bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding HIV Amongst Women of Childbearing Age in the NYANGA Province, Gabon
Authors: Mouinga-Ondémé Augustin , Maghendji-Nzondo Sydney , Buekens Julie , Engone-Ondo Jéordy-Dimitri , Imboumy-Limoukou Roméo Karl , Sir-Ondo-Enguier Pater Noster , de Carvalho Julie Niemczura , Tsafack-Tegomo Nathalie Pernelle , Lékana-Douki Jean-Bernard
Published: March 2021

Background: The seroprevalence of HIV in Gabon is 4.1%. This rate varies among its nine provinces and is estimated at 4.2% in the province of Nyanga. This variance is believed to be the result of a lack of information and beliefs regarding HIV transmission and prevention. There are currently scarce epidemiological data from this region of Gabon. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women of childbearing age from Nyanga province towards HIV.Methods: A 13-day cross-sectional descriptive study of 631 women aged 15 to 49 years was conducted within the five departments of the province to assess their knowledge and attitudes about HIV, with particular emphasis on mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT). Household recruitment of participants was conducted and information was collected by means of a questionnaire. Correct answers were considered as indicating a basic knowledge of the topic assessed.Results: Around 90% of women (570/631) were of childbearing age but not pregnant during the survey, with a mean age of 28 years. Also, 10% (61/631) were pregnant. Among surveyed women, 99.2% had heard of HIV/AIDS and 81.8% knew at least one screening site for HIV. More than 83.6% knew that MTCT could occur during pregnancy, and 76.5% knew about transmission during breastfeeding. In addition, 86.5% knew that HIV couldn’t be transmitted through sharing food with an infected person. Similarly, 68.8% answered that HIV transmission cannot occur through mosquito bites. However, 45.8% of women said that HIV could be transmitted by witchcraft. For 81.6% of participants, HIV could be prevented by having a single monogamous sexual partner and protected sex. Seventy percent of the women were aware of antiretroviral therapy. More than 80% of the participants indicated that they had been screened overall, and 77.3% said that they had been offered HIV screening services during antenatal visits.Conclusions: Almost all women of childbearing age in Nyanga had heard of HIV, yet about half of them had poor knowledge of its modes of transmission. It is therefore imperative to carry out awareness campaigns in conjunction with HIV testing services to better understand the current prevalence of HIV infection in the region.
Alternate Delivery Platforms and Implementation Models for Bringing Evidence-Based Behavioral Interventions to Scale for Youth Facing Adversity: A Case Study in West Africa
Authors: Bond Laura , Farrar Jordan , Borg Ryan C. , Keegan Katrina , Journeay Katharine , Hansen Nathan , Mac-Boima Emmanuel , Rassin Alimamy , Betancourt Theresa S.
Published: March 2021

Background: Youth Functioning and Organizational Success for West African Regional Development (Youth FORWARD) was launched as an implementation science collaboration focused on scaling out evidence-based mental health interventions for youth exposed to war and other adversities through novel delivery platforms. This implementation science case study examines the use of a collaborative team approach (CTA) as a scale-out strategy to foster the integration of an evidence-based group mental health intervention, the Youth Readiness Intervention, into youth employment programs tied to regional economic development in Sierra Leone.Methods: A case study methodology is used to explore the feasibility and acceptability of integrating an evidence-based intervention, the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI), into youth employment/entrepreneurship programs (EPP) in Sierra Leone, facilitated by the CTA. The authors analyzed field notes logged during program implementation, eight weeks of supervision notes, and 20 interviews with agency leaders and front-line staff delivering the YRI within this alternate delivery strategy. A linked Hybrid Type II effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized trial is evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the YRI within this delivery platform.Results: Extant data indicate the strong feasibility and acceptability of integrating the Youth Readiness Intervention into the EPP. Facilitators of integration of the YRI into the EPP include: mission alignment of the organizations with the delivery of psychosocial interventions, shared commitment to serving vulnerable youth, support from local District Youth Councils, and high interest from the youth served. Barriers include perceived competition between frontline organizations seeking funding for psychosocial interventions and EPPs, and challenges in flexibility between donors and implementation partners operating in a fragile/post conflict setting. The CTA was a feasible and acceptable strategy to support fidelity and quality improvement while scaling out the YRI.Conclusions: Youth entrepreneurship and livelihood programs offer a promising mechanism for expanding the reach of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to youth in fragile and post-conflict settings. Quality improvement and sustainment of EBIs are novel concepts in such settings. The CTA strategy institutionalizes the integration of an EBI into youth employment and entrepreneurship programs.Trial Registration: NCT03603613 (phase 1 pilot, registered May 18, 2018) and NCT03542500 (phase 2 scale-out study, registered May 18, 2018).
Extending a Euclidean Model of Ratio and Proportion
Authors: Carraher David W.
Published: March 2021

This paper is written for mathematics educators and researchers engaged at the elementary and middle school levels and interested in exploring ideas and representations for introducing students to ratio and proportion and for making a smooth transition from multiplication and division by whole numbers to their counterparts with fractions. Book V of Euclid’s Elements offers a scenario for deciding whether two ratios of magnitudes, embodied as a pair of line segments, are equal based on whether the ratios of magnitudes, when multiplied by the same whole numbers, n and m, each yield common products. This test of proportion can be performed using an educational software application where students are presented with a target ratio of commensurable magnitudes, A:B, and challenged to produce a selected ratio, C:D, that behaves like the target ratio under the critical conditions. The selected ratio is automatically constructed such that C:D = m:n, on the basis of a lattice point (n, m) chosen by the student. By adding partitive and Euclidean division to Euclid’s model, five new scenarios with similar goals are proposed. Representations in the Euclidean plane, on a number line, and in the Cartesian plane provide feedback that students may use to help identify a ratio of whole numbers corresponding to the targe ratio of magnitudes. The representations serve to highlight fractions as members of equivalence classes. The model remains to be investigated with teachers and students.
Magnetic Anisotropy Induced by Orbital Occupation States in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 Film
Authors: Wang Huaixiang , Song Jinghua , Wang Weipeng , Chen Yuansha , Shen Xi , Yao Yuan , Li Junjie , Sun Jirong , Yu R.C.
Published: March 2021

Interface engineering is an effective and feasible method to regulate the magnetic anisotropy of films by altering interfacial states between different films. Using the technique of pulsed laser deposition, we prepared La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) and La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/SrCoO2.5 (LSMO/SCO) films on the (110)-oriented La0.3Sr0.7Al0.65Ta0.35O3 substrates. By covering the SCO film above the LSMO film, we transformed the easy magnetization axis of LSMO from the [001] axis to the [1\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{1}}\)0] axis in the film plane. Based on statistical analyses, we found that the corresponding Mn-Mn ionic distances are different in the two types of LSMO films, causing different distortions of Mn-O octahedron in the LSMO film. In addition, it also induces diverse electronic occupation states in Mn3+ ions. The eg electron of Mn3+ occupies 3z2-r2 and x2-y2 orbitals in the LSMO and LSMO/SCO, respectively. We conclude that the electronic spin reorientation leads to the transformation of the easy magnetization axis in the LSMO films.
Comparison of Oral Health Status Between Special Needs and General Public Schoolchildren Aged 11-13 Years, Nepal
Authors: Pathak Bandana , Srithamrongsa Samrit , Taechaboonsermsak Pimsurang , Ngoenwiwatkul Yaowaluk
Published: March 2021

Background:Children with physical disabilities are at greater risk of health problems including oral health. Dental caries is the most common among the aforementioned group and requires special dental treatments procedures. However, it is less clear on the severity of oral health problems among children with disabilities when compared to the general population. This study aimed to determine the current oral health status of children with disabilities aged 11-13 years and compared with general public schoolchildren of the same age. In this study, special needs children are referred to as children who have various physical disabilities and need specialized services or help.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 children (79 special needs and 79 general public schoolchildren) aged 11-13 years studying in special needs and general public schools in Kathmandu and Lalitpur Districts, Nepal. Dental examination was performed by using a mouth mirror and a probe according to WHO criteria and methods (1997).Results: Among the 79 special needs children, there were visually impaired (16.5%), hearing and speech impaired (25.3%), and orthopedically challenged (58.2%). Prevalence of dental caries among special needs children was high (75.9%) as compared to that of general public schoolchildren (65.8%). The means DMFT of special needs and others were 3.07 and 2.59 respectively. The means of Missing teeth between special needs and others were statistically significant (p<0.05). Only 8.8% of special needs children had good oral hygiene while 32.9% of the others had good oral hygiene. Moreover, untreated caries among special needs children was also higher than that of general children 62% compared with 54.4%. Conclusions: Nepalese special needs children are at higher risk of oral health problems due to their physical limitation in maintaining oral health care. They have poorer oral health compared to general children. Moreover, dental treatment for the group is limited to simple tooth extraction, and most caries is left untreated. It is imperative the policy that extends oral health preventions for children with disabilities into their community be implemented.
Responsiveness of Five Shoulder Outcome Measures at Follow-ups From 3 to 24 Months
Authors: Skare Øystein , Brox Jostein Skranes , Schrøder Cecilie Piene , Brox Jens Ivar
Published: March 2021

Background: To assess responsiveness of five outcome measures at four different follow-ups in patients with SLAP II lesions of the shoulder.Methods: 119 patients with symptoms and signs, MRI arthrography and arthroscopic findings were included. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Oxford Instability Shoulder Score (OISS), EuroQol (EQ-5D3L), Rowe Score and Constant-Murley Score (CMS) were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The analysis contains both anchor-based and distribution-based methods, and hypothesis testing. Results: Confidence intervals for ROC cut-off values, representing MID, for OISS, CMS and EQ-5D3L crossed zero at 3 months. Cut-off values were stable between 6- and 24-months follow-up. At 24-months ROC cut-off values (95% CI) were: Rowe 18 (13 to 24); WOSI 331 (289 to 442); OISS 9 (5 to 14); CMS 11 (9 to 15) and EQ-5D3L 0.123 (0.035 to 0.222). MID95%limit estimates were substantially higher than ROC cut-off values and MIDMEAN at all follow-ups for all instruments. The reliable change proportion (RCP) values in the improved group were highest for WOSI and the Rowe Score (ranging from 68% to 87%) and significantly lower for CMS. EQ-5D3L had the lowest values (13% to 16%). We found a moderate correlation between mean change scores of the outcome measures and the anchor, except for the EQ-5D3L.Conclusions: In patients with SLAP II-lesions the patient reported OISS and WOSI and the clinical Rowe score had best responsiveness. Our results suggest that 3 months follow-up is too early for outcome evaluation.
Experiences of NHS Mental Healthcare Workers During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study
Authors: Liberati Elisa , Richards Natalie , Willars Janet , Scott David , Boydell Nicola , Parker Jennie , Pinfold Vanessa , Martin Graham , Dixon-Woods Mary , Jones Peter
Published: March 2021

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has imposed extraordinary strains on healthcare workers, but, in contrast with acute settings, relatively little attention has been given to those who work in mental health settings. We aimed to characterise the experiences of those working in English NHS secondary mental health services during the first wave of the pandemic.Methods: The design was a qualitative interview-based study. We conducted semi-structured, remote (telephone or online) interviews with 35 members of staff from NHS secondary (inpatient and community) mental health services in England. Analysis was based on the constant comparative method. Results: Participants reported wide-ranging changes in the organisation of secondary mental health care and the nature of work in response to the pandemic, including pausing of all services deemed to be “non-essential”, deployment of staff across services to new and unfamiliar roles, and moves to remote working. The quality of participants’ working life was impaired by increasing levels of daily challenge associated with trying to provide care in trying and constrained circumstances, the problems of forging new ways of working remotely, and constraints on ability to access informal support for decision-making. Participants were confronted with difficult dilemmas relating to clinical decision-making, prioritisation of care, and compromises in ability to perform the therapeutic function of their roles. Other dilemmas centred on trying to balance the risks of controlling infection with the need for human contact. Many reported features of moral injury linked to their perceived failures in providing the quality or level of care that they felt service users needed. They sometimes sought to compensate for deficits in care through increased advocacy, taking on additional tasks, or making exceptions, but this led to further personal strain. Many experienced feelings of grief, helplessness, isolation, distress, and burnout. These problems were compounded by sometimes poor communication about service changes and by staff feeling that they could not take time off because of the potential impact on others. Some reported feeling poorly supported by organisations. Conclusions: Mental health workers faced multiple adversities during the pandemic that were highly consequential for their wellbeing. These findings help in identifying targets for support.
Health Literacy Knowledge Level of Chinese Registered Nurses and Associated Practices: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Qian Ying , Wu Jingjie , Yang Lili , Jiang Xiaofang , Chen Huaizeng
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHealth literacy is recognized as a social determinant of health based on its impact on health outcomes. Nurses play a vital role in the promotion of health literacy, health literacy practices enable nurses to offer understandable health information to all people and contribute to health equity. The aims of this study were to investigate health literacy knowledge level and associated practices among Chinese registered nurses and identify related factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used. The Chinese version of the Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey was adapted among registered nurses (N=768) from six hospitals in Zhejiang Province of China. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data of demographic characteristics, knowledge and associated practices.ResultsThe health literacy knowledge level of 768 nurses was 12.78±3.54, of the five content areas, basic facts about health literacy had the lowest correct answer rate 43.2%. Educational background (P=0.000), position (P=0.010), professional title (P=0.030), department (P=0.009), and whether they had heard about health literacy (P=0.022) were significantly correlated with health literacy knowledge level. The multiple linear regression analysis found that educational background and whether they had heard about health literacy were positively associated with health literacy knowledge level. In the aspect of health literacy education practice, using written materials to provide healthcare information (P=0.000), using computer software to provide healthcare information (P=0.003) and using teach-back to examine the effect of health education (P=0.000) were positively correlated with health literacy knowledge level.ConclusionThis study indicated that registered nurses in Zhejiang Province of China had low health literacy knowledge level and applied health literacy-associated practices inadequately. It is urgent to improve the knowledge level of nurses' health literacy. Educational background, position, professional title, department, and whether they had heard about health literacy were significantly correlated with health literacy knowledge level. In the continuous training, it is very important to design corresponding health literacy courses according to different departments and different levels of nurses.
A comparative case study of MTInSAR approaches for deformation monitoring of the cultural landscape of the Shanhaiguan section of the Great Wall
Authors: Xu Hang , Chen Fulong , Zhou Wei
Published: March 2021

The Great Wall of China is one of the largest architectural heritage sites globally, and its sustainability is a significant concern. However, its large extent and diverse characteristics cause challenges for deformation monitoring. In this study, the Shanhaiguan section of the Great Wall was investigated in a case study to ascertain the damage and potential hazards of the architectural site. Two standard multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar interferometry (MTInSAR) technologies, including persistent scatterer SAR interferometry (PSInSAR) and small baseline subset (SBAS) SAR interferometry, were used for deformation monitoring using high-resolution TerraSAR-X data acquired in 2015–2017. The results of the two MTInSAR approaches revealed the health condition of the Great Wall. The Shanhaiguan section was stable, but local instabilities caused by rock falls were detected in some mountainous areas. In addition, the applicability of PSInSAR and SBAS was evaluated. The performance analysis of the two approaches indicated that a more reliable and adaptable MTInSAR technique needs to be developed for monitoring the Great Wall. This study demonstrates the potential of MTInSAR technology with high-resolution data for the health diagnosis of heritage sites with a linear structure, such as the Great Wall.
Fabrication of ultra-small GSH-AgNCs with excellent eschar penetration and antibacterial properties for the healing of burn infection wounds
Authors: Yang Peng , Yang Kang , Liu Lu , Li Chen , Tao Jun , Ai Fanrong
Published: March 2021

There is evidence of bioburden as a barrier to chronic burn wound healing. Compared to traditional therapy, nanotechnology has availed a revolutionary approach to therapeutic and diagnostic applications in burns. In this article, we developed the glutathione-protected Ag nanoclusters (GSH-AgNCs) to manage burn wound infection. Owing to the specific structure, the GSH-AgNCs emitted strong red fluorescence under UV excitation, quantified via both in vivo and in vitro techniques. The GSH-AgNCs showed a significant inhibition potential on the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ), Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) , and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hiding under the eschar. Of note, with 2-6nm particle size, GSH-AgNCs are effected in renal excretion, advocating for their biomedical and pharmacological applications.
A simple AuNPs-based colorimetric aptasensor for chlorpyrifos detection
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Taotao , Yang Gaojian , Deng Yan , Mou Xianbo , He Nongyue
Published: March 2021

Background
Chlorpyrifos (Chl) is an organophosphorus pesticide, which has toxicity to environment, animals and human beings. To overcome the shortages of traditional detection methods of small molecular, this study aimed to develop a sensitive, simple, low cost and on-site rapid method for Chl analysis and detection. Thus, we developed a simple label-free gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) based colorimetric biosensor aptasensor for Chl detection using an aptamer as the caputure probe.
Results
The Chl-aptamer with low dissociation constant (Kd) of 58.59 ± 6.08 (nM) was selected by ssDNA library immobilized systematic evolution of ligands by enrichment (SELEX). In the absence of Chl, the Chl-aptamer acted as the stabilizer for AuNPs in salt solution. In the presence of Chl, the highly specific Chl-aptamer bound with Chl targets immediately thus a self-aggregation of AuNPs induced by salt was displayed. The fabricated colorimetric aptasensor exhibited an excellent sensitivity for Chl detection with the limit of detection as low as 14.46 nM. In addition, the aptasensor was applied to test Chl in tap water, cucumber and cabbage samples, which showed satisfying results with excellent recovery values between 96.2% and 105.6% and acceptable RSD values below 5%.
Conclusions
The developed colorimetric aptasensor can serve as a promising candidate for Chl detection in the area of biosensors, which also showed a great potential in simple, cheap and rapid detection of Chl.
Will You Come Back to Contribute? Investigating the Inactivity of OSS Core Developers in GitHub
Authors: Calefato Fabio , Gerosa Marco Aurelio , Iaffaldano Giuseppe , Lanubile Filippo , Steinmacher Igor Fabio
Published: March 2021

Several Open-Source Software (OSS) projects depend on the continuity of their development communities to remain sustainable. Understanding how developers become inactive or why they take breaks can help communities prevent abandonment and incentivize developers to come back. In this paper, we propose a novel method to identify developers’ inactive periods by analyzing the individual rhythm of contributions to the projects. Using this method, we quantitatively analyze the inactivity of core developers in 18 OSS organizations hosted on GitHub. We also survey core developers to receive their feedback about the identified breaks and transitions. Our results show that our method was effective for identifying developers’ breaks. About 94% of the surveyed core developers agreed with our state model of inactivity; 71% and 79% of them acknowledged their breaks and state transition, respectively. We also show that all core developers take breaks (at least once) and about a half of them (~ 45%) have completely disengaged from a project for at least one year. We also analyzed the probability of transitions to/from inactivity and found that developers who pause their activity have a ~ 35 to ~ 55% chance to return to an active state; yet, if the break lasts for a year or longer, then the probability of resuming activities drops to ~ 21–26%, with a ~ 54% chance of complete disengagement. These results may support the creation of policies and mechanisms to make OSS community managers aware of breaks and potential project abandonment.
Shorebird’s Longer Migratory Distances are Associated with Larger ADCYAP1 Microsatellites and Greater Morphological Complexity of Hippocampal Astrocytes
Authors: Miranda Diego de Almeida , Silva Juliana Araripe Gomes da , Magalhães Nara Gyzely de Gyzely , Siqueira Lucas Silva de , Abreu Cintya Castro de , Pereira Patrick Douglas Corrêa , Henrique Ediely Pereira , Chira Pedro Arthur Campos da Silva , Melo Mauro André Damasceno de , Rêgo Péricles Sena do , Diniz Daniel Guerreiro , Sherry David Francis , Diniz Cristovam Wanderley Picanço , Diniz Cristovam Guerreiro
Published: March 2021

Background

For the epic journey of autumn migration, long-distance migratory birds use innate and learned information and follow strict schedules imposed by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, the details of which remain largely unknown. In addition, bird migration requires integrated action of different multisensory systems for learning and memory, and the hippocampus appears to be the integration center for this task. In previous studies we found that contrasting long-distance migratory flights differentially affected the morphological complexity of two types of hippocampus astrocytes. Recently, a significant association was found between the latitude of the reproductive site and the size of the ADCYAP1 allele in long distance migratory birds.
Methods

We tested for correlations between astrocyte morphological complexity, migratory distances, and size of the ADCYAP1 allele in three long-distance migrant species of shorebird and one non-migrant.
Results

Significant differences among species were found in the number and morphological complexity of the astrocytes, as well as in the size of the microsatellites of the ADCYAP1 gene. We found significant associations between the size of the ADCYAP1 microsatellites, the migratory distances, and the degree of morphological complexity of the astrocytes.
Conclusion

We suggest that associations between astrocyte number and morphological complexity, ADCYAP1 microsatellite size, and migratory behavior may be part of the adaptive response to the migratory process of shorebirds.
Evaluation of low to Moderate Arsenic Exposure, Metabolism and Skin Lesions in a Turkish Rural Population
Authors: Alshana Usama , Altun Beril , Ertaş Nusret , Çakmak Gonca , Kadioglu Ela , Hisarlı Deniz , Aşık Elif , Atabey Eşref , Bora Selin , Ataman O. Yavuz , Çelebi Celalettin Rumi , Bilir Nazmi , Serçe Hakan , Tuncer A. Murat , Burgaz Sema
Published: March 2021

Background: There is no human data regarding exposure, metabolism and potential health effects of arsenic (As) contamination in drinking water in the Central Anatolian region, Turkey. Methods: Residents in the 10 villages with drinking water total As (T-As) level >50 µg/L and 10-50 µg/L were selected as an exposed group (n=420) and, <10 µg/L as a control group (n=185). Time-weighted average-As (TWA-As) intakes were calculated from T-As analysis of drinking water samples (DWS). Other metals in DWS, concentrations of T-As in urine and hair samples, urinary As species (S-As) (As (III), As (V), MMA-V and DMA-V), and some micronutrients in serum samples of residents were analyzed. Primary and secondary methylation indexes (PMI, SMI; respectively) were assessed from S-As concentrations. . Skin lesion presence was examined. Results: TWA-As intake was 75.15 ppb in exposed group. Urinary and hair T-As and urinary S-As concentrations were significantly higher in exposed group (p<0.05). PMI and SMI values are revealed that methylation capacities of the residents were efficient and there was no saturation in As metabolism. No significant increase was observed in the frequency of skin lesions (hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, keratosis) of exposed group (p>0.05). Only frequency of keratosis either at hand or foot was higher in individuals with hair As concentration >1 µg/g (p<0.05).Conclusion: Current study findings of chronic As exposure through drinking water of individuals living in the study area, could contribute to overall health risk assessment of regulatory agencies’ meta-analysis efforts on low-to moderate As exposure (<100 µg/L).
Changes In The Macular Vascular Density after Bariatric Surgery Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: ElShazly Malak I , Salama Marwa M , Elessawy Kareem
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the weight loss, 3 months after bariatric surgery on the macular thickness and macular vascular density by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods: Forty obese patients were included in this prospective study. Body mass index (BMI), macular thickness (whole, fovea, parafovea and perifovea), macular vascular density (VD) in superficial capillary plexus (whole, fovea, parafovea and perifovea), and macular vascular density in deep capillary plexus (whole, fovea, parafovea and perifovea) were measured before and 3 months after bariatric surgery.Results: The BMI was significantly reduced postoperatively to 43.75±4.4 kg/m2 compared to the preoperative results 55.31±5.1 kg/m2 (p<0.0001). There was significant increase in the macular thickness in the fovea and parafovea postoperatively (p <0.001), but was not significant in the perifovea. There was significant increase in the macular vascular density in the deep capillary plexus postoperatively (p<0.05), but, there was no significant increase in the macular vascular density in the superficial capillary plexus postoperatively (p = 0.4). Significant correlations were detected between the BMI changes and changes in different macular parameters.Conclusion: Bariatric surgery showed significant effect on certain indices in the macular thickness and macular vascular density especially in the deep capillary plexus. Therefore, OCTA is considered a valuable tool to assess the short term changes in the macular microcirculation following significant weight reduction.
Ethyl acetate extracts of Bungeanum ameliorates cognitive deficits by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis in aging mice
Authors: Zhao Meihuan , Dai Yuan , Li Ping , Wang Jie , Ma Tengyun , Xu Shijun
Published: March 2021

Background: The NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis is a key player in the development of the age-associated neurodegenerative disease. Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (Rutaceae), a homologous of medicine and foodstuff, has previously been demonstrated the potential prevention of cognitive dysfunction in aging mice. However, it is still unknown which fraction is the material basis responsible for their therapeutic effects and whether Z. bungeanum could confer anti-cognitive deficits activity via restraining NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. Thus, in the current study, we explored the active fraction of Z. bungeanum against cognitive deficits and its underlying mechanism.Methods: In the present study, the D-galactose-induced mouse model of aging was established to explore the effect of cognitive impairment of four fractions of Z. bungeanum, including petroleum ether (PE), methylene chloride (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and n-butanol (N-BAI). We next activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in BV-2 microglia cells to investigate the mechanisms for the neuroprotective effect of the active fraction of Z. bungeanum.Results: We demonstrated that the mice treated with EA had significantly alleviated the memory deficit induced by D-galactose. Meanwhile, EA up-regulated the cortex NeuN protein level, improved the survival and morphology of hippocampal neurons. We further found that EA significantly alleviated oxidative damage, inhibited activation of microglia, and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD-N. Correspondingly, in vitro data showed that EA protected BV-2 cells against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) elicited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis, evidenced by declined the protein levels of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and GSDMD-N. These data indicated that EA inhibited NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis.Conclusions: Our work revealed that the EA active fraction of Z. bungeanum protected neurons from inflammation through inhibition of NLRP3 and subsequent pyroptosis in microglia, and suggested promising clinical use of EA for age-associated neurodegenerative disease.
A Pilot Study Investigating the Safety and Feasibility of Endoscopic Dilation Using a Radial Incision and Cutting Technique for Benign Strictures of the Small Intestine: A Study Protocol
Authors: Moroi Rintaro , Shiga Hisashi , Nochioka Kotaro , Shimoyama Yusuke , Kuroha Masatake , Kakuta Yoichi , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSmall benign intestinal stenosis is usually treated by endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) or surgery. Although, EBD and surgery are able to resolve the stenosis in most case, they are associated with several problems such as insufficient dilation and surgical stress, respectively. On the contrary, a novel approach called radial incision and cutting (RIC) is reported to have several benefits when compared to EBD and surgery. We can currently adopt RIC only for the strictures in the colon or terminal ileum and not for those stenotic lesions present further in the small intestine where balloon-assisted endoscopy is utilized, because long-type electric knife is currently not approved for use in Japan. We will herein conduct a pilot study to investigate the safety and feasibility of RIC for treating the benign stenoses of the small intestine using the long-type electric knife.Methods This will be a single-center, single-arm, interventional trial. The major criteria for inclusion will be age ranging from 20 to 80 years and the presence of benign stenosis in the small intestine. We will perform RIC in 10 participants. The primary outcome is the safety of this procedure, which will be assessed by measuring the frequency of adverse events of special interest. The secondary outcomes will be technical success rate, improvement in subjective symptoms, procedure time, and duration of hospitalization.DiscussionThis pilot study will provide useful information that will aid in adopting RIC for treating the benign strictures present in the small intestine. Trial registration jRCT Identifier, jRCTs022200040. Registered on 1 March 2021.URL: https://jrct.niph.go.jp/re/reports/detail/11533
PADI1 contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through activating ERK1/2-p38 signaling pathway
Authors: Ji Tengfei , Ma Keqiang , Chen Liang , Cao Tiansheng
Published: March 2021

Background

Peptidylarginine deiminase 1 (PADI1) may be relative with the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PAAD). We aim to explore the role of PADI1 in PAAD.
Methods

The expression pattern of PADI1 in PAAD tissues and normal tissues was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. PADI1 was knocked down in CFPAN-1 and HPAC cells, while overexpressed in PANC-1 and Bxpc-3 cells by RNA interference. Wound healing assay was performed to analyze relative cell migration distance. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by Transwell assay. Related protein expression levels were measured by western blot and immunofluorescence.
Results

Bioinformatics analysis showed that PADI1 was overexpressed in PAAD tissues and associated with worse survival prognosis. Knockdown of PADI1 suppressed the cell migration, invasion and activated ERK1/2-p38 signaling pathway in CFPAN-1 and HPAC cells. Overexpression of PADI1 obtained the opposite results in PANC-1 and Bxpc-3 cells. Moreover, treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitor significantly recovered the effects of PADI1 knockdown on cell migration, invasion, EMT process and p-ERK1/2 and p38 expression in CFPAN-1 and HPAC cells.
Conclusions

Our data suggested that PADI1 may function as an oncogene in regulating metastasis in vitro in PAAD.
Microwave heating oxidative stabilization of KMnO4 modified polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber precursor
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Liu Jianhua
Published: March 2021

Dielectric property, bulk density, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and mechanical properties were analyzed. PAN fibers (PFs) are polar materials, and the dielectric constant of KMnO4 modification fibers (Mn-PFs) is reduced. The bulk density of Mn-PFs under microwave stabilization (Mn-MSFs) is 0.04 g/cm3 higher than that of the microwave stabilized fibers (MSFs), shortening the value in one temperature zone. Compared with MSFs5, the stability of Mn-MSFs5 is improved by 10%, and the surface O content and O-containing functional groups are improved. The (002) crystal plane diffraction peak of Mn-MSFs5 is higher than that of MSFs5, and it has a higher stabilized structure. Moreover, after stabilization, the Mn element does not exist on the fiber surface and does not affect the structure of the stabilized fiber. The fineness of Mn-MSFs5 is 1.07 dtex, tensile strength is 1.52 cN/dtex, tensile modulus is 59.3 cN/dtex and elongation at break is 13.5%. It has excellent mechanical properties. In addition, a structural transformation of the thermal stabilization process is proposed, that is, the cyclization reaction first occurs, and then the dehydrogenation and oxidation reactions are performed.
A Study on the Effect of Personality Traits and Social Support on Psychological Health of Chinese College Students Based on Data Mining Technology
Authors: Wu Ying , Guo Huaqing , Li Hongxia , Yang Wenxiao
Published: March 2021

Background

With the continuous development of the society, the pace of life is accelerating, psychological health has become an important factor affecting people's quality of life. Domestic studies have shown that mental diseases have become an important cause of College Students' sick leave, withdrawal, addiction, crime and suicide. Personality traits and social support factors have been considered to be related to psychological health.
Methods

In this study, Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Eysenck Personality Questionaire (EPQ) and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) of some freshmen in 2020 were randomly selected from the psychological census database of a university in China as the research data. The decision tree algorithm was used to establish a predictive model for psychological health related personality straits and social support factors of college students. In association analysis, we got the most closely effect factors with psychological health or psychological abnormality by analyzing important association rules. According to the distance, all effect factors were classified into different clusters by system clustering, and the relationship between effect factors and mental health was further analyzed.
Results

Combining the results of the three algorithms, we found that social support and personality traits factors had a certain rule on the effect of college students' psychological health, and social support factors were more important than personality traits factors. Among the social support factors, the most important was family support, followed by friend support and other support. The higher the level of support of the three, the greater the possibility of psychological health. In the personality traits factors, the most important was N, followed by E, and P. The three grades were high or low, may lead to abnormal psychology, and the medium grade was an important condition to maintain psychological health.
Conclusion

The results provided important references for the analysis of the effect factors on psychological health and important theoretical basis for the formulation of psychological intervention measures for college students.
Association of global sagittal deformity with functional disability two years after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Okamoto Yoshinori , Wakama Hitoshi , Okayoshi Tomohiro , Otsuki Shuhei , Neo Masashi
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The relationship between spinopelvic alignment and functional disability after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been fully elucidated despite the growing recognition of its importance on patient-reported outcome measures. We aimed to determine whether global sagittal deformity was associated with post-operative disability.Materials and methods: This prospective analysis was based on 208 THAs that were followed up for 2 years. The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement (HOOS-JR) ranging from a scale of 0 (complete joint disability) to 100 (perfect joint health) was utilised to divide eligible patients into two groups with and without disability, using 70 as the threshold. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with disability. To identify the cut-off value of the parameters for predicting disability (HOOS-JR <70/100), we used the receiver-operating characteristic curve.Results: The disability (30 hips) and control (178 hips) groups showed a significant difference in body height (p = 0.020), pre-operative T1 pelvic angle divided by pelvic incidence (T1PA/PI) (p = 0.018), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (p = 0.027), post-operative HOOS-JR (p = 0.010), and satisfaction (p = 0.033). On multivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with persistent disability: T1PA/PI >0.2 (odds ratio [OR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–4.14; p < 0.001) and height <148 cm (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.09–1.48; p = 0.011). The cut-off value of pre-operative T1PA/PI was >0.19 with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 85%. Post-operative satisfaction (p < 0.001) and HOOS-JR (p = 0.023) differed between the two groups when the pre-operative cut-off value was chosen as 0.2.Conclusions: A T1PA/PI >0.2 was associated with greater disability after THA. Clinicians should be aware that patient-related factors, including global spinal deformities, particularly in patients with a short stature, can influence THA outcomes at 2 years postoperatively.
HIWAEO: Hybrid Improved Whale Artificial Ecosystem Optimization Algorithm based Energy-Efficient Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Devi R. Renuga , Sethukarasi T.
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Endovascular Retrieval of a Dislocated Pushable Coil in the Common Hepatic Artery Using a Cerebral Stent Retriever
Authors: Shamseldin Mohammed
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUNDThis is case of removing a dislocated pushable coil from the common hepatic artery (CHA) as a possible complication of using pushable coils in the embolization of an upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) from the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) by using a pRESET stent retriever (Phenox, Bochum, Germany) which is utilized mainly for treatment of endovascular stroke.CASE PRESENTATIONAn 88-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital to get an emergency embolization of the GDA causing an UGIB with a relevant drop of the hemoglobin level. During the routine embolization of the GDA using pushable coils, a complete dislocation of the last coil into the CHA took place leading to a relevant slowing down of the arterial blood flow to the liver. A decision was thereby made to remove the dislocated coil to avoid further possible complications which was successfully achieved. CONCLUSIONSVarious stent retrievers have been proven to be effective in removing dislocated coils during intracerebral coiling of different pathologies. This case report is to our knowledge the first case report proving the high efficacy and safety of using yet another stent retriever, namely a pRESET stent retriever in removing a fully dislocated coil in the abdominal vessels, namely in this case the CHA.
Changes in Extreme Events Over Asia for Present and Future Climate Conditions based on a Modelling Analysis of Atmospheric Circulation Anomalies
Authors: Sokhi Ranjeet S. , Tiwari P. R. , Medeiros Joanna S.N. de , Folberth Gerd A. , Collins William J.
Published: March 2021

Synoptic weather and larger scale circulation patterns are closely coupled and have a major influence on regional weather and extreme events. This study examines the role of regional circulations on meteorology and extreme events for the present and future years over Asia with the WRF model driven by HadGEM2 global model boundary conditions that includes RCP4.5 scenarios based bicentennial transient simulation. The regional scale analysis was based on boundary conditions derived from 40 years of global model outputs spanning periods of 1995-2005, 2015-2025, 2025-2035 and 2045-2055. For brevity these periods are labelled as 2000, 2020, 2030, 2050 and 'represent' decadal periods centered around the named years. Model results were compared and validated (using a number of skill metrics) against observations for the present period showing that the model is able to delineate the observed features within 95% confidence level compared to the annual mean. To characterise and quantify the changes in the circulation patterns, an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) based analysis was conducted. Results indicate that wintertime minimum temperatures are projected to increase by 3-4 0 C over Asia by 2050 compared to reference period of 2000. Furthermore, anti-cyclonic activity associated with low PV anomalies and high positive temperature anomalies may be a key driver that influence the increase in frequency and duration of heat waves and droughts over SA, SEA, EA and NA regions of Asia. Overall, the modelling results suggest that regional meteorology and circulation patterns may significantly influence extremes over Asia in the future. Such impacts will have major implications for weather patterns as well as for air pollution over the region both of which will require policy responses to adjust to a changing regional climate.
AI-based quantification of PET/CT lesions is associated with survival in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Borrelli Pablo , Gongora Jose Luis Loaiza , Kaboteh Reza , Ulen Johannes , Enqvist Olof , Trägårdh Elin , Edenbrandt Lars
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The use of modern artificial intelligence (AI) based methods offers new possibilities for automated and objective image analysis of PET/CT studies. We aimed to develop an AI tool for segmentation and quantification of tumor burden in [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT studies and to evaluate the association between the AI-based measurements and overall survival (OS) in patients with lung cancer.
Methods

A total of 320 consecutive patients referred for FDG PET/CT due to suspected lung cancer were retrospectively selected for the study. Two nuclear medicine specialists manually segmented abnormal FDG uptake in all PET/CT studies. One third of the patients were assigned to a test group. Survival data was collected for this group. An AI tool based on convolutional neural networks was trained to segment lung tumors and thoracic lymph nodes. The AI tool includes a previously trained convolutional neural network, which segments organs in the CT. Total lesion glycolysis (TLG) was calculated based on the AI-based and manual segmentations. Associations between TLG and OS were investigated using a univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Results

Both AI-based TLG (Hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.21–2.21; p = 0.001) and manual TLG (Hazard ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.14–2.07; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with OS.
Conclusion

Fully automated AI-based TLG measurements of PET/CT studies showed significant association with OS in patients with lung cancer. This type of measurements may be of value in the management of future patients with lung cancer. Our AI tool is available on reasonable request for research purposes at the RECOMIA platform (https://recomia.org).