bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Media: New Trends in Emergency Information
Authors: Feng Changchun , Umaier Kabilijiang , Kato Takaaki , Li Qiushan ,   Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (IDMR), Sichuan University–The Hong Kong Polytechnic University No.122 Huanghe Middle Road Section 1, Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China,   Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Published: January 2021

At the end of 2019, during the outbreak of COVID-19, the Chinese government and media used social media extensively to release emergency information. Once this information was released, it immediately attracted significant public attention. This study used a questionnaire survey to determine social media users’ habits during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results indicated that in the case of community closure during sudden public health events, the majority of respondents use social media to obtain information to understand the development trends of an epidemic, the government’s emergency strategy, scientific epidemic prevention knowledge, and accurate information. Based on the survey results, this study considers the value of social media for emergency information, which is both a tool and a new trend in information dissemination in the context of emergencies.
How submarine channels (re)shape continental margins
Authors: Pettinga Luke A. , Jobe Zane R.
Published: January 2021

Submarine landscapes, like their terrestrial counterparts, are sculpted by autogenic sedimentary processes toward morphologies at equilibrium with their allogenic controls. While submarine channels and nearby, inter-channel continental-margin areas share boundary conditions (e.g., terrestrial sediment supply, tectonic deformation), there are significant differences between the style, recurrence, and magnitude of their respective autogenic sedimentary processes. We predict that these process-based differences affect the rates of geomorphic change and equilibrium (i.e., graded) morphologies of submarine-channel and continental-margin longitudinal profiles. To gain insight into this proposed relationship, we document, classify (using machine learning), and analyze longitudinal profiles from 50 siliciclastic continental margins and associated submarine channels which represent a range of sediment-supply regimes and tectonic settings. These profiles tend to evolve toward smooth, lower-gradient longitudinal profiles, and we created a “smoothness” metric as a proxy for the relative maturity of these profiles toward the idealized equilibrium profile.

Generally, higher smoothness values occur in systems with larger sediment supply, and the smoothness of channels typically exceeds that of the associated continental margin. We propose that the high rates of erosion, bypass, and deposition via sediment gravity flows act to smooth and mature channel profiles more rapidly than the surrounding continental margin, which is dominated by less-energetic diffusive sedimentary processes. Additionally, tectonic deformation will act to reduce the smoothness of these longitudinal profiles. Importantly, the relationship between total sediment supply and the difference between smoothness values of associated continental margins and submarine channels (the “smoothness Δ”) follows separate trends in passive and active tectonic settings, which we attribute to the variability in relative rates of smoothness development between channelized and inter-channel environments in the presence or absence of tectonic deformation. We propose two endmember pathways by which continental margins and submarine channels coevolve towards their respective equilibrium profiles with increased sediment supply: 1) Coupled Evolution Model (common in passive tectonic settings), in which the smoothness Δ increases only slightly before remaining static, and 2) Decoupled Evolution Model (common in active tectonic settings), in which the smoothness Δ increases more rapidly and to a greater final value. Our analysis indicates that the interaction of the allogenic factors of sediment supply and tectonic deformation with the autogenic sedimentary processes characteristic of channelized and inter-channel areas of the continental margin may account for much of the variability between coevolution pathways and depositional architectures.
DIFFERENTIAL WEATHERING OF DIAGENETIC CONCRETIONS AND THE FORMATION OF NEOPROTEROZOIC ANNULATED DISCOIDAL STRUCTURES
Authors: SCHWID MAXWEL F. , XIAO SHUHAI , NOLAN MORRISON R. , AN ZHIHUI
Published: January 2021

Annulated discoidal structures are common in many Neoproterozoic and particularly Ediacaran successions. Their interpretations, especially their biogenicity, are often contentious. Some of them (e.g., Aspidella and related forms) are demonstrably biological structures and may represent holdfasts of frondose Ediacara-type organisms. Others may represent fluid escape structures or tool marks produced by the rotation of tethered organisms. Here we show that differential chemical weathering of diagenetic dolomite concretions can also produce annulated discoidal structures that could be mistaken as Ediacara-type discoidal fossils. Using transmitted-light and cathodoluminescence microscopy in conjunction with Raman and energy dispersive spectroscopy, we analyzed dolomitized discoidal concretions embedded in a phosphorite matrix from the Ediacaran Miaohe Member of South China. Our observations reveal that pervasive and displacive syn-compactional dolomitization of the concretions and differential compaction of surrounding sediment led to the formation of biconvex or upward-convex primary laminae within the concretions. When exposed along parting surfaces and/or bedding planes, disparities in the weatherability of the warped primary laminae within the concretions resulted in the formation of circular annuli that mimic Neoproterozoic discoidal structures, some of which have been contentiously interpreted as discoidal fossils. These findings emphasize the importance of thin-section petrographic observations in the study of discoidal dubiofossils in order to assess their origin as diagenetic concretions or as discoidal macrofossils.
Effectiveness of a 24/7 Dad® Curriculum in Improving Father Involvement: Profiles of Engagement
Authors: Wilson Rone E. , Obure Renice , Omokaro Precious , Salihu Hamisu M. , Berry Estrellita , Austin Deborah A. , Christner Jennifer G.
Published: January 2021

Background or Objectives: Father involvement is a key component in maintaining healthy families and communities. This study presents quantitative results of the first five years of a comprehensive fatherhood training program offered by REACHUP, Inc. in Florida, United States.

Methods: The program utilized the 24/7 Dad ® curriculum for the fatherhood training program. Key program outcome was differences in pre and post-test scores on self-awareness, fathering skills, parenting skills, relationship skills, and self-care. Demo graph ic and pretest-posttest data collected between 2013 and 2017 were analyzed using chi-square test for categorical variables, McNemar’s test for differences in proportions pre- and post-intervention, paired sample t-test to compare means in pretest and posttest scores and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the difference between means across years and demo graph ic characteristics.

Results: Attendance in the program increased yearly, nearly doubling from 55 participants in 2013 to 97 in 2017. The mean pretest score was 8.90 (±4.04) and the mean posttest score was 16.42 (±4.54) out of 22 total points, representing a highly significant positive effect of the program on self-awareness, fathering skills, parenting skills, relationship skills and self-care which will enable men to establish long-lasting positive relationships with their children. There were significant differences by demo graph ic characteristics. Younger participants tended to score lower on the pretest but made the most knowledge gains following the training as indicated by the difference in pre- and posttest scores (<0.001).

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Increasing yearly attendance indicates the notion of male involvement is gaining momentum. An important lesson learned over the five-year period is that not all males who participated in the program were biological fathers of infants, young children or adolescents. Many participants were grandfathers, uncles and family friends, indicating that the benefits of a male involvement program can extend beyond the boundaries of biological fatherhood.

Key words: • Father Involvement • Fatherhood • Self-awareness • Fathering skills • Parenting skills • Relationship skills • and Self-care.24/7 Dad® Curriculum • Program Evaluation • REACHUP, Inc

 

Copyright © 2020 Wilson et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Genetic algorithm of optimizing the qualification of programmer teams
Authors: Prihozhy A. A. , Zhdanouski A. M.
Published: January 2021

The partitioning a set of professional programmers into a set of teams when a programming project specifies requirements to the competency in various programming technologies and tools is a hard combinatorial problem. The paper proposes a genetic algorithm, which is capable of finding competitive and high-quality partitioning solutions in acceptable runtime. The algorithm introduces chromosomes in such a way as to assign each programmer to a team, define the team staff and easily reconstruct the teams during optimization process. A fitness function characterizes each chromosome with respect to the quality of the programmers partitioning. It accounts for the average qualification of teams and the qualification of team best representatives on each of the technologies. The function recognizes the teams that meet all constraints on the project and are workable from this point of view. It is also capable of recognizing the teams that do not meet the constraints and are unworkable. The algorithm defines the genetic operations of selection, crossing and mutation in such a way as to move programmers from unworkable to workable teams, to increase the number of workable teams, to ex-change programmers among workable teams, to increase the competency of every workable team, and thus to maximize the teams overall qualification. Experimental results obtained on a set of programmers graduated from Belarus universities show the capability of the genetic algorithm to find good partitioning solutions, maximize the teams’ competency and minimize the number of unemployed programmers.
Exploring some old and new ethical issues in criminological research and its implications for evidence-based policy
Authors: Castro Toledo Francisco Javier
Published: January 2021

Interest in the development of evidence-based policies for the public management of the control and treatment of crime seems to be the position that will become dominant in the coming years. In this context, it is important for policy makers to know that while social research is surrounded by many ethical dilemmas, criminological research, because of the particular sensitivity of its subject matter and the profound implications of its findings, must emphasise the responsibility of researchers and provide criteria and principles that properly guide their research. To respond to this new context, this paper introduces, as examples of its variety, some of the traditional ethical challenges of criminological research, such as the effective obtaining of consent, as well as some of the new challenges involved in the use of predictive algorithms by criminal justice system operators. We conclude by highlighting the necessity of considering the ethical dimension of criminological research as one of the necessary elements that legislators must assess to critically accept scientific evidence as legitimate.
A Risk-Sensitive Task Offloading Strategy for Edge Computing in Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: Hao Xiaoyu , Zhao Ruohai , Yang Tao , Hu Yulin , Hu Bo , Qiu Yuhe
Published: January 2021

Edge computing has become one of the key enablers for ultra-reliable and low-latency communications in the industrial Internet of Things in the fifth generation communication systems, and is also a promising technology in the future sixth generation communication systems. In this work, we consider the application of edge computing to smart factories for mission-critical task offloading through wireless links. In such scenarios, although high end-to-end delays from the generation to completion of tasks happen with low probability, they may incur severe casualties and property loss, and should be seriously treated. Inspired by the risk management theory widely used in finance, we adopt the Conditional Value at Risk to capture the tail of the delay distribution. An upper bound of the Conditional Value at Risk is derived through analysis of the queues both at the devices and the edge computing servers. We aim to find out the optimal offloading policy taking into consideration both the average and the worst case delay performance of the system. Given that the formulated optimization problem is a non-convex mixed integer non-linear programming problem, a decomposition into sub-problems is performed and a two-stage heuristic algorithm is proposed. Simulation results validate our analysis and indicate that the proposed algorithm can reduce the risk in both the queueing and end-to-end delay.
Individually Optimal Choices can be Collectively Disastrous in COVID-19 Disease Control
Authors: Stoddard Madison , Egeren Debra Van , Johnson Kaitlyn , Rao Smriti , Furgeson Josh , White Douglas , Nolan Ryan , Hochberg Natasha , Chakravarty Arijit
Published: January 2021

Background: The word ‘pandemic’ conjures dystopian images of bodies stacked in the streets and societies on the brink of collapse. Despite this frightening picture, denialism and noncompliance with public health measures are common in the historical record, for example during the 1918 Influenza pandemic or the 2015 Ebola epidemic. The unique characteristics of SARS-CoV-2—its high basic reproduction number (R0), time-limited natural immunity and considerable potential for asymptomatic spread—exacerbate the public health repercussions of noncompliance with interventions (such as vaccines and masks) to limit disease transmission. Our work explores the rationality and impact of noncompliance with COVID-19 disease control measures. Methods: In this work, we used game theory to explore when noncompliance confers a perceived benefit to individuals. We then used epidemiological modeling to predict the impact of noncompliance on control of COVID-19, demonstrating that the presence of a noncompliant subpopulation prevents suppression of disease spread. Results: Our modeling demonstrating that noncompliance is a Nash equilibrium under a broad set of conditions, and that the existence of a noncompliant population can result in extensive endemic disease in the long-term after a return to pre-pandemic social and economic activity. Endemic disease poses a threat for both compliant and noncompliant individuals; all community members are protected if complete suppression is achieved, which is only possible with a high degree of compliance. For interventions that are highly effective at preventing disease spread, however, the consequences of noncompliance are borne disproportionately by noncompliant individuals. Conclusions: In sum, our work demonstrates the limits of free-market approaches to compliance with disease control measures during a pandemic. The act of noncompliance with disease intervention measures creates a negative externality, rendering COVID-19 disease control ineffective in the short term and making complete suppression impossible in the long term. Our work underscores the importance of developing effective strategies for prophylaxis through public health measures aimed at complete suppression and the need to focus on compliance at a population level.
Genome-wide identifying of G-quadruplex structures directly by whole-genome resequencing
Authors: Tu Jing , Duan Mengqin , Liu Wenli , Lu Na , Sun Xiao , Lu Zuhong
Published: January 2021

We present a convenient genome-wide DNA G-quadruplex (G4) profiling method that identifies G4 structures from ordinary whole-genome resequencing data by seizing the slight fluctuation of sequencing quality. We identified 736,689 G4 structures within human genome, in which 44.9% of all predicted canonical G4-froming sequences were contained. We observed that some of the single nucleotide variations (SNVs) influenced the formation of G4 structures, including homozygous SNVs and heterozygous SNVs. Due to SNVs contain individual differences, the given approach is available to identify and characterize G4s genome-wide for specific individuals.
Mixed Methods Review of A Home-Grown School Feeding Pilot in A Poor Ethnic Minority Community in Vietnam 
Authors: Prima Sabina Di , Dinh Dai , Reurings Demi , Wright E. Pamela , Essink Dirk , Broerse Jacqueline
Published: January 2021

Background

Undernutrition threatens the health and future of preschool children in disadvantaged ethnic minority communities. Home-grown school feeding (HGSF) in nursery schools could have a positive impact on children’s nutrition while creating multiple benefits for the community and local food system. Evidence is lacking on the implementation and sustainability of HGSF as part of multi-sectoral programs in remote areas. This study assessed a HGSF pilot intervention, implemented within a four-year nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) program, in five nursery schools in a mountain ethnic minority community in Vietnam. It aimed to gain insights into the diversity and cost of school meals, food sources, effects on children’s nutritional status and on process aspects related to implementation and sustainability, especially HGSF synergy with other NSA program components.
Methods

Mixed-methods assessment covered school meal diversity and cost; food sources; anthropometric data; and the process, including changes triggered by HGSF, perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation, and prospects for sustainability. Data came from participants selected by purposive sampling for semi-structured interviews (n = 30) and seven focus group discussions (n = 76), and from field observations and transect walks.
Results

School meals increased daily dietary diversity; meals cost USD 0.65/child/day. About 44% of the foods used were home-grown. There was an indicative reduction in underweight children, an increase in school attendance, and improvements in food preferences and WASH practices. Parents’ caring and feeding practices improved and their willingness to pay for school meals increased. At community level, local food systems became less cash crop-oriented and more self-reliant in production of nutrient-rich foods, contributing to household food security and income generation. Social capital increased. Positive changes were attributed to HGSF and to synergy among NSA program components. Enhanced confidence and motivation, stimulated by role models and change agents, facilitated the process. Socio-economic conditions of poor households and limited resilience to external shocks were barriers that threatened sustainability.
Conclusions

This study showed that implementing HGSF in a mountain ethnic minority area with a high prevalence of undernutrition benefitted children and their communities, when integrated in a multi-sectoral program that mobilises all stakeholders and stimulates both supply and demand of nutritious food.
Comparison between Multiple doses and Single-dose Steroids in Preventing the Incidence of Reintubation after Extubation among Critically ill Patients: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Ahn Chiwon , Na Min Kyun , Lim Tae Ho , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Kim Wonhee , Cho Youngsuk , Shin Hyungoo , Kim Jae Guk , Lee Juncheol , Choi Kyu-Sun
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to determine the frequency of prophylactic steroid administration to prevent reintubation after extubation in critically ill patients. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies regarding the preventive use of multiple doses or single-dose steroids prior to extubation on July 2020, and conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare these interventions. To assess the risk of bias of each included study, version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used. Nine randomized control trials comprising 2,098 patients with comparisons of the three interventions were included. Use of multiple doses and single doses showed a significantly lower rate of reintubation compared with placebo (odds ratio [OR]: 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25–0.72; OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14–0.69). However, the comparison between multiple doses and single doses showed no significant differences (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.32–4.74). According to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve statistic, the treatments should be ranked as follows: single dose (87.1%), high dose (62.8%), and placebo (0.1%). This NMA showed that the multiple doses were not statistically superior to the single dose in lowering the incidence of reintubation after extubation in critically ill patients. Therefore, use of a single-dose steroid can reduce the incidence of reintubation.
Factors affecting retention in the Doctors to the Barrios Program (Philippines) from 2012 to 2019: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Flores Erika Louise Lapitan , Manahan Edric Matthew Rivera , Lacanilao Miguel Paulo Bernardo , Ladaw Isabella Ma. Beatriz Tinio , Mallillin Mico Martin Baligod , Mappatao Nikolai Thadeus Quinto , Leonardia Juan Alfonso , Pepito Veincent Christian Filipino
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: To address the maldistribution of healthcare providers and the shortage of physicians in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas of the Philippines, the Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) program was established in 1993. However, as of 2011, only 18% of the DTTBs chose to stay in their assigned municipalities after their two-year deployment, termed retention. This study aims to identify the individual, local, work, national, and international factors affecting the retention of DTTBs in their assigned communities after their two-year deployment. METHODS: A descriptive, mixed-methods design was used. For the quantitative part, the modified and updated Stayers Questionnaire was given to all current DTTBs present in a Continuing Medical Education session in the Development Academy of the Philippines. Descriptive statistics were then presented. For the qualitative part, individual, semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted in-person or via phone with current and alumni DTTBs from 2012 to 2019. Proceedings of the interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: 102 current DTTBs participated in the quantitative part of our study, while 10 current and former DTTBs participated in the interviews. Demographic factors and location, personal beliefs, well-being, friends and family dynamics, and perceptions about work were the individual factors identified to affect retention. Social working conditions, career development, and infrastructure, medical equipment, and supplies were among the work factors identified to affect retention. Geography, living conditions, local social needs, and technology were among the local factors identified to affect retention. Compensation, the recently signed Universal Healthcare Law, and Safety and Security were identified as national factors that could affect retention. International factors did not seem to discourage DTTBs from staying in their communities. CONCLUSIONS: A host of individual, work-related, local, national, and international factors influence the DTTB’s decision to be retained in different, complex, interconnected, and dynamic ways. We also identified implementation issues in the DTTB program and suggested interventions to encourage retention.
Rate of Force Development in the Quadriceps of Individuals With Severe Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke , Iijima Hirotaka , Nakamura Masatoshi , Aoyama Tomoki
Published: January 2021

We tested the following hypotheses: individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA) would display a significantly decreased quadriceps rate of force development (RFD); and this decrease would be greater than the decrease in maximum quadriceps strength. Maximum isometric strength of the quadriceps was assessed in individuals with mild (Kellgren and Lawrence [K&L] grade 1–2) and severe KOA (K&L grade 3–4). RFD was analyzed at 200 ms from torque onset and normalized to body mass and maximum voluntary isometric contraction torque. The decrease in quadriceps RFD and the difference between this and the decrease in maximum quadriceps strength was tested with logistic regression analysis with a propensity-score-adjusted model and analysis of covariance, respectively. Effect size by Hedges’ g with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the quadriceps RFD and maximum quadriceps strength. Sixty-six participants were analyzed. Individuals with severe KOA displayed significantly decreased quadriceps RFD (odds ratio: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.26-0.82), the decrease being greater than that in maximum quadriceps strength (between-group difference, ES: 0.88, -1.07 vs. 0.06, -0.22). The results suggest that a decreased quadriceps RFD is a modifiable risk factor for progressive KOA. This could lead to the early detection and prevention of severe KOA.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of Persimmon Tannin-Aloe Vera Composite on Cytotoxic Activities, and Radioprotection Against X-rays Irradiated in HepG2 and L02 Cells
Authors: WANG Zhongmin , QIAN Xi , NING Jinliang , QIN Chaoke , GAO Lin , HE Na , LIN Dahong , ZHOU Zhide , LI Guiyin
Published: January 2021

We investigated a persimmon tannin-Aloe vera composite powder (PT-A) for its capacity to protect against ionizing radiation. L02 cells and HepG2 cells were pretreated with PT-A (the mass ratio of persimmon tannin and Aloe vera is 2:1) or the single compounds at various concentrations, radiated with X-rays, and cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS production were analyzed by CCK-8, DCFH-DA staining, and Hoechst 33258 staining/flow cytometry, respectively. The optimal radiation dose and post-radiation incubation period were determined to be 8 Gy and 12 h, respectively. The PT-A composite provided the best protection against ionizing radiation in both cell types. The apoptotic rate was the lowest at a PT-A concentration of 200 mg/mL in L02 cells (4.32%, P < 0.05), and at 100 mg/mL in HepG2 cells (9.8%, P < 0.05). The activity of CCK-8 showed that the optimal radiation dose of L02 was 8 Gy, and the cell activity was 71.72% (IC50=412.1 mg/mL). For HepG2, the optimal radiation dose was 8 Gy, and the irradiation was 12 h. The post cell activity was 62.372% (IC50=213.0 mg/mL). ROS production induced by radiation was the most effectively suppressed by 200 mg/mL PT-A in L02 cells, and by 100 mg/mL in HepG2 cells.
Wide Spectrum Analysis of HPV Genotypes in External Anogenital Warts among Hungarian Patients
Authors: Rideg Orsolya , Oszter Angéla , Makk Evelin , Kálmán Endre , Tornóczky Tamás , Kovács Krisztina
Published: January 2021

Background: External anogenital warts (EGW) are primarily associated with the low-risk Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype 6 and 11, though coinfection with other low-risk and oncogenic high-risk HPV genotypes also occurs. Though the many studies about HPV-associated disease, the epidemiology, and the prevalence of HPV genotypes associated with EGW are not well characterized. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence of HPV genotypes in a Hungarian cohort diagnosed with EGW.Methods: A total number of 94 patients’ archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were enrolled in our retrospective study. HPV genotypes were determined, applying HPV Direct Flow Chip Test.Results: The overall prevalence of HPV DNA in EGW cases was 100%. 72.34% of the cases were mono while 27.65% were multi infections. Cumulative prevalence of HPV 6 and 11 was 98.93%; while a total of 19.4% of the cases occurred with at least one high-risk genotype. The most frequent HPV genotypes were HPV 6 (86.17%), 11 (12.76%), 42 (6.38%) followed by HPV 40, 56, 59, 66, 73 (3.19%).Conclusion: Data of our study could provide invaluable information concerning the relative frequencies of HPV types in the Hungarian population, enabling improved assessment of the actual and future efficacy of vaccination programs and forecast changes in infection patterns.
Persistent Deficiency of Mucosa-associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells During Alcohol-related Liver Disease
Authors: Zhang Yujue , Fan Yuanyuan , He Wei , Han Yi , Bao Huarui , Yang Renjun , Wang Bingbing , Kong Derun , Wang Hua
Published: January 2021

Background: Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver diseases, and the inflammatory response is a basic pathological feature of ALD. Immunity throughout different stages of ALD has not yet been elucidated. The mucosal-associated invariant T(MAIT) cells are a novel population of innate immune cells, which may be depleted in various inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanism of MAIT cell loss in ALD remains unclear.Results: In this study, we found that MAIT cells were depleted in patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, and mixed cirrhosis (alcoholic + viral). Furthermore, the reduction in circulating MAIT cells was correlated with liver function in patients with cirrhosis. We detected functional changes among circulating MAIT cells in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, including increased production of IL-17A and perforin, and reduced production of TNF-α. Plasma cytokine and chemokine levels were quantified using multiple immunoassays and ELISA. Serum levels of chemokine IL-8 were correlated with MAIT cell frequency in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Moreover, no differences were observed in the expression of CCR6, CXCR6, and PD-1 in circulating MAIT cells of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. The MAIT cells in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were prone to apoptosis, which was promoted by IL-12, IL-18, and IL-8. Conclusions: Our findings indicate persistent MAIT cell loss during alcohol-related liver disease, and suggest that MAIT cells can be promising indicator and therapeutic targets in ALD.
Immunoengineered Magnetic-quantum Dot Nanobead System for the Isolation and Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Draz Mohamed S , Xiong Anwen , Yan Wannian , Han Huanxing , Chen Wansheng
Published: January 2021

Background: Highly efficient capture and detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) remain elusive mainly because of their extremely low concentration in patients' peripheral blood. Methods: We present an approach for the simultaneous capturing, isolation, and detection of CTCs using an immuno-fluorescent magnetic nanobead system (iFMNS) coated with a monoclonal anti-EpCAM antibody. Results: The developed antibody nanobead system allows magnetic isolation and fluorescent-based quantification of CTCs. The expression of EpCAM on the surface of captured CTCs could be directly visualized without additional immune-fluorescent labeling. Our approach is shown to result in a 70 – 95% capture efficiency of CTCs, and 95% of the captured cells remain viable. Using our approach, the isolated cells could be directly used for culture, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunocytochemistry (ICC) identification. We applied iFMNS for testing CTCs in peripheral blood samples from a lung cancer patient.Conclusions: It is suggested that our iFMNS approach would be a promising tool for CTCs enrichment and detection in one step.
Role of Manual Immature to Total Neutrophil (I/T) Ratio and Automated Immature Granulocyte Count (IGC) and Percentage (IG%) in the Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Jayasekara Nalika , Kulathilake Chandima , Wijesekara Saraji , Wijesiriwardena Indira
Published: January 2021

Background: The diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is challenging due to non-specific and subtle clinical features, low sensitivity and delay in routine laboratory tests. Current study was conducted to evaluate the role of manual immature/total (I/T) neutrophil ratio and automated immature granulocyte count (IGC) and immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was done during a period of 6 months with a sample of 55 neonates admitted to Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. A combination of clinical and laboratory parameters including full blood count, C-reactive protein and blood culture were used to identify the neonates with probable sepsis. The population was subcategorized into five (5) groups and manual immature/total neutrophil (I/T) ratio, immature granulocyte count (IGC) and immature granulocyte%(IG%) were done in each neonate. Results: The sensitivity of manual I/T ratio was 93.75% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.24%. The sensitivity for lower cut off values, IGC of 0.03x103/µL and IG% of 0.5% was 80% and 73.33% respectively. The NPV for above cut-off values were 25% and 0.5% respectively. The NPV was improved with higher cut-off values with 70.90% for IGC 0.3 and 70.59% for IG 3%, but sensitivity remained low with 40% and 33.33% respectively.Conclusion: Manual I/T ratio remains as a useful diagnostic tool in diagnosing and excluding neonatal sepsis with a very good sensitivity and NPV. However, further studies and well defined reference intervals are required in automated IGC and IG%.
Bioinformatics Analysis the Expression Characteristics of RNA m6A Methylation Regulator in Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhao Ping , Huang Xinwei , Wu Anhao , Yang Xin , Fu Yang , Quan Yuhang , Li Zhen , Tang Qi , Zhang Ji , Wang Maohua
Published: January 2021

Background: RNA m6A methylation regulator has been shown to play an important regulatory role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the role and characteristics of RNA m6A methylation in breast cancer are not yet clear. Objective: To analyze the effect of the expression pattern of M6A methylation factor on the progression of breast cancer by bioinformatics.Results: This study uses bioinformatics to analyze three data sets of TCGA-BRCA, GSE96058 and GSE25066. According to the expression level of m6A-related genes, breast cancer samples are divided into 4 subtypes: quiescent, m6A-methylation, protein-binding, and mixed. The results of R-survival analysis showed that the survival of breast cancer samples of the four subtypes was significantly different. The analysis of breast cancer gene expression features showed that there are significant differences in the number of exon skip among the four subtypes. For tumor driver genes, the degree of TP53 mutation and copy number loss are the most in the protein-binding subtype. Among DNA damage repair genes, the copy number of RAD54B in the protein binding subtype is significantly increased, while other DNA damage repair-related genes have fewer mutations and copy number deletions are common. The effect of m6A methylation on the proportion of infiltrated immune cells indicates that Macrophages M0 and Mast cells resting are significantly different in the four m6A subgroups, and are related to patient prognosis. The number of sensitive samples of chemotherapeutics (taxane anthracyclines) is the lowest in the quiescent subtype. In addition, the highest tumor stemness index in breast cancer samples is the protein-bound type, and the lowest is the m6A methylated type. Conclusion: The results of our analysis suggest that the reduced expression level of m6A methylation writer gene and the high expression of m6A reader protein in the four methylation subtypes of breast cancer are key to the progression of breast cancer.
A Computer-Aided Diagnosis System of Fetal Nucleated Red Blood Cell With Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Sun Chao , Wang Ruijie , Zhao Lanbo , Han Lu , Ma Sijia , Liang Dongxin , Wang Lei , Tuo Xiaoqian , Zhang Yu , Zhong Dexing , Li Qiling
Published: January 2021

Background: The rapid recognition of fetal nucleated red blood cells (fNRBCs) present considerable challenges.Objective: To establish a computer-aided diagnosis system (CAD) for rapid recognition of fNRBCs by a convolutional neural network (CNN). Methods: We adopted density gradient centrifugation and magnetic-activated cell sorting to extract fNRBCs from umbilical cord blood samples. A cell-block method was used to embed fNRBCs for routine formalin-fixed paraffin sectioning and hematoxylin-eosin stains. Then we proposed a CAD-based on CNN to automatically learn discriminative features and recognize fNRBCs. Region of interest 1 extraction methods were used to automatically segment individual cells in cell slices. The discriminant information from ROIs was encoded into a feature vector. The prediction network provided a pathological diagnosis. Results: Totally, 4760 pictures of fNRBCs from 260 cell-slides of 4 umbilical cord blood samples were collected. On the premise of 100% accuracy in the training set (3720 pictures) the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of cellular intelligent recognition were 96.5%, 100%, and 98.5% in the test set (1040 pictures).Conclusion: We present a CAD system for effective and accurate fNRBCs recognition based on CNN.
LY96 Upregulation Promotes Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC)
Authors: Xu Ji-li , Guo Yong
Published: January 2021

Background: LY96 has been reported to be relevant with kidney inflammatory injury but the function of this gene in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains unknown.Methods: Various online tools were applied to analyze the roles of LY96 in KIRC using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Differential LY96 expression and overall survival (OS) based on different expression levels were analyzed through Oncomine and GEPIA tools. The alterations, related genes, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of LY96 were explored via cBioPortal and STRING database. LinkedOmics and Cistrome DB Toolkit were utilized to identify targets of kinase, miRNAs, and transcription factors. The relationship between LY96 and some associated genes or regulatory factors was displayed via GeneMANIA and TIMER tool. TISIDB revealed correlations between LY96 expression and immune-associated factors in the tumor microenvironment. Results: High LY96 expression level was observed in KIRC and associated with poor prognosis and diverse clinical characteristics. LY96 often amplified in KIRC and was mostly linked to the inflammatory response. Several highly correlated genes, kinase targets, transcription factors, and DNA methyltransferase that may interact with LY96 were all identified. Our study also demonstrated that various immune-related factors were relevant to LY96 in KIRC. Conclusions: Our study has shown the complex relationships between LY96 and KIRC from diverse angles. High LY96 expression had an adverse effect on the prognosis of KIRC. To find effective demethylation agents and transcription factors inhibitors targeting LY96 may have beneficial effects on the survival of KIRC patients.
Lung Recruitment Improves the Efficacy of Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation Treatment for Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates, A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Yong , Yan Wenkang , Ruan MinYi , Zhang Lan , Su Jinzhen , Deng Haohui , Li Minxu
Published: January 2021

Background: Lung recruitment is a maneuver in preterm neonates at birth, which may decrease the length of intubation. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of lung recruitment plus intubation-surfactant-extubation (INSURE) procedure and INSURE alone for the preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.Methods: A total of 184 preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled and randomized into the lung recruitment group receiving lung recruitment (25 cm H2O for 15 seconds) plus INSURE and the control group receiving INSURE only. The primary outcome was the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) within 72 h after extubation. The secondary outcomes include the duration of intubation, noninvasive ventilation, total oxygen therapy, hospitalization, and other complications.Results: Compared to the control group, the lung recruitment group had a significantly lower proportion of preterm neonates need for MV within 72 h after extubation (23% vs. 38%, P=0.025) and pulmonary surfactant administration, as well as shorter the MV duration. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the control group had a 2.17-time higher risk for need for MV than the lung recruitment group (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.13-4.18; P=0.021). In the mothers with hypertension, the infants presented a 2.41-time higher risk for requiring MV as compared with those of mothers with normotension (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.15-5.05; P=0.020). Conclusion: These data suggested that lung recruitment plus INSURE can reduce the need for MV within 72 hours after extubation without increasing the incidence of complications and mortality.
The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Patients With Acute Proximal Femoral Fracture: a Retrospective, Observational, Cohort Study
Authors: Tong Anna , Singh Amit , Pinder Charlotte , Onafowokan Oluwatobi , Toh Wei Hann , Asthwanth Ramesh , Rogers Sophie , Gandavaram Srikanth , Sinclair Victoria
Published: January 2021

• Background – During the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK) admissions related to acute proximal femoral fracture (APFF) remained consistent.• Aims – This aim of this research is to demonstrate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this cohort of high-risk patients and provide revenues for improvement in their care as we globally progress through further peaks of viral transmission and illness.• Methods– Retrospective, observational, cohort study of 112 patients with APFF; sustained during the first peak of the pandemic (1st March – 15th May, 2020). Following ethical approval, data was collected from electronic records. Included patients were those who had been admitted to one of two district general hospitals in Northwest England. Only patients with APFF were included – chronic, peri-prosthetic, femoral shaft and open fractures were excluded. Patients were split into two groups: COVID-positive (N = 17) and COVID-negative (N = 95) with the primary outcome measure being 30-day mortality.• Results – 17.9% overall mortality (29.4% for COVID-positive and 15.7% for COVID-negative). The odds ratio for mortality was 2.2 in the COVID-positive group compared to the COVID-negative group (95% confidence level; 0.68–7.23).• Conclusions – Patients with APFF suffered increased mortality during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, increased mortality in COVID-positive patients, compared to the COVID-negative patients, was not statistically significant. Increased mortality in COVID-negative patients may have been due to other pandemic related factors including: undiagnosed COVID-19; patient demographics and the effects of changes to the service provision structure of the orthopaedic department during this time. Moving forward, as the global fight against COVID-19 continues, we provide the below recommendations as suggested revenues to improve 30-day mortality for these patients during pandemic times:• repeated COVID-19 testing for all APFF patients;• strict separation of COVID-suspected, COVID-positive, and COVID-negative patients;• preservation of acute trauma services, including protected theatre time; and• maintenance of experienced orthopaedic teams on wards throughout periods of re-deployment.Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to assess the national and international applicability of these recommendations.
Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Type 2 Inhibitors on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zheng Caiyun , Lin Meimei , Chen Yan , Xu Haiting , Yan Lingqun , Dai Hengfen
Published: January 2021

BackgroundControlled studies and observational studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2s) are beneficial to the mortality of patients with heart failure (HF). However, it is unclear whether SGLT-2s can benefit patients with other cardiovascular diseases. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the clinical benefits of SGLT-2s in cardiovascular patients with or without diabetes.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for randomised controlled trials written in English from inception until November 1, 2020. Two reviewers independently identified randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of SGLT-2s in patients with cardiovascular disease with or without diabetes. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and hospitalisation for heart failure. Secondary outcomes were major adverse events from cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, and infectious diseases. The effects of SGLT-2s were evaluated using RevMan5.3 software. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess study quality.ResultsWe identified 10 randomised controlled trials (24500 patients in the SGLT-2 group and 17960 patients in the placebo group). Meta-analysis showed that SGLT-2 treatment significantly reduced all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and hospitalisation for heart failure (HHF) in patients with cardiovascular disease (all-cause mortality relative risk [RR]: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80–0.91; P < 0.00001; I2 = 11%; cardiovascular mortality RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.79–0.92; P < 0.0001; I2 = 35%; HHF RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.64–0.81; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). In patients with heart failure, mortality and HHF after SGLT-2 treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were significantly reduced, whereas heart failure with preserved ejection fraction did not differ compared with placebo treatment. Moreover, SGLT-2s induced a lower incidence of renal damage and myocardial infarction than the placebo group; however, the risk of infection, amputation, volume depletion, and diabetic ketoacidosis was higher. ConclusionsIn this exploratory analysis, SGLT-2s had significant clinical effects in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease and had significant benefits in terms of renal function and myocardial infarction, but were associated with increased risk of infection, ketoacidosis, amputation, and volume depletion.
Mental Health and Resilience among Eritrean Refugees at Arrival and One-Year Post-Registration in Switzerland: A Cohort Study
Authors: Chernet Afona , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Sydow Véronique , Paris Daniel Henry , Labhardt Niklaus Daniel
Published: January 2021

Objective:Eritrea tops the list of origin of asylum seekers in Switzerland. On their journey through the desert and across the Mediterranean Sea, refugees may be exposed to traumatizing experiences. The aim of this study is to assess the mental health status of Eritrean migrants in Switzerland upon arrival and one-year post-arrival, using standardized mental health screening tools. Results:At baseline, 107 refugees (11.2% female, median age 25) were interviewed: 52 (48.6%) screened positive for PTSD (score ≥30), 10.3% for anxiety (≥10) and 15.0% for depression (≥10); 17.8% scored as risk/hazardous drinkers (≥8). The majority (94.4%) had a high resilience score (≥65). For one-year follow-up, 48 asylum seekers could be reached. In interviews 18 (38%) of these reported imprisonment in a transit country and 28 (58%) that they had witnessed the death of a close person along the migration route. At the one year assessment, rates of risky/hazardous alcohol use remained unchanged, rates of positive PTSD screening tended to be lower (50.0% (24/48) at baseline vs 25.0% (12/48) at follow-up), as were rates of positive screening for anxiety (8.3% vs 4.2%) and depression (14.6 vs 6.3%).