bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary mannan oligosaccharide enhances growth and survival of juvenile tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon against experimental challenge with Vibrio harveyi and white spot syndrome virus
Authors: Felix N. , Kalaimani Arasi P. , Manikandan K.
Published: January 2021

A 45-days feeding trial was conducted on juvenile tiger shrimps Penaeus monodon of size 0.997±0.098 g with diets containing Mannan oligosaccharides (Mos) at three graded levels (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%). Maximum weight gain (1.353 g) was achieved in shrimps fed with 0.3% Mos concentration, followed by 0.2% Mos (1.224 g). Best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.406 was registered in 0.3% Mos groups. Results indicate that there was a significant difference (p<0.01) in weight gain and FCR among the treatments. However, no statistical differences were observed on the specific growth rate (SGR), mean feed intake and survival rate. Feeding trial was followed by a 10 days challenge study with Vibrio harveyi by intramuscular injection and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) by feeding WSSV infected tissues. Significantly higher survival rate was observed in the shrimp groups fed with 0.3% Mos (66.67%) than the other treatments when challenged with V. harveyi. Tiger shrimps fed with 0.3% Mos challenged with WSSV showed a significantly higher survival rate (66.67%), followed by 0.2% Mos (50%), 0.1% Mos (25%) and control (25%) on day 5 post-challenge. However On day 10 post-challenge with WSSV, except in the groups fed with 0.3% Mos (16.67% survival), 100% mortality was noticed in all other diet groups. Therefore, it is concluded that dietary administration of Mos at 0.3% would enhance the growth and survival of tiger shrimp against V. harveyi. With respect to WSSV challenge, it appears that, though Mos at 0.3% had a positive effect on the shrimp, higher survival was not observed. Whether additional increment in Mos supplementation in the diet would positively affect the survival of tiger shrimps post-WSSV challenge, needs to be investigated further.
A Virtual Reality based intervention for surgical patients: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Georgescu Raluca , Dobrean Anca , Silaghi Cristina Alina , Silaghi Horațiu
Published: January 2021

Background: Pain after surgery is normal, and treatments, including both pharmacological and psychological components, are fundamental for proper postoperative care. While several trials have investigated the analgesic effect of traditional non-pharmacological treatments, such as Cognitive Behaviors Therapies, the newer ways of delivering psychological interventions for pain after surgery are scarcely investigated. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine if delivering the psychological content through Virtual Reality (VR) along with the standard pharmacological treatment return better pain relief outcomes than standard care in adult patients following surgery. Methods: This is a protocol of a parallel RCT conducted in one community hospital. In order to test the efficacy of VR environments for reducing pain intensity, in the following day after surgery, adults (18 to 65 years) will be randomly assigned to either (1) standard treatment after surgery (control group) or (2) VR based intervention along with standard treatment. It is intended that a minimum of 30 patients be recruited in each group. For estimating the intensity of pain, both self-report and physiological measures will be used. Repeated measures of pain outcomes will be taken before and after the intervention. Moreover, for allowing an in-depth investigation of the effect of VR environments, the primary outcome will be complemented with measures of the adverse effects, level of immersion, and level of presence in the VR environment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03776344. Registered on December 14, 2018.
Factors associated with work-private life conflict and leadership qualities among line managers of health professionals in Swiss acute and rehabilitation hospitals – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Peter Karin Anne , Halfens Ruud JG , Hahn Sabine , Schols Jos MGA
Published: January 2021

Background: The workforce shortage of health professionals is a matter of global concern. Among possible causative factors in this shortage are the incompatibility of health professionals’ work with their private life, which may lead to increased stress and burnout symptoms, job dissatisfaction and a higher intention to leave the profession prematurely. Also, poor leadership qualities among direct line managers (e.g. clinic directors, leading physicians, ward managers, team leaders) have been associated with health professionals’ job dissatisfaction and intention to leave in previous studies. This study therefore aimed to identify key factors associated with health professionals’ work-private life conflicts and their managers’ leadership quality.Methods: The study is based on a cross-sectional survey in 26 Swiss acute and rehabilitation hospitals, consisting of 3398 health professionals from various disciplines. For data analysis, multilevel models (with hospitals as the second level variable) were performed for ‘work-private life conflict’ and ‘quality of leadership’, considering significant main effects (using AIC) and significant interactions (using BIC) of potential explanatory variables.Results: The main findings reveal that the compatibility of health professionals’ work and private life is associated with how much they can influence shift planning (possibility of exchanging shifts, B=-2.87, p<0.01), the extent to which their individual preferences are considered (e.g. working on one specific shift only, B=6.31, p<0.01), number of work shifts per weekend (B=1.38, p<0.01) and working hours per week (B=0.13, p<0.01). In addition, the factors high quantitative demands (B=0.25, p<0.01), being required to hide their emotions (B=0.16, p<0.01) and poor social community support at work (B=-0.12, p<0.01) were related to severe work-private life conflicts among health professionals. Regarding managerial leadership, health professionals perceived the leadership qualities of their direct line manager as being better if they received more social support (B=0.61, p<0.01) and rewards (B=0.41, p<0.01) at work. Conclusions: The results show key components of improving the compatibility of work and private life for health professionals as well as managerial leadership qualities, and may help leaders working in acute or rehabilitation hospitals to develop appropriate interventions.
Dimethyl sulfide acts as eat-me signal during microbial predator-prey interactions in the ocean
Authors: Shemi Adva , Alcolombri Uria , Schatz Daniella , Farstey Viviana , Rotkopf Ron , Ben-Dor Shifra , Frada Miguel , Tawfik Dan , Vardi Assaf
Published: January 2021

Phytoplankton are key components of the oceanic carbon and sulfur cycles 1. During bloom events, some species can emit massive amounts of the organosulfur volatile dimethyl sulfide (DMS) to the atmosphere, where it can modulate aerosol formation and affect climate. In aquatic environments, DMS plays an important role as a chemical signal mediating diverse trophic-level interactions. Yet its role in microbial predator-prey interactions remains elusive with contradicting evidence for its role in algal chemical defense and in grazer’s chemoattraction to prey cells. Here, we investigated the signaling role of DMS during zooplankton-algae interactions by genetic and biochemical manipulation of the algal DMS-generating enzyme (Dimethylsulfoniopropionate lyase, DL) from the bloom-forming alga Emiliania huxleyi. We inhibited DL activity in live E. huxleyi cells by the novel DL-inhibitor 2-bromo-3-(dimethylsulfonio)-propionate (Br-DMSP) , and overexpressed DL in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. We showed that algal DL activity did not serve as anti-grazing chemical defense, and paradoxically enhanced grazing by the model microzooplankton Oxyrrhis marina and other micro- and mesozooplankton, including ciliates and copepods. Consumption of algal prey with induced DL activity also promoted O. marina’s growth. Overall, our results demonstrate that DMS-mediated herbivory may be ecologically important and prevalent during prey-predator dynamics in oceanic ecosystems. The role of DMS as an appetizing signal to grazers revealed here raises fundamental questions regarding the retention of its biosynthetic enzyme through the evolution of dominant bloom-forming phytoplankton in the ocean.
Enhancing Reappraisal of Negative Emotional Memories With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Authors: Doerig Nadja , Bohlender Rosa , Moisa Marius , Seifritz Erich , Ruff Christian , Kleim Birgit
Published: January 2021

Reappraisal of negative memories and experiences is central for mental health and well-being. Deficiency of reappraisal lies at the core of many psychiatric disorders and is a key target for treatment. Here we apply transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance reappraisal of negative emotional memories. In a randomized, sham-controlled, 2x2 between-subject and double-blinded study, we applied single sessions of anodal and sham tDCS over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of 101 healthy participants while reappraising a personal negative memory or engaging in a control task. We hypothesized that (i) reappraisal decreases negative valence, arousal and evaluations of the memory and leads to improved decision making, and (ii) tDCS leads to additional changes in these reappraisal outcomes. In line with these hypotheses, participants’ personal memories were rated as less negative and less arousing following reappraisal. Anodal tDCS stimulation during reappraisal was associated with significant additional reductions in negative valence compared to sham stimulation. Our results indicate that tDCS may enhance some of the effects of reappraisal. If replicated, our findings suggest potential benefits elicited by tDCS stimulation that may help to optimize current treatment approaches for psychiatric disorders.
A method for phylogenetic reconstruction of aneuploid cancers based on multiregional genotyping data
Authors: Andersson Natalie , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Valind Anders , Karlsson Jenny , Gisselsson David
Published: January 2021

Phylogenetic reconstruction of cancer cell populations remains challenging. There is a particular lack of tools that deconvolve clones based on copy number aberration analyses of multiple tumor biopsies separated in time and space from the same patient. This has hampered investigations of tumors rich in aneuploidy but few point mutations, as in many childhood cancers. Here, we present DEVOLUTION, an algorithm for subclonal deconvolution followed by phylogenetic reconstruction from bulk genotyping data. It integrates copy number and sequencing information across multiple tumor regions throughout the inference process, provided that the mutated clone fraction for each mutation is known. We validate DEVOLUTION on SNP-array data from 56 pediatric tumors comprising 253 tumor biopsies confirming concordance to biological mechanisms and show a robust performance on extensive simulations of bulk genotyping data.
ZmMATE6 From Maize Encodes a Citrate Transporter That Enhances Aluminum Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis Thaliana
Authors: Du Hanmei , Ryan Peter , Liu Chan , Li Hongjie , Hu Wanpeng , Yan Weina , Huang Ying , He Wenzhu , Luo Bowen , Zhang Xiao , Gao Shibin , Zhou Shufeng , Zhang Suzhi
Published: January 2021

Background: The yields of cereal crops grown on acidic soils are often reduced by aluminum (Al) toxicity because the prevalence of toxic Al3+cations increases as pH falls below 5.0. The Al-activated release from the roots of simple organic acids such as malate and citrate confers resistance to Al in a many plant species including maize (Zea mays L.). The Al-dependent release of citrate from resistant lines of maize is controlled by ZmMATE1 which encodes a multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporter protein. ZmMATE1 resides on chromosome 6 and its expression in roots is induced up to four-fold by Al treatment. ZmMATE6 is another member of this family in maize whose expression is also increased by Al treatment. We investigated the function of this gene in more detail to determine whether it also contributes to Al resistance. Results: Quantitative RT-PCR measurements found that in the absence of Al ZmMATE6 was expressed in the roots and leaves of Al-resistant and sensitive in-bred lines, and that expression levels in the root tips were lower than in the rest of the root tissue. Treatment with Al induced ZmMATE6 expression in all tissues but several other divalent or trivalent cations tested had no effect on expression. This expression pattern and the induction by Al treatment was confirmed in Arabidopsis lines transformed with β-glucuronidase where the ZmMATE6 promoter was used to drive expression. While subcellular localization of the ZmMATE6 protein could not be determined with confidence transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing ZmMATE6 displayed a greater Al-activated release of citrate from the roots and were significantly more resistant to Al toxicity than controls. This was associated with reduced accumulation of Al in the root tissues. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that ZmMATE6 expression is induced by Al and functions as a citrate transporter. While some findings are consistent with ZmMATE6 contributing to Al resistance in maize, further research is required to confirm this result.
Identification and Validation of Tumour Microenvironment-Based Immune Related Signature for Hepatocellular Carcioma: Immunotherapeutic Implications
Authors: Yu Hong , Wang Shao , Zhou Tao , Sun Jia , Qi Tian , Cheng Xian , Li De , Chen Jun , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2021

Background: Even though treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma patients have significantly improved, prognostic clinical evaluation remains a substantial challenge due to the heterogeneity and complexity of cancer. Accumulating evidence has revealed that the tumor immune microenvironment is critical for progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. A powerful predictive model could assist physicians to better monitor patient treatment outcomes and improve overall survival rates. Therefore, we introduced tumor immune-related genes into a model that could be used for patient risk classification. Results: First, the Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and Weighted gene co-expression networks construction (WGCNA) methods were applied to identify highly associated immunity genes. Following this, a multi-immune-related gene-based signature determined by The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was used to determine risk stratification. In addition, this predictive model was evaluated according to its performance as a prognostic model in the training and testing datasets. Furthermore, tumor mutation burden and biological enrichment analysis were applied to reveal the potential mechanisms through which the gene signature functions. Conclusion: In conclusion, our four-gene signature model may be clinically applied in hepatocellular carcinoma patients at high risk of mortality for personalized therapy.
Metabolite discovery through global annotation of untargeted metabolomics data
Authors: Rabinowitz Joshua , Chen Li , Lu Wenyun , Wang Lin , Xing Xi , Teng Xin , Muscarella Antonio , Shen Yihui , Cowan Alexis , McReynolds Melanie , Kennedy Brandon , Lato Ashley , Campagna Shawn , Singh Mona
Published: January 2021

A primary goal of metabolomics is to identify all biologically important metabolites. One powerful approach is liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS), yet most LC-MS peaks remain unidentified. Here, we present a global network optimization approach, NetID, to annotate untargeted LC-MS metabolomics data. We consider all experimentally observed ion peaks together, and assign annotations to all of them simultaneously so as to maximize a score that considers properties of peaks (known masses, retention times, MS/MS fragmentation patterns) as well network constraints that arise based on mass difference between peaks. Global optimization results in accurate peak assignment and trackable peak-peak relationships. Applying this approach to yeast and mouse data, we identify a half-dozen novel metabolites, including thiamine and taurine derivatives. Isotope tracer studies indicate active flux through these metabolites. Thus, NetID applies existing metabolomic knowledge and global optimization to annotate untargeted metabolomics data, revealing novel metabolites.
How does salinity shape ocean circulation and ice geometry on Enceladus and other icy satellites?
Authors: Kang Wanying , Mittal Tushar , Bire Suyash , Michel Jean , Marshall John
Published: January 2021

Of profound astrobiological interest is that not only does Enceladus have a water ocean, but it also appears to be salty, important for its likely habitability. Here, we investigate how salinity affects ocean dynamics and equilibrium ice shell geometry and use knowledge of ice shell geometry and tidal heating rates to help constrain ocean salinity. We show that the vertical overturning circulation of the ocean, driven from above by melting and freezing and the temperature dependence of the freezing point of water on pressure, has opposing signs at very low and very high salinities. In both cases, heat and freshwater converges toward the equator, where the ice is thick, acting to homogenise thickness variations. In order to maintain observed ice thickness variations, ocean heat transport should not overwhelm tidal heating rates within the ice, which are small in equatorial regions. This can only happen when the ocean’s salinity has intermediate values, order 20 psu. In this case polar-sinking driven by meridional temperature variations is largely canceled by equatorial-sinking circulation driven by salinity variations and a consistent ocean circulation, ice shell geometry and tidal heating rate can be achieved.
Study of induced gravity and correlation theory analysis of nuclear Synthesis chemical elements
Authors: Bingxiong Wen
Published: January 2021

Modern aerodynamics is the dynamics of gas propulsion. It requires precise data, material resources, manpower, and time. It is urgent to find a more suitable power source. Based on the gravitational effects of dark energy and dark matter, the cyclic process of cosmic physics black holes to odd black holes and dark energy black holes, special fusion and fission phenomena are common in the universe, and theoretical studies such as Einstein's general theory of relativity are no exception. Through the study of the source of cosmic elements, the formation environment of stellar elements, the theory and method of modern physical artificial elements，as well as atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, and nuclear reactors to precipitate elemental products ， we have designed a device which can synthesize physically stable elements and discover new chemical elements. A device capable of synthesizing physically stable elements and discovering new chemical elements is designed.
Reablement in A Small Municipality, A Survival Analysis
Authors: Anthun Kjartan , Lillefjell Monica , Anthun Kirsti
Published: January 2021

Background: Reablement is a municipal service given to patients at home. The purpose of the service is to assist recovery after hospital discharges or other sudden changes in a patient’s functional level. The service is often provided by a team of nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. The purpose of this paper is to compare users of this service to users who receive traditional home care services. Outcomes to be measured are risk of long-term care and mortality.Methods: All users of health and care services in a Norwegian municipality were eligible for inclusion. Data was extracted from the local user administrative database. Users were divided in two groups: those who received reablement and those home care users who did not receive reablement service. Propensity score matching was used to match users based on age, sex, and level of functioning in activities of daily living (ADL). Survival analysis was deployed to test if the reablement users had different risk of becoming long-term care users, and whether the mortality rate differed for this group.Results: 153 reablement users were included in the study. These were matched to 153 non-reablement home care users. The groups had similar distributions of age, sex, and level of functioning when starting their service trajectories. Regressions showed that reablement users had lower risk of using long-term care services in the study period (time at risk up to 4 years), and lower mortality. However, none of these estimates were statistically significant.Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the reablement users in one municipality had lower use of long -term care and lower mortality when properly estimated.
Identifying Malignant Lymph Nodes of Prostate Cancer Patients Using A Combination of Pre-Trained Deep Models and Traditional Machine Learning Classifiers
Authors: Sarkar Suryadipto , Wu Teresa , Harwood Matthew , Silva Alvin
Published: January 2021

Prostate cancer is the second most common new cancer diagnosis in the United States. The prostate gland sits beneath the urinary bladder and surrounds the first part of the urethra. Usually, prostate cancer is slow-growing; stays confined to the prostate gland; and can be treated conservatively (active surveillance) or with surgery. However, if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, such as to the lymph nodes, then that suggests the cancer is more aggressive and surgery is not adequate. In those cases, radiation and/or systemic therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy) are required. The challenge is that it is often difficult for radiologists to differentiate malignant lymph nodes from non-malignant ones with current medical imaging technology. In this study, we design a scalable hybrid approach utilizing a deep learning model to extract features into a machine learning classifier to automatically identify malignant lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer.
A 35-fold enhancement in photocurrent generation of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by outer membrane deprivation
Authors: Kusama Shoko , Kojima Seiji , Kimura Ken , Shimakawa Ginga , Miyake Chikahiro , Tanaka Kenya , Okumura Yasuaki , Nakanishi Shuji
Published: January 2021

Biophotovoltaics (BPV) is an emerging technology developed to utilize reducing equivalents produced by photosynthetic organisms. It generates electrical power by exploiting a phenomenon called extracellular electron transfer (EET), where reducing equivalents are transferred extracellularly to exogenous electron acceptors. Although cyanobacteria have been extensively studied in BPV because of their high photosynthetic activity and ease of handling, their extremely low EET activity remains a limitation. In this study, we achieved a 35-fold enhancement in photocurrent generation of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by deprivation of the outer membrane, where electrons are suggested to stem from NADPH; this, along with a significantly higher rate of exogenous ferricyanide reduction, verified that low permeability of the outer membrane contributues to low cyanobacterial EET activity. Moreover, outer membrane deprivation enhanced extracellular derivation of reducing equivalents serving as respiratory substrates for other heterotrophic bacteria, making it promising and useful for effective derivation of reducing equivalents.
Characterization of TGFβ-Associated Molecular Features and Drug Responses in Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Qiaofeng , Liu Furong , Qin Lu , Liao Zhibin , Song Jia , Liang Huifang , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Zhanguo , Zhang Bixiang
Published: January 2021

Background: Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma (GIAD) has caused a serious disease burden globally. Targeted therapy for the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is becoming a reality. However, the molecular characterization of TGF-β in GIAD requires further exploration.Results: The TGF-β­­high group had a worse prognosis in overall GIAD patients, and had a worse prognosis trend in gastric cancer and colon cancer specifically. Signatures (including mRNA and proteins) of the TGF-β­­high group is highly correlated with EMT. According to miRNA analysis, miR-215-3p, miR-378a-5p, and miR-194-3p may block the effect of TGF-β. Further genomic analysis showed that TGF-β­­low group had more genomic changes in gastric cancer, such as TP53 mutation, EGFR amplification, and SMAD4 deletion. And drug response dataset revealed sensitive drugs or drug resistant drugs corresponding to TGF-β associated mRNAs. Finally, the DNN model showed an excellent predictive effect in predicting TGF-β status in different GIAD datasets.Conclusions: Our study provided a comprehensive analysis of the molecular characteristics associated with TGF-β and provides possible therapeutic targets in GIAD.
WITHDRAWN: Dynamic Compressive Properties of Carbon Nanofibers Reinforced Concrete under Impact Load
Authors: Xia Wei , Xu Jinyu , Nie Liangxue
Published: January 2021

To explore the dynamic compressive properties of carbon nanofibers reinforced concrete (CNFC), a 100mm-diameter Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) was used to carry out the impact compression test respectively on the plain concrete samples and the CNFC samples with different fiber volume fractions (respectively, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.5%). On this basis, the change characteristics of concrete at five different strain rate levels in dynamic compressive strength, dynamic compression deformation, impact toughness and dynamic elastic modulus of concrete were compared and analyzed. The results show that the dynamic compressive strength, dynamic compression deformation and impact toughness of concrete are enhanced by carbon nanofibers to varying degrees. Specifically, when the content of carbon nanofibers is 0.3%, its enhancement effect on dynamic compressive strength is the best; when the content of carbon nanofibers is 0.2%, it helps enhance the dynamic elastic modulus of concrete, but other content can only have the opposite effect. The dynamic compressive strength, impact toughness and dynamic elastic modulus of plain concrete and CNFC gradually increase with the increase of strain rate level, indicating the existence of significant linear relationship; although the dynamic peak strain and ultimate strain increase wholly with the increase of strain rate, there is no obvious linear correlation between them. In addition, the micro test results show that the addition of an appropriate amount of carbon nanofibers help exert the small size effect, strengthen crack resistance and improve the microstructure of the matrix, effectively enhancing the dynamic compressive properties of concrete under impact load.
Practical Iridium-Catalyzed Direct α-arylation of N-heteroarenes with (Hetero)arylboronic Acids by H2O-Mediated H2 Evolution
Authors: Cao Liang , Zhao He , Rongqing Rongqing , Jiang Huanfeng , Dixneuf Pierre , Zhang Min
Published: January 2021

Despite the widespread applications of 2-(hetero)aryl N-heteroarenes in numerous fields of science and technology, universal access to such compounds is easily hampered due to the lack of a general method for their synthesis. Herein, by a H2O-mediated H2-evolution cross-coupling strategy, we report a new iridium(III)-catalyzed facile method to direct α-arylation of N-heteroarenes with both aryl and heteroaryl boronic acids, proceeding with broad substrate scope and excellent functional compatibility, oxidant and reductant-free conditions, operational simplicity, easy scalability, and no need for prefunctionalization of N-heteroarenes. This method offers applicability for structural modification of biomedical molecules, but also a practical route for direct access to 2-(hetero)aryl N-heteroarenes, a class of potential cyclometalated C^N ligands and N^N bidentate ligands that are inaccessible or difficult to prepare with the existing α-C-H arylation methods, thus filling an important gap in the capabilities of synthetic organic chemistry.
Resident Education and Wellness: A Strategy for Future Pandemics
Authors: Posey Samuel , Jolissaint Josef , Brandt Aaron , Seymour Rachel , Sims Stephen , Hsu Joseph , Patt Joshua , Scannell Brian
Published: January 2021

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a novel challenge to modern healthcare systems and medical training. Resource allocation and risk mitigation has dramatically affected resident training with the subsequent cancellation of elective procedures, 14-day isolation recommendations, and social distancing requirements. To combat the unique challenges to resident education and wellness, academic leaders must develop new strategies to maintain a healthy, competent residency program. Methods: Our institution implemented a revolving 3-Team system. While the “Inpatient-Team” delivered direct care to orthopaedic patients, the “Back-up Team” and “Quarantine-Team” managed the telemedicine virtual clinic and education-wellness strategy, respectively. The education strategy included active learning methods on virtual platforms, junior resident-specific sessions, and subspecialty-interest panels. Research teams were built and rapidly deployed virtually for large scale retrospective studies. For the wellness strategy plan, our prior resident “family” organization (peer support group) was supplemented by friendly interdepartmental competitions and virtual faculty social hours. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of our implemented strategies a blinded survey was completed by the residents affected by the pandemic. Results: Our 3-Team system allowed for the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care while optimizing resident education, research, and wellness. One hundred percent of residents felt they had the tools necessary to protect themselves throughout the pandemic and 94% felt that program leadership cared about their wellness and safety. In terms of our education and wellness strategy plan, the efficient use of technology led to both improved virtual education outside of the hospital and intentional wellness opportunities despite social distancing restrictions. Eighty-eight percent of residents felt the program was able to offer valuable educational opportunities despite the pandemic. Overall, 76% of residents did not feel the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their training or preparedness for their career, however 75% of PGY4’s felt they missed important subspecialty exposure and 50% felt that it negatively impacted their training. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely to be the last challenge the medical training community faces. Utilization of virtual platforms for patient care, education, research, and wellness grew out of necessity in this pandemic, yet represents an opportunity for lasting improvement with re-entry.
Clinical outcome and Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Adult Patients Admitted to the Medical Ward of Jimma Medical Center, South West Ethiopia: A prospective Observational Study
Authors: Abebe Abinet , Kumela Kabaye , Belay Maekel , Kebede Bezie
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAcute kidney injury is a major global public health problem occur both in community and hospital settings. It is expensive to manage, prolongs hospitalization and associated with high rates of in-hospital mortality. We aim to evaluate the clinical outcome and predictors of AKI in a single center hospitalized patients.MethodA hospital based prospective observational study was employed. Patients were recruited using consecutive sampling technique after informed consent was secured from all patients. Data was cleaned, coded and entered in to Epi-data software version 4.4.2 and analyzed with SPSS version 21. Cox regression model was fitted to identify predictors of mortality. Statistical significance was considered at p-value of less than 0.05.ResultA total of 203 patients were enrolled over five months. Out of this, 121(59.6%) were males and 58(28.6%) aged greater than 60. Most common causes of AKI were; Hypovolemia 99(48.77%), Glomerulonephritis 51 (25.11%), Sepsis 32(15.79%). The overall in hospital mortality was 12.8%. Stage3 AKI (AHR = 9.61, 95%CI: 1.17–28.52, p = 0.035), duration of AKI (AHR = 7.04, 95% CI: 1.37–36.08, p = 0.019), length of hospital stay (AHR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.73 p = 0.012) and hyperkalemia (AHR = 3.61, 95% CI: 1.12–11.71, p = 0.032) were significantly associated with in hospital mortality.ConclusionAcute kidney injury was associated with a significant five month in hospital mortality. Most of causes of AKI are preventable and patients would have been benefited from early identification and treatment of these reversible causes.
In-silico trial of intracranial flow diverters replicates and expands insights from conventional clinical trials
Authors: Sarrami-Foroushani Ali , Lassila Toni , Macraild Michael , Asquith Joshua , Roes Kit C. B. , Byrne James V. , Frangi Alejandro F
Published: January 2021

Although the cost of clinical trials is ever-increasing, in-silico trials, which rely on virtual populations and interventions simulated using patient-specific models, may offer a solution to contain these costs. However, in-silico trial endpoints need to be compared to those available from conventional clinical trials to ensure that the predictions of safety or efficacy from the in-silico approach are valid. Here, we present the flow diverter performance assessment (FDPASS) in-silico trial, which modelled the treatment of intracranial aneurysms in 82 virtual patients with a flow-diverting stent, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to quantify post-treatment flow reduction in the aneurysm sac. The predicted FD-PASS flow-diversion success rate replicated the values previously reported in three reference clinical trials. The in-silico approach allowed broader investigation of factors associated with insufficient flow reduction and increased stroke risk after flow diversion than would be feasible in a conventional trial. These findings demonstrate for the first time that in-silico trials of medical devices can (i) replicate findings of conventional clinical trials and (ii) incorporate virtual experiments that are impossible in conventional trials.
Genetic associations with carotid intima-media thickness link to atherosclerosis biology with sex-differences in sub-Saharan Africans
Authors: Boua Palwende , Brandenburg Jean-Tristan , Choudhury Ananyo , Sorgho Hermann , Nonterah Engelbert , Agongo Godfred , Asiki Gershim , Micklesfield Lisa , Choma Solomon , Gómez-Olivé Xavier , Hazelhurst Scott , Tinto Halidou , Crowther Nigel , Mathew Christopher , Ramsay Michele
Published: January 2021

Atherosclerosis precedes the onset of many clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We used carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) to investigate genetic susceptibility to atherosclerosis in 7894 unrelated adults (3963 women, 3931 men) aged 40 to 60 years resident in four sub-Saharan African countries. cIMT was measured by ultrasound and genotyping was performed on the H3Africa SNP Array. Two new African-specific genome-wide significant loci, SIRPA (p=4.7E-08), and FBXL17 (p=2.5E-08), were identified in the combined dataset. Sex-stratified analysis revealed associations with two male-specific loci, SNX29 (p=6.3E-09) and MAP3K7 (p=5.3E-08), and two female-specific loci, LARP6 (p=2.4E-09) and PROK1 (p=1.0E-08). Regional associations were replicated with known risk loci for atherosclerosis and CVDs with different lead SNPs than in Europeans and significant enrichment for oestrogen response genes for female-specific signals were identified. The genes identified showed biological relevance to atherosclerosis and/or CVDs, as well as sex-differences and transferability of signals from non-African studies.
Arabidopsis Sucrose Transporter 4 (AtSUC4) is Involved in Root Response of High Content Sucrose-Growth Via IAA- and ABA- Dependent Manner
Authors: Liu Si-Wen , Zhang Li-Ding , Gao Jia-Yu , Dong Tian-Tian , Zhang Tong , Long Jian-Mei , Peng Chang-Cao
Published: January 2021

Source-to-sink transport of sucrose mediated by sucrose transporters (SUCs) is one of the major determinants of plant growth. However, the role of AtSUC4, the only member of Group IV sucrose transporter in Arabidopsis, was undervalued in sink organ during seedling period. In our study, the primary root length of the atsuc4 mutants was significantly longer than that of the wild-type (WT) under exogenous 4% and 6% sucrose treatment. But this phenotype could not be imitated by external application of glucose or mannitol. It means that the atsuc4 mutants were insensitive to high sucrose stress compared with WT. Meanwhile, HPLC-MS/MS results showed that the root of atsuc4 mutants accumulated less sucrose and ABA and more IAA content compared with WT on 4% and 6% sucrose supplementation. Transcriptome analysis showed that many key genes involved in IAA and ABA signals were respective stimulated and repressed in the atsuc4 mutants, respectively. Taken together, we concluded that the deficiency of AtSUC4, not only reducing the transported and uptaked of sucrose, but also as a signal, may be collaborated with IAA and ABA to regulate root growth under high sucrose stress. This study confirmed the new function of AtSUC4, and provided an promising candidate gene for improving tolerance to high sucrose stress.
‘Stolen Time’- Delivering Nursing at The Bottom of A Hierarchy: An Ethnographic Study of Barriers and Facilitators for Evidence-Based Nursing For Patients With Community Acquired Pneumonia.
Authors: Eekholm Signe , Samuelsson Karin , Ahlström Gerd , Lindhardt Tove
Published: January 2021

BackgroundResearch continue to report a high prevalence of low quality and missed care for patients with community aquired pneumonia (CAP). Optimised nursing treatment and care will benefit CAP patients and health economy. Hence, there is a need to describe barriers and facilitators at individual, team, and organisational levels influencing registered nurses’ adherence to evidence-based guideline recommendations for nursing care for older patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia. MethodsTwo semi-structured focus-group interviews (n=6 registered nurses in each group), field observations (n=14), and individual follow-up interviews (n=10) were conducted in three Danish medical units. Data were analysed using qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. ResultsThe data revealed a main theme: ‘Stolen time’- delivering nursing at the bottom of a hierarchy and three themes: 1) ‘Under the dominance of stronger paradigms’, 2) ‘The loss of professional identity’, and 3) ‘The power of leadership. The themes, each comprising two to three sub-themes, illustrated that registered nurses’ adherence to evidence-based guideline recommendations, was strongly influenced by the individual registered nurses’ professionalism and professional identity, contextual barriers including the interdisciplinary team, organisational structure, culture and valuation of nursing care, and the nurse manager’s leadership skills. ConclusionsTime is stolen from hospital nurses worldwide, leading to haphazard and missed care. This study identified central factors that may help registered nurses understand the underlying dynamics and make them better equipped for changing practice to improve patient outcomes. Barriers for evidence-based nursing practice were found at the individual, team, and organisational levels. Implementation strategies for evidence-based nursing should, therefore, target barriers at all three levels and emphasise facilitating leadership.
Phytoplankton Communities of Temporary Ponds Under Different Climate Scenarios: Experiments on Vernal Pool Microcosms
Authors: Celewicz Sofia , Gołdyn Bartłomiej
Published: January 2021

Temporary water bodies, especially vernal pools, are the most sensitive to climate change, yet the least studied aquatic environments. Their functioning largely depends on the phytoplankton communities structure. This study aimed to determine how temperature and photoperiod length (simulating inundation in different parts of the year under six climate scenarios) affect the succession and the structure of phytoplankton communities soon after inundation. For longer photoperiods and at lower temperatures in vernal pool microcosms (simulating a cold spring after a warm snowless winter), the phytoplankton community evolved into chlorophytes and cryptophytes. At short photoperiod (inudation in winter, followed by freezing of the water surface) the communities evolved into the euglenoids. Medium temperatures and long photoperiods (late inundation during cool spring) promoted the development of chlorophytes, with high total phytoplankton abundance as well as species richness and diversity. The lack of cyanobacteria dominance, suggests that they will not be the leading group in vernal pools in the temperate zone with progressive global warming. Our study shows that climate change will result in the seasonal shifts of the species abundance or even in their disappearance, and finally in strong changes in the biodiversity and food web of aquatic ecosystems in the future.
Identification of the Signature Associated With m6A RNA Methylation Regulators and m6A-Related Genes and Construction of the Risk Score for Prognostication in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Bingzhou , Zhang Hongliang , Wang Jinliang , Wu Rilige , Zhang Junyan , Zhang Qiqin , Xu Lu , shen Ming , Zhang Zhibo , Gu Fangyan , Zeng Weiliang , Yin Chengliang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundN6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification play critical roles in tumorigenesis because it can change gene expression and even the function in multiple levels including the regulation of degradation, subcellular localization, splicing and local conformation changes of RNA transcripts. In this study, we aim to conduct comprehensive investigation on m6A RNA methylation regulators and m6A-related genes and their association with prognosis in early-stage Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). MethodsThe relevant datasets which were used to analyze 21 m6A RNA methylation regulators and 887 m6A-related genes in m6Avar were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Univariate cox regression analysis, random survival forest analysis, Kaplan-Meier anylysis, STRING and multivariate cox analysis were carried out on the datasets, and a risk prognostic model based on five feature genes was constructed.ResultsRespectively, we treated GSE31210 (n=226) as training set, GSE50081 (n=128) and TCGA data (n=461) as test set. By performing univariable cox regression and random survival forest algorithm in the training group, five prognosis-related genes including DENND1A, KBTBD6, KIF4A, BMPER, and YTHDC2 were screened out, which could divide LUAD patients into low-risk group and high-risk group (log rank P < 0.001). The predictive efficacy of these genes was confirmed in the test group GSE50081 (log rank P < 0.01) and TCGA datasets (log rank P < 0.001). Cox analysis showed that this five-gene signature was an independent risk factor in LUAD. Further, genes in the signature were also external validated using online database. YTHDC2 played vital role of readers in m6A methylation.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggested that associated with m6A-related genes and m6A RNA methylation regulators, five-gene signature was reliable prognostic indicator for LUAD patients, indicating a clinical application prospect to serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Using Integrated Assessment Approach to Prioritise Performance Indicators for Sustainable Construction and Development of Secondary Campuses
Authors: Zhang ChaoYang , Wang TsungJuang
Published: January 2021

Background: Sustainable development is a global trend, prompting the development of green school buildings. Green building and low-carbon campus promotion in junior high schools and elementary schools were researched in this study to facilitate improved environmental protection, energy saving, and carbon reduction as well as the construction of green, low-carbon campuses. Methods: A review of green building certification approvals was used to establish a green campus assessment system with suitable sustainability factors. Relevant indicators were constructed using the Fuzzy Delphi Method and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Questionnaires were administered to various types of experts regarding the decision sequence for constructing a green, low-carbon campus in junior high schools and elementary schools. Results: The decision most highly prioritized by all experts was related to lifestyle education and policy management. A healthy campus environment was assigned second place. Energy- and carbon-saving planning and the ecoenvironment were ranked lower. The results provide a reference for architectural planning and implementation, for schools, and for researchers. Conclusion: The government can use them to inform appropriate policies and to establish priorities and indicator weights for promoting green, low-carbon school campuses. Education resources can thereby be reasonably allocated, green building quality on campuses enhanced, and energy-saving and carbon-saving measures implemented.
Experimental observation of hydrodynamic-like behavior in 3D topological semimetal ZrTe5
Authors: Cho Chang-woo , Wang Peipei , Tang Fangdong , Park Sungkyun , He Mingquan , Lortz Rolf , Gu Genda , Zhang Liyuan
Published: January 2021

Hydrodynamic fluidity in condensed matter physics has been experimentally demonstrated only in a limited number of compounds because of the stringent conditions that must be satisfied. Herein, we demonstrate the existence of hydrodynamic-like properties driven by the collective excitation of the Dirac fluid in the three-dimensional topological semimetal ZrTe5. By measuring the electrical and thermal properties in a wide temperature range, we find a regime satisfying phononic hydrodynamic-like characteristics with two representative experimental evidences: a faster evolution of the thermal conductivity than in the ballistic regime and the existence of a local maximum of the effective mean free path. In contrast to phononic hydrodynamics, the Wiedemann-Franz law is violated by about a factor of 100. Moreover, phonon-dragged anomalies are observed, which serve as a signature of the Dirac fluidity in this system.
Bayesian Analysis of the Joint Risk of Malaria and Anemia Among Under-age Ve Children in Nigeria
Authors: Egbon Osafu
Published: January 2021

-BackgroundA life-threatening malaria parasites are known to have a substantial causative effect with the occurrences of frequent episodes of other diseases causing rapid progression to death. The parasites feed on iron molecules present in the red blood cells, therefore, resulting in low functional hemoglobin concentration causing anemia in children, and preventing rapid recovery. This study quantifies the impact of malaria on under-age five anemic children in Nigeria.-MethodThe joint risk and disease specific risks factors of malaria and anemia were estimated using a generalized linear mixed model in a Bayesian framework and a Besag-York-Mollie spatial prior model to account for spatial heterogeneity. Data were sourced from the Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the National Population Commission.-ResultsMalaria significantly places anemic children at a higher risk, which signifies a significant correlation between these diseases with regards to risk factors such as the place or region of residence, family wealth index, and use of a mosquito-preventive net. -ConclusionA high proportion of parents that live in the rural region is non-educated and low-income earners engaging in subsistence farming places children at severe risk of malaria and anemia.