bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Needs Assessment for Multi-Stakeholder Implementation Science Training in LMIC Settings: Findings and Recommendations
Authors: Turner Mallory Wolfe , Bogdewic Stephanie , Agha Erum , Blanchard Carrie , Sturke Rachel , Pettifor Audrey , Salisbury Kathryn , Marques Andrea Horvath , Excellent Marie Lina , Rajagopal Nitya , Ramaswamy Rohit
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDespite significant progress in the field of implementation science (IS), current training programs are inadequate to meet the global need, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Even when training opportunities exist, there is a “knowledge-practice gap,” where implementation research findings are not useful to practitioners in a field designed to bridge that gap. This is a critical challenge in LMICs where complex public health issues must be addressed. This paper describes results from a formal assessment of learning needs, priority topics, and delivery methods for LMIC stakeholders.MethodsWe first reviewed a sample of articles published recently in Implementation Science to identify IS stakeholders and assigned labels and definitions for groups with similar roles. We then employed a multi-step sampling approach and a random sampling strategy to recruit participants (n=39) for a semi-structured interview that lasted 30-60 minutes. Stakeholders with inputs critical to developing training curricula were prioritized and selected for interviews. We created memos from audio recorded interviews and used a deductively created codebook to conduct thematic analysis. We calculated kappa coefficients for each memo and used validation techniques to establish rigor including incorporating feedback from reviewers and member checking.ResultsParticipants included program managers, researchers, and physicians working in over 20 countries, primarily LMICs. The majority had over ten years of implementation experience but fewer than five years of IS experience. Three main themes emerged from the data, pertaining to past experience with IS, future IS training needs, and contextual issues. Most respondents (even with formal training) described their IS knowledge as basic or minimal. Preferences for future training were heterogeneous, but findings suggest that curricula must encompass a broader set of competencies than just IS, include mentorship/apprenticeship, and center the LMIC context.ConclusionThis work is the first to explicitly explore and highlight the need for fundamental, widespread, and context specific training in IS and capacity building in basic operational research for key stakeholders in LMICs. Therefore, we propose the novel approach of intelligent swarming as a solution to help build IS capacity in LMICs through the lens of sustainability and equity.
ACCV: Automatic Classification algorithm of Cataract Video based on Deep learning
Authors: Hu Shenming , Luan Xinze , Wu Hong , Wang Xiaoting , Yan Chunhong , Wang Jingying , Liu Guantong , He Wei
Published: May 2021

Purpose: A real-time automatic cataract grading algorithm based on cataract video is proposed.Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we set the video of the eye lens section as the research target. A method is proposed to use YOLO-V3 to assist in positioning, to automatically identify the position of the lens and classify the cataract after color space conversion. The data set is a cataract video file of 38 people's 76 eyes collected by a slit lamp. Data collected using five random manner, the method aims to reduce the influence on the collection algorithm accuracy. The video length is within 10s, and the classified picture data is extracted from the video file. A total of 1520 images are extracted from the image data set, and the data set is divided into training set, validation set and test set according to the ratio of 7:2:1.Results: We verified it on the 76-segment clinical data test set and achieved the accuracy of 0.9400, with the AUC of 0.9880. And the F1 of 0.9388. In addition, because of the color space recognition method, the detection per frame can be completed within 29 microseconds and thus the detection efficiency has been improved significantly.Conclusion: With the efficiency and effectiveness of this algorithm, the lens scan video is used as the research object, which improves the accuracy of the screening. It is closer to the actual cataract diagnosis and treatment process, and can effectively improve the cataract inspection ability of non-ophthalmologists. For cataract screening in poor areas, the accessibility of ophthalmology medical care is also increased.
AC Breakdown Analysis of Synthesized Nanofluids for Transformer Insulation
Authors: OPARANTI SAMSON , Khaleed A.A. , Abdelmalik A.A.
Published: May 2021

This work presents the effect of nanoparticles (Al2O3 and TiO2) on methyl ester synthesized from palm kernel oil for oil-filled power equipment. It investigates the loss tangent, AC conductivity and AC breakdown strength of the methyl ester-based nanofluid. The surface of the nanoparticles was functionalized with oleic acid before dispersing it into methyl ester to modify the stability of the mixture. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron dispersive x-ray was done on the two nanoparticles to know the morphology and elemental composition of the nanoparticles. The preparation of nanofluids was achieved through the dispersion of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1wt. % of nanoparticles into the ester. It was observed that the loading of the two nanoparticles reduces the loss tangent and the AC conductivity of methyl ester but with a pronounced enhancement in Al2O3 nanofluid. The Weibull statistical analysis of the breakdown data shows that the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the base fluid increases the characteristic breakdown strength of the ester with an optimum performance at 0.6 wt. %. The characteristic breakdown strength for TiO2 and Al2O3 nanofluid is 60.6 kV and 64.1 kV respectively. The result revealed that Al2O3 nanofluid possesses the highest dielectric properties with low loss, low conductivity and high characteristic breakdown strength which makes it a better replacement for mineral insulating oil.
Quantum state tomography of molecules by ultrafast diffraction
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Shuqiao , Xiong Yanwei , Zhang Hankai , Ischenko Anatoli , Vendrell Oriol , Dong Xiaolong , Mu Xiangxu , Centurion Martin , Xu Haitan , Miller R. J. Dwayne , Li Zheng
Published: May 2021

Ultrafast electron diffraction and time-resolved serial crystallography are the basis of the ongoing revolution in capturing at the atomic level of detail the structural dynamics of molecules. However, most experiments employ the classical “ball-and-stick” depictions, and the information of molecular quantum states, such as the density matrix, is missing. Here, we introduce a framework for the preparation and ultrafast coherent diffraction from rotational wave packets of molecules, and we establish a new variant of quantum state tomography for ultrafast electron diffraction to characterize the molecular quantum states. The ability to reconstruct the density matrix of molecules of arbitrary degrees of freedom will provide us with an unprecedentedly clear view of the quantum states of molecules, and enable the visualization of effects dictated by the quantum dynamics of molecules.
Design of Agricultural Credit Guarantee Risk Prediction Model Based on PSO-SVM in Wireless Network
Authors: Chao ZHANG , Wang Zhenyu , Jie LV
Published: May 2021

In recent years, big data and deep learning technology have been extensively applied in the field of financial risk identification. Many scholars have used deep learning technology to provide early warning of the time series of the risk in agricultural credit guarantee. The traditional model training mainly relies on the evaluation of the financial and non-financial situation of new agricultural business entities to identify the risk in agricultural credit guarantee. Therefore, the selection of influencing factors, model construction and the optimization algorithm are usually highly subjective. And the model is built on the basis of wired network to analyze the risk data, the risk data can not be long-distance transmission. Improving these influencing factors can help to provide more scientific suggestions on the training of the model for the identification of risk in agricultural credit guarantee, and it can also significantly enhance the risk identification accuracy of the model. In this paper, under the wireless network, PSO-SVM was used to model the real data of 510 types of new agricultural operating entities in the agricultural credit guarantee system of L province from 2017 to 2019, and to identify the risks. Finally, a high precision risk identification model of agricultural credit guarantee based on PSO-SVM under wireless network was established, and its accuracy of the identification results was compared with that of the unimproved SVM model. With 14 influencing factors in the test set as input, and a test ratio of 0.3, the following conclusions were obtained: first, after improving the parameter selection and algorithm of the model for the identification of the risk in agricultural credit guarantee based on the traditional SVM, the accuracy of the improved model is higher than that of the traditional model. Second, after adding the influencing factor, namely the cognitive bias of the new agricultural business entities in agricultural product market forecasting, the accuracy of agricultural credit guarantee risk identification model based on PSO-SVM under wireless network reached 92.2%, indicating that the model is well trained and can accurately identify the risk of agricultural credit guarantee in practice.
FAM49B Promotes Breast Cancer Proliferation, Metastasis , and Chemoresistance by Stabilizing ELAVL1 Protein and Regulating Downstream Rab10/TLR4 Pathway
Authors: Li Yanhui , Xiong Yue , Wang Zhen , Han Jianjun , Shi Sufang , He Jinglan , Shen Na , Wu Wenjuan , Wang Rui , Lv Weiwei , Deng Yajun , Liu Weiguang
Published: May 2021

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of death in women. Analysis of online databases revealed that FAM49B is highly expressed in BC and is associated with reduced disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the role of FAM49B in BC has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to systematically study the role of FAM49B in the proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance of BC, as well as the corresponding mechanisms, and to provide new predictors and targets for BC treatment.Methods: We used western blotting and immunohistochemistry to quantify FAM49B expression levels in human BC samples. A combination of shRNA, co-immunoprecipitation, MTT, migration/invasion, and apoptosis assays, in addition to microarray detection and data analysis and a nude mouse xenograft tumor model, was used for further mechanistic studies.Results: In BC, the results showed that the expression level of FAM49B was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissue, and highly expression of FAM49B was significantly positively correlated with tumor volume, histological grade, lymph node metastasis rate, and poor prognosis. Knockdown or overexpression of FAM49B inhibited or promoted, respectively, the proliferation and migration of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Microarray analysis revealed that the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was inhibited upon FAM49B knockdown. In addition, the gene interaction network and downstream protein validation of FAM49B revealed that FAM49B positively regulates BC cell proliferation and migration by promoting the Rab10/TLR4 pathway. Furthermore, endogenous FAM49B interacted with ELAVL1 and positively regulated Rab10 and TLR4 expression by stabilizing ELAVL1. Moreover, mechanistic studies indicated that the lack of FAM49B expression in BC cells conferred more sensitivity to anthracycline and increased cell apoptosis by downregulating the ELAVL1/Rab10/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.Conclusion: FAM49B may be a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for BC.
Can we predict which patients with plantar heel pain are more likely to benefit from insoles? a secondary exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rasenberg N. , Dijkgraaf L.J.M. , Bindels P.J. , Bierma-Zeinstra S.M.A. , Middelkoop Marienke van
Published: May 2021

Background Plantar heel pain (PHP) is a common cause of foot complaints, for which treatment with custom-made insoles is frequently applied. So far few studies have investigated patient characteristics that predict response to these treatments. The aim of this secondary exploratory analysis was twofold; firstly, to identify patient characteristics that predict prognosis in patients with PHP treated with insoles, and secondly to identify characteristics that might interact with treatment with insoles. Methods Data from a randomized trial in which participants received either custom insoles (N=70), sham insoles (N=69) or GP-led usual care (N=46) were used. At baseline, information was collected on demographics, foot symptoms, foot and ankle range of motion, navicular drop, presence of neuropathic pain, physical activity and other illnesses in the last 12 months. The primary outcome of this study was the Foot Function Index score(FFI) at 26 weeks. Multivariable linear regression models were generated to identify patients characteristics that predict the outcome for each type of intervention (i.e. insoles and GP-led usual care). Results We found two variables associated with a better function score at 26 weeks in patients treated with insoles, female sex (β -9.59 95%CI -17.87; -1.31) and a lower FFI score at baseline (β 0.56 95%CI 0.30; 0.82). Conclusion When communicating about prognosis of PHP clinicians should take sex and the amount of disability at first presentation into account. Women and people with better function scores at baseline (according to FFI) might respond better to treatment with insoles in terms of foot function. Trial registration: NTR5346
Recycling of Waste Tyre into Silica-Rubber Compounds for Green Tyre Application
Authors: Ghosh Joyeeta , Hait Sakrit , Ghorai Soumyajit , Mondal Dipankar , Heinrich Gert , Wießner Sven , Das Amit , De Debapriya
Published: May 2021

The prevention of detrimental effects to environment, owing to generation of a huge amount of rubber wastes, is a big challenge across the globe that warrants a thorough investigation of recycling and reuses waste of rubber products.In this spirit a sustainable development of a devulcanization process along with the production of value added devulcanized rubber is a task of hours.The present work describes a simultaneous devulcanization and chemical functionalisationprocessof waste solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR). This kind of rubber is generally used as the main polymer component in silica filled tread rubber compounds for high-performance passenger car tyres. As-grown ethoxy groupson the functionalized devulcanized styrene butadiene rubber (D-SBR)are exploited for the coupling between silica and the devulcanized rubber chains. We compare the mechanical and dynamic mechanical performance of D-SBR with that of virgin SBR control composites. Covalently bonding interfaces developed from the pendent ethoxy groups of D-SBR and silanol groups on the silica surface offer a competitive and promising performance of the D-SBR based composites. We conclude that the present approach can be further utilized for the large-scale production of different rubber products with satisfied elastomeric performance.
Introduction of Gasless Laparoscopic Surgery as a Minimally-Invasive Procedure for Endometrial Cancer and Its Usefulness From the Viewpoint of the Learning Curve
Authors: Ito Hiroe , Moritake Tetsuya , Terauchi Fumitoshi , Isaka Keiichi
Published: May 2021

Background: We investigated the usefulness of gasless laparoscopic surgery (GLS) using a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method for endometrial cancer.Methods: We studied 105 patients with early endometrial cancer who underwent GLS (55) or open surgery (50). A uterine manipulator was used in all GLS cases. We compared operative time, blood loss, number of lymph nodes removed, hospital stay, perioperative complications, cases converted to laparotomy, and recurrence and survival rates. We also studied the learning curve and proficiency of GLS.Results: The GLS group had significantly longer operative time (265 vs. 191 minutes), reduced blood loss (184 vs. 425 mL), shorter hospital stay (9.9 vs. 17.6 days), and fewer postoperative complications (1.8 vs. 12.0%) than the open group. No case was converted to laparotomy. Disease-free and overall survival rates at 4 years postoperatively (GLS vs. open groups) were 98.0 versus 97.8 and 100 versus 95.7%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups. Regarding the learning curve for GLS, two different phases were observed in approximately 10 cases. Operator 2, who was not accustomed to laparoscopic surgery, showed a significant reduction in operative time in the later phase 2. Conclusions: GLS for endometrial cancer results in less bleeding, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications than open surgery. Recurrence and survival rates were not significantly different from those of open surgery. This technique may be introduced in a short time for operators who are skilled at open surgery but not used to laparoscopic surgery.
The Global Trends and Regional Differences in Incidence of Hepatitis a From 1990 to 2019 and Implications for Its Prevention
Authors: Cao Guiying , Jing Wenzhan , Liu Jue , Liu Min
Published: May 2021

Background & Purpose
Despite decades of improved sanitation and hygiene measures and the introduction of hepatitis A vaccine, hepatitis A has been spread through numerous outbreaks globally. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study to quantify the burden of hepatitis A at the global, regional and national levels.
Methods
Detailed information on annual incident cases and age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of hepatitis A between 1990–2019 were derived from the GBD study 2019. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of ASR was calculated to quantify the temporal trends in ASR of hepatitis A.
Results
Globally, incident cases of hepatitis A increased 13.90% from 139.54 million in 1990 to 158.94 million in 2019. The ASR of hepatitis A remained stable (EAPC = 0.00, 95%CI: -0.01, 0.01) worldwide between 1990–2019. However, the ASR of hepatitis A increased in low (EAPC = 0.09, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.14) and low-middle (EAPC = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.06) socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. For GBD regions, the most significant increases were detected in high-income Asia Pacific (EAPC = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.66), Oceania (EAPC = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.25, 0.36), and Australasia (EAPC = 0.28, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.44). Of note, EAPC was positively associated with SDI value in the countries and territories with an SDI value ≥ 0.7 (ρ=-0.310, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
There is an unfavorable trend that hepatitis A is still pending in hyperendemic regions and is emerging in low endemic regions. These highlight the need of targeted and specific strategies to eliminate hepatitis A, such as sanitation measures and a comprehensive plan for surveillance and vaccination against hepatitis A.
A New Palpation Sign for the Diagnosis of Atypical Forms of Acute Appendicitis (Children and Women of Childbearing Age)
Authors: Marek Vitezslav , Záhorec Roman , Durdík Stefan
Published: May 2021

BackgroundEven today, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is still problematic. Here, we offer a new palpation sign for the diagnosis of AA. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of the sign for the diagnosis of atypical forms of AA (i.e., in children and women of childbearing age).MethodsWe have retrospectively analysed 2245 patients - children (aged 0–12), men (aged 12–18) and women of childbearing age (aged 12–45) with suspected AA, 401 of whom underwent surgery. Patients were divided into one of three age categories and, based on clinical data and histological findings, were defined as either false negative, false positive, or positive. Confirmed positive AA was defined based on histological findings, and confirmed negative AA was defined by histological findings as well as on clinical follow-up. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used for the assessment of the correlation between the patient’s gender, age as well as their clinical and histological findings.ResultsBased on these statistical results, we came to the following results. In children (aged 0–12, male/female) and in women of childbearing age (aged 12–45), we observed 14 (3,46%) false negative clinical findings for the palpation sign. In children and women of childbearing age, we observed a higher percentage of palpation sign positivity compared to false positivity. The new palpation sign minimizes unindicated revisions of the abdominal cavity, serves as a reliable indicator for surgery and is suitable for the diagnosis of AA in atypical forms (i.e., in children and women of childbearing age) with a sensitivity of 95,57%, a specificity of 95,78%, a positive predictive value of 67,86%, a negative predictive value of 99,50%, a positive likelihood ratio of 24,28, a negative likelihood ratio of 0,05 and an accuracy of 95,9%. The negative appendectomy rate in women of childbearing age was 9.22% and in children 6,72%.ConclusionWe conclude that the new palpation sign is effective (r > 0.95) for the diagnosis of atypical forms of AA (i.e., in children and women of childbearing age). It is aimed principally at the medical practitioners in different parts of the world and in a state of emergency (Covid-19 pandemic, wars, etc.) where the diagnostic facilities and technological resources are limited.
A geometric progression on the mass of elementary fermions
Authors: Mishulan Li-Gong , Zhang Li , Xie Quan
Published: May 2021

The Standard Model of particle physics contains three generations of elementary fermions, which have prominent mass hierarchies. Through careful analysis of the observational data on the mass of elementary fermions, we determine that an intrinsic pattern does exist. A geometric progression is proposed to describe the mass distribution of elementary fermions, and using the observational data of neutrino oscillations, we can estimate the neutrino masses for all three generations. At the same time, we propose a hypothesis about the mass distribution of elementary fermions and explore the quantum physical mechanism of the origin of the elementary fermions masses hierarchies.
Clinical Genomic Profiling to Identify Actionable Alterations for Very Early Relapsed Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients in the Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Liye , Zhai Qinglian , Lu Qianyi , Lee Kaping , Zheng Qiufan , Hong Ruoxi , Wang shusen
Published: May 2021

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents about 19% of all breast cancer cases in the Chinese population, and is characterized by early relapse and a complex molecular heterogeneity. Lack of targeted therapy contributes to the poorer outcomes compared with other breast cancer subtypes. Comprehensive genomic profiling helps to explore the clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGAs) and potential therapeutic targets in very-early-relapsed TNBC patients, which are considered tumor recurrences within 24 months.Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue specimens from 23 patients with very-early-relapsed TNBC and 13 patients with disease-free survival (DFS) more than 36 months were tested by FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx), a next-generation-sequencing-based diagnostic device for detection of substitutions, insertion and deletion alterations (indels), and copy number alterations (CNAs) in 324 genes and select gene rearrangements, along with genomic signatures including microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB).Results: In total, 137 CRGAs were detected in the 23 very-early-relapsed TNBC patients, averaging 6 alterations per sample. The mean TMB was 4 Muts/Mb, which was higher than that in non-recurrence patients, and is statistically significant. The top-ranked altered genes were TP53 (83%), PTEN (35%), RB1 (30%), PIK3CA (26%), and BRCA1 (22%). RB1 mutation carriers had shorter DFS. Notably, 100% of these patients had at least 1 CRGA, and 87% of patients had at least 1 actionable alteration. In pathway analysis, patients who carried a mutation in the cell cycle pathway were more likely to experience very early recurrence. Strikingly, we detected 1 patient with ERBB2 amplification and 1 patient with ERBB2 exon20 insertion, both of which were missed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We also detected novel alterations of ROS1-EPHA7 fusion for the first time, which has not been reported in breast cancer before. Conclusions: The comprehensive genomic profiling can identify novel treatment targets and address the limited options in TNBC patients. Therefore, incorporating F1CDx into TNBC may shed light on novel therapeutic opportunities for these very-early-relapsed TNBC patients.
Structural Transformation Path Across Countries: Is It Systematic Pattern
Authors: Padder Altaf Hussain , Mathavan B
Published: May 2021

The structural transformation across the economic sectors is one of the prominent features that go together with economic development. The paper scrutinizes whether developing and low-income countries follow the similar path and pattern of structural transformation by which the developed countries are following or followed this threshold and are now experiencing a shift from the industrial sector to the service sector. The structural transformation paths of developed countries are almost identical, but the pattern of sectoral output shares varies from that of developing countries. The research reveals a fascinating finding i.e., low-income countries outperform middle-income countries and some major countries in terms of the pace of structural transformation from agriculture to service sector.
Truncus Arteriosus With Absent Semilunar Valve: Prenatal Diagnosis and Morphology
Authors: Pu Lihong , Dai Xiaohui , Liu Hanmin , Chen Jiao , Li Yiping , Li Lei , Xiong Wei , Luo Ling , Zhou Jie , Zhu Qi
Published: May 2021

Background：Truncus arteriosus (TA) is a rare cyanotic congenital heart defect that involves septation failure of the heart’s main arterial outflow tract. TA is usually accompanied by a single semilunar valve. Varying morphologies of the truncal valve have been reported; however, an absent semilunar valve (ASV) is rarely seen in TA.Case presentation：We report the first fetus with trisomy 13 prenatally diagnosed with TA accompanied by ASV in the first trimester, and confirmed by anatomy. Conclusion：Fetal echocardiography is essential for prenatal diagnosis of TA accompanied by ASV.
Evaluation of Reference Genes for Expression Normalization in Psoralea Corylifolia L. under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Zhong Yuan , Gai Yanan , Gao Jiajia , Nie Weifen , Bao Zhenzhen , Wang Weiqi , Xu Xiaoqing , Wu Jie , He Yuedong
Published: May 2021

Background: Psoralea corylifolia L., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has a wide range of pharmacological activities for the treatment of various diseases. To date, there have been no published reports of the systematic evaluation and selection of the best reference genes for biological analysis of P. corylifolia. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a method for quantifying gene expression. Selecting the appropriate reference genes is essential to ensure accurate normalization of RT-qPCR results.Results: In this study, 10 candidate reference genes, namely actin (ACT), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), protein phosphatase 2A subunit A3 (PP2A), nuclear cap-binding protein subunit 2 (NCBP2), cyclophilin 2 (CYP2), elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α), protein phosphatase 2A-2 (PP2A2), thioredoxin-like protein YLS8 (YLS8), polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTBP), and TIP41-like family protein (TIP41), were screened from the transcriptome database of P. corylifolia. The plants were treated under different abiotic stress conditions (H2O2, NaCl, CuSO4, high-temperature, low-temperature, PEG, and UV). Next, their expression stability was evaluated using four algorithm tools: BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, and RefFinder. The results revealed that TIP41, CYP2, and YLS8 were the top three genes with the most stable expression levels under various abiotic stress conditions.Conclusion: We successfully selected appropriate reference genes for P. corylifolia, providing a reliable basis for further studies on the quantitative gene expression profile of the main active components in P. corylifolia.
SLC63 Gene Polymorphisms is Associated with Striatal Dopamine Transporter Changes after Glucose Loading
Authors: Pak Kyoungjune , seo Seongho , kim Keunyoung , Lee Myung Jun , kim Seong-Jang , kim In Joo
Published: May 2021

We investigated the association between SLC6A3 gene polymorphisms and changes in dopamine transporter (DAT) availability after glucose loading in humans. An intravenous injection of 18F-FP-CIT was administered after infusion of glucose or placebo, and the emission data were acquired over 90 min in 38 healthy male participants. DAT availability expressed in terms of binding potential (BPND) was recorded. The 40-bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the 3′ untranslated region and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2652511 and rs2937639, in the SLC6A3 gene were genotyped. Among the 38 participants, those with a VNTR other than 10R/10R (n = 7) were excluded. The alleles of the two SNPs (rs2652511 and rs2937639) appeared to be inherited together in two fixed combinations (C-G or T-A) in 29 of 31 individuals. The BPND in the ventral striatum (VST), caudate nucleus, and putamen was not significantly different after glucose or placebo loading according to genotype. However, BPNDs from the caudate nucleus and putamen of all participants with rs2652511 CT/rs2937639 AG (n = 6) were higher after glucose loading. In conclusion, the SLC6A3 gene polymorphism is associated with the changes in DAT availability after glucose loading. DAT availability after glucose or placebo loading in the VST, caudate nucleus, and putamen did not differ according to the SLC6A3 genotype.
Leucine Imparts Cardioprotective Effects by Enhancing mTOR Activity and Mitochondrial Fusion in a Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion Injury Murine Model
Authors: Morio Atsushi , Tsutsumi Rie , Satomi Shiho , Kondo Takashi , Miyoshi Hirotsugu , Kato Takahiro , Kuroda Masashi , Kitamura Tadahiro , Hara Kenta , Saeki Noboru , Sakaue Hiroshi , Tsutsumi Yasuo M.
Published: May 2021

Background: Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes. Previously, we demonstrated that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) showed cardioprotective effects against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A recent study suggested that leucine (Leu), a BCAA, is a key amino acid involved in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity and mitochondrial function. In this study, we examined the preconditioning effect of Leu treatment on diabetic hearts in mice.Methods: In vivo mice models of I/R injury were divided into the following groups: control, mTOR+/−, and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese groups. Mice were randomly administered with Leu, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Rap), or Leu with Rap. Isolated rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to simulated I/R injury. Biochemical and mitochondrial functional assays were performed to evaluate the changes in mTOR activity and mitochondrial dynamics caused by Leu treatment. Results: Leu-treated mice showed a significant reduction in infarct size when compared with the control group (34.8% ± 3.8% vs. 43.1% ± 2.4%, p < 0.05), whereas Rap-treated mice did not show the protective effects of Leu. This preconditioning effect of Leu was attenuated in mTOR+/− mice. Additionally, Leu promoted mitochondrial fusion in isolated cardiomyocytes. In HFD-induced obese mice, Leu treatment significantly reduced infarct size (41.0% ± 1.1% vs. 51.0% ± 1.4%, p < 0.05), which was not induced by ischemic preconditioning, and this effect was inhibited by Rap. Furthermore, we observed enhanced mTOR protein expression and mitochondrial fusion with decreased reactive oxygen species production.Conclusions: Leu treatment improved the damage caused by myocardial I/R injury by promoting mTOR activity and mitochondrial fusion.
SUMMER Trial: Mesh Versus Suture Repair in Small Umbilical Hernias in Adults: a Study Protocol for a Prospective Randomized Double-blind Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Melkemichel Maria , Bringman Sven , Granåsen Gabriel , Widhe Björn
Published: May 2021

Background: Small umbilical hernia repair is one of the most common surgical performance in general surgery. Yet, a gold standard procedure for the repair is still lacking today. There is an increasing evidence that mesh could be advantageous compared to suture repair in lowering recurrence rates. An additional important question remains with regard to optimal anatomical positioning of the mesh. We hypothesize that the use of an onlay mesh in small umbilical hernia defects can reduce recurrence rates without increasing complications compared to a simple suture repair. Methods: A prospective, national, multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing a standardized 4x4 cm onlay mesh to a conventional suture repair will be conducted. 288 patients with a primary elective umbilical hernia £ 2 cm from 7 participating Swedish surgical centers will be enrolled. Intraoperative randomization will take place using a centralized web-based system resulting in total allocation concealment. Stratification will be done by surgical site and by defect size. Trial participants and follow-up clinical surgeons will be blinded to the assigned allocation. The primary outcome assessed will be postoperative recurrence at 1 and 3 years. Secondary outcomes assessed will be postoperative complications at 30 days and pain 1 year after surgery. Discussion: Currently, there has been no randomized clinical trial comparing recurrence rates between an onlay mesh repair and a simple suture repair for small umbilical hernia defects. How to best repair a small umbilical hernia continues to be debated. This trial design should allow for a good assessment of differences in recurrence rate with due to the large sample size and the adequate follow-up. Surgeons’ concerns surrounding optimal anatomical positioning and fear for larger required dissections are understandable. A small onlay mesh may become an easy and a safe method of choice to reduce recurrence rates. Guidelines for small umbilical hernia repairs have stressed the need for reliable data to improve treatment recommendations. We can expect that this trial will have a direct implication on small umbilical hernia repair standards. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04231071. Registered on 31 January 2020. SUMMER Trial underwent external peer review as part of the funding process.
Bridging the Information Gap to Keep Educators Healthy: Health Insurance Awareness and Actions by Private School Employees in Nigeria
Authors: Adegoriola Adeyinka M , OMOERA Osakue S
Published: May 2021

A nation relies on its educators to provide skills for upcoming learners and workers, good health security, and a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should effectively support this. No previous study on NHIS in Nigeria has considered private school workers who are a significant category of the health insurance system's beneficiary population. This research in Felele, Oluyole, and Bodija included six hundred questionnaires in sixty private schools alongside focused group discussions in six schools to elicit private school workers' perception of the Nigerian NHIS. Theoretically anchored on the health belief model (HBM) and protection motivation theory (PMT), it assessed the awareness, perception, and enrolment levels of private school workers towards NHIS to bridge the information gap and improve their contributions and health of targeted workers. Results revealed a high level of awareness (81.7%) but a deficient enrolment level (7.8%). Also, it portrayed that the lack of NHIS law enforcement, poverty, inequality, unfavorable registration process, and lack of interest hinder enrolment. Nigeria needs to develop a workable system of combating healthcare issues through targeted subsidies, involving potential beneficiaries in reviewing the NHIS's policies and re-strategizing information dissemination on the programme, and removing obstacles that prevent potential enrollees from registering.
The Global Surgery Research Unit of the Latin American Indicator Research Collaboratory: An Action Model for Grassroots Collection of Lancet Commission on Global Surgery Indicators
Authors: Ginalis Elizabeth Elaine , Morales Carlos , Mendoza Clara , Hanna Joseph S , Peck Gregory L
Published: May 2021

Background. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) recommends collection of six surgical indicators to inform surgical system strengthening and improve access to surgical care. However, a standardized practice has yet to be described to guide nations towards this endeavor via a sustainable and reproducible grassroots intervention (i.e., developing information management).Methods. A research team structure, termed a “global surgery research unit” (GSRU), was developed between a hospital in Medellin, Colombia and Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The GSRU implemented a grassroots intervention in a single center over three months to study the feasibility of obtaining LCoGS indicators 1-4 via hospital medical records, administrative surveys, and patient interviews. The intervention was then retrospectively evaluated utilizing a review of implementation outcomes.Results. During the feasibility study period, 84.5% of general/ trauma surgery patients interviewed reported traveling less than two hours. The workforce includes 15 general surgeons, 34 anesthesiologists, and 9 obstetrician-gynecologists. Total surgical volume is estimated to be 15,180 procedures per year, with a 30-day postoperative mortality rate of 1.8%. Evaluation of implementation outcomes revealed grassroots, single center collection of LCoGS indicators was feasible. However, increased workforce and time commitment is required for sustainability.Conclusions. This learner-driven model introduces a feasible grassroots intervention for LCoGS indicators 1-4 collection in a single center. Grassroots interventions may inform practical collection of individual hospital indicators to inform the information management component of a hospital system. However, continued evaluation of the GSRU and methodological processes is needed to optimize model efficacy and expand indicator data collection.
Clustering and Graph Mining Techniques for Classification of Complex Structural Variations in Cancer Genomes
Authors: Gómez-Sánchez Gonzalo , Delgado-Serrano Luisa , Carrera David , Torrents David , Berral Josep Lluis
Published: May 2021

Background: For many years, a major question in the ﬁeld of cancer genomics has been the identiﬁcation of those variations that can have a functional role in cancer, and distinguish from the majority of genomic changes that have no functional consequences. This is particularly challenging when considering complex chromosomal rearrangements, which are often composed of multiple DNA breaks, resulting in diﬃculties to classify and interpret them functionally. Despite recent eﬀorts towards the classiﬁcation of structural variants (SVs), more robust statistical frames are needed to better classify these variants, and to isolate those that derive from speciﬁc molecular mechanisms. Results: We present a new statistical approach to analyze SVs patterns from 2392 real tumor samples from the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium and to identify signiﬁcant recurrence, which can inform of relevant mechanisms involved in the biology of tumors. The method is based on recursive KDE clustering of 152,926 SVs, graph mining techniques and statistical measures. The proposed methodology was able not only to identify complex patterns but also to prove them as not random occurrences. Furthermore, a new class of pattern that was not previously described has been identiﬁed. Conclusions: We developed a new and unbiased methodology for clustering SVs to search further for complex patterns by using a cost-eﬃcient graph mining method. Followed by deep statistical analysis and applying randomization techniques, our proposed framework allows for discerning between stochastic chromosomal rearrangements and complex patterns that might have speciﬁc underlying mechanisms present in diﬀerent cancer types.
Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Fasciola Hepatica Isolates From Cattle and Sheep in Golestan Province, Northeast of Iran.
Authors: Halakou Ahmad , Taghipour Niloofar , Amin Abbas , Bandehpour Mojgan , Kazemi Bahram , Khazan Hooshang
Published: May 2021

Background: Fascioliasis in livestock and humans, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, has socioeconomic importance worldwide. Iran is one of the important endemic foci for fascioliasis. Molecular approaches can be precise and reliable for the identification and characterization of Fasciola spp. The aims of this study were molecular identification of Fasciola hepatica isolates in Golestan province, north of Iran, and then comparative analysis of results using GenBank sequences.Material and Method: Fasciola flukes were isolated from the livers of infected livestock. DNA was extracted from samples using the phenol-chloroform technique. RFLP-PCR using TasI restriction enzyme was performed along with morphometric evaluations for the detection of F. hepatica species. PCR was performed to amplify partial fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), cytochrome c oxidase sub.1 (CO1), and NADH dehydrogenase sub.1 (ND1) genes for samples that were confirmed as F. hepatica. Twenty-eight PCR products were sequenced. The phylogenetic tree with MEGA 7 software was drawn for all three genes. Results: Out of 271 flukes collected from sheep and cattle, 126 confirmed as F. hepatica by the PCR-RFLP method. Results based on PCR-RFLP analysis were confirmed by sequence analysis. Only one haplotype for the CO1 gene and four different haplotypes for the ND1 gene were identified. Seven sequences of each gene registered on GenBank and accession numbers were received.Conclusions: This study showed that F. hepatica is widely distributed among livestock in Golestan province. It was also found that genetic diversity among the ND1 region in isolates of our study was considerably higher than the CO1 sequence region.
Phase I/II Trial of Ruxolitinib in Combination with Trastuzumab in Metastatic HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Kearney Matthew , Franks Lauren , Lee Shing , Tiersten Amy , Makower Della F , Cigler Tessa , Mundi Prabhjot , Chi Dow-Chung , Goel Anupama , Klein Pam , Andreopoulou Eleni , Sparano Joseph , Trivedi Meghna , Accordino Melissa , Califano Andrea , Hershman Dawn L , Silva Jose , Kalinsky Kevin
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Preclinical data demonstrate STAT3 as an important regular in HER2+ tumors, and disruption of the IL6-JAK2-STAT-S100A8/S100A9 signaling cascade reduces HER2+ cell viability. Ruxolitinib is an FDA approved inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2. We performed a phase I/II trial investigating the safety and efficacy of the combination of trastuzumab and ruxolitinib in patients with trastuzumab-resistant metastatic HER2+ breast cancer. Methods: Patients with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer progressing on at least 2 lines of HER2-directed therapy were eligible. The phase I portion determined the tolerable dose of ruxolitinib in combination with trastuzumab. The primary objective of the phase II was to assess the progression free survival (PFS) of the combination of ruxolitinib plus trastuzumab compared to historical control. Results: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled, with a median number of prior therapies of 4.5. Ruxolitinib 25mg twice daily was the recommended phase II dose with no DLTs. Of 26 evaluable patients in phase II, the median PFS was 8.3 weeks (95% CI: 7.1, 13.9). Among the 14 patients with measurable disease, 1 patient had a partial response and 4 patients had stable disease. Most of the adverse events were hematologic.Conclusion: While well-tolerated with a strong preclinical rationale, the combination of ruxolitinib and trastuzumab did not lead to an improvement in PFS compared to historical control in patients with trastuzumab-resistant metastatic HER2+ breast cancer.
Use of Response Surface Methodology on Medium Components Optimization for Embryogenic Callus Induction in Sugarcane (Saccharum Sp.) Cv. Cp 72-2086
Authors: Germán-Báez Lourdes Janeth , Santos-Ballardo David Ulises , Esparza-Araiza Mayra , Orozco-Guillen Eber Enrique , Flores-Castellanos Junio , Medina-Godoy Sergio , Hernández-Verdugo Sergio , Valdez-Ortiz Angel
Published: May 2021

The importance of sugarcane culture has in the agriculture and industrial market, demand the development of efficient in vitro propagation systems; in this sense embryogenic callus has a great impact in basic research and industrial applications, due to this, the development of protocols for embryogenic callus induction is of great importance. In this work, an optimized protocol for embryogenic callus induction was developed; to do this, the balance of the phytohormones 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in the culture media composition was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) in order to maximize the percentage of samples with embryogenic callus (%SEC) and the weight gain on callus produced (ΔCW) in Saccharum sp. cv. CP72-2086. Best results in the %SEC were obtained as the 2,4-D concentration decreased; meanwhile, in the case of IBA the best results were obtained in the concentration range from 2.5 to 5.5 mg L-1. Regarding ΔCW, maximum values were obtained at 2,4-D concentrations in the range of 0.5 mg L-1 to 1.89 mg L-1 in combination with IBA in the range of 4.55 mg L-1 to 5.25 mg L-1. The best predicted response was obtained at a combination of 0.5 mg L-1 2,4-D + 3.53 mg L-1 IBA, from which the predicted values of the model were 100.0 of %SEC and 1.4323 g of ΔCW. The experimental values were very close to those predicted by RSM, which suggests that a computer-based experimental design it is very useful to optimize protocols for successful embryogenic callus induction in sugarcane.