bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive Walking Biped Robot Model with Flexible Viscoelastic Legs
Authors: Safartoobi Masoumeh , Daniali HamidReza Mohammadi , Dardel Morteza
Published: November 2021

To simulate the complex human walking motion accurately, a suitable biped model has to be proposed that can significantly translate the compliance of biological structures. In this way, the simplest passive walking model is often used as a standard benchmark for making the bipedal locomotion so natural and energy-efficient. This work is devoted to a presentation of the application of internal damping mechanism to the mathematical description of the simplest passive walking model with flexible legs. This feature can be taken into account by using the viscoelastic legs, which are constituted by the Kelvin–Voigt rheological model. Then, the update of the impulsive hybrid nonlinear dynamics of the simplest passive walker is obtained based on the Euler–Bernoulli’s beam theory and using a combination of Lagrange mechanics and the assumed mode method, along with the precise boundary conditions. The main goal of this study is to develop a numerical procedure based on the new definition of the step function for enforcing the biped start walking from stable condition and walking continuously. The study of the influence of various system parameters is carried out through bifurcation diagrams, highlighting the region of stable period-one gait cycles. Numerical simulations clearly prove that the overall effect of viscoelastic leg on the passive walking is efficient enough from the viewpoint of stability and energy dissipation.
Climate, Land use and Plant Richness Differently Shape Herbivory on Major Plant Functional Groups
Authors: Fricke Ute , Redlich Sarah , Zhang Jie , Tobisch Cynthia , Rojas-Botero Sandra , Benjamin Caryl , Englmeier Jana , Ganuza Cristina , Riebl Rebekka , Uhler Johannes , Uphus Lars , Ewald Jörg , Kollmann Johannes , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf
Published: November 2021

Interactions between plants and herbivorous invertebrates drive the nutritional quality of resources for higher trophic levels, nutrient cycling and plant-community structure. Thereby, shifts in functional composition of plant communities particularly impact ecosystem processes. However, the current understanding of herbivory is limited concerning climate, land use and plant richness, as comparative studies of different plant functional groups are lacking. This study was conducted on 81 plots covering large climatic and land-use gradients in Bavaria, Germany. We investigated foliar invertebrate herbivory rates (proportional leaf-area loss, following ‘herbivory’) in three major plant functional groups (legumes, non-leguminous forbs, grasses). As drivers we considered multi-annual mean temperature (range: 6.5–10.0 °C), local habitat type (forest, grassland, arable field, settlement), local plant richness (species and family level, ranges: 10–50 species, 5–25 families) and landscape diversity (0.2–3-km scale). Our results largely confirm higher herbivory on legumes than on forbs and grasses. However, herbivory in forests was similar across plant functional groups since herbivory on legumes was low, e.g. lower than on legumes in grasslands. We also observed differential responses of herbivory among plant functional groups in response to plant richness (family level only), but not to landscape diversity. Temperature did not affect overall herbivory, but in grasslands higher temperature decreased herbivory on legumes and increased on forbs and grasses. We conclude that climate, habitat type and family-level plant richness likely assert different effects on herbivory among plant functional groups. This emphasises the importance of functional groups for understanding community-level herbivory and ecosystem functioning.
The Physician Assistant/associate Medical Workforce: 2020-2035
Authors: Hooker Roderick S. , Kulo Violet A. , Cawley James F , Kayingo Gerald
Published: November 2021

Background: Physician assistant/associates (PAs) are health care professionals whose roles expand universal access to a broad range of people across many nations. In the US, there is a growing shortage of physicians. PAs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) were developed to help span medical providers' supply and demand gap. A forecasting project was undertaken to predict the likely census of PAs in the medical workforce spanning 2020 to 2035. Methods: Microsimulation modeling of the American PA workforce was performed using standard stock and flow format. The number of clinically active PAs employed in 2020 formed the baseline. Graduation rates and PA program expansion were factored as critical parameters to predict annual growth; attrition estimates balanced the equation. Two models, one based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and another based on data from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), were analyzed to estimate future annual PA numbers. Results: As of 2020, the BLS estimated 125,280 PAs were employed in the medical workforce; the NCCPA estimate was 148,560 PA in active practice. The mean age was 40, and 76% were female. The Accreditation Review Commission accredited 277 PA education programs for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), and 99% had a graduating class. The mean annual graduation cohort was 45. The BLS model predicted approximately 204,243 clinically active PAs by 2035; the NCCPA-based model predicted 211,537 PAs in clinical practice. Conclusions: A physician assistant/associate predictive model based on two data sources projects the supply of PAs by 2035 between 204,000 and 212,000: a growth rate of ± 35% (3.5% model differences). If the most likely scenario is realized, the 15-year growth of the PA will help improve the gap in the supply and demand of American medical service.
The National and Global Impact of Systemic and Structural Violence on the Effective Prevention, Treatment and Management of COVID-19 in the African/Black Population: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Timothy Roberta , Chin-see Robert , Martyniuk Julia , Pascal Djiadeu
Published: November 2021

Background: As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to ravage the globe and cases exploded rapidly, countries have been presented with challenging policy choices to contain the spread of COVID-19. In Canada, and globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new stratum to the debate concerning the root causes of global and racial health inequities and disparities. Individuals who exist as targets of systemic inequities are not only more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, but they are also more likely to bear the greatest extent of the subsequent economic pandemic. Therefore, data collection that specifically focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the lives and health of African/Black communities nationally and globally is needed to develop intersectional, culturally-relative, anti-racist/anti-oppression, empowerment-centered interventions and social policies to increase more efficient ways to support heterogeneous African/Black communities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.The primary objective of this review is to investigate the impact and management of COVID-19 on African/Black individuals and communities in Canada and globally and understand how anti-black racism and intersectional violence impact the health of African/Black communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods and analysis: A systematic search of published literature of quantitative and qualitative studies published on COVID-19 in Canada and globally will be conducted in Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, Ovid PsychInfo, Ovid CAB Abstracts, Scopus, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus.To be included in the review, studies should include data on COVID-19 in relation to African/Black individuals, population and communities in Canada and globally. The studies must discuss racism, oppression, anti-oppression, or systemic/structural violence and be published in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. The findings will be reported according to PRISMA-ScR.Conclusion: This review will collect important data and evidence on African/Black communities related to COVID-19. Moreover, this review could help identified existing gaps in COVID-19 management in the African/Black communities and inform future research. Furthermore, it could also be used in decision-making for health policy and promotion and can influence the services provided by healthcare facilities and community organizations around the globe. Systematic Review registrations: Open Science Framework (OSF). Submitted on November 1st, 2021.
Intestinal Metabolomics of Juvenile Lenok (Brachymystax Lenok) in Response to Heat Stress
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Yang , Bai Yucen , Xu Shaogang , Yang Xiaofei , Cheng Bo
Published: November 2021

Changes in the metabolic profile within the intestine of lenok (Brachymystax lenok) when challenged to acute and lethal heat stress (HS) are studied using no-target HPLC-MS/MS metabonomic analysis. Of 51 differentially expressed metabolites identified in response to HS, 34 occurred in the positive ion mode and 17 in negative ion mode (VIP > 1, P < 0.05). Changes in metabolites (i.e. alpha-D-glucose, stachyose and L-lactate) related to carbohydrate and glycolysis are identified in HS-treated lenok. Fatty acid β-oxidation in HS-treated lenok was inhibited by accumulation of acetyl carnitine, palmitoylcarnitine, carnitine, and erucic acid. Many amino acids (L-tryptophan, D-proline, L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, L-aspartate, L-tyrosine, L-methionine, L-histidine and L-glutamine) decreased to support energy demands in HS-treated lenok. Oxidative damage in HS-treated lenok was indicated by decreased glycerophospholipid metabolites (i.e. glycerophosphocholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, and 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine), and increased oxylipin production (12-HETE and 9R, 10S-EpOME). Oxidative stress increased formation of eicosanoids and dicarboxylic acids, overwhelming the mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway, while minor oxidative pathways (omega-oxidation and peroxisomal beta-oxidation) were likely to be activated in HS-treated lenok.
A Population Based Study of Ocular Biometric Parameters in Colombia
Authors: Palencia Diana Cristina , Mora Martha Lucia Silva , Salazar Melissa Julieth Ojeda
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The anthropomorphic parameters have influence on ocular biometric dimensions, so the characterization in a particular population is recommended. Parameters like axial length are important in the following of myopia and to predict the power of intraocular lens in cataract surgery. Purpose: Describe ocular biometric parameters in the Colombian population: refractive condition, axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and keratometry.Methodology: A Cross-sectional study of 3,334 people who living in urban and rural areas of nine departments in Colombia. Ages ranged from 8 to 56. In the selection process, probabilistic cluster sampling was used and to verify the selection criteria, participants were evaluated by general medicine and by optometry. Univariate and bivariate statistical analysis was carried out considering both the nature and the distribution of the variables. Results: The 63.53% were women, and 54.32% resided in urban areas. The average age was 27.59 (CI 95% to 95% 27.01 -28.17). Men reported a lower average age (24.43 years). Astigmatism and hyperopia were found to be more frequent in the refractive condition. When comparing AL by sex, slight differences are found and are statistically significant (P Value 0.00). A similar situation is evidenced in ACD (P Value 0.00). Conclusions: It was revealed that there is a relationship between axial length and sex, area of ​​residence, refractive condition, depth of the anterior chamber and corneal curvature. Likewise, it was found that the axial length and depth of the anterior chamber is greater in men than in women.
Protective Effect of L-carnitine on the Oxidative Stress Injury of Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Li Xuening , Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Yuemin , Ma Tianyi , Sun Pingping , Qi Dandan , Ma Huagang
Published: November 2021

The protective effect of L-carnitine (LC) on the oxidative stress (OS) injury and the effect of L-carnitine on follicular stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were investigated. OS was induced by treatment with H2O2. We cultured KGN cells in four groups: the blank group, OS group and two L-carnitine pretreatment group (low, high). In the OS group, cell nuclear pyknosis was observed, mitochondria swelled irregularly and their cristae were fractured. Meanwhile, the cell viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) contents, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the level of FSHR expression were significantly decreased in the OS group. However, malonaldehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis rate were significantly increased. Compared with the OS group, the morphology of cells and mitochondria in the L-carnitine pretreatment group were improved, the cell viability and the expression of FSHR was significantly increased, and the OS level was decreased. These results indicated that L-carnitine can protect the cells from OS damage induced by H2O2, enhance the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic ability of GCs, and alleviate the decrease of FSHR expression on GCs caused by OS. Therefore, L-carnitine may help prevent the ovarian aging and improve the quality of follicles.
PTEN Hypomethylation Could Be A Biomarker For Early Detection of Silicosis
Authors: Hu Weijiang , Zhang Jingbo , Liu Kai , Liu Jie , Zheng Yuxin , Sun Xin , Mei Liangying , Qian Zushu , Sun Qiangguo , Liu Qiang , Wu Zhijun , Zhang Hengdong , Li Yanping , Sun Daoyuan , Ye Meng
Published: November 2021

The overwhelming majority of subjects in current silicosis mRNA and miRNA expression profile are of human blood, lung cell, or rats model, which put limit on understanding of silicosis pathogenesis and therapy. It is essential to identify differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs profiles in silicosis patients lung tissues, and explore potential biomarker for early detection of silicosis. So we conducted a transcriptome study based on fifteen silicosis patients and eight normal people lung tissues, meanwhile, we validated the predictions with 404 silicosis patients and 177 normal people blood samples. The results showed that 1417 and 241 differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were identified, respectively, among normal people, early stage silicosis, and advanced silicosis lung tissues (all P values < 0.05), whereas there were no significant difference in most mRNAs or miRNAs expression between early stage and advanced stage silicosis lung tissues. Enrichment analysis indicated phagosome, ribosome, olfactory transduction, antigen processing and presentation and PI3K-Akt pathways were mainly involved in the onset of silicosis. Series test of cluster (STC) analysis segregated differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs into five and three expressopm profiles patterns, repectively, with significant trends (P < 0.05), meanwhile, ten mRNAs (PIK3R3, KRAS, CTNNB1, HIF1A, ITGA2, KIT, SOCS3, GNAI3, STAT3 and PTEN) and nine miRNAs (hsa-miR-27a-3p, hsa-miR-27b-3p, hsa-miR-34b-3p, hsa-miR-3613-3p, hsa-miR-575, hsa-miR-8063, hsa-miR-937-5p, hsa-miR-181a-5p and hsa-miR-181b-5p) in patterns with opposite trends were selected to make further RT-qPCR validation in lung tissues and blood samples. Finally, the lung tissues RT-qPCR results verified microarray analyses of mRNAs and miRNAs expression trends, except for hsa-miR-575, hsa-miR-8063, and hsa-miR-937-5p, whereas blood samples RT-qPCR results PTEN and GNAI3 had opposite expression trends to those of lung tissues, and PTEN was identified as potential biomarker for silicosis early detection due to low methylation in the blood.
An Approach To Cultural Competency Education in The Cuban Pharmacy Currriculum
Authors: Sánchez Alina de las Mercedes Martínez , Salmon Jack Warrent
Published: November 2021

Background
The aim of this monograph was advocate for a holistic, programmatic approach to integrating cultural competence education as a call to action for a new Cuban pharmacy curricular development.
Methods
A general search was conducted using terms specific to Cuban health care, culture, and education, combined with terms linked to cultural competence, global health, and pharmacy education. Additionally, relevant statements by the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization were searched.
Results
Cuba is a culturally rich country with complex and diverse perspectives on health. Cuban culture is the result of extremely broad and tedious transculturation processes; at the same time, health and education in Cuba are additionally entwined politically, a condition not always statistically available to be studied, nor scientifically referenced to be verified. Therefore, it is not possible to exhaust the subject in a single inquiry.
Conclusions
It is hoped that this paper will also set the foundation for additional scholarly work with recommendations regarding a clearer programmatic approach to help in the establishment of partnerships between Cuba faculties of pharmacy with other countries in a global pharmacy education framework.
Management of Ruptured Arteriovenous Malformation During Pregnancy- Case Report.
Authors: Socha Maciej W. , Grześk Magdalena , Kaczyński Szymon , Bernard Piotr
Published: November 2021

Background: Over the years care of pregnant woman has improved all over the world. However, still a significant percentage of the causes of pregnant mortality are subarachnoid haemorrhages due to rupture of arteriovenous malformation (AVM). According to available data, the percentage is as high as 5-12%. Neurosurgical operations in pregnant women require the cooperation of doctors of many specializations and are associated with close supervision of the patient due to the increased risk of complications. There are no guidelines regarding brain hemorrhages in pregnancy. This is the reason why case reports in this field are valuable as source of medical knowledge.Case presentation: A 28-year-old patient was admitted in a severe condition, GCS: 3, to the ICU due to massive intracerebral bleeding with a puncture into the ventricular system from the AVM in left frontal lobe. The family informed about the possibility of patient’s pregnancy, TVUS was performed and the sixth week fetus was visualized in the uterus. After gynaecological and neurosurgical consultation the successful surgery was made.The patient was hospitalized for 5 months at the ICU. The stay was complicated by pneumonia and an urinary tract infection that were successfully cured. The patient was under supervision of gynaecologists, the pregnancy was developing properly, tests were carried out as recommended. The patient underwent psychotherapy, rehabilitation and music therapy.At 35th week of gestation elective caesarean section was performed. A female infant of 2400 g was born, on the Apgar scale in 1st, 3rd, 5th minutes, 6,10,10 points respectively. Labour was complicated by mothers seizures and respiratory distress. After three days the patient's condition improved. Currently patient is rehabilitated as an outpatient.Conclusions: The above case emphasizes the need for cooperation between many specialties, physiotherapists and midwives, which enabled effective therapy of a pregnant woman and saving her life in such a critical situation. In addition interdisciplinary treatment ended positively for both mother and child.
The predictors of COVID-19 mortality among health systems and Global Health Security parameters: An ecological study across 203 countries.
Authors: Neogi Sutapa , Pandey Shivam , GS Preetha , Swain Sumant
Published: November 2021

Background: Health systems responsiveness is the key to addressing infectious disease threats such as pandemics. The paper outlines an assessment of health systems resilience by exploring the association of health systems and Global Health Security (GHS) parameters with case load and mortality resulting from COVID-19 across 203 countries using an ecological design. Methodology: Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship of each of the indicators with COVID 19 cases and deaths per million population. Stepwise multiple regression models were developed to determine the predictors of COVID-19 cumulative cases and deaths per million population separately. Results: Global health security indicators seemed to have a strong association when analyzed individually but those did not necessarily translate into less burden of cases or deaths in the multivariable analysis. The predictors of cumulative deaths per million population included general government expenditure on health as a proportion of general government expenditure, responsiveness of the system to prevent the emergence and release of pathogens and governance related voice and accountability. Conclusion: To conclude, health financing parameters and preventive activities with regard to emergence of pathogens were better predictors of cumulative COVID-19 cases and deaths per million population compared to other health systems and global health security indicators.
Microbiome-Metabolome Analyze The Immune Microenvironment of Cecal Contents, Soft and Hard Feces of Hyplus Rabbits
Authors: Li Zhichao , He Hui , Ni Mengke , Wang Zhouyan , Guo Chaohui , Niu Yufang , Xing Shanshan , Song Mingkun , Wang Yaling , Jiang Yixuan , Yu Lei , Xu Huifen , Li Ming
Published: November 2021

Background: Intestinal microbiota and its metabolites play a vital role in host growth, development and immune regulation. Methods: This study analyzed the microbial community distribution, cytokines and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content of cecal contents (Con) group, soft feces (SF) group and hard feces (HF) group of 140-day-old Hyplus rabbits, and verified the effect of soft feces on cecal immune microenvironment by fasting soft feces.Results: The results showed that there were significant differences in the levels of phylum and genus composition, cytokines and SCFAs among Con group, SF group and HF group. In addition, metabolic pathway enrichment analysis found that there were two significantly up-regulated differential metabolic pathways in SF group and HF group compared with con group, P125-PWY, namely the super pathway of (R, R) - butanediol biosynthesis and P341-PWY, namely the glycolysis V pathway. At the same time, Christensenellaceae_R-7_Group and Lachnoclostridium are significantly enriched in the above two pathways. The correlation analysis of cytokines and SCFAs with differential microbial communities showed that Muribaculaceae and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group and Christensenellaceae_R-7_Group are closely related to cytokines and SCFAs. After fasting soft feces (CP), the contents of SCFAs and cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) in cecum decreased significantly, while cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1β) increased significantly. The results of multiple immunofluorescence showed that the expression of claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 related to intestinal immune barrier increased significantly in CP Group. Conclusions: In conclusion, soft feces are not only rich in probiotics and SCFAs, but also play a very important role in improving the immune microenvironment of cecum. This study may provide a valuable reference for the treatment of inflammatory intestinal diseases.
Quality of services offered to women with female genital Mutilation across health facilities in a Kenyan County
Authors: Kimani Samuel , Okondo Chantalle , Muteshi Jacinta , Guyo Jaldesa
Published: November 2021

Background

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a challenge to women’s health, human rights and development. Health as a critical pillar for social justice is key in addressing FGM while executing its core mandate of disease prevention and management. By leveraging opportune moments, events and experiences involving client-provider interactions, relevant FGM-related communications, behavior change and management interventions can be implemented at health facility or community level. It is unclear whether health system is maximizing this strategic position to address FGM in Kenya.
Objective

Determine the quality of services offered to women with FGM across health facilities in West Pokot county.
Methods

A mixed quantitative data collection strategies were used. These included: client-provider interactions observations (61) with health care workers (HCWs) and women with FGM seeking services on content and quality of FGM-related care; client-exit interviews (360) with women with FGM seeking services to determine content and services received during consultation with HCWs; and service data abstractions (10) from facility records on services sought/offered.
Results

A large (76%) proportion of women visiting health facilities experienced FGM at 11-15 years, were married aged 15-19 years (39%), had primary (47.5%) or no education (33%) and income of ˂30 USD/month (43%). Only 14.8% HCWs identified FGM and its related complications (11.5%) during consultations. Few FGM-related prevention interventions were implemented but IEC materials (4.9%) for reinforcing preventive messages were lacking. Adequate (88.5%) infrastructure supporting reproductive health services albeit limited human resources (14.8%) and capacity (42.6%) for FGM prevention and management existed; few health facilities and workers explained the negative consequences of FGM (16%) and need to stop it (15.3%); and data on clients who sought ANC, PNC and FP services were available but no information on women with FGM or those with FGM complications.
Conclusion

Health systems in high prevalent settings are actively interfacing with women with FGM, despite the primary reason for seeking services not being FGM. Despite high number of women with FGM, diagnosis, prevention and care services, documentation of FGM and its related complications are suboptimal. This underscores the need for health system strengthening in response to FGM with consideration on development of training kits for HCWs, training of HCWs, anchoring of FGM indicators in the HMIS, documentation and IEC material to support FGM prevention at service delivery points, and overall integration of FGM into ongoing health programs.
Deubiquitinase OTUD5 Modulates mTOR Signaling Pathways to Promote Bladder Cancer Progression
Authors: Hou Tao , Dan Weichao , Liu Tianjie , Liu Bo , Wei Yi , Yue Chenyang , Que Taotao , Lei Yuzeshi , Wang Zixi , Zeng Jin , Fan Yizeng , Li Lei
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway serves as a crucial regulator of various biological processes such as cell growth and cancer progression. In bladder cancer, recent discoveries showing the cancer-promoting role of mTOR complex 1 have attracted wide attention. However, the regulation of mTOR signaling in bladder cancer is complicated and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that the deubiquitinating enzyme, ovarian tumor domain-containing protein 5 (OTUD5), can activate the mTOR signaling pathway, promote cancer progression, and show its oncogenic potential in bladder cancer.MethodsThe expression of OTUD5 in bladder cancer was analyzed using bladder cancer tissue microarrays and Western blotting analysis. Meanwhile, to demonstrate the role of OTUD5-RNF186-Sestrin2-mTOR axis in bladder cancer, we have adopted a series of biochemical and molecular biological methods to verify in vivo and in vitro. The methods used included quantitative real time PCR assay; western blot assay; Immunofluorescence staining assay; MTT assay; colony formation assay; Co-immunoprecipitation assay; In vivo ubiquitination assay; Immunohistochemical assay and Bladder Cancer xenograft animal model.ResultsIn our study, we found that OTUD5 deubiquitinated a RING-type E3 ligase, RNF186, and stabilized its function. In addition, the stabilization of RNF186 further led to the degradation of Sestrin2, which is an inhibitor of mTOR signaling pathway. ConclusionTogether, we first proved that OTUD5 can promote bladder cancer progression through the OTUD5-RNF186-Sestrin2-mTOR axis and provided novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.
Hematologic Neoplasms As Risk Factor For Severe COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Hokama Paula de Oliveira Montandon , Hokama Newton Key , Mendes Adriana Lúcia , Nunes-Nogueira Vania dos Santos
Published: November 2021

Background: Patients with hematologic neoplasm may have compromised immunity due to their malignancy and/or treatment, and may be at elevated risk of severe COVID-19. However, the studies bring together patients with hematologic neoplasms and solid tumors into a single group, making no distinction about the types of hematological tumors and their treatments. This systematic review is designed to explore the risk of severe COVID-19 in patients with hematologic neoplasm. Studies about patients, adult or children, with hematologic neoplasm and COVID-19 will be included. Methods: A systematic review according to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of etiology and risk will be performed. The review will consider as participants adults or children with COVID-19 infection detected by RT-PCR or serology (SARS-CoV-2 antibody). We will be included studies without routine labs confirmation of COVID-19 if the patients presented clinical/physical exam and computed tomography suggesting COVID-19. The exposure of interest will be hematologic neoplasm, which include lymphomas, acute and chronic leukemias, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and myeloproliferative diseases. We will consider cohort, case-control, analytical cross-sectional studies. Outcomes among patients with COVID-19 are critical symptoms, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, mechanical ventilation and deaths. We will exclude studies with other neoplasms than hematologic neoplasms. Search strategies have been created for the Embase, Medline and LILACS. Two reviewers independently will assess the studies for their eligibility, will extract data and will evaluate their risk of bias. Similar outcomes measured in at least two studies will be plotted in the meta-analysis using the Joanna Briggs Institute System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information. Discussion: This systematic review aims to evaluate if patients with hematologic neoplasm may be at elevated risk of severe COVID-19. This review will differ from the previous ones because we will include controlled studies and groups with only hematologic neoplasm, excluding other cancers. The main hypothesis of our research is that not all hematological cancer patients have high risk of severe COVID-19. Trial registration number: PROSPERO CRD42020199318.
Collaborative Research Protocol to Define Patient-Reported Experience Measures of the Cystic Fibrosis Care Pathway in France: The ExPaParM Study
Authors: Pougheon Dominique , FANCHINI Agathe , LOMBRAIL Pierre , RAULT Gilles , CHANSARD Audrey , BRETON Nicolas LE , Frenod Cecile , MILON Fanny , Heymes-Royer Christine , Segretain David , Silber Marion , Therouanne Sophie , Haesebaert Julie , Llerena Cathy , MICHEL Philippe , Reynaud Quitterie
Published: November 2021

Introduction In France, the cystic fibrosis (CF) care pathway is coordinated by multidisciplinary teams from specialised CF centres or transplant centres. It includes the care provided at home or out of hospital, risk prevention in daily life and adjustments to social life, which together contribute to the person’s quality of life. Patient experience is used to describe and evaluate the care and life of patients living with the disease. Objectives Our collaborative research aims to identify the most significant areas and criteria that characterise the CF pathway. It will lead to the development of a questionnaire to collect patients' experience, which can be administered to all patients or parents of children registered and followed in the centres. The article describes the protocol developed in partnership with patients and parents of children living with the disease. Method A multidisciplinary research group brings together researchers, patients, parents of children with CF and health care professionals. The patient partnership is involved in the 4 phases of the protocol: 1) setting up the study, recruiting patient and parent co-researchers, training them in qualitative research methods, defining the situations and profiles of patients in the study population, elaborating the protocol; 2) selecting the study sites, recruiting participants, carrying out semi-structured interviews, analysing verbatims using the grounded theory approach; 3) co-elaborating Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM) questionnaires adapted to the 4 types of participants: parents, adolescents, non-transplanted adults and transplanted adults; 4) validating the construct with participants and professionals from the study centres. Results The protocol obtained a favourable opinion from the Ethics Evaluation Committee of INSERM (IRB00003888 - no. 20-700). Training was provided to the 5 patients and 2 parent co-researchers to enable them to participate effectively in the research. Eleven centres participated in the recruitment of participants in mainland France and Reunion Island. Eighty hours of interviews were conducted. Discussion The PREM questionnaires will have to undergo psychometric validation before being used by the actors of the CF network to assess the impact on the care pathways of quality approaches or new therapies available in cystic fibrosis.
COVID-19 Neuropathology: Evidence for SARS-CoV-2 invasion of Human Brainstem Nuclei
Authors: Emmi Aron , Rizzo Stefania , Barzon Luisa , Carturan Elisa , Sinigaglia Alessandro , Riccetti Silvia , Barbera Mila Della , Berto Rafael Boscolo , Cocco Patrizia , Macchi Veronica , De Gasperi Monica , Basso Cristina , De Caro Raffaele , Porzionato Andrea
Published: November 2021

Neurological manifestations are common in COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite some reports of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with COVID-19, it is still unclear whether the virus can infect the central nervous system (CNS), and which neuropathological alterations can be ascribed to viral tropism rather than immune-mediated mechanisms. Available autopsy reports are often conflictual, reporting a heterogeneous spectrum of neuropathological alterations, while viral proteins and RNA were detected only in sparse cells within the brainstem; furthermore, there appears to be no consistent correlation between viral invasion and neuropathological alterations to date. Here, we assess the neuropathological changes occurring in 24 patients who died following a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic (from March 2020 to May 2021) and 10 age-matched controls with comparable medical conditions. Aside from a wide spectrum of neuropathological alterations, including astrogliosis, sparse lympho-monocytic infiltrations and several instances of small vessel thromboses, we identified 5 COVID-19 subjects presenting SARS-CoV-2-immunoreactive neurons within the boundaries of the solitary tract nucleus, nucleus ambiguus and substantia nigra in the brainstem. In these subjects, viral RNA was also detected by real-time RT-PCR. Quantification of reactive microglia revealed an anatomically segregated pattern of inflammation targeting mainly the medulla oblongata and the mesencephalon, and was significantly higher when compared to controls. However, SARS-CoV-2 direct invasion did not appear to correlate with the severity of neuropathological changes. The results of this study support the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2 by demonstrating the presence of viral proteins and genome sequences within the human brainstem, but further investigation is required to identify the link between invasion and consequent neuropathological alterations in humans.
Blockchain localization spoofing detection based on Fuzzy AHP in IoT systems
Authors: Lv Wenzhe , Qiu Xuesong , Meng Luoming
Published: November 2021

Location spoofing detection is an important part of location proof schemes in IoT systems. It is important for location systems to accurately evaluate the credibility of location data uploaded by users. Differ with the works employing physical layer features such as signal strength or channel state information, we focus on laying the foundation for solutions aiming to build the location spoofing detection functions in the blockchain based IoT systems. More specifically,an IoT system is established at the node level and the moving-track level for the evaluation of the credibility of location proof with the characteristics of the blockchain positioning system. A multi-layer fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) evaluation method is considered for the detection of location spoofing in blockchains. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme is practical, and can provide a reference for the credibility evaluation of location proof.
Characteristics of muscle contraction of the rectus femoris using Tensiomyography by sex in healthy adolescents: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kusumoto Yasuaki , Goto Hayato , Chiba Kouhei , Onishi Sakiko , Tsuchiya Junko
Published: November 2021

Background

Tensiomyography (TMG) is a non-invasive instrument for measuring mechanical muscle contraction characteristics, and measures the maximum displacement of the muscle belly in the vertical direction and the time needed to achieve this from electrical stimulation. There have only been few reports of TMG on general healthy adults. A systematic review on TMG reported a low proportion of female participants with a small sample size. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is a difference in TMG parameters by sex and between the dominant and non-dominant feet. Furthermore, the relationship between the TMG parameters and the evaluations commonly used in clinical practice has not been clarified. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of muscle contraction of the rectus femoris using tensiomyography by sex among healthy adolescents and its relationship with muscle function evaluation, such as lower limb muscle mass and muscle strength. The subjects included 91 healthy university students. The measurement items included TMG, lower limb muscle mass, rectus femoris thickness, isometric knee joint extension torque, and thigh circumference.
Results

There was a main effect on sex in all parameters (ρ ≤ 0.05). In terms of TMG parameters, maximum displacement (Dm) in the non-dominant foot was significantly lower in women. The correlation between TMG parameters for males and females and lower limb muscle mass, muscle thickness, joint torque, and thigh circumference had a significant correlation with some TMG parameters and lower limb muscle mass (ρ ≤ 0.05). The absolute value of the correlation coefficient was overall low with 0.27 ~0.45.
Conclusion

In healthy adolescents, there was a difference by sex in TMG parameters and a weak correlation between TMG parameters and the lower limb muscle mass. TMG parameter evaluation may indicate a different function compared with the traditional muscle function assessment used in clinical practice. The TMG parameter is considered as a unique evaluation method for neuromuscular function assessment.
Viral Drug prediction with Matrix Decomposition and Two-layer Heterogeneous Graph Inference
Authors: Qu Jia , Cheng Xiao-Long , Bian ze-Kang , Ni Tong-Guang , Guan Na-Na
Published: November 2021

Recently, the association prediction between viruses and drugs has drawn more and more attention. A growing number of studies have shown that the problem of antiviral drug resistance is increasing and has become a major problem plaguing the medical community. Moreover, the development cycle of new drugs is long and requires a lot of funds. If new viruses emerge, effective antiviral drugs are urgently needed. Therefore, effective calculation methods are required to predict potential antiviral drugs. In this paper, we developed a computational model of Matrix Decomposition and Heterogeneous Graph based Inference for Drug-Virus Association (MDHGIVDA) to predict potential drug-virus associations. MDHGIVDA integrated virus sequence similarity, drug chemical structure similarity, drug side effect similarity, Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity for drugs and viruses, new drug-virus associations matrix obtained by matrix decomposition to discover new drug-virus associations. Due to the use of matrix factorization and heterogeneous graphs, our model has a high prediction accuracy compared with the previous four models. In the global and local leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV), MDHGIVDA obtained area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.8528 and AUC of 0.8532, respectively. In addition, in the five-fold cross validation, the AUC and the standard deviation is 0.8299 0.0037, which shows that MDHGIVDA has stability and high prediction accuracy. In the case studies of three important viruses, 18, 14, and 16 out of the top 20 predicted drugs for Zika virus (ZIKV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 ( SARS-COV-2 ), Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) were verified respectively by searching the literature on PubMed. These results showed that MDHGIVDA is effective in predicting potential drug-virus associations.
Energy Expenditure and Body Composition in Preterm Newborns with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia at Term Age
Authors: Lima Paola Azara Tabicas , Méio Maria Dalva Barbosa Baker , Moreira Maria Elisabeth Lopes , de Abranches Andrea Dunshee , Milanesi Bruna Grazziotti , Gomes-Junior Saint Clair S
Published: November 2021

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a cohort of newborns with less than 32 weeks of gestational age. We aimed to evaluate and compare resting energy expenditure (REE) and body composition between newborns who did or did not develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The resting energy expenditure and body composition were assessed at the corrected term age using air displacement plethysmography. Anthropometric measurements (weight, head circumference, and length) were performed and transformed into Z-scores per the Fenton curve (2013) at birth and corrected term age. Forty-two newborns were included, of which 26.2% developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) had significantly higher energy expenditure at corrected term age, with no differences in body composition between the two groups. Conclusion: Newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had higher resting energy expenditure at the corrected term, with no difference in body composition compared to those who did not develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Population-based virucidal phthalocyanine gargle/rinse protocol to reduce the risk of coronavirus disease-2019: a community trial
Authors: Reia Verônica Caroline Brito , Bastos Roosevelt da Silva , Vilhena Fabiano Vieira , Honório Heitor Marques , Alves Lucas Marques da Costa , Frazão Paulo , Santos Paulo Sérgio da Silva
Published: November 2021

Purpose: In this community trial, the objective was to evaluate the incidence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases in two similar communities in three distinct phases: phase 1 (before the intervention), 2 (during the intervention), and 3 (after the intervention).Methods: The test community received the oral antiseptic intervention (experimental), while the control community did not. The official information agency provided the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Data were analyzed according to the three phases per epidemiological week (epi) using the R Core Team (2021) program. The relative risk and 95% confidence intervals between the cumulative incidence values of the test and control communities were calculated for each period. In the test community, a total of 995 residents, over 10 years of age, received two bottles containing 600 ml of mouthwash with antiviral phthalocyanine derivative (APD). The participants were asked to gargle/rinse with of 5 mL of the mouthwash with ADP 3 to 5 times a day, for 1 min, until the end of the bottles. Results: In phases 1 and 3, disease risk between the two communities did not differ significantly (p> 0.05), while in phase 2, disease risk was 54% lower in the test community than in the control community. Conclusion: The use of the APD mouthwash protocol seems to reduce the COVID-19 incidence at the population level, and further studies are needed to confirm its protective effect in different contexts.
Phenazines Modulate Gastrointestinal Metabolism and Microbiota
Authors: Peng Wenjing , Li Hui , Zhao Xiaole , Shao Bing , Zhu Kui
Published: November 2021

Background: Natural and synthetic phenazines are ubiquitously occurred in environment and have been used for various therapeutic purposes in human, animals and agriculture, and the widespread use makes residue problem in environment and foods increasingly serious. However, the metabolic and comprehensive impacts of phenazines on the digestive tract are poorly understood, particularly the microbial pyocyanin (PYO), the most representative phenazines produced by Pseudomonas . Here, we utilized PYO as the representative of phenazines to study the effects on digestive tract. Results: Metabolic kinetic analysis showed that PYO exhibited low oral bioavailability in both rats and swine model, revealing a restriction of PYO in gut and might cause impacts on digestive tract. PYO was subsequently found to induce intestinal barrier destruction including inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in duodenum. Microbiome analysis showed that PYO caused gut microbiota dysbiosis by decreasing the symbiotic bacteria and increasing the opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, the integral and dysfunctional assessment of liver demonstrated that PYO induced liver inflammation and metabolic disorder. Metabolism analysis further confirmed that PYO could be metabolized by both gut microbiota and liver, and all metabolites retained the nitrogen-containing tricyclic structural skeleton of phenazines, which was the core bioactivity of phenazine compounds, indicating all the outcomes were due to the intrinsic characteristic of phenazine structure. Conclusions: PYO were low oral bioavailable and all the metabolites retained the nitrogen-containing tricyclic structural skeleton, final resulting in the damages to digestive tract including intestinal barrier destruction, gut microbiota dysbiosis, liver damages and metabolic disorder. These findings elucidated the effect of phenazines on digestive tract in vivo and shed light on the rational design of phenazines for the development and application of such compounds in future.
Diet, microbes, and cancer across the tree of life: a systematic review
Authors: Kapsetaki Stefania E. , Alcaraz Gissel Marquez , Maley Carlo C. , Whisner Corrie M. , Aktipis Athena
Published: November 2021

Cancers are a leading cause of death in humans and for many other species. Diet has often been associated with cancers, and the microbiome is an essential mediator between diet and cancers. Here we review the work on cancer and the microbiome across species. We systematically reviewed over a thousand published articles and identified links between diet, microbes and cancers in several species of mammals, birds, and flies. Some microbes, specifically Fusobacteria, Bacteroides fragilis, Helicobacter bacteria, and papillomaviruses, have cancer-inducing effects in gerbils, mice, dogs, or cats. Other microbes, such as Lactobacillus species, mostly found in milk products, prevent gastrointestinal, breast, and lung cancers in mice and rats. Future work should examine a larger variety of host species to discover new model organisms for human preclinical trials, better understand the observed variance in cancer prevalence across species, and discover which microbes and diets are associated with cancers across species. Ultimately this could help identify microbial and dietary interventions to diagnose, prevent and treat cancers in humans as well as other animals.