bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent Male Genital Tract Inflammation and Semen Impairment: A Long-Term Effect of SARS-Cov-2 Infection
Authors: Gacci Mauro , Baldi Elisabetta , Sebastianelli Arcangelo , Morselli Simone , Zaccaro Claudia , Pecoraro Alessio , Manera Alekseja , Nicoletti Rossella , Liaci Andrea , Pollini Simona , Antonelli Alberto , Marchiani Sara , Nicolò Sabrina , Torcia Maria , Degl’innocenti Selene , Rastrelli Giulia , De Nunzio Cosimo , Fanelli Alessandra , Annunziato Francesco , Maggi Mario , Vignozzi Linda , Serni Sergio
Published: October 2021

Background: Recent reports evidenced an impairment of semen parameters in men affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In particular, our group previously reported that 1 over 4 COVID-19 healed men were found to be crypto- / azoo-spermic. Moreover, most patients had elevated IL-8 semen levels at sperm analysis. The aim of our study was to assess semen parameters and inflammation by evaluating a panel of sperm cytokine levels (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, INF gamma, TNF-alpha) on average 1 month after the second SARS-CoV-2 negative nasopharyngeal swab and 3 months later. Methods: Ten men who showed normozoospermia (n=3), oligozoospermia (n=3) or crypto/azoospermia (n=4) 1 month after healing from COVID-19 in our previous study, were re-called and re-evaluated 3 months after the first semen analysis. Semen parameters were evaluated according to WHO manual and seminal plasma cytokine levels by an ELISA method. Results: At 3-months follow-up, 8 men showed an overall increase of semen parameters compared to levels assessed after 1 month. In particular, of the 4 crypto-/azoo-spermic men 1 month after healing, 2 resulted oligozoospermic, 1 normozoospermic and only 1 remained azoospermic. Two of the 3 oligozoospermic men turned normozoozpermic. Semen cytokine levels were remarkably high one month after healing and remained elevated after 3 months, with the exception of IL-6. Conclusions: This is the first longitudinal, prospective study comparing semen parameters and semen inflammatory markers one and three months after recovering from COVID-19. Our data indicate an overall tendency to an improvement of semen parameters although a genital tract inflammatory condition appears to persist at least 3 months after COVID-19 recovery. This condition could have an impact on male fertility requiring a careful follow up of these patients.
Evidence of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection Association With Gastric Cancer and Gastroduodenal Diseases
Authors: Zebardast Arghavan , Pazhoohan Maryam , Cherati Azadeh Yazdani , Amoli Saghar Saber , Yahyapour Yousef , Ranaee Mohammad , Shirvani Javad Shokri , Sadeghi Farzin
Published: October 2021

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is detected in epithelial tumors, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric cancer (GC). EBV-associated gastric cancer is a distinct molecular subtype of gastrointestinal carcinomas as defined by Cancer Genome Atlas. This gamma-Herpes virus is present in approximately 10% of gastric carcinomas.Methods: The present study aimed to investigate the presence of EBV genome in gastric cancer and other gastroduodenal diseases either alone or together with Helicobacter pylori (HP). We examined 237 samples from Iranian patients diagnosed with GC and gastroduodenal disease for EBV infection by quantitative Real-Time PCR.Results: Of the 237 samples tested, EBV DNA was detected in 37 samples (15.6%), in 13 of the 81 GC cases (16%), and 24 of the 156 non-cancerous samples (15.4%). All samples containing EBV were gastric cancer of the intestinal type. Of 37 EBV-positive samples, 20 (54.1%) were over 55 years old and 20 (54.1%) were male. The EBV-EBER (EBV-encoded small RNA) DNA copy number in the gastric cancer group (mean = 2.14×10-1 copies/cell) was higher than that in the gastroduodenal disease group (mean = 1.39×10-2 copies/cell), and this difference was statistically significant (P> 0.001). Moreover, the concurrent infections with EBV and HP were detected in 17 out of 35 EBER-positive samples (48.6%), 6 (17/1%) cases were in the gastric cancer group and 11 (31/4%) cases were in the gastroduodenal disease group.Conclusions: In the present study, a high incidence (16%) of EBVaGC was observed in Babol city, Northern Iran. Also, the higher number of copies of EBV EBER DNA in the GC group than in the non-cancer group confirmed the possible role of EBV in inducing cancer. EBVaGC is not endemic in any region and varies in different nations. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the role of this virus in the development of GC and other gastroduodenal diseases.
Will Climate Change Increase Inequality in Wage Growth? -Evidence from China's 30 Provincial Capitals
Authors: Xu Hanxiao , Gao Qiang , Yuan Bin
Published: October 2021

Examining the impact of long-term temperature rise on wages is not only beneficial for gaining insight into the economic consequences of climate change, but also of great reference value to reduce income disparity and alleviate relative poverty. Based on the panel data of 30 provincial capitals from 1996-2018, the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is adopted in this paper to conduct an empirical analysis of temperature rises’ impact on wage in various industries. It is found that, firstly, temperature rise will significantly reduce the growth of wage and show heterogeneity. Among them, the growth of wage in the manufacturing industry is most prominently affected by rising annual average temperatures. Second, in terms of seasonal differences, the negative impact of temperature rise on wage growth is mainly in summer. Different temperature swings and different vulnerability producers demonstrate lead to largely dissimilar marginal impacts of temperature rise in different regions. Wages in relatively vulnerable regions and regions with relatively sharp temperature fluctuations are more significantly affected by the increase in average summer temperatures. Thirdly, in the long run, the negative impact of annual average temperature increases on the wages of agriculture industries shows a notable cumulative effect, which mainly comes from the irreversible impact of temperature increase on labor productivity, and will further widen the income gap between regions. Based on the above findings, this paper proposes targeted strategies from two dimensions, “mitigation” and “adaptation”, in order to narrow the regional income gap and achieve balanced development, and to provide theoretical references for subsequent policies responding to climate change.
Measuring the “weight” of human in vivo bio-inertia by legendary Galileo falling body experiments on a commercial 10m diving platform and gravitationally inversion of Newton's Three Laws of Motion into the Basic Laws of Evolution
Authors: Lai Yi Yu
Published: October 2021

Mutations of legendary Galileo falling bodies experiment with non-living objects in a non-isolated environment demonstrate that the recoverable internal motions of falling bodies can bind and polarize gravity over conventional Newtonian mass inertia. Bio quantum path experiments further interpret the binding mechanism and reveal the isolated logic restriction of Einstein’s equivalence principle. Mutations of the Cavendish experiment unveil 109 levels of gravitational differences between living and dead states. Mutations of the Galileo falling body experiments for living beings confirmed that such differences come from recoverable internal motion surface tension gravitational binding that can be calibrated as a measurable bio-inertia. We then calibrated the falling height difference for human in vivo bio-inertia on a commercial 10m diving platform and verified 98% of populations on Earth can safely be tested in this way with enough preparation training. In vivo lifetime gravitational binding curve that governs all biological parameters and reveals life evolutionary mechanisms becomes technologically feasible. These results, along with various facts, modulate the gravitational multi-surface tension region resonating model of in vivo bio quantum path inversion superposition. Photoelectric effect, PCR, GPCR, ancient CSF-ligament human Kungfu training systems, music harmonics, and board observations physically sustain this model. Newtonian Third Laws of motion are therefore evolved into Basic Laws of Evolution originates from surface tension non-unitary time inversion superposition that is different from the mathematical superposition in quantum mechanics; original memory negentropy is also disciplinarily integrated.
Omnidirectional Transfer for Quasilinear Lifelong Learning
Authors: Dey Jayanta , Vogelstein Joshua , Helm Hayden , Levine Will , Mehta Ronak , Geisa Ali , de Ven Gido van , Chang Emily , Gao Chenyu , Yang Weiwei , Tower Bryan , Larson Jonathan , White Christopher , Priebe Carey
Published: October 2021

In biological learning, data are used to improve performance not only on the current task, but also on previously encountered and as yet unencountered tasks. In contrast, classical machine learning starts from a blank slate, or tabula rasa, using data only for the single task at hand. While typical transfer learning algorithms can improve performance on future tasks, their performance on prior tasks degrades upon learning new tasks (called catastrophic forgetting). Many recent approaches for continual or lifelong learning have attempted to maintain performance given new tasks. But striving to avoid forgetting sets the goal unnecessarily low: the goal of lifelong learning, whether biological or artificial, should be to improve performance on all tasks (including past and future) with any new data. We propose omnidirectional transfer learning algorithms, which includes two special cases of interest: decision forests and deep networks. Our key insight is the development of the omni-voter layer, which ensembles representations learned independently on all tasks to jointly decide how to proceed on any given new data point, thereby improving performance on both past and future tasks. Our algorithms demonstrate omnidirectional transfer in a variety of simulated and real data scenarios, including tabular data, image data, spoken data, and adversarial tasks. Moreover, they do so with quasilinear space and time complexity.
Socio-demographic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitude and preventive practices of COVID-19 among Ghanaians: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tawiah Philip Apraku , Arhin-Wiredu Kingsley , Oppong Kwabena , Torgbor Bernard Nii , Konadu Phenehance Effah , Abaka-Yawson Albert
Published: October 2021

Background

In recent times, the novel coronavirus disease, obviously, is one of the most challenging public health burden. Low-and-middle-income countries including Ghana have not been spared by the infection. Several measures are being undertaken by countries to control and prevent the future waves of the disease. Previous studies have established the importance of knowledge, attitude and practices towards an infection as remedy for controlling the spread of such infections. However, further studies are required to ascertain the socio-demographic characteristics influencing the knowledge, attitude and preventive measures of COVID-19.
Methods

This study investigated the socio-demographic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 infection among the Ghanaian population. A cross-sectional design was adopted to recruit 369 participants for the study by means of convenience and snowball sampling methods. With the use of an electronic semi-structured questionnaire and social media platforms, an online survey was conducted from March 26 – May 1, 2020. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression were used to analyze data.
Results

The average mean percentage of good knowledge, positive attitudes and good preventive practices regarding the novel coronavirus disease was 83.2%, 88.2% and 69.2%, correspondingly. In relation to occupation, there was significant difference (t = -2.984, p-value = 0.0030) in COVID-19 knowledge. Income level was significantly associated with attitudes towards COVID-19. Male gender (vs female, β = -1.276, p-value = < 0.00001), less than ¢500 income earners (vs above ¢1000, β = -0.845, p-value = 0.017) were associated with lower COVID-19 preventive practice score while being the 42–64 age category (vs 18–25-year group, β = 1.128, p-value = 0.028), health worker (vs non-health worker, β = 0.816, p-value = 0.001) and belonging to Ga ethnic group (vs Akan ethnic group, β = 0.89, p-value = 0.027) were associated with higher scores.
Conclusion

Although this study found higher knowledge and attitudes toward the novel coronavirus disease, it did not reflect in higher preventive practices towards the infection. In our fight against this infection in Ghana, COVID-19 preventive measure educational campaigns targeting male gender and low-income earners should be considered and implemented.
Berberine Induces NSCLC Apoptosis Via Activation of ROS/ASK1/JNK Pathway in Vitro and Vivo
Authors: chen qianqian , Hou Yaqin , Hao Bingjie , Ding Zhou , Xia Qing , Li Dan , Li Ming , Fan Lihong
Published: October 2021

BackgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Berberine (BBR), as an isoquinoline alkaloid, is commonly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have proven that BBR possesses potential anti-tumor effect. However, the mechanism of on mitochondrial function in anti-NSCLC are still unknown.MethodsCell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry and western blotting were utilized to characterize the roles and relationships among BBR, ROS, ASK1, JNK, coxIV,caspase-3, cytochrome c ,bcl-2 and bax in NSCLC. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was built to examine their expression in vivo.ResultsIn this study, we found that BBR potently suppressed NSCLC cells (A549 and PC9) growth by inducing apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. BBR induced apoptosis in NSCLC as evidenced by caspase-3 cleavage, cytochrome c release, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Furthermore, BBR induced ROS generation and ASK1 and JNK activation. To explore whether such apoptosis was linked to ROS production and ASK1 and JNK activation, we treated cells with a JNK inhibitor (SP600125), which significantly suppressed BBR-induced apoptosis. We further found that treating these cells with the anti-oxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was sufficient to both suppress ASK1 and JNK activation and to disrupt apoptotic induction.ConclusionsTogether, these data suggest that BBR induces NSCLC cells apoptosis via ROS-mediated ASK1/JNK and mitochondrial pathway activation.
Desflurane Does not Affect Post-Operative Short-Term Olfactory Memory of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery Introduction: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Wang Zijun , Cao Ying , Su Jinhua , Gao Hong , Zhou Meiwu , Huang Jian , Chen Jie , Pan Jinzhe , Sun Changyu
Published: October 2021

Background: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of 6% desflurane on short-term olfactory memory after laparoscopic surgery, and to investigate whether plasma concentrations of plasma S-100β protein, neuron specific enolase (NSE) and melatonin correlate with it.Methods: We collected medical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the Second People's Hospital of Guiyang during May 2018 - February 2020. A total of 40 patients, who were aged 18-60 years old with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, were enrolled in the study. During the operation, the patients inhaled 6% desflurane to maintain the anesthesia. Patients were brought to the recovery room 45 minutes prior to the surgery (T0). And the patients were sent to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after the surgery, if their Aldrete score was ≥ 9 points (T1), the CCCRC test was repeated to re-assess their olfactory memory. Venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected at T0 and T1, and the plasma was centrifuged at 3,000 rpm and then stored in a refrigerator at -20°C. Plasma S-100β protein, NSE, and melatonin levels were determined using ELISA.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the odor identification score between T0 and T1 (P > 0.05). As compared with T0, the plasma concentrations of S-100β protein and NSE declined at T1. However, these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There were also no statistically significant changes in melatonin levels between T0 and T1 (P > 0.05）.Conclusions: This study found that undergoing general anesthesia with the inhaled anesthetic desflurane did not affect the short-term olfactory memory of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. This may be explained by the proposition that desflurane maintains plasma S-100β protein, NSE, and melatonin levels.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (URL: http:// www.chictr.org.cn. Registry number: ChiCTR2100049441 ). Date of Registration: 2 August 2021.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Yan Liang , Wang Dong , Du Jinpeng , Hao Dingjun , He Baorong , Zhao He , Ding Keyuan , Shi Haodong , Cao Yang , Qu Zechao , Huang Wangli , Feng Mingzhe
Published: October 2021

Study Design. A hospital-based retrospective epidemiological study.Summary of Background Data. TSCI is a highly disabling and deadly injury. Currently, there is little information regarding the epidemiological characteristics for TSCI in Shaanxi.Objective: To describe the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Shaanxi to help health-related institutions formulate corresponding measures.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the spine centers or orthopedic centers of the four cities in Shaanxi province according to the International Classification of Disease Version 10 (ICD-10) and diagnostic code of TSCI. Variables included gender, age, medical insurance, etiology, occupation, time of injury, level of injury, and severity of injury, multiple injury, treatment, and so on.Results: The study included the medical records of 694 patients with TSCI in 2018. The mean age of patients with TSCI was 48.4±14.9 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.45:1. The major causes of TSCI were high falls (40.2%) and low falls (26.7%). The most common injury site was the cervical spinal cord, accounting for 48.7%. The highest proportion of severity of injury was ASIA Grade D (37.8%). In addition, 74.6% of the patients had spinal fractures, the chest (38.0%) accounted for the highest proportion of all TSCI patients. Furthermore, 27.8% of the patients experienced clinical complications. 530 (76.4%) patients underwent surgery, 323 (46.5%) patients underwent inpatient rehabilitation.Conclusion: There are specific epidemiological characteristics of TSCI patients in Shaanxi, and preventive measures are suggested to be based on the characteristics of the different types of patients with TSCI and focused on high-risk groups.
Perceptions and Attitude of Women of Luderitz, Namibia on Pap Smear
Authors: Hausiku Lucia , Kouame Koffi , Aboua Yapo Guillaume
Published: October 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading malignancies globally and has taken third place in Namibia amongst women aged 15-44 years. Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been proven to increase women’s susceptibility to developing cervical carcinoma. Sadly, Namibia carries a twin burden of HIV and cervical cancer. Namibians are aware of HIV/AIDS, but remain poorly informed about cervical cancer. Furthermore, among those who are aware of the disease, low utilisation of screening tests have been reported. Objective: The purpose was to explore perceptions and attitudes held by women about cervical cancer, reasons for low uptake of Pap smear testing amongst those who are aware of the malignancy as well as unearth motivation factors that has fuelled women to go for screening. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling as a sampling technique. The survey instrument used was a self-administered questionnaire. It consisted of both closed and open ended questions. A total of 136 women were surveyed. Results and conclusion: The level of awareness for cervical cancer (92.6%) and Pap smear (93.4%) were high. Most were able to identify that pap smear test is used for screening for pre-cancerous lesions. However, knowledge about the impact of a HIV positive status along with co infection with HPV as the leading causes for progression of invasive cervical carcinoma was not well known. Knowledge about the other risk factors such as multiple sexual partners (39.7%), early sex debut (34.9%) and smoking was poorly demonstrated. This suggests that a high awareness level does not necessarily translate into having a good perception or understanding of a disease. A good attitude towards screening was observed although less than half of the study population reported ever having a test done.
An enhancement of instruments for solution of general transmission line equations with method of lines, impedance-/admittance and field transformation in combination with finite differences
Authors: Spiller Waldemar
Published: October 2021

The Method of Lines (MoL) in combination with impedance-/admittance and field transformation (IAFT) is used to analyze electromagnetic waves. The used cases are wave-guiding structures in microwave technology and optics. The core of the theory is the solution of generalized transmission line equations (GTL). In the case of complex structures, a combination with finite differences (FD) can be used. The quality of this solution essentially depends on the effectiveness of the used interpolation of the differences. The individual steps of the FD are permanently linked to the steps of the fully vectorial impedance-/admittance and/or field transformation, so standard libraries cannot be used. Two approaches based on the linear and quadratic interpolation were built into the impedance-/admittance and field transformation in the past. However, the degree of improvement due to one or another kind of interpolation depends on the concrete behavior of the solution sought. In the case of complex structures, choosing the appropriate type of interpolation should be an effective aid. In this paper, an extension of the family of built-in methods is proposed - with the possibility of being able to build any known numerical method from the class of one-step or multi-step methods into the GTL solution. These can be higher-order methods, including fast explicit methods, or particularly stable implicit methods. The transmission matrices for the impedance-/admittance and field transformation serve as the building site. To illustrate the procedure, some different methods are integrated into the GTL solution. The accuracy of the solutions is tested on selected complex structures and compared with each other and with existing solutions. It is shown that the optimal choice of method and the quality of the solution can depend on concrete structures. Keywords: Method of lines, generalized transmission line equations, impedance/admittance transformation, waveguide structures, finite differences, finite differences with second order accuracy.
Research on the Dynamic Evolution of Sponge City Construction Risk Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Zhao Hui , Li Zhijie , Zhang Jingqi
Published: October 2021

Following the research idea of "theoretical analysis -- mechanism analysis -- model simulation", the basic concept and basic theory of sponge city construction risk are firstly defined, and then the risk factors and internal mechanism of sponge city construction are analyzed by the grounded theory method. Finally, the system dynamics model is used for simulation. The dynamic development and key risk factors of each sub-risk system in the whole life cycle are analyzed, and the countermeasures to reduce the risk of sponge city construction are given.
Adaptive Convergence of Methylomes Reveals Epigenetic Drivers and Boosters of Repeated Relapses in Patient-matched Childhood Ependymomas and Identifies Targets for Anti-Recurrence Therapies
Authors: Zhao Sibo , Li Jia , Zhang Huiyuan , Qi Lin , Du Yuchen , Mari Kogiso , Braun Frank , Huang Yulun , Li Jianfan , Teo Wan-Yee , Lindsay Holly , Baxter Patricia , Su Jack , Adesina Adekunle , Xiao Sophie , Miklos Miklos , Genevini Paola , Veillard Anne-Clemence , Schvartzman Sol , Ding Shirong , Hua Yuanda , Stephan Clifford , Yang Jianhua , Goldman Stewart , Davies Peter , Chintagumpala Murali , Parsons Donald , Perlaky Laszlo , Xia Yun-Fei , Man Tsz-Kwong , Huang Yun , Song Yongcheng , Sun Deqiang , Li Xiao-Nan
Published: October 2021

Ependymoma (EPN) is the third most common brain tumor in children and frequently recurs. Here, we report an integrated longitudinal analysis of epigenetic, genetic and tumorigenic changes in 30 patient-matched repeated relapses obtained from 10 pediatric patients to understand the mechanism of recurrences. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed stable molecular subtypes and convergent epigenetic reprogramming during serial relapses of the 5 RELA and 5 PFA EPNs that paralleled with elevated patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) (13/27) formation in the late relapses. Differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) preexisted in the primary tumors and persisted in the relapses (driver DMCs) were detected, ranging from 51 hypo-methylated in RELA to 148 hyper-methylated DMCs in PFA tumors; while newly acquired DMCs sustained in all the relapses but was absent in the primary tumors (booster DMCs) ranged from 38- 323 hyper-methylated DMCs in RELA and PFA EPNs, respectively. Integrated analysis of these DMC associated DNA methylation regions (DMRs) and RNAseq in both patient and PDOX tumors identified a small fraction of the differentially expressed genes (4.6±4.4% in RELA and 4.5±1.1% in PFA) as regulated by driver DMRs (e.g., up-regulated CACNA1H, SLC12A7, RARA in RELA and HSPB8, GMPR, ITGB4 in PFA) and booster DMRs (including the sole upregulated PLEKHG1 in RELA and NOTCH, EPHA2, SUFU, FOXJ1 in PFA tumors). Most these genes were novel to EPN relapses. Seven DMCs in RELA and 22 in PFA tumors were also identified as potential relapse predictors. Finally, integrating DNA methylation with histone modification identified LSD1 as a relapse driver gene. Combined treatment of a novel inhibitor SYC-836 with radiation significantly prolonged survival times in two PDOX models of recurrent PFA. This high-resolution epigenetic and genetic roadmap of EPN relapse and our 13 new PDOX models should significantly facilitate biological and preclinical studies of pediatric EPN recurrences.
Prognostic Predictors For COVID-19 in Daily Clinical Practice in Japan: a Propensity Score-Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Shinoda Masahiro , Ota Shinichiro , Yoshida Yuto , Hirouchi Takatomo , Shinada Kanako , Sato Takashi , Morikawa Miwa , Ishii Naoki , Shinkai Masaharu
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Blood tests and computed tomography (CT) findings at diagnosis are widely used in daily clinical practice and can offer useful prognostic factors for coronavirus disease 2019.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 66 patients who underwent a blood test and CT between January 1 and May 31, 2020, and performed a propensity score-matched case-control study. Cases and controls were a severe respiratory failure group (non-rebreather mask, nasal high-flow, positive-pressure ventilation) and a non-severe respiratory failure group, matched at a ratio of 1:3 by propensity scores constructed by age, sex, and medical history. We compared groups for maximum body temperature up to diagnosis, laboratory findings, and CT findings in the matched cohort. Two-tailed P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: Nine cases and 27 controls were included in the matched cohort. Significant differences were seen in maximum body temperature up to diagnosis (p=0.0043), the number of shaded lobes (p=0.0434), amount of ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the total lung field (p=0.0071), amounts of GGO (p=0.0001), and consolidation (p=0.0036) in the upper lung field, and pleural effusion (p=0.0117).Conclusions: Fever and CT findings (such as GGO and consolidation) may be prognostic indicators that can be easily measured at diagnosis.
RNAa-Mediated Epigenetic Attenuation of The Cell Senescence via Locus Specific Induction of Endogenous SIRT1
Authors: Mokhberian Neda , Sharifi Kazem , Soleimaninejadian Ehsan , Eftekhary Mohamad , Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud , Farhadi Shohreh , Miwa Satomi , Ghanbarian Hossein
Published: October 2021

SIRT1, a known regulator of cellular senescence, is a therapeutic target for age related disorders and its upregulation is a strategy to improve the cell therapeutic potentials of human mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs). Knockdown of natural antisense transcripts via small activating RNAs (RNAa) is an emerging approach for safe and locus specific gene regulation. We have recently identified a natural antisense transcript at human SIRT1 locus (SIRT1-NAT), the expression of which shows a negative correlation with that of SIRT1. To test the hypothetic upregulation of SIRT1 via knockdown of SIRT1-NAT, in this study we designed a single stranded oligonucleotide (SIRT1-antagoNAT) against the antisense transcript, transfection of which efficiently knocked down the SIRT1-NAT and induced SIRT1 transcription in human MSCs. In addition, activation of SIRT1 transfection via knockdown of SIRT1-NAT in human MSCs enhanced their proliferation and differentiation potentials, reduced senescence associated β-galactosidase activity and reversed the senescence associated molecular alterations. Our findings introduce an RNAa mediated approach for epigenetic induction of endogenous SIRT1 and the consequent attenuation of senescence. Further studies should evaluate the therapeutic potentials of this approach against various age related disorders.
The efficacy and safety of small incision open reduction and intramedullary nail fixation surgery in the treatment of simple tibial shaft fracture
Authors: shi chen , hai he shan , lei zhang xiao , cheng xu chun , cheng yang jian , chuan hong , nan yu jia
Published: October 2021

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of small incision open reduction and intramedullary nail internal fixation surgery in the treatment of simple tibial shaft fracture compared to the closed reduction surgery. Methods: A total of fifty patients with simple tibial shaft fractures admitted to our hospital were randomly and equally assigned into the observation group and the control group. Patients in the observation group received small incision open reduction surgery with intramedullary nail while patients in the control group received the closed reduction surgery. The clinical efficacy, prognosis as well as safety profile were compared between the two groups. Results: Our data indicated that the average bleeding volume of patients in the observation group was increased while the operation time was decreased compared to the control group. No significant difference of postoperative complications, fracture healing time, and Johner-Wruhs scores was identified between the two groups. Conclusion: The small incision open reduction surgery can significantly shorten the operation time while achieved a similar clinical efficacy compared to the closed reduction surgery in simple tibial shaft fracture.
Evaluation of a National Programme to Enhance Shared Decision-Making Skills among Junior Medical Doctors in Denmark: A Mixed Methods Study of Satisfaction, Usefulness, and Dissemination of Learning Outcomes in Clinical Practice
Authors: Jacobsen Maria Helene , Sommer Cecilie , Wernberg Siw Anna , Schultz Helga , Hjortø Sofie Charlotte Fage , Kristiansen Maria
Published: October 2021

Background

Shared Decision-Making (SDM) is a cornerstone in patient-centred care and there is an increase in programmes aiming to enhance clinicians’ abilities to engage in SDM. However, the evidence of such programmes’ effectiveness on clinicians’ use of SDM in clinical practice is sparse. The SDM Ambassador course, developed and facilitated by the Danish Association of Junior Doctors in Denmark (Junior Doctors Denmark) is a Danish SDM training programme for junior medical doctors (JMDs). This study aims to evaluate the SDM Ambassador course, with a focus satisfaction, usefulness, and dissemination of learning outcomes in clinical practice.
Methods

This study is a mixed methods study consisting of an online survey followed by semi-structured interviews. The participants of this study were JMDs who had trained to be SDM ambassadors between May 2016 and September 2020 (n=185). The ambassadors were invited to participate in the survey and 112 ambassadors completed the survey, corresponding to a response rate of 61%. Descriptive statistics and χ2-tests were conducted. Subsequently, purposive sampling was used to identify 10 ambassadors for interviews. The interviews were transcribed, encoded and subsequently analysed thematically. Finally, the quantitative and qualitative results were integrated.
Results

Overall, the ambassadors were satisfied with their learning outcomes and experienced a greater capacity to unfold the perspectives of their patients. A majority (79%) reported that they had used SDM in their clinical practice with patients, and 59% had disseminated SDM to their colleagues. The usefulness and dissemination of learning outcomes in the clinic were shaped by the ambassadors’ perceptions of their moderate professional experience, and constrained by structural and cultural conditions in the context of their clinical practice.
Conclusion

Despite overall satisfaction with their learning outcomes, several ambassadors experienced conditions constraining the translation of their learning outcomes into clinical practice. To improve the efficacy of the training programme, continuous refresher courses should be added while enhanced support at organisational and political levels is necessary for SDM to become an integral feature of the clinical encounter.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
Sounds of Stress: Assessment of Relationships between Ambient Noise, Vessel Traffic, and Gray whale Stress Hormone
Authors: Lemos Leila S. , Haxel Joseph H. , Olsen Amy , Burnett Jonathan D. , Smith Angela , Chandler Todd E. , Nieukirk Sharon L. , Larson Shawn E. , Hunt Kathleen E. , Torres Leigh G.
Published: October 2021

Elevated noise from human activities in nature can impact animal behavior and physiology, with subsequent impacts on individual health and population dynamics. Baleen whale communication, navigation, habitat use, and ability to recognize and locate prey and predators may be impaired by anthropogenic activities that increase ocean noise within the whales' hearing frequency range. To understand the physiological impacts of noise disturbance on baleen whales, we investigated the adrenal stress response of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) to variable ambient noise levels through an assessment of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations. This analysis was conducted at the individual level, at multiple temporal scales (1-7 days), and accounted for factors that may confound glucocorticoid hormone concentrations: sex, age, nutritional status, and reproductive state. Data were collected along the Oregon coast, USA, from June to October of 2016-2018. Results indicate a significant positive correlation between underwater noise levels and vessel traffic. Vessel counts from the day prior to fecal sample collection and sex had significant positive relationships with glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations. This study increases knowledge of gray whale physiological response to variable ocean noise and may inform management decisions regarding regulations of anthropogenic noise activities and thresholds near critical whale habitats.
Tumor RNA-Transfected Dendritic Cells Generated From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Induces Anti-Tumor Immunity
Authors: Maruoka Shimpei , Ojima Toshiyasu , Iwamoto Hiromitsu , Kitadani Junya , Tabata Hirotaka , Tominaga Shinta , Katsuda Masahiro , Hayata Keiji , Takeuchi Akihiro , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: October 2021

Significant efficacy of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in generating DCs for cancer vaccine therapy was suggested in our previous studies. In clinical application of DC vaccine therapy, however, few DC vaccine systems have shown strong clinical response. To enhance immunogenicity in the DC vaccine, we transfected patient-derived iPSDCs with in vitro transcriptional RNA (ivtRNA), which was obtained from tumors of three patients with colorectal cancer.We investigated iPSDCs-ivtRNA which were induced by transfecting ivtRNA obtained from tumors of three colorectal cancer patients, and examined its antitumor effect. Moreover, we analyzed neoantigens expressed in colorectal cancer cells and examined whether iPSDCs-ivtRNA induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against the predicted neoantigens.CTLs activated by iPSDCs-ivtRNA exhibited cytotoxic activity against the tumor spheroids in all three patients with colorectal cancer. Whole-exome sequencing revealed 1251 nonsynonymous mutations and 2155 neoantigens (IC50 <500 nM) were predicted. For IFN-γ ELISPOT assay, these candidate neoantigens were further prioritised and 12 candidates were synthesized. IFN-γ ELISPOT assay revealed that the CTLs induced by iPSDCs-ivtRNA responded to one of the candidate neoantigens.In vitro CTLs obtained by transfecting tumor-derived RNA into iPSDCs derived from three patients with colorectal cancer showed potent tumor-specific killing effect.
Role of Chest Tomography Combined With Prognostic Indices for Severity Classification in Patients With SARS-CoV2 Pneumonia. Beyond Vaccination There Are Disease.
Authors: Criales-Vera Sergio Andres , Saucedo-Orozco Huitzilihuitl , Iturralde-Torres Pedro , Medina Estefanía Dávila- , Martinez-Mota Gustavo , Guarner-Lans Veronica , Perez-Torres Israel , Soto Maria Elena
Published: October 2021

The initial evaluation of patients with COVID-19 represents a challenge to regulate a decision in preventive and timely management. There are various proposals as support tools that deserve to be evaluated.Aim. Evaluation of Chest CT Score performance and prognostic indices in COVID-19 patients to predict progress to critical illness.Methods. This was a retrospective study run from April to December 2020. Patients of any age and gender and who required hospitalization due to a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by RT-PCR and Chest CT, were included. Demographic, characteristics prognosis indexes and laboratory were analyzed. Patients with acute coronary ischemic syndrome (ACS), acute heart failure, those who developed critical illness in the first 24 hours, and those with no RT-PCR result were excluded. Critical illness was defined by the need for supplemental oxygen and / or death during the hospitalization.Results. 109 patients were included. The mean age was 53.88 ± 13.51 years. In 75% of them, there was at least one comorbidity and 30% developed critical illness. In 49.5% there was a CORADS-5 on admission, and in 50% there was a peripheral distribution of the interstitial infiltrate in the left lower lobe. The risk factors were FiO2, CT Score> 18 and the NRL index. The combination of the High risk qCSI plus CT score> 18 indices was the best prediction index for development of a critical condition. Average mortality was 10%.Conclusion. The combined use of indices in patients infected with SARSCoV2 shows diagnostic accuracy and predicts severity.
Global School-Based Student Health Survey: Country Profiles and Survey Results in the Eastern Mediterranean Region Countries
Authors: Abdalmaleki Elham , Abdi Zhaleh , Isfahani Sahand Riazi , Safarpoor Sara , Haghdoost Bahar , Sazgarnejad Saharnaz , Ahmadnezhad Elham
Published: October 2021

Background: The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has some major implications on many countries to achieve universal health coverage. This study aimed to investigate the implementation of Global School-based Student Health Survey(GSHS), which is used to assess the risk factors of NCDs among children and adolescents, by the Eastern Mediterranean Region(EMR) countries.Methods: This study was a meta-analysis and systematic literature review of 2001-2018 published studies, which were found by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO, and CDC databases. In this study, the target group was students aged between 13 and 17 years old. GSHS implementation as well as risk factors of NCDs were compared across different countries. The random-effect model for meta-analysis was considered at 95% confidence interval.Result: In the EMR, 19 countries have implemented GSHS at least once following the survey manual (37 surveys). Overally, 201,795 young adolescents between 13 and 17 years old were included in our analysis. The overall estimation of prevalence rate of NCD risk factors among the students(13 and 15 years old), the overall estimation of the overweight prevalence rate was 24.5% (20.6-28.8), obesity prevalence rate was 7.3% (5.4-9.5), insufficient physical activity prevalence rate was 82.4% (80.7-84.1), tobacco usage prevalence rate was 14.3% (10.53-18.67), and smoking prevalence was rate 9.6% (8.1-11.3). In those aged from 13 to 17 years old, these rates were estimated as 19.8 (13.2-27.3), 9.7 (6.2-14.0), 86.1 (84.1-87.9), 17.8 (11.8-24.7), and 11.5 (9.4-13.8), respectively.Conclusion: GSHS has been widely implemented across EMR countries. Using nationally representative data, the results show that more efforts are needed to target the NCDs risk factors among adolescents in the region.
Surgical Navigation Systems Based On AR/VR Technologies
Authors: Ivanov Vladimir , Krivtsov Anton , Strelkov Sergey , Gulyaev Dmitry , Godanyuk Denis , Kalakutsky Nikolay , Pavlov Artyom , Petropavloskaya Marina , Smirnov Alexander , Yaremenko Andrey
Published: October 2021

This study considers modern surgical navigation systems based on augmented reality technologies. Augmented reality glasses are used to construct holograms of the patient's organs from MRI and CT data, subsequently transmitted to the glasses. Thus, in addition to seeing the actual patient, the surgeon gains visualization inside the patient's body (bones, soft tissues, blood vessels, etc.). The solutions developed at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University allow reducing the invasiveness of the procedure and preserving healthy tissues. This also improves the navigation process, making it easier to estimate the location and size of the tumor to be removed.We describe the application of developed systems to different types of surgical operations (removal of a malignant brain tumor, removal of a cyst of the cervical spine). We consider the specifics of novel navigation systems designed for anesthesia, for endoscopic operations. Furthermore, we discuss the construction of novel visualization systems for ultrasound machines. Our findings indicate that the technologies proposed show potential for telemedicine.
Can Ultra-fast High Temperature Sintering (UHS) Boost Transparency of Alumina?
Authors: Kermani Milad , Zhu Danyang , Li Jiang , Wu Jinghua , Lin Yong , Dai Zhiquan , Hu Chunfeng , Grasso Salvatore
Published: October 2021

Established routes for consolidation of transparent alumina ceramics by pressure-less sintering requires several hours of dwelling in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature exceeding 1600 ℃. Here, for the first time, we report on low temperature and ultrafast consolidation of translucent alumina ceramics. Transparency was promoted by the synergistic of high initial green density (62.7 %) and rapid sintering using Ultra-fast High Temperature Sintering (UHS) technique. The proposed approach, using a heating rate of 430 ℃/min and dwelling time of 15 minutes, resulted in ultra-fine-grained translucent alumina ceramics at 1359 ± 57 ℃ with a grain size of 0.39 µm, and an in-line transmittance of 28.7 % at a wavelength of 700 nm. For comparison, conventionally fired counterparts were opaque due to their incomplete densification, pore coalescence.
The Effect of Graphite Addition on Thermal Conductivity, Microstructure, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of AlN Ceramics
Authors: Wang Tun , Xie Jianjun , Zhang Lei , Lu Tao , Ding Maomao , Fan Lingcong , Zhou Ding , Shi Ying
Published: October 2021

Graphite/ aluminum nitride (AlN) multiphase ceramics are pressureless sintered under 1850°C using Dy2O3 and CaF2 as sintering additives. The effects of added graphite on microstructure, thermal conductivity, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of AlN ceramics were investigated. It was found that with 1wt% graphite addition the thermal conductivity of AlN in the through-plane to can achieve 210W/(m·K), which 25% higher than that of AlN without graphite. The graphite addition eliminates the oxygen impurity in AlN by a carbon reduction reaction in form of nanosized Dy2O3 particles. From electrochemical impedance spectroscopy manifested that the activation energy (Ea,g) of samples in grains is increased from 0.784 eV to 1.112 eV, suggesting that the concentrations of defects and impurities of Graphite/AlN multiphase ceramics are lower than those of monophase AlN ceramics.
Upregulation of Cx43 Expression Under Stretch Condition is Mediated by TGF Beta1 and Cytoskeletal Network
Authors: Shi Yumeng , Li Xinbo , Yang Jin
Published: October 2021

Many physiological and pathophysiological processes in cells or tissues are involving mechanical stretch, which is inducing gap junction gene expression and cytokine TGF beta changes. However, the underlying mechanisms of gap junction gene expression changes remain unknown. Here, we showed that the expression of Cx43 at mRNA and protein level in Human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is significantly increased after 24 h stretch stimulation, and TGF beta1, but not TGF beta2 expression is also upregulated. Administration of TGF betal into HUVECs without stretch also induced upregulation of Cx43 mRNA and protein expression. While simultaneously administration of TGF beta1 with SB431542, a specific inhibitor of TGF beta1 receptor, blocked the Cx43 protein upregulation by TGF beta1. Further, the increase of Cx43 protein expression under stretch condition can be partially blocked by SB431542; moreover, it also can be partially blocked by simultaneously administration of anti-TGF beta1 monoclonal neutralization antibody. Importantly, the stretch induced upregulation of Cx43 can be blocked by administration of actin and microtubule inhibitors, while NEDD4, a key element in mediating Cx43 protein ubiquitination and degradation, is not changed under stretch condition. Therefore, we conclude that upregulation of Cx43 expression under 24 h stretch condition is mediated by TGF beta1 via TGF beta1 receptor signaling pathway, and it also involves the actin and microtubule cytoskeletal network.