bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Perceived Skills of Pre Intern Doctors in Sri Lanka
Authors: Padeniya A.B , Denuwara H.M.B.H , Herath M.D , Gunawardena A , Mahipala P , Epitakaduwa C , Ranasinghe J.M.S.D , Colombage P , Hathamuna A.I , Abeysinghe W.S.P , Wijayarathna N.D.S.K , Senanayake S , Mahesh P.K. Buddhika
Published: January 2022

IntroductionThe transition from medical student to intern is a significant and challenging time in a doctor’s training. It can be stressful for the young doctor and there can be varying expectations from employers and supervisors on their capabilities. There is a time gap between graduation and internship for medical graduates in Sri Lanka. Also, there was no proper orientation prior the internship. Thus, the Good Intern Programme was developed as a skills training programme for pre interns who are awaiting internship, and this was conducted in collaboration with Ministry of Health (MOH), Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Society for Health Research and Innovation (SHRI). This study aimed to explore self-perceived competency of selected skills of pre-interns who were awaiting for internship. Methods Study populationSri Lankan medical Faculties (University of Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenapura, Jaffna, Kelaniya, Ruhuna, Eastern University- Batticaloa, Rajarata University and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University -KDU), and foreign universities produce approximately 1000 medical graduates per year. In 2020, all pre- interns who joined the Good Intern Programme, Sri Lanka were invited to participate in this questionnaire survey. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0 software. Descriptive data were presented as proportions.Results Mean age was 27.6 (+ SD 1.4). Majority of the pre-interns were females (66.5%). Majority of pre-interns perceived that they were able to performs suturing, cannulation, catheterization, setting up an Intravenous (IV) drip, infusion pump setup, blood and blood products transfusion, venipuncture, venipuncture for blood culture, injections-Subcutaneous (SC)/Intramuscular (IM), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) monitoring, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), arterial puncture for Arterial Blood Gases (ABG), wound dressing, suture removal, bandaging, glucometer use, nebulization, connecting to an ECG (electrocardiogram) monitor competently with or without supervision respectively. Lack of competency perceived on the following skills. Nasogastric tube (NG) insertion, pleural tap, peritoneal tap, removal of an Intercostal tube, lumbar puncture, defibrillation, venous cut down, intubation, CVP (central venous catheter) line insertion, Intercostal (IC) tube insertion were rated by the majority of pre-interns as skills that could be performed competently with supervision or not able to perform the skill but has observed skill. ConclusionAlthough most of the skills were rated by majority of the pre-interns as skills that could be competently performed with or without supervision respectively, there were some skills which needed some improvement. This study suggests that Good Intern Programme in pre-intern period can help to prepare students for the intern role.
A Kronecker-based Covariance Specification for Spatially Continuous Multivariate Data
Authors: Ribeiro Angélica Maria Tortola , Ribeiro Paulo Justiniano , Bonat Wagner Hugo
Published: January 2022

We propose a covariance specification for modeling spatially continuous multivariate data. This model is based on a reformulation of Kronecker’s product of covariance matrices for Gaussian random fields. We illustrate the case with the Matérn function used for specifying marginal covariances. The structure holds for other choices of covariance functions with parameters varying in their usual domains, which makes the estimation process more accessible. The reduced computational time and flexible generalization for increasing number of variables, make it an attractive alternative for modelling spatially continuous data. Theoretical results for the likelihood function and the derivatives of the covariance matrix are presented. The proposed model is fitted to the literature’s soil250 dataset, and adequacy measures, forecast errors and estimation times are compared with the ones obtained based on classical models. Furthermore, the model is fitted to the classic meuse dataset to illustrate the model’s flexibility in a four-variate analysis. A simulation study is performed considering different parametric scenarios to evaluate the asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimators. The satisfactory results, its simpler structure and the reduced estimation time make the proposed model a candidate approach for multivariate analysis of spatial data.
Number of Endoscopic Sessions to Eradicate Varices Identifies High Risk of Rebleeding in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Guo Huiwen , Zhang Ming , Zhang Na , Yin Xiaochun , Cheng Yang , Gu Lihong , Wang Xixuan , Xiao Jiangqiang , Wang Yi , Zou Xiaoping , Zhuge Yuzheng , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2022

Background and aims: Risk stratification to identify patients with high risk of variceal rebleeding is particularly important in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In clinical practice, eliminating gastroesphageal varices thoroughly after sequential endoscopic treatment reduces the rebleeding rate, however, no simple method has been build to predict high risk of variceal rebleeding. We conducted this study to explore the value of the number of endoscopic sessions required to eradicate gastroesphageal varices in identifying high risk of rebleeding.Patients and methods: Consecutive cirrhotic patients received sequential endoscopic therapy between January 2015 to March 2020 were enrolled. Endoscopic treatment was performed every 1-4 weeks until the eradication of varices. The primary endpoint was variceal rebleeding.Results: A total of 146 patients were included of which 60 patients received standard therapy and 86 patients underwent sequential endoscopic treatment alone. The cut-off value of the number of sequential endoscopic sessions is 3.5 times. Variceal rebleeding was significant higher in patients with endoscopic sessions > 3 times vs. ≤ 3 times (61.5% vs. 17.5%, p<0.001). Variceal rebleeding of patients with endoscopic sessions ≤3 times was significant lower than patients with > 3 times in group of standard therapy (19.6% vs. 88.9%, p<0.001) and endoscopic therapy (15.9% vs. 47.1%, p=0.028) respectively. Conclusion: The number of sequential endoscopic sessions required to eradicate the varices is related to the risk of variceal rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis. If three times of endoscopic treatment can not eradicate the varices, a more aggressive treatment such as TIPS should be seriously considered.
Significance of Postoperative Membranous Urethral Length and Position of Vesico-Urethral Anastomosis for Short Term Continence Recovery Following Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Nakanishi Yasukazu , Matsumoto Shunya , Okubo Naoya , Tanabe Kenji , Kataoka Madoka , Yajima Shugo , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: January 2022

Background

We assess whether short term recovery of urinary incontinence following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is associated with preoperative membranous urethral length (MUL) and position of vesico-urethral anastomosis (PVUA).
Methods

Clinical variables including PVUA and pre- and postoperative MUL were evaluated in 251 patients who underwent RARP from August 2019 to February 2021. Continence recovery was defined as no pad or one security liner per day assessed by patient interview at least 6 months follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess variables associated with continence recovery at 3 months after the operation.
Results

Continence recovery rates at 3 and 6 months were 75% and 84%, respectively. Lower BMI (<25 kg/m2) (p = 0.040), longer preoperative MUL (≥9.5mm) (p = 0.013), longer postoperative MUL (≥9mm) (p <0.001), higher PVUA (<14.5mm) (p = 0.019) and shorter operating time (<170min) (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with continence recovery at 3 months in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative MUL (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.90 – 7.40, p <0.001) and higher PVUA (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 – 3.82, p = 0.032) were independent factors for continence recovery. Patients were divided into three groups based on the multivariate analysis, with urinary continence recovery rates found to have increased in turn with rates of 43.7% vs. 68.2% vs. 85.0% (p <0.001) at three months.
Conclusions

PVUA and postoperative MUL were significant factors for short term continence recovery. Preservation of urethral length might contribute to continence recovery after RARP.
Significance of Levothyroxine Treatment on Serum Lipid in Pregnant Women With Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Yang Yuxi , Yuan Huabing , Wang Xueran , Zhang Zheng , Liu Ruixia , Yin Chenghong
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThere is no consensus reference range for serum lipid levels during pregnancy. The benefit of levothyroxine (L-T4) on serum lipid levels are unclear among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).ObjectiveTo determine the recommended reference ranges for serum lipid concentrations during pregnancy and effects of L-T4 treatment on serum lipids in pregnant women with SCH. Designcohort study.MethodsA analysis of 20365 women in the first trimester was conducted at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University during 2018–2020. After excluding women with adverse pregnancy outcomes, we determined the reference range of serum lipid in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy by using median and quartile to determine appropriate percentiles. Next, we divided into three groups as follows: SCH L-T4 treatment group (n=319), SCH non-intervention group (n=103) and the control group(n=9598).ResultsThe recommended reference range for serum lipids in the first trimester of pregnancy should be: TC < 5.33 mmol/L, TG < 1.73 mmol/L, LDL-C < 3.12 mmol/L and HDL-C> 1.1 mmol/L, and in third trimester of pregnancy should be: TC < 8.47 mmol/L, TG < 4.86 mmol/L, LDL-C < 5.3 mmol/L and HDL-C >1.34 mmol/L.There are significant differences in TC and LDL-C levels between SCH treatment group and SCH non-intervention Group (P=0.043, P=0.046; respectively).ConclusionsWe determine the recommended reference ranges for serum lipid concentrations during pregnancy. TC and LDL-C levels in pregnant women with SCH could improve after L-T4 treatment.
Twin extreme ultraviolet waves in the solar corona
Authors: Zheng Ruisheng , Wang Bing , Zhang Liang , Chen Yao , Erdelyi Robertus
Published: January 2022

Solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) waves are spectacular propagating disturbances with EUV enhancements in annular shapes in the solar corona. These EUV waves carry critical information about the coronal magnetised plasma that can shed light on gaining insight to the elusive physical parameters (e.g. the magnetic field strength) by global solar coronal magneto-seismology (SMS). EUV waves are closely associated with a wide range of solar atmospheric eruptions, from violent flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to less energetic plasma jets or mini-filament eruptions, and can play a role in accelerating particles to non-thermal energies. However, the physical nature and driving mechanism of EUV waves is still under controversy. Here, we report the unique discovery of twin EUV waves (TEWs) that were formed in a single eruption with observations from two different perspectives. In all earlier studies, a single eruption was associated at most in a single EUV wave. The newly found TEWs urge to re-visit our theoretical understanding about the underlying formation mechanism(s) of coronal EUV waves. Two distinct scenarios of TEWs were found. In the first scenario, the two waves were separately associated with a filament eruption and a precursor jet, while in another scenario the two waves were successively associated with a filament eruption. Hence, we label these distinguished scenarios as "fraternal TEWs" and "identical TEWs", respectively. Further, we also suggest that impulsive lateral expansions of two distinct groups of coronal loops are critical to the formation of TEWs in a single eruption.
Efficient Editing of CSLD2 Orthologue by CRISPR/Cas9 Affects Cell Morphogenesis of Root Hair in Spinach
Authors: Cao Yingping , Xu Yue , Zhang Yue , Zhang Heng , Bai Chen , Qin Zhi , Zhang Hailing , Ma Dongmei , Wang Quanhua , Sun Meihong , Fu Chunxiang , Dai Shaojun
Published: January 2022

CRISPR/Cas9 is a valuable tool and has been extensively employed to perform gene editing in plants. However, CRISPR/Cas9 has not been successfully used in spinach, an important leafy vegetable crop. Here, we precisely edited Spo23361 and Spo10340, two cellulose synthase-like D (CSLD) genes involved in root hair formation of spinach hairy roots, using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Four mutation types (i.e., replacement, insertion, deletion, and combined mutations) were observed, among which the deletion accounted for the vast majority (about 64.1%). Mutation rate differed largely among different targets. Seven homozygous/bi-allelic and eight heterozygous/chimeric mutated lines of Spo23361 were obtained from 15 independent transgenic hairy root lines. All of the seven homozygous/bi-allelic lines displayed bulking and short root hairs, which exhibited the characteristics of Arabidopsis csld2 mutants. Thirteen heterozygous/chimeric mutated lines, but no homozygous/bi-allelic lines, of Spo10340 were obtained from 15 independent transgenic hairy root lines, all of which showed similar phenotype of root hair with normal hairy roots. The transcriptomic analysis further revealed that multiple gene expressions for cell wall modulation and membrane trafficking were disturbed, which might result in the inhibition of root hair growth in Spo23361 mutants. Our results indicate that Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation using CRISPR/Cas9 is a simple and efficient genome editing tool in spinach. It lays a solid foundation for large-scale genome editing in spinach in future.
Predictors of Change in Children’s Internalising and Externalising Behaviour Before and During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK and Turkey: A Cross-cultural Examination
Authors: Morgul Evren , Kallitsoglou Angeliki , Essau Cecilia A.
Published: January 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Culture can influence emotional and behavioural responses to the pandemic and its consequences, but research is primarily focused on single culture experiences. The study examined the impact of caregiver emotional responses to the pandemic and the lockdown on child mental health and wellbeing in two culturally different countries that were severely affected by the pandemic: UK and Turkey Method: Participants were 1849 caregivers of children between 5- and 12-years old living in the UK (n= 995) and Turkey (n = 854), who completed a 20 -min electronic survey on child and family wellbeing distributed via social networks during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown (July and August 2020). Findings: Worry of COVID-19 infection was higher amongst caregivers in the Turkish sample and it independently predicted change in children’s internalising behaviour in the Turkish sample only even after controlling for caregiver and child mental health, and caregiver perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. Caregivers in the UK sample reported more difficulty with family coexistence during the stay-at-home orders. However, difficulty with coexistence independently predicted change in children’s externalising and internalising symptoms before and during the lockdown in both samples. The study revealed cross-cultural differences in the predictors of change in children’s internalising and externalising behaviour before and during the initial national COVID-19 lockdown.
The Impact of Rhodiola Rosea On Biomarkers of Diabetes, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota in a Leptin Receptor-Knockout Mouse Model
Authors: Jafari Mahtab , Arabit Jasmin Grace Juanson , Courville Robert , Kiani Dara , Chaston John M. , Nguyen Cindy Duy , Jena Nilamani , Liu Zhong-Ying , Tata Prasanthi , Etten Richard A.
Published: January 2022

Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent endocrine disease in the world, and recently the gut microbiota have become a potential target for its management. Recent studies have illustrated that this disease may predispose individuals to certain microbiome compositions, and treatments like metformin have been shown to change gut microbiota and their associated metabolic pathways. However, given the limitations and side effects associated with pharmaceuticals currently being used for therapy of diabetes, there is a significant need for alternative treatments. In this study, we investigated the effects of a root extract from Rhodiola rosea in a Leptin receptor knockout (db/db) mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Our previous work showed that Rhodiola rosea had anti-inflammatory and gut microbiome-modulating properties, while extending lifespan in several animal models. In this study, treatment with Rhodiola rosea improved the insulin response, and significantly decreased serum lipopolysaccharide and C-reactive protein levels. We hypothesize that these changes may in part reflect the modulation of the microbiota, resulting in improved gut barrier integrity and decreasing the translocation of inflammatory biomolecules into the bloodstream. These findings indicate that Rhodiola rosea is an attractive candidate for further research in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Distinct Patterns of Problematic Smartphone Use: A Latent Profile Analysis Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Hong Lan , Lai Xinyi , Xu Dongwu , Zhang Wei , Wu Bichang , Yu Xin , Zhao Ke , Zhang Guohua
Published: January 2022

Background: This study aimed to categorize different subgroups of problematic smartphone use among Chinese college students. Differences in gender and psychosocial characteristics of the categorized groups were also examined.Methods: A total of 1,123 participants completed the Mobile Phone Addiction Index Scale (MPAI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified different subgroups of problematic smartphone use among college students. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented to examine the relationship between latent classes and demographic, psychosocial covariates.Results: Four latent classes were identified: a low-risk group, a moderate-risk with no evasiveness group, a moderate-risk with evasiveness group, and high-risk group that accounted for 11.0%, 24.1%, 35.5%, and 29.4% of the total sample, respectively. Further analysis revealed that compared with the “low-risk” class, the other three classes differed significantly with respect to gender and prevalence of depression.Conclusions: Classifying college students based on features of problematic smartphone use is potentially useful for understanding risk factors and developing targeted prevention and intervention programs.
Differential Gene Expression Analysis of Oocytes in a PCOS Mouse Model Revealed the Relation of Ribosomal Pathway
Authors: Nakanishi Natsuki , Osuka Satoko , Kono Tomohiro , Kobayashi Hisato , Ikeda Shinya , Bayasula Bayasula , Seki Tomomi , Yabuki Atsushi , Tanaka Hideaki , Sonehara Reina , Murakami Mayuko , Yoshita Sayako , Miyake Natsuki , Muraoka Ayako , Kasahara Yukiyo , Murase Tomohiko , Nakamura Tomoko , Goto Maki , Iwase Akira , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: January 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrinal disorder, is associated with impaired oocyte development, which leads to infertility. However, the pathogenesis of PCOS has not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and epigenetic changes in the oocytes of the PCOS mouse model to identify the etiological factors. In this study, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that 90 DEGs were upregulated and 27 DEGs were downregulated in the PCOS mouse model. DNA methylation analysis revealed 30 hypomethylated and 10 hypermethylated regions in the PCOS group. However, the DNA methylation status was not correlated with differential gene expression. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that five DEGs (Rps21, Rpl36, Rpl36a, Rpl37a, and Rpl22l1) were enriched in ribosome-related pathways in the oocytes of the PCOS mouse model, and the immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly upregulated expression levels of Rps21 and Rpl36. These results suggest that differential gene expression in the oocytes of the PCOS mouse model is related to impaired folliculogenesis. These findings improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Emergence of growth and dormancy from a kinetic model of the Escherichia coli central carbon metabolism
Authors: Himeoka Yusuke , Mitarai Namiko
Published: January 2022

Physiological states of bacterial cells exhibit a wide spectrum of timescale. Under nutrient-rich conditions, most of the cells in an isogenic bacterial population grow at certain rates, while a small subpopulation sometimes stays in a dormant state where the growth rates slow down by orders of magnitude. For revealing the origins of such heterogeneity of timescales, we studied the kinetic model of Escherichia coli central carbon metabolism including the dynamics of the energy currency molecules. We found that the model robustly exhibits both the growing- and the dormant state. In order to unveil the mechanism of distinct behaviours, we developed a recursive method to simplify the model without changing the qualitative feature of the dynamics. Analytical and numerical studies of the 2-variable minimal model revealed the necessary conditions for the distinct behaviour, namely, the depletion of energy due to the futile cycle and its non-uniform impact on the kinetics because of the coexistence of the energy currency-coupled and uncoupled reactions as well as branching of the network. The result is consistent with the experimental reports that the dormant cells commonly exhibit low ATP levels, and provides a possible explanation for the appearance of dormant cells that causes antibiotic persistence.
Evaluation of Corneal Nerves and Dendritic Cells By in Vivo Confocal Microscopy After Descemet’s Membrane Keratoplasty For Bullous Keratopathy
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Ishida Atsuyuki , Kobayashi Akira , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Yuda Kenji , Yamagami Satoru , Shimizu Toshiki
Published: January 2022

This study evaluated changes in corneal nerves and the number of dendritic cells (DCs) in corneal basal epithelium following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery for bullous keratopathy (BK). Twenty-three eyes from 16 consecutive patients that underwent DMEK for BK were included. Eyes of age-matched patients that underwent pre-cataract surgery (12 eyes) were used as controls. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed pre- and postoperatively at 6, 12, and 24 months. Corneal nerve length, corneal nerve trunks, number of branches, and the number of DCs were determined. The total corneal nerve length of 1634.7 ± 1389.1 μm /mm2 before surgery was significantly increased in a time-dependent manner to 4485.8 ± 1403.7 μm /mm2, 6949.5 ± 1477.1 μm /mm2, and 9389.2 ± 2302.2 μm /mm2 at 6, 12, and 24 months after DMEK surgery, respectively. The DC density in BK cornea pre- and postoperatively at 6 months was significantly higher than in the controls, and decreased postoperatively at 12 and 24 months and was significantly lower than that at 6 months postoperatively. Thus, our results suggest that DMEK can repair and normalize the corneal environment.
Near unity Raman β-factor of surface enhanced Raman scattering in a waveguide
Authors: Fu Ming , Mota Mónica , Xiao Xiaofei , Jacassi Andrea , Li Yi , Riaz Ahad , Maier Stefan , Oulton Rupert
Published: January 2022

The Raman scattering of light by molecular vibrations offers a powerful technique to ‘fingerprint’ molecules via their internal bonds and symmetries. Since Raman scattering is weak1, methods to enhance, direct and harness it are highly desirable, e.g. through the use of optical cavities2, waveguides3–6, and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)7–9. While SERS offers dramatic enhancements6,15,22,2 by localizing light within vanishingly small ‘hot-spots’ in metallic nanostructures, these tiny interaction volumes are only sensitive to few molecules, yielding weak signals that are difficult to detect10 . Here, we show that SERS from 4-Aminothiophenol (4-ATP) molecules bonded to a plasmonic gap waveguide is directed into a single mode with > 99% efficiency. Although sacrificing a confinement dimension, we find > 104 times SERS enhancement across a broad spectral range enabled by the waveguide’s larger sensing volume and non-resonant mode. Remarkably, the waveguide-SERS (W-SERS) is bright enough to image Raman transport across the waveguides exposing the roles of nanofocusing11–13 and the Purcell effect14. Emulating the e-factor from laser physics15–17, the near unity Raman -factor observed exposes the SERS technique in a new light and points to alternative routes to controlling Raman scattering. The ability of W-SERS to direct Raman scattering is relevant to Raman sensors based on integrated photonics7–9 with applications in gas and bio-sensing as well as healthcare.
Decarbonization pathways for the residential sector in the United States
Authors: Berrill Peter , Wilson Eric J.H. , Reyna Janet , Fontanini Anthony D. , Hertwich Edgar
Published: January 2022

Residential GHG emissions in the United States are driven in part by a housing stock where on-site fossil combustion is common, home sizes are large by international standards, energy efficiency potential is large, and electricity generation in many regions is GHG-intensive. In this analysis we assess decarbonization pathways for the United States residential sector to 2060, through 108 scenarios describing housing stock evolution, new housing characteristics, renovation levels, and clean electricity. The lowest emission scenarios rely on very rapid decarbonization of electricity supply alongside extensive renovations to existing homes—focused on improving thermal envelopes and heat pump electrification of heating. Reducing the size, increasing the multifamily share, and increasing the electrification of new homes provide further emission cuts, and combining all strategies enables emissions reductions of 91% between 2020 and 2050. Construction becomes the main source of emissions in the most ambitious scenarios, motivating increased attention on reducing embodied emissions.
Highly Reliable Flexible Device With Charge Compensation Layer
Authors: Kim Hyojung , Park Jongwoo , Khim Taeyoung , Hwang Hyuncheol , Park Jungmin , Han Chanhee , Yoo Jongmin , Kim Dongbhin , Song Jangkun , Choi Byoungdeog
Published: January 2022

Flexible devices fabricated with polyimide (PI) substrate are crucial for foldable, rollable, or stretchable products in various applications. However, inherent technical challenges remain in mobile charge induced device instabilities and image retention, significantly hindering future technologies. We introduced a new barrier material, SiCOH, into the backplane of amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a–IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) that were then implemented into production-level flexible panels. We found that the SiCOH layer effectively compensates the surface charging induced by fluorine ions at the interface between the PI substrate and the barrier layer under bias stress, thereby preventing abnormal positive Vth shifts and image disturbance. The a–IGZO TFTs, metal-insulator-metal (MIM), and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors with the SiCOH layer demonstrate reliable device performance, Vth shifts, and capacitance changes with an increase in the gate bias stress. A flexible device with SiCOH enables the suppression of abnormal Vth shifts associated with PI and plays a vital role in the degree of image sticking phenomenon. This work provides new inspirations to creating much improved process integrity and paves the way for expediting versatile form-factors.
Comprehensive Analysis and Validation Reveal Potential MYCN Regulatory Biomarkers Associated with Prognosis of Neuroblastoma
Authors: Chen Bo
Published: January 2022

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonic malignant tumor that occurs in the sympathetic nervous system. The treatment effect of patients in the high-risk group is poor, and relapse and treatment failure can occur even with multiple combination treatments. MYCN is an independent prognostic factor for NB, and the proportion of MYCN amplification in tumor tissues of high-risk patients reaches 40-50%. Hence, exploring new MYCN targeting molecules is a meaningful way to treat high-risk NB patients.
Methods

The microarray datasets were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus, and differentially expressed genes were identified. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and miRPathDB were used for function and pathway analysis. The STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct a protein-protein interaction network and modular analysis. The miRNet and NetworkAnalyst databases were used to predict and construct target gene-miRNA and target gene-TF networks. The R2 database was used for expression, correlation, and prognosis analysis. The diagnostic effect of the biomarkers was predicted by ROC analysis, and rt-PCR was used to verify the hub genes. Finally, used specific siRNA and plasmid to knockdown and overexpressed MYCN, the mRNA levels were verified.
Results

We identified 431 DEGs and FBXO9, HECW2, MIB2, RNF19B, RNF213, TRIM36, and ZBTB16 as novel biomarkers that affect the prognosis of the NB patients. In addition, FBXO9, RNF19B, and TRIM36 were preliminarily confirmed to be potential targeting molecules of MYCN.
Conclusions

Our results are expected to become novel biomarkers for the treatment of high-risk NB patients.
Early signatures of breast cancer up to seven years prior to clinical diagnosis in plasma cell-free DNA methylomes
Authors: Cheng Nicholas , Skead Kimberly , Ouellette Tom , Bratman Scott , De Carvalho Daniel , Soave David , Awadalla Philip
Published: January 2022

Limited studies to date have investigated the detectability of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) markers in asymptomatic individuals prior to a cancer diagnosis. Here, we performed cfDNA methylation profiling in blood of individuals up to seven years prior to a breast cancer diagnosis in addition to matched cancer-free controls (n=150). We identified cfDNA differentially methylated signatures that discriminated cancer-free controls from pre-diagnosis breast cancer cases over five years prior to diagnosis and demonstrate that these markers were reflective of methylation profiles in breast cancer tissue. We report classification of a range of pre-diagnosis breast cancer cases detected at Stage I (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.771), and in cases with a negative mammogram screening within a year of blood collection (AUC of 0.852). This study provides evidence that cfDNA methylation markers indicative of breast cancers can be detected in blood among asymptomatic individuals prior to clinical detection.
Low Positive Rates for HBeAg and HBV DNA in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients—A Case-Control Study
Authors: Jia Yue , Zhang Jingjing , Mo Lingfei , Ju Bomiao , Hu Nan , Wang Yanhua , Wang Pei , zheng Jie , He Lan , Wang Jing
Published: January 2022

Background

The rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were controversial when considering the reported outcomes. It was speculated that HBV infection status altered after suffering from RA, and variations over HBV infection rates became apparent.
Methods

To compare the positive proportions of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA, a case-control study was performed between the 27 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with RA and the 108 age-and gender-matched CHB patients. In addition, the positive rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) were surveyed among the 892 RA patients.
Results

Compared to the CHB patients, the CHB patients with RA exhibited lower rates of HBeAg positivity (11.1% vs. 35.2%, P = 0.003), HBV DNA positivity (37.0% vs. 63.9%, P = 0.007) and ALT elevation (11.1% vs. 35.2%, P = 0.024). In the 892 RA patients, the prevalence of HBsAg (3.0%) was lower than that of China national data (7.2%), whereas the anti-HBc positive rate of 44.6% was higher than that of 34.1%.
Conclusion

HBV infection status altered after suffering from RA. Compared to the matched CHB patients, low positive proportions of HBeAg and HBV DNA were observed for CHB patients with RA.
Rituximab With High-Dose Methotrexate In Newly Diagnosed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: a Single-Center Experience From China
Authors: Yuan Xianggui , Yu Teng , Huang Yurong , Jiang Huawei , Xu Xiaohua , Liang Yun , Qian Wen-Bin
Published: January 2022

Induction chemotherapy based on high-dose methotrexate is considered as the standard approach for newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs). However, the best combination chemotherapeutic regimen remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and toxicities of rituximab with methotrexate (R-M regimen). Consecutive 37 Chinese patients receiving R-M regimen as induction chemotherapy were retrospectively identified from January 2015 to June 2020 from our center in eastern China. Fourteen patients receiving rituximab plus methotrexate with cytarabine (R-MA regimen) at the same period were identified as the positive control group. The response rates, survival, toxicities, length of hospital stay (LOS), and cost were compared. Compared with the R-MA regimen, the R-M regimen showed comparable response rate and survival outcomes, but had fewer grade 3-4 hematological toxicities, shorter LOS, lower mean total hospitalization cost and lower mean total antibiotic cost. Overall response after two cycles of chemotherapy, complete remission at the end of induction chemotherapy and ECOG>3 were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. In conclusion, R-M regimen is an effective and well-tolerated combination treatment for PCNSLs, which warrants further evaluation in randomized trials.
Abplatin(IV) Inhibited Tumor Growth On A Patient Derived Cancer Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma And Its Comparative Multi-Omics Study With Cisplatin
Authors: Li Xing , Zhang Lingpu , Li Tuo , Li Shumu , Wu Wenjing , Zhao Lingyu , Xie Peng , Yang Jinqi , Li Peipei , Zhang Yangyang , Xiao Haihua , Yu Yingjie , Zhao Zhenwen
Published: January 2022

Background: Cisplatin is the most common antitumor alkylating agent of platinum(II) (Pt(II)) in clinic, however it had many side effects. It is necessary to develop low toxicity platinum(IV) (Pt(IV)) drugs. Multi-omics was frequently used to help one understand the mechanism of a certain therapy at the molecular level. Little was known about the mechanism of Pt(IV) drugs, which may be benifical for clinical translation. Methods: We developed a Pt(IV) drug of cisplatin with two hydrophobic aliphatic chains and further encapsulated it with a drug carrier human serum albumin (HSA) to prepare Abplatin(IV). Transcriptomics, metabolomics and lipidomics were performed to clarify the mechanism of Pt(IV) drugs. T-test assay and fold change were used to find the differential substances.Results: We had further shown Abplatin(IV) had better tumor-targeting performance and greater tumor inhibtion rate than cisplatin. Lipidomics study showed that Abplatin(IV) might induce the changes of BEL-7404 cell membrane, and caused the disorder of glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. In addition, transcriptomics and metabolomics study showed that Abplatin(IV) mainly disturbed more significant purine metabolism pathway than cisplatin.Conclusions: This research highlighted the development of Abplatin(IV) and the use of multi-omics to help one understand the mechanism of action of prodrugs and their DDS, which was the key to the clinical translation of them.
The Work-Related Stress Experienced by Registered Nurses at Municipal Aged Care Facilities: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Arén Cilmara , From Ingrid , Jaçelli Armand , Gesar Berit
Published: January 2022

Background

Stress can originate from many different unsatisfying work situations. Registered nurses working in municipal care have experience of work-related stress in different ways.
Aim

The purpose of this study was to describe the work-related stress experienced by registered nurses caring for older people at municipal aged care facilities.
Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews according to Polit and Beck were carried out in clinical work at six different municipal aged care facilities in Sweden. Twelve registered nurses participated in the study.
Results

The results outlined in one main central theme: Feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction contribute to work-related stress and three categories: Difficulty coping with work tasks, Insufficient support, Work-related stress affects private lives. Areas identified were lack of time, staff shortages, high number of patients, lack of communication and teamwork in the working group, showing that inadequacy and dissatisfaction can contribute to work-related stress. This can contribute to work-related stress, and it can be a result of problems in the organizational and social work environment.
Conclusion

This study showed the everyday experiences of registered nurses’ stress at work. The reasons that registered nurses experience a heavy workload were found to be similar in several municipal care facilities. Future interventions should consider the areas of stress found in this study in order to reduce the risk of further increasing the work-related stress experienced by registered nurses working in municipal aged care.
Changes in forest composition and associated biophysical climate feedbacks across boreal North America
Authors: Massey Richard , Rogers Brendan , Berner Logan , Cooperdock Sol , Mack Michelle , Walker Xanthe , Goetz Scott
Published: January 2022

Deciduous tree cover is expected to increase in North American boreal forests with climate warming and wildfire occurrence. This shift in composition can generate biophysical cooling effects via increased land surface albedo. Here we use newly derived maps of continuous tree canopy and fractional deciduous cover to assess change over recent decades. We find on average a small net decrease in deciduous fraction cover from 2000 to 2015 across boreal North America, and from 1992 to 2015 across Canada, despite extensive fire disturbance that locally increased deciduous vegetation. We further find a near-neutral net biophysical change in radiative forcing across the domain due to relatively small net changes in albedo. Thus, while there have been widespread changes in forest composition over the past several decades across the domain, the net changes in composition and associated post-fire radiative forcing have not yet induced systematic negative feedbacks to climate warming.
Butyrate Emerges as a Crucial Effector of Zhi-Zi-Chi Decoctions to Ameliorate Depression via Multiple Pathways of Brain-gut Axis
Authors: Liu Jialin , Fang Yichao , Cui Lixun , Wang Zhongzhao , Luo Yusha , Gao Congcong , Ge Wen , Huang Taohong , Wen Jun , Zhou Tingting
Published: January 2022

Background: Gut microbiota has emerged as a crucial target of gut-brain axis to influence brain and behavior and also has been closely connected with depression. Zhi-Zi-Chi decoctions (ZZCD), as a classic oral formula in clinic prescribed to clear heat and relieve restlessness traditionally, is widely applied in depression treatment nowadays. However, the underlying mechanism in the antidepressant activity of ZZCD remains largely unknown. Our previous study revealed that isoflavones, the bioactive constituents of Semen Sojae Praeparatum, benefited health by regulating the gut microbiota, which introduced the gut microbiota into understanding the mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Hence, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the antidepressant mechanism of ZZCD by focusing on the gut microbiota. Results: A classic depression model of chronic mild unpredictable stress (CUMS) was established in rats based on the results of behavioral tests and hippocampal histomorphology. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis indicated that ZZCD could increase short-chain fatty acid-producing and anti-inflammatory bacteria and reduce inflammatory and tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria, which reflected the changes of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), inflammation and tryptophan metabolism from the perspective of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, ZZCD reversed the alterations of BDNF, TNF-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in the gut, blood and brain along the brain-gut axis and restored the decrease of butyrate in cecal content caused by CUMS. Then, butyrate was utilized to validate its ameliorative effect on pathological characteristics of depressive rats. Conclusions: Taken together, these results show that ZZCD exhibits antidepressant effect through modulating gut microbiota to facilitate the production of butyrate, which further regulate anti-inflammation, neurotransmitters, endocrine and BDNF along the gut-brain axis. Hence, this study fills the gap of the antidepressive mechanism of ZZCD in the light of the brain-gut axis and established a multi-targets and multi-levels platform eventually for further research into the mechanism of other TCM efficacy.
G-ROP Criteria for Predicting Retinopathy of Prematurity Among Neonates with Different Birth Weight Percentiles
Authors: Gunes Asli Okbay , Topcuoglu Sevilay , Celik Gokhan , Kizilay Osman , Akyurekli Muhammed Ali Recai , Karadag Nilgun , Ozalkaya Elif , Karatekin Guner
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To determine whether being small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) affected the sensitivity and specificity of Postnatal Growth and Retinopathy of Prematurity (G-ROP) model. Methods: We applied the G-ROP criteria, except hydrocephalus, for prematures retrospectively. The infants were divided into three subgroups according to birth weight percentiles (SGA, AGA, LGA), and the performance of the G-ROP criteria was tested for each group by calculating sensitivity and specificity for any stage retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and severe ROP. Severe ROP was defined as ROP needing treatment. Results: Three hundred and ninety neonates screened for ROP were included. The gestational age and birth weight of the neonates were 29.3±2.9 weeks and 1302.9±416 g, respectively. There were 41 (10.5%) SGA, 312 (80%) AGA and 37 (9.5%) LGA neonates. The sensitivity of the model for any ROP was 67.8%, 66.7%, 73.2%, 55.6% for all of the patients in the study, SGA, AGA, and LGA neonates, respectively. The sensitivity of the model for severe ROP in all group and for each subgroup was 100%. The specificity of the model for any ROP was 65.9%, 70.6%, 87.7%, 90% for all of the patients, SGA, AGA, and LGA neonates, respectively. The specificity for severe ROP was 46.4%, 50%, 44%, 63.6% for all of the patients, SGA, AGA, and LGA neonates, respectively.Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of the G-ROP model in SGA infants were similar with the whole group, but was different between SGA, AGA and LGA neonates. Although the model did not miss any severe ROP, the specificity of the model for severe ROP was found low.
Long COVID Occurrence in COVID-19 Survivors
Authors: Sugiyama Aya , Miwata Kei , Kitahara Yoshihiro , Okimoto Mafumi , Abe Kanon , Bunthen E , OUOBA Serge , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanimine Naoki , Ohdan Hideki , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Nagasawa Akira , Nakanishi Toshio , Takafuta Toshiro , Tanaka Junko
Published: January 2022

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the post-acute consequences of COVID-19. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey on sequelae, psychological distress (K6), impairments in work performance (WFun), and COVID-19–related experiences of stigma and discrimination in two designated COVID-19 hospitals in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, between August 2020 and March 2021. The prevalence of sequelae were calculated by age and COVID-19 severity. Factors independently associated with sequelae or psychological distress were identified using logistic regression analysis. Among 127 patients who had recovered from COVID-19, 52.0% had persistent symptoms at a median of 29 days [IQR 23–128] after COVID-19 onset. Among patients with mild COVID-19, 50.5% had sequelae. The most frequent symptoms were olfactory disorders (15.0%), taste disorders (14.2%), and cough (14.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that age was an independent risk factor for sequelae (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] for ≥60 years vs. <40 years 3.84, p=0.0139). Possible psychological distress was noted in 30.7% (17.9% of males and 45.0% of females). Female sex and the presence of sequelae were independent risk factors for psychological distress. Of all participants 29.1% had possible impairments in work performance. Experiences of stigma and discrimination were reported by 43.3% of participants. This study revealed the significant impacts of Long COVID on health in local communities. A large-scale, long-term cohort study is desired.
Adaptive Sparse Domain Selection for Weather Radar Super-Resolution using Decision Support System
Authors: Yuan Haoxuan , Ihsan Rahat
Published: January 2022

Accurate and high-resolution weather radar data reflecting detailed structure information of radar echo plays an important role in analysis and forecast of extreme weather. Typically, this is done using interpolation schemes, which only use several neighboring data values for computational approximation to get the estimated, resulting the loss of intense echo information. Focus on this limitation, a super-resolution reconstruction algorithm of weather radar data based on adaptive sparse domain selection (ASDS) is proposed in this article. First, the ASDS algorithm gets a compact dictionary by learning the pre-collected data of model weather radar echo patches. Second, the most relevant sub-dictionaries are adaptively select for each low-resolution echo patches during the spare coding using a complex decision support system. Third, two adaptive regularization terms are introduced to further improve the reconstruction effect of the edge and intense echo information of the radar echo. Experimental results show that the ASDS algorithm substantially outperforms interpolation methods for ×2 and ×4 reconstruction in terms of both visual quality and quantitative evaluation metrics.