computed the appropriate chamber-duration time as a function of bubbling frequency. In the absence of ebullition, 4–5 min was sufficient, but as the bubbling frequency increased to 2.5 times per minute 15–20 min was necessary for accurate pathway-dependent flux measurements.
Techno-economic study on reagents consumption during uranium leaching, a case study: Gattar pilot plant, Egypt
Authors: Nagar Mohamed S
Published: June 2021

The techno-economical parameter must be considered during the decision-making stage of project development. In Gattar, results of column leaching indicate that 21.2 and 32g of acid are consumed using an acid concentration of 20 and 40g/l respectively to have a 1% increase in the uranium leachability. Also, 1.0 and 1.8 l solutions using 0.1:1 and 0.2:1 sprinkling intensities are consumed respectively to have a 1% increase in the uranium leachability during the column leaching period. The vat leaching indicates that the 4.1m3 solution and 88kg acid are consumed to have a 1% increase in the uranium leachability after 90 days.
Effects of Endogenous Hormones and Sugars on Fruit Size Driven by Cell Division between Korla Fragrant Pear and Its Bud Mutation
Authors: Tian Jia , Wen Yue , Zhang Feng , Sai Jingyi , Zhang Yan , Li Wensheng
Published: June 2021

Large-fruit bud mutations are important factors in fruit tree breeding. However, little is known about the differences between varieties and bud mutations. The ploidy identification of Korla fragrant pear (Pyrus sinkiangensis Yu) and its large bud mutation Zaomeixiang pear showed that the large-fruit characteristic was not caused by chromosome doubling. By counting mesocarp cells at different stages, we found that the number of cells increased continuously after pollination, and the difference was the greatest at 28 days after full bloom (DAFB), and was about 9.4 × 106. After 28 days, the difference in cell volume became bigger and bigger, so both the cell volume and cell number caused the difference in fruit size between Korla fragrant pear and Zaomeixiang pear. To obtain more insights into the differences in fruit size driven by cell division, we analyzed the endogenous hormones [indole ascetic acid (IAA), zeatin riboside (ZR), gibberellic acid (GA), and abscisic acid (ABA)], and the main sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol). The ZR content of Zaomeixiang pear was always greater than that of Korla fragrant pear at all stages. The ABA content was the opposite except for at 7 DAFB during cell division; the greatest difference was 30.87 ng/g, which appeared at 28 DAFB. ABA and ZR correlated negatively with cell number. After 7 DAFB, the ratio of IAA/ABA, ZR/ABA, and GA/ABA in Zaomeixiang pear was always greater than that for Korla fragrant pear at 28 DAFB. The difference in glucose content at 21 DAFB was the greatest, at 4.80 ng/g. Large amounts of sorbitol accumulated during whole-cell division. Glucose and sorbitol correlated positively with cell numbers. In summary, the data suggest that the different contents of glucose, sorbitol, ZR, and ABA, and the ratio of endogenous hormones might be related to cell division in Korla fragrant pear and Zaomeixiang pear. The result provides a theoretical basis for the large-size fruit’s high-quality production and genetic breeding of Korla fragrant pear and its bud mutation.
Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) Based on Web of Science
Authors: Yuan Bao-Zhong , Bie Zhi-Long , Sun Jie
Published: June 2021

Muskmelon is a warm season cucurbit species that belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. We analyzed 2955 papers of global research on muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) based on Web of Science from 1924 to 2021. Papers were mainly written in English (2766, 93.604%), from 7883 authors, 83 countries or regions, 1697 organizations, and published in 585 journals and book series. The top five journals were HortScience (334, 11.303%), Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science (Proceedings of the American Society for Horticultural Science) (117, 3.959%), Scientia Horticulturae (109, 3.689%), Plant Disease (88, 2.978%), and Phytopathology (84, 2.843%), each of which published more than 84 papers. The top five countries or regions were the United States, PR China, Spain, Brazil, and Japan, which each published more than 168 papers. The top six organizations were U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Agricultural Research Organization, Texas A&M University, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, University of California–Davis and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, each of which published more than 64 papers. The top five authors are G.D. Lester, J.D. McCreight, J. Garcia-Mas, K.M. Crosby, and T.J. Ng, who each published more than 26 papers. On the basis of the analysis of a network map of VOSviewer, there were cooperation among authors, organizations, and countries or regions. All keywords of muskmelon research were separated into eight clusters for different research topics. Visualizations offer exploratory information on the current state and indicate possible developments in the future. This work is also useful for students identifying graduate schools and researchers selecting journals.
Investigation of Measurement Invariance According to Home Resources: TIMSS 2015 Mathematical Affective Characteristics Questionnaire
Authors: ÇAKICI ESER Derya
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to examine the measurement invariance of the mathematical affective characteristics model obtained from TIMSS 2015 4th grade Turkey administration according to home resources. For this purpose, firstly, the factor structure of the mathematical affective characteristics questionnaire was examined by explanatory factor analysis and Velicer’s maximum average partial (MAP) test. It was revealed that the questionnaire had three factors. Then the structure was validated by confirmatory factor analysis. In the next stage, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was employed with a purpose to examine whether the model displayed measurement invariance across the variables of home resources such as internet connection, heating system, cooling system, and dishwasher. The results showed that the strict measurement invariance of the mathematical affective characteristics model was achieved among the subgroups of each of the internet connection, heating system, cooling system, and dishwasher variables. Accordingly, means, variance, covariances, and item residual variances in the subgroups were found to be similar. According to the results of the study, the comparison of the mathematical affective characteristics model based on the home resources is found to be significant and comparisons made show that possible differences arise from the relevant home resource.
КОРРУПЦИЯ В СОВРЕМЕННОМ МИРЕ: ПРОБЛЕМЫ И СПОСОБЫ ИХ РЕШЕНИЙ, ПО МНЕНИЮ СТУДЕНТОВ-МЕДИКОВ
Authors: Неволько Владислав Олегович , Шматько Илья Александрович , Цымбалюк Вадим Вадимович , Затолокина Мария Алексеевна , Мишина Екатерина Сергеевна , Затолокина Евгения Сергеевна
Published: June 2021

This article shows the attitude of medical students to corruption in modern society, in particular, medicine, law and other spheres of life. The most effective methods of fighting corruption are identified, according to future doctors. Anti-corruption methods were evaluated based on the experience of other countries. The data was obtained on the basis of an anonymous survey.
Evaluating the performance of fine bubble diffused aeration systems in cylindrical aeration tanks by fuzzy c-means algorithm
Authors: Li Er , Zeng Xiangying
Published: June 2021

In order to make a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of fine bubble diffused aeration systems in cylindrical aeration tanks, the following parameters are considered: distribution of DO concentration in the horizontal direction of the different water depth of an aeration tank, distribution of DO concentration in the vertical direction of the aeration tank, distribution of DO concentration in all the points of the aeration tank and ratio of total mass increment of DO in the aeration tank to total mass of oxygen in aeration air. The aeration characteristic criterion (ACC) is proposed to synthesize these parameters, and weighted sums of the similarity degrees derived from the extensions of fuzzy c-means (FCM) are used to construct ACC. The results show that compared with total volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient () and specific standard oxygen transfer efficiency (), ACC is demonstrated to be more marked and sensitive for the performance evaluation of the fine bubble diffused aeration systems equipped with fine-pore aeration tubes. Moreover the performance of aeration systems equipped with different layouts of fine-pore aeration tubes is comparatively studied, and their performance from best to worst is ring-type diffuser > square-type diffuser > parallel-lines-type diffuser > cross-type diffuser.
Optimization of active coagulant agent extraction method from Moringa Oleifera seeds for municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Bouchareb Raouf , Derbal Kerroum , Benalia Abderrezzak
Published: June 2021

An enhanced and different method for the active coagulant agent extraction from Moringa Oleifera seeds powder (MOSP) was established and compared to the conventional extraction method in distillate water. In the improved method, MOSP were extracted using sodium chloride as solvent at different concentrations to extract more coagulant agent from Moringa Oleifera and enhance coagulation activity. In this study, MOSP were initially processed and oil content was removed to minimize coagulant concentration usage (MOSP-EO). Moringa Oleifera seeds powder was characterized by both X-ray and FTIR analysis. Ultrasound treatment as well was considered as an additional treatment for MOSP-EO to investigate its effect on coagulant agent extraction process improvement. Coagulation/flocculation experiments were conducted to assess coagulant extraction performance realized through various conditions. The effect of coagulant dosage, solvent concentration and ultrasound exposition duration were investigated for a real effluent of municipal wastewater treatment. Among the three studied NaCl concentrations, 1.0 M was found to be the best solvent concentration for high turbidity removal of more than 97% using 140 mg/L of MOSP-EO compared to extraction in distillate water 88% using 170 mg/L of the same coagulant. NaCl 1.0 M demonstrated the best performance in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) removal as well, where more than 98% of municipal wastewater initial BOD5 was eliminated. Mixing MOSP-EO assisted with ultrasound waves at different treatment periods did decrease the active coagulant agent extraction and thus showed its inconvenient for Moringa Oleifera coagulation activity usage.
Roles of Interferon Induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats (IFIT) Family in Cancer
Authors: Tan Xing Fei , Chen Qifan , Hua San Hue , Yip George Wai
Published: June 2021

The Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFIT) family is
an important component of the antiviral immune response. There are currently four
known IFIT family members in humans, namely IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3 and IFIT5. Recent
discoveries have brought attention to the significant roles of IFITs in cancer. This review
summarises current knowledge on the biological roles of different IFIT proteins in various
types of malignant neoplasm, and highlights the potential use of these molecules as
cancer biomarkers and prognostic factors.
Screening Differential Hub Genes Related with the Hypoglycemic Effect of Quercetin Through Data Mining
Authors: Wei Ji-Ping , Luo Tao , Wang Yuchen , Lu Wenyu
Published: June 2021

Background:

The effect of quercetin on blood glucose levels has been widely studied. However,
the mechanism of hypoglycemic effect of quercetin remains unclear.

Objective:

To elucidate hypoglycemic effect of quercetin, microarray data of GSE38067 dataset have
been used to screen Differential Hub Genes (DHGs) by differential expression analysis, weighted gene
co-expression network analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis.

Methods:

Through systematic data mining in this study, the hypoglycemic effect of quercetin was exerted
via affecting the gene expression of seven candidate DHGs, especially Cdkn1a and Cd36 genes,
to relieve insulin resistance, prevent oxidative damage and protect pancreatic β-cells in streptozotocin
(STZ) induced diabetic mice.

Result and Conclusion:

As a result, this work provides a possible way to fight against diabetes by using
quercetin as functional food ingredients or medicine.
PEPRF: Identification of Essential Proteins by Integrating Topological Features of PPI Network and Sequence-based Features via Random Forest
Authors: Wu Chuanyan , Lin Bentao , Shi Kai , Zhang Qingju , Gao Rui , Yu Zhiguo , De Marinis Yang , Zhang Yusen , Liu Zhi-Ping
Published: June 2021

Background:

Essential proteins play an important role in the process of life, which can be
identified by experimental methods and computational approaches. Experimental approaches to identify
essential proteins are of high accuracy but with the limitation of time and resource-consuming.

Objective:

Herein, we present a computational model (PEPRF) to identify essential proteins based on
machine learning.

Methods:

Different features of proteins were extracted. Topological features of Protein-Protein Interaction
(PPI) network-based are extracted. Based on the protein sequence, graph theory-based features, information-
based features, composition and physichemical features, etc., were extracted. Finally, 282
features are constructed. In order to select the features that contributed most to the identification, ReliefF-
based feature selection method was adopted to measure the weights of these features.

Results:

As a result, 212 features were curated to train random forest classifiers. Finally, PEPRF get the
AUC of 0.71 and an accuracy of 0.742.

Conclusion:

Our results show that PEPRF may be applied as an efficient tool to identify essential proteins.
Correlation Between Surface Cleaning and Disinfection Methods in an Emergency Room
Authors: dos Santos Oliveira Bruna Andrade , Rigonato Elaine Mazuqui , de Sousa Alvaro Francisco Lopes , Ferreira Adriano Menis , da Silva Barcelos Larissa , Furlan Mara Cristina Ribeiro , Rigotti Marcelo Alessandro , Schneider Guilherme , de Andrade Denise , Lapão Luis Velez , dos Santos Junior Aires Garcia
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the correlation between microbiological culture, ATP tests by bioluminescence and visual inspection for monitoring the surface cleaning and disinfection in an emergency room.

Methods:

This is a prospective, analytical study with a quantitative approach. Data analysis was guided by the following tests: Spearman’s correlation, Fisher ‘s exact test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

There was a correlation between ATP quantification methods and microbial count for the women’s bathroom door handle (ρ = 0.526; p= 0.008). In this study, considering the ROC curve, the ATP value below 20 RLU is suggested to classify surfaces as approved in the emergency room.

Conclusion:

Using different methods of monitoring the cleaning and disinfection process is essential, considering that each method has a different purpose.
Encapsulation of Purified Pediocin of Pediococcus pentosaceus into Liposome Based Nanovesicles and its Antilisterial Effect
Authors: Suganthi Vaithiyanathan , Ethiraj Selvarajan , Anbalagan Nivetha , Siddique Jannatul Firdous , Vaithilingam Mohanasrinivasan
Published: June 2021

Aims:

To encapsulate a purified bacteriocin into a nanovesicles and check its antibacterial
effect.

Background:

Although the use of nano-encapsulated bacteriocins in food matrices is poorly reported,
encapsulated nisin can reduce L. monocytogenes counts in whole and skimmed milk and in soft
cheese.

Objective:

The present study deals with the extraction and purification of a bacteriocin from an isolated
strain Pediococcus pentosaceus KC692718. A comparative study of the effect of free pediocin
and liposome encapsulated pediocin against Listeria sp. was performed.

Methods:

The purification of the extracted cell free supernatant was subjected to ammonium sulphate
precipitation, cation exchange chromatography followed by gel permeation chromatography.
The bacteriocin activity and protein concentration were determined using Lowry’s method. The
characterization of the pure pediocin was done. Liposome like nanovesicle was constructed and the
stability of the liposome encapsulated pediocin was checked. Finally, the antibacterial effect was
comparatively studied of the free pediocin, liposome, and liposome encapsulated pediocin simultaneously.

Results:

The pediocin of 3.6kDa was purified with a specific activity of 898.8. AU/mg. It remained
stable from pH 2.0-8.0 was found to be moderately stable above 80°C and remain stable for one
month when stored at -20°C. The encapsulated pediocin showed stability since it retained 50% of
its initial activity. The encapsulated pediocin showed 89% of encapsulation efficiency.

Conclusion:

The encapsulated pediocin not only improved pediocin stability but also enhanced the
controlled release of the antimicrobial substances, enough for inhibiting the foodborne pathogen L.
monocytogenes.
Efecto de la adición de enmiendas en la inmovilización de metales pesados en suelos mineros del sur de Bolívar, Colombia
Authors: Martínez Madrid Daisy Escarlet , Marrugo-Negrete José
Published: June 2021

En zonas del departamento de Bolívar (Colombia) es evidente la degradación de los suelos como consecuencia de la explotación minera informal, por lo cual es necesario buscar estrategias que minimicen el impacto de estos contaminantes en cultivos agrícolas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la inmovilización de metales pesados (mercurio, plomo, cadmio y arsénico) en suelos contaminados por actividades mineras provenientes del sur de Bolívar, mediante el uso de enmiendas (biochar: D1 = 0,5 %, D2 = 2 %, D3 = 4 %; vermicompost: D1 = 5 %, D2 = 10 %, D3 = 15 %, y cal: D1 = 0,5 %, D2 = 1 %, D3 = 2 %). Los tratamientos se realizaron por triplicado utilizando un diseño estadístico de bloque completamente aleatorizado con dos factores (enmienda y dosis) de 3 × 3, para un total de 30 unidades experimentales incluyendo el control. También se realizó la caracterización del suelo. Los resultados mostraron que el plomo, el cadmio y el mercurio son altamente retenidos por el suelo con enmiendas de vermicompost y cal. Se determinó que la enmienda más efectiva para retener el arsénico en el suelo fue la cal. En general, los suelos enmendados con vermicompost, biochar y cal evidenciaron buenos comportamientos para la biodisponibilidad de metales pesados (Pb, Cd, As y Hg), lo que favorece la disminución de la fitotoxicidad en las plantas.
Development of a Mobile Health App (TOGETHERCare) to Reduce Cancer Care Partner Burden: Product Design Study
Authors: Oakley-Girvan Ingrid , Davis Sharon Watkins , Kurian Allison , Rosas Lisa G , Daniels Jena , Palesh Oxana Gronskaya , Mesia Rachel J , Kamal Arif H , Longmire Michelle , Divi Vasu
Published: June 2021

Background

Approximately 6.1 million adults in the United States serve as care partners for cancer survivors. Studies have demonstrated that engaging cancer survivors and their care partners through technology-enabled structured symptom collection has several benefits. Given the high utilization of mobile technologies, even among underserved populations and in low resource areas, mobile apps may provide a meaningful access point for all stakeholders for symptom management.

Objective

We aimed to develop a mobile app incorporating user preferences to enable cancer survivors’ care partners to monitor the survivors’ health and to provide care partner resources.

Methods

An iterative information gathering process was conducted that included (1) discussions with 138 stakeholders to identify challenges and gaps in survivor home care; (2) semistructured interviews with clinicians (n=3), cancer survivors (n=3), and care partners (n=3) to identify specific needs; and (3) a 28-day feasibility field test with seven care partners.

Results

Health professionals noted the importance of identifying early symptoms of adverse events. Survivors requested modules on medication, diet, self-care, reminders, and a version in Spanish. Care partners preferred to focus primarily on the patient’s health and not their own. The app was developed incorporating quality-of-life surveys and symptom reporting, as well as resources on home survivor care. Early user testing demonstrated ease of use and app feasibility.

Conclusions

TOGETHERCare, a novel mobile app, was developed with user input to track the care partner’s health and report on survivor symptoms during home care. The following two clinical benefits emerged: (1) reduced anxiety among care partners who use the app and (2) the potential for identifying survivor symptoms noted by the care partner, which might prevent adverse events.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04018677; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04018677
Studying How Individuals Who Express the Feeling of Loneliness in an Online Loneliness Forum Communicate in a Nonloneliness Forum: Observational Study
Authors: Andy Anietie
Published: June 2021

Background

Loneliness is a public health concern, and increasingly, individuals experiencing loneliness are seeking support on online forums, some of which focus on discussions around loneliness (loneliness forums). Some of these individuals may also seek support around loneliness on online forums not related to loneliness or well-being (nonloneliness forums). Hence, to design and implement appropriate and efficient online loneliness interventions, it is important to understand how individuals who express and seek support around loneliness on online loneliness forums communicate in nonloneliness forums; this could provide further insights into the support needs and concerns of these users.

Objective

This study aims to explore how users who express the feeling of loneliness and seek support around loneliness on an online loneliness forum communicate in an online nonloneliness forum.

Methods

A total of 2401 users who expressed loneliness in posts published on a loneliness forum on Reddit and had published posts in a nonloneliness forum were identified. Using latent Dirichlet allocation (a natural language processing algorithm); Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (a psycholinguistic dictionary); and the word score–based language features valence, arousal, and dominance, the language use differences in posts published in the nonloneliness forum by these users compared to a control group of users who did not belong to any loneliness forum on Reddit were determined.

Results

It was found that in posts published in the nonloneliness forum, users who expressed loneliness tend to use more words associated with the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count categories on sadness (Cohen d=0.10) and seeking to socialize (Cohen d=0.114), and use words associated with valence (Cohen d=0.364) and dominance (Cohen d=0.117). In addition, they tend to publish posts related to latent Dirichlet allocation topics such as relationships (Cohen d=0.105) and family and friends and mental health (Cohen d=0.10).

Conclusions

There are clear distinctions in language use in nonloneliness forum posts by users who express loneliness compared to a control group of users. These findings can help with the design and implementation of online interventions around loneliness.
Conceptual Ambiguity Surrounding Gamification and Serious Games in Health Care: Literature Review and Development of Game-Based Intervention Reporting Guidelines (GAMING)
Authors: Warsinsky Simon , Schmidt-Kraepelin Manuel , Rank Sascha , Thiebes Scott , Sunyaev Ali
Published: June 2021

Background

In health care, the use of game-based interventions to increase motivation, engagement, and overall sustainability of health behaviors is steadily becoming more common. The most prevalent types of game-based interventions in health care research are gamification and serious games. Various researchers have discussed substantial conceptual differences between these 2 concepts, supported by empirical studies showing differences in the effects on specific health behaviors. However, researchers also frequently report cases in which terms related to these 2 concepts are used ambiguously or even interchangeably. It remains unclear to what extent existing health care research explicitly distinguishes between gamification and serious games and whether it draws on existing conceptual considerations to do so.

Objective

This study aims to address this lack of knowledge by capturing the current state of conceptualizations of gamification and serious games in health care research. Furthermore, we aim to provide tools for researchers to disambiguate the reporting of game-based interventions.

Methods

We used a 2-step research approach. First, we conducted a systematic literature review of 206 studies, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research and its sister journals, containing terms related to gamification, serious games, or both. We analyzed their conceptualizations of gamification and serious games, as well as the distinctions between the two concepts. Second, based on the literature review findings, we developed a set of guidelines for researchers reporting on game-based interventions and evaluated them with a group of 9 experts from the field.

Results

Our results show that less than half of the concept mentions are accompanied by an explicit definition. To distinguish between the 2 concepts, we identified four common approaches: implicit distinction, synonymous use of terms, serious games as a type of gamified system, and distinction based on the full game dimension. Our Game-Based Intervention Reporting Guidelines (GAMING) consist of 25 items grouped into four topics: conceptual focus, contribution, mindfulness about related concepts, and individual concept definitions.

Conclusions

Conceptualizations of gamification and serious games in health care literature are strongly heterogeneous, leading to conceptual ambiguity. Following the GAMING can support authors in rigorous reporting on study results of game-based interventions.
The Anticipated Future of Public Health Services Post COVID-19: Viewpoint (Preprint)
Authors: Bashier Haitham , Ikram Aamer , Khan Mumtaz Ali , Baig Mirza , Al Gunaid Magid , Al Nsour Mohannad , Khader Yousef
Published: June 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various public health functions and essential services in different ways and magnitudes. Although all countries have witnessed the effect of COVID-19, the impact differed based on many factors including the integrity and resiliency of the countries’ health systems. This paper presents opinions and expectations of the authors about the anticipated changes in the future of public health at the global, regional, and national levels. The viewpoint is based on the current efforts and challenges that various stakeholders have carried out to control COVID-19 and the contribution from the literature on the future of public health. Numerous agencies and actors are involved in the fight against COVID-19 with variations in their effectiveness. The public health services showed weaknesses in most of the countries, in addition to the lack of adequate curative medicine settings. The pandemic highlighted the need for better governance and stronger and more resilient health systems and capacities. The COVID-19 experience has also emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration among the countries and stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic might lead to a wide discussion to improve international and national approaches to prepare for and respond to similar events in terms of preparedness and response mechanisms and tools. Public health will not be the same as before COVID-19. New health priorities, approaches, and new agendas will be on the table of the global platforms and initiatives. More investment in research and technology to meet the demand for new vaccines and medicines, innovative methods like distance learning and working, more respect and remuneration to health professionals, and normalization of the public health and social measures that were induced during the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to be seen in future.
Algorithm Change Protocols in the Regulation of Adaptive Machine Learning–Based Medical Devices (Preprint)
Authors: Gilbert Stephen , Fenech Matthew , Hirsch Martin , Upadhyay Shubhanan , Biasiucci Andrea , Starlinger Johannes
Published: June 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

One of the greatest strengths of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches in health care is that their performance can be continually improved based on updates from automated learning from data. However, health care ML models are currently essentially regulated under provisions that were developed for an earlier age of slowly updated medical devices—requiring major documentation reshape and revalidation with every major update of the model generated by the ML algorithm. This creates minor problems for models that will be retrained and updated only occasionally, but major problems for models that will learn from data in real time or near real time. Regulators have announced action plans for fundamental changes in regulatory approaches. In this Viewpoint, we examine the current regulatory frameworks and developments in this domain. The status quo and recent developments are reviewed, and we argue that these innovative approaches to health care need matching innovative approaches to regulation and that these approaches will bring benefits for patients. International perspectives from the World Health Organization, and the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed approach, based around oversight of tool developers’ quality management systems and defined algorithm change protocols, offer a much-needed paradigm shift, and strive for a balanced approach to enabling rapid improvements in health care through AI innovation while simultaneously ensuring patient safety. The draft European Union (EU) regulatory framework indicates similar approaches, but no detail has yet been provided on how algorithm change protocols will be implemented in the EU. We argue that detail must be provided, and we describe how this could be done in a manner that would allow the full benefits of AI/ML-based innovation for EU patients and health care systems to be realized.
Digital Rehabilitation for Acute Ankle Sprains: Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Correia Fernando D , Molinos Maria , Neves Carlos , Janela Dora , Carvalho Diana , Luis Sara , Francisco Gerard E , Lains Jorge , Bento Virgilio
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Ankle sprains are one of the most prevalent soft-tissue injuries worldwide. Physical therapy, especially progressive exercise, has proven effective in improving function, while preventing recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to present the results of a fully remote and digitally guided rehabilitation program for acute ankle sprains.

METHODS

We performed a prospective longitudinal cohort study of individuals eligible for workers’ compensation, who were referred for digital rehabilitation therapy for a sprained ankle. Therapeutic exercise sessions were to be performed independently by the patient at home using the biofeedback device provided by SWORD Health. Primary endpoints were the change in self-reported Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure–activities of daily living (FAAM–ADL) and FAAM–Sports scores. Participants were assessed at baseline, end of the program, and 6 months after program completion. Secondary outcomes included digital therapy dosage, pain and fatigue during sessions, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

In total, 93 (89.4%) patients completed the program and 79 (76.0%) were available for follow-up. Changes in the primary outcomes between baseline and the 6-month follow-up were both significant (P<.001) and clinically meaningful: mean difference of –2.72 points (95% CI –3.31 to –2.13) on the NPRS (49.8% reduction), 21.7 points (95% CI 17.13-26.27) on the FAAM–ADL (41.1% increase), and 37.8 points (95% CI 30.45-45.15) on the FAAM-Sports (151.8% increase). Longer waiting periods between the accident date and treatment initiation were found to negatively impact functional status at baseline and at the end of the program, triggering an extension in the program duration. The total training volume (12.5 hours, SD 10.5 hours) was similar to that of other interventions for ankle sprains, but the dosage per week was much higher (2.4 hours per week, SD 0.87 hours per week). The mean patient satisfaction score was 8.8 (SD 1.57) out of 10. Among program completers, 83.9% attained full recovery and were discharged with no residual disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Being far less demanding in terms of human resources, the digital program presented constituted a viable, clinically effective, and convenient solution for ankle sprain rehabilitation, particularly during the pandemic. This is the first study presenting a fully remote home-based rehabilitation program for acute ankle sprains, with patients achieving sustained long-term results. This was a prospective cohort study and, as such, did not include a control group, but the results appear comparable to those published for face-to-face interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04819022; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04819022