bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent bead-based serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens
Authors: Fabian Benedikt T. , Hedar Fatima , Koethe Martin , Bangoura Berit , Maksimov Pavlo , Conraths Franz J. , Villena Isabelle , Aubert Dominique , Seeber Frank , Schares Gereon
Published: June 2020

Background: Especially free-ranging chickens are frequently exposed to Toxoplasma gondii. They are sensitive indicators for environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts. The detection of infected birds relies primarily on serological assays. Methods: Here, we established a bead-based multiplex assay (BBMA) using the Luminex technology for the specific and sensitive detection of T. gondii infections in chickens. Recombinant biotinylated T. gondii surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1bio) bound to streptavidin-conjugated magnetic Luminex beads served as antigen. Specific serum antibodies were detected by a fluorophore-coupled secondary antibody. Beads of differing color codes were conjugated with anti-chicken IgY or chicken serum albumin and served for each individual sample as an internal positive or negative control, respectively. The assay was validated with sera from experimentally and naturally infected chickens. The results were compared to those from reference methods, including other serological tests and bioassay in mice.Results: In experimentally infected chickens, all chickens were positive by magnetic-capture PCR (100%, n=45/45) and the vast majority (98.5%, n=65/66) of inoculated birds tested seropositive in the BBMA. Most, but not all inoculated and TgSAG1bio-BBMA-positive chickens were also positive in two previously established TgSAG1-ELISAs, an immunofluorescence assay (IFAT) and in a modified agglutination test (MAT). All non-inoculated control animals (n=28) tested negative. In naturally exposed chickens, the TgSAG1bio-BBMA showed a high sensitivity (98.5%; 95% Confidence Interval: 90.7-99.9%) and specificity (100%; 85.0-100%) relative to a reference standard established using results obtained with ELISA, IFAT and MAT. Almost all naturally exposed chickens that were positive in the mouse bioassay or by PCR tested positive in the TgSAG1bio-BBMA (93.5%, 77.1-98.9%), while all mouse bioassay- or PCR-negative chickens remained negative (100%, 85.0-100%).Conclusions: The TgSAG1bio-BBMA represents a suitable method for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens with high sensitivity and specificity, which is comparable or even superior to other tests. Since assays based on this methodology allow for the simultaneous analysis of a single biological sample with respect to multiple analytes, the described assay may represent one component in future multiplex assays for broad serological monitoring of poultry and other farm animals, including pigs or small ruminants, for various pathogens.
Nox4 Mediates RANKL-induced ER-Phagy and Osteoclastogenesis via Activating ROS/PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 Pathway
Authors: Sun Jing , chen wugui , Li Songtao , Yang Sizhen , Zhang Ying , Hu Xu , Qiu Hao , Xu Shangcheng , Chu Tongwei
Published: June 2020

Background: Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) has been found to induce osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Osteoclastogenesis was evaluated by number of TRAP-positive multinuclear (≥3) osteoclasts, bone resorption pits and expression levels of related genes. Autophagy activity were evaluated by LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, number of autophagic vacuoles and adenovirus-mRFP-GFP-tagged LC3 reporting system; Inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) was used to verified the role of autophagy in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis; Via downregulating Nox4 with inhibitor (DPI) and retrovirus-conveyed shRNA, we further explored the importance of Nox4 in RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis, as well as the regulatory effects of Nox4 on nonmitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 pathway. Intracellular ROS scavenger (NAC), mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant (MitoTEMPO) and inhibitor of PERK (GSK2606414) were also employed to investigate the role of ROS and PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 pathway in RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Results: RANKL markedly increased autophagy, while CQ treatment caused reduction of RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Consistent with the increased autophagy, the protein levels of Nox4 were significantly increased, and Nox4 was selectively localized within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) after RANKL stimulation. DPI and shRNA efficiently decreased the protein level and (or) activity of Nox4 in the ER and inhibited RANKL-induced autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, we found that Nox4 regulates RANKL-induced autophagy activation and osteoclastogenesis by stimulating the production of nonmitochondrial ROS. Additionally, Nox4-derived nonmitochondrial ROS dramatically activate PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4, which is a critical unfolded protein response (UPR)-related signaling pathway during ER stress. Blocking the activation of the PERK/eIF-2α/ATF4 signaling pathway either by Nox4 shRNA, ROS antioxidant or PERK inhibitor (GSK2606414) treatment significantly inhibited endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy) during RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into the processes of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and will help the development of new therapeutic strategies for osteoclastogenesis-related diseases.
The Role of Postoperative Radiotherapy After Primary Tumor Resection in Patients With De Novo Stage Iv Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Yeon Joo , Kim Su Ssan , Ahn Seung Do , Jung Jinhong , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Son Byung Ho , Lee Jong Won , Kim Hee Jeong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Sung-Bae , Jung Kyung Hae , Ahn Jin-hee , Kim Jeong-eun , Choi Eun Kyung
Published: June 2020

Background: To investigate the role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in stage IV breast cancer patients who underwent planned primary tumor resection (PTR).Methods: This study enrolled 112 patients diagnosed with de novo stage IV breast cancer who were treated with potentially curative PTR with or without PORT. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant progression-free survival (DPFS).Results: At a median follow-up of 48.9 months (range, 3.5–183.4 months), the median OS was 54.9 months (range, 5.3–185.9 months) with a 5 year OS rate of 59.6%. Luminal A or B type tumors and PORT were significantly predictive of longer OS. The 5 year LRRFS and DMFS rates were 79.0% and 34.3%, respectively. PORT was the only significant predictor of LRRFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15–0.86; p = 0.021). A comparison of patients who did and did not receive PORT showed that patients with disseminated metastasis more likely did not receive PORT and were excluded from the analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that PORT was significantly predictive of LRRFS (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11–0.91; p = 0.033) but not of OS. Conclusions: De novo stage IV breast cancer patients who received planned PTR showed favorable survival outcomes compared with historical cohorts. PTR may be predictive of a good prognosis, especially in patients with luminal A or B type tumors. PORT was significantly predictive of LRRFS, suggesting that patients may benefit from this treatment.Trial registration: The present study was not registered due to its retrospective nature.
Cardiovascular Phenotyping in Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Her2 Targeted Therapies Using Informatics Approaches
Authors: Harris Michael A. , Conkright Brian , Johnson Robert , Boca Simina M. , Riazi Shahla , Torguson Rebecca , Alaoui Adil , Bhuvaneshwar Krithika , Gusev Yuriy , Asch Federico M. , Pohlmann Paula R , Barac Ana , Madhavan Subha
Published: June 2020

Background Cardiotoxicity is a serious adverse event associated with some of the most effective breast cancer therapies. Currently, it is difficult to predict which patients will develop cardiotoxicity due to the multiplicity of clinical, behavioral, and biological factors involved. MethodsHere we describe an effort to apply biomedical informatics approaches to patient data from MedStar Health’s EHR systems to discover and characterize factors that contribute to cardiotoxicity in a real world breast cancer population.ResultsData wrangling techniques including merging data from disparate clinical systems, data transformation, and de-identification of personal health information (PHI)were appliedto the raw clinical data to produce a structured integrated dataset for predictive analysis and hypothesis generation. Using this dataset as input, weshowed howpredictive models can be developed to identify patients at high risk for cardiotoxicity. ConclusionsWe demonstrate how suchmodels can be used for hypothesis generation and data exploration with the ultimate goal of developing applications for precision medicine.
Elevated PaCO2 Levels Increase Arterial Pulmonary Pressures
Authors: Triantaris Apostolos , Aidonidis Isaak , Chatziefthimiou Apostolia , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Zakynthinos Georgios , Makris Dimosthenis
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe effect of elevated PCO2 in the pulmonary vasculature during mechanical ventilation is not clear. Previous studies in ARDS patients have shown that elevated PaCO2 may be associated with pulmonary hypertension however in models of spontaneously breathing animals results were contradictory.Results In this respect, we aimed to investigate the effect of increased PaCO2 on the pulmonary vasculature of rabbits using different levels of tidal volumes during mechanical ventilation. We conducted an experiment using two groups of adult male rabbits (n=30). Animals were randomly allocated in two groups of different tidal volumes either 6 ml/Kgr (LowVt group) or 9 ml/Kgr (HighVt group) and were ventilated with FiO2 0.3 (Normocapnia-1). Subsequently, animals in each Vt group inhaled an enriched in CO2 gas mixture (FiCO2 0.10.) in order to develop hypercapnia (Hypercapnia-1) and were then re-ventilated with the same conditions to develop subsequent phases of normocapnia and hypercapnia (Normocapnia-2,Hypercapnia-2). Pulmonary arterial pressures were measured with a catheter introduced in the pulmonary artery connected to piezo pressure transducers integrated in a polygraphic system.During hypercapnic conditions , both groups showed increase in PAPsyst, PAPdiast and PAPmean compared to their baseline values. PAPmean pressures increased significantly from Normocapnia-2 to Hypercapnia-2 whereas PAPmean at Hypercapnia-2 was found significantly increased compared to Hypercapnia-1.Conclusions These findings suggests that hypercapnia may augment the pressures in pulmonary vasculature during mechanical ventilation an effect that was observed either, using low or, higher tidal volumes. An effect of preconditioning of arterial pulmonary vessels in hypercapnia merits further investigation.
An AIDS Patient with Multiple Skin Crusted Ulcerations
Authors: Wang Yu , Wen Ying
Published: June 2020

Background: We report a rare case of AIDS patient with crusted ulcerations.Case presentation: A 22-year-old homosexual male was admitted to hospital for fever and ulcerations with overlying brown–black crusts. Then he was confirmed human immunodeficiency virus infection . Secondary syphilis was diagnosed by positive Markers and biopsy pathology. After application of benzathine penicillin for 3 weeks, the symptoms improved. Conclusions: Malignant syphilis is a rare form of secondary syphilis, but tends to occur in AIDS patients because of low immune function. It is usually treated well after regular treatment.
The necessity of radical hysterectomy (RH) for pure endometrial carcinoma combined with cervical involvement: a retrospective cohort study comparing RH with total hysterectomy (TH)
Authors: Qian Zhimin , Chen Guanhao , Wu Xin , Jiang Hua
Published: June 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study was to explore the necessity of radical hysterectomy (RH) for patients with pure endometrial carcinoma（PEC) combined with cervical involvement by comparing with total hysterectomy (TH).Methods : A total of 162 patients who were diagnosed as PEC combined with cervical involvement of stage II and III by postoperative pathological examination between January, 2007 and December, 2017 were included in our study. Among of them, 91 were followed up till the end of this study and 71 were lost in the follow-up. In the 91 patients with complete follow-up information, 34 patients were treated with TH and 57 patients were treated with RH. The 5-year progression free survival rate, 5-year overall survival rate, recurrence rate and postoperative complications of patients were evaluated.Results : There were no significant differences in both the overall survival curve and progression free survival curve between patients with PEC receiving RH and those receiving TH (both p > 0.05). The analysis of postoperative complications showed that patients with RH treatment may have a higher probability of postoperative lymphocyst and urinary dysfunction.Conclusions : RH may not improve the prognosis of cervical involvement in patients with PEC. The postoperative complications of patients with PEC who treated with RH may increase.
Transcriptomic time-series analysis of cold- and heat-shock response in psychrotrophic lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Duru Ilhan Cem , Ylinen Anne , Belanov Sergei , Pulido Alan Ávila , Paulin Lars , Auvinen Petri
Published: June 2020

Background:
Psychrotrophic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species are the dominant species in microbiota of cold-stored modified-atmosphere-packaged food products and they are the main cause of food spoilage. But still, the cold- and heat-shock response of the spoilage-related psychrotrophic lactic acid bacteria has not been studied. Here, to study cold- and heat-shock response of spoilage lactic acid bacteria, we performed time-series RNA-seq for Le. gelidum, Lc. piscium and P. oligofermentans using temperatures of 0 °C, 4 °C, 14 °C, 25 °C and 28 °C.
Results:
We showed that the cold-shock protein A (cspA) gene was the main cold-shock protein gene among cold-shock protein genes in all three species. Our results indicated DEAD-box RNA helicase genes (cshA, cshB) play a critical role in cold-shock response in psychrotrophic LAB. In addition, several RNase genes were also involved in cold-shock response in Lc. piscium and P. oligofermentans. Moreover, gene network inference analysis provided candidate genes involved in cold-shock response. Ribosomal proteins, tRNA modification, rRNA modification, and ABC and efflux MFS transporter genes clustered with cold-shock response genes in all three species, which was a strong indication that these genes would be part of cold-shock response machinery. Heat-shock treatment caused upregulation of Clp protease and chaperone genes in all three species and we were able to identify transcription binding site motifs for heat-shock response genes in Le. gelidum and Lc. piscium. Finally, we showed that food spoilage-related genes were upregulated at cold temperatures.
Conclusions:
The results of this study provide new insights into a better understanding of the cold- and heat-shock response in psychrotrophic LAB. In addition, candidate genes involved in cold- and heat-shock response predicted using gene network inference analysis could be used as a target for future studies.
Molecular epidemiology of the first wave of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in Thailand in 2020
Authors: Puenpa Jiratchaya , Suwannakarn Kamol , Chansaenroj Jira , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Auphimai Chompoonut , Kitphati Rungrueng , Mungaomklang Anek , Kongklieng Amornmas , Chirathaworn Chintana , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Poovorawan Yong
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a major global concern. Several SARS-CoV-2 gene mutations have been reported. In the current study associations between SARS-CoV-2 gene variation and exposure history during the first wave of the outbreak in Thailand between January and May 2020 were investigated. Forty samples were collected at different timepoints during the outbreak, and parts of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence were used to assess genomic variation patterns. The phylogenetics of the 40 samples were clustered into L, G1, G2, O and T types. T types were predominant in Bangkok during the first local outbreak centred at a boxing stadium and entertainment venues in March 2020. Imported cases were infected with various types, including L, G1, G2 and O. In southern Thailand introductions of different genotypes were identified at different times. No clinical parameters were significantly associated with differences in genotype. The results indicated local transmission (type T, Spike protein (A829T)) and imported cases (types L, G1, G2 and O) during the first wave in Thailand. Genetic and epidemiological data may contribute to national policy formulation, transmission tracking and the implementation of measures to control viral spread.
Social Ties, Mobility, and COVID-19 spread in Japan
Authors: Fraser Timothy , Aldrich Daniel P.
Published: June 2020

Why are some communities documenting higher case loads of COVID-19 infections than others? Past studies have linked the resilience of communities against crisis to their social vulnerability and to the capacity of local governments to provide public goods and services like health care. Disaster studies, which frequently examine the effect of social ties and mobility, may help illuminate the current spread of COVID-19. We model the occurrence of new cases from February 17 to May 29 using 4841 prefecture-day observations, paired with daily tallies of aggregate Facebook user movement among neighborhoods. This preliminary study of Japanese prefectures finds that communities with strong bridging and linking social ties start out more susceptible to COVID-19 spread, but their rates quickly decrease over time compared to communities with stronger intra-group ties. These results imply that residents’ participation in civil society and trust in officials affect their adoption of new health behaviors like physical distancing, improving their capacity to respond and adapt to crisis. Though bridging and linking communities suffered more early on, they adapted better to new conditions, demonstrating greater resilience to the pandemic. We anticipate this study to be a starting point for broader studies of the effect of social ties and mobility on response to COVID-19 worldwide, verifying what kinds of social networks we should invest in to adapt to this pandemic.
COVID-19 relapse with prolonged viral shedding up to 60 days or re-infection, in 3 frontline healthcare workers with recurrent symptoms and persistent SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity in Ireland, a developing diagnostic challenge: A case report
Authors: McGrath Jonathan , McGinty Tara , Lynch Maureen , O'Regan Edel , Natin Dominic , O'Gorman Peter , Lambert John S
Published: June 2020

Background:To date, the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in more than 24,400 confirmed cases in Ireland, with more than 30% involving Healthcare Workers (HCW). As more staff become involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, many key clinical considerations remain uncertain, including the possibility of re-infection following initial illness, the clinical significance of prolonged viral shedding and the degree of protection conferred by development of anti- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies.We present 3 cases of COVID19-infected HCWs, each with distinct episodes of recurrent symptoms following initial resolution and with persistently positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR results, ranging up to 60 days post onset of illness. PCR results, cycle threshold (Ct) values and clinical assessment are provided to discuss the diagnostic difficulties in assessing relapsed COVID-19 infection, or re-infection with new virus following return to work. Case presentations: Patient 1,2 and 3 (age range 25-36) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via rtPCR on oro/nasopharyngeal swab with initial Ct values of 21.72, 24.52 and 26.58 respectively, following presentation with respiratory symptoms. All completed 14 day periods of self-isolation with full resolution of symptoms. Each patient has a clinical role and was involved in the management of COVID-19 patients following return to work. Patient 1 was admitted to hospital 44 days after initial illness, with cough, dyspnoea and a concurrent diagnosis of neurosyphilis. SARS-CoV-2 PCR was positive with Ct value 31.36 and remained positive for at least 60 days following initial illness onset. A full clinical recovery followed. Patients 2 and 3 represented to the Emergency Department with recurrent respiratory symptoms 29 and 40 days following initial illness onset respectively. SARS-CoV-2 PCR was demonstrated in each with Ct values 31.16 and 30.72 respectively. Each subsequently made a full recovery following a second period of self-isolation. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was demonstrated in all 3 patients. Conclusions: These cases demonstrate the diagnostic difficulties in determining intermittent presentation of COVID-19 infection with prolonged viral shedding, or re-infection with new virus following return to work. As the pandemic progresses, this represents a growing diagnostic challenge impacting patient assessment, staff deployment following illness and infection control.
Endoscopic and Surgical Treatment of T1N0M0 Colorectal Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Population-Based Comparative Study
Authors: Zhu Hanlong , Zhao Si , Ji Kun , Wu Wei , Zhou Jian , Zhang Chunmei , Tang Ruiyi , Miao Lin
Published: June 2020

Background: With the rapid advances in endoscopic technology, endoscopic therapy (ET) is increasingly applied to the treatment of small (≤20 mm) colorectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, long-term data comparing ET and surgery for management of T1N0M0 colorectal NETs are lacking. The purpose of this work was to compare overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of such patients with ET or surgery.Methods: Patients with T1N0M0 colorectal NETs were identified within the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2016). Demographics, tumor characteristics, therapeutic methods, and survival were compared. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used 1:3 and among this cohort, Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to evaluate correlation between treatment and outcomes.Results: Of 4487 patients with T1N0M0 colorectal NETs, 1125 were identified in the matched cohort, among whom 819 (72.8%) underwent ET and 306 (27.2%) underwent surgery. There was no difference in the 5-year and 10-year OS and CSS rates between the 2 treatment modalities. Likewise, analyses stratified by tumor size and site showed that patients did not benefit more from surgery compared with ET. Moreover, multivariate analyses found no significant differences in OS [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.857, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.513–1.431, P = 0.555] and CSS (HR = 0.925, 95% CI: 0.282–3.040, P = 0.898) between the 2 groups. Similar results were observed when comparisons were limited to patients with different tumor size and site.Conclusions: In this population-based study, patients treated endoscopically had comparable long-term survival compared with those treated surgically, which demonstrates ET as an alternative to surgery in T1N0M0 colorectal NETs.
The Prevalence and the Use of the Questionnaire’s Related to the Neglected Sexual Side Effects After Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Röscher Pierre , Sathiram Ronisha , Milios Joanne E , Wyk Jacqueline M van
Published: June 2020

Background: Early prostate cancer (PCa) treatment interventions may leave men with debilitating sexual side effects. These side effects may remain permanent, often undiagnosed, and undermanaged. The objective of this study was to map the evidence pertaining to the prevalence, and use of questionnaires, related to the neglected sexual side effects (NSSE) after PCa treatment consisting of radical prostatectomy (RP) surgery or radiation treatment (RT).Methods: This systematic scoping review’s search strategy involved the search of PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. Following title searching, two-independent reviewers conducted screening of abstracts and full articles. The screenings were guided by the eligibility criteria. Data were extracted from the included studies and the emerging themes were analysed. The review team analysed the implications of the findings in relation to the research question and aims of the study. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was employed for quality appraisal of included studies.Discussion: Twenty-three studies about the prevalence and questionnaire use for NSSE after early PCa treatment were included. Two studies investigated most of the collective group of NSSE’s, and all the other studies mostly looked at a single NSSE. No single validated questionnaire was found that investigates the NSSE after early PCa treatment. Most studies incorporated some aspects of other questionnaires. Two studies used non-validated questionnaires that picked up on the majority of the collective group of NSSE.Conclusion: NSSEs are prevalent in men after RP and RT. Peyronie’s Disease, orgasmic Dysfunction and Penile Length Shortening are all similarly prevalent after RP and RT. Anejaculation was only found to be prevalent after RT*. Orgasm associated incontinence resulted from RP and RT, but the prevalence in RP patients was 6 times that of RT patients. Study participants felt inadequately informed about possible sexual side effects caused by their treatment choices. Questionnaires are effective at detecting NSSE after PCa treatment, but there is no valid and reliable questionnaire currently available to detect all the collective NSSE after PCa treatment. There is a scope to develop a validated and reliable PCa NSSE questionnaire. The NSSE questionnaire must be quick, straightforward, and effective.
Influence of CMTM8 polymorphisms on Lung Cancer Susceptibility in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Wu Jiamin , Sun Yao , Xiong Zichao , Niu Fanglin , Liu Yuanwei , Li Haiyue , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Qiufang , Jin Tianbo
Published: June 2020

Objective: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and CMTM8 is a potential tumor suppressor gene, which is down-regulated in lung cancer. The objective of this research was to assess the association of CMTM8 genetic polymorphisms with lung cancer risk in Chinese Han population.Methods: To evaluate the correlation between CMTM8 polymorphisms and lung cancer risk, Agena MassArray platform was used for genotype determination among 509 lung cancer patients and 506 controls. Multiple genetic models, stratification analysis and haploview analysis was used by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: Significant associations were detected between CMTM8 rs6771238 and an increased lung cancer risk in codominant (adjusted OR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.01-2.42, p = 0.044) and dominant (adjusted OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.01-2.36, p = 0.047)models. After gender stratification analysis,weobserved that rs6771238 was related to an increased risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma, while rs6771238 was associated with anincreased risk of lung adenocarcinoma. Rs9835916 and rs1077868 were correlated with lung cancer staging.Rs9835916 was linked to increased risk of lymph node metastasis in lung cancer patients. Conclusions: Our study firstly reported that the CMTM8 polymorphisms were a risk factors for lung cancer, which suggested the potential roles of CMTM8 in the development of lung cancerin Chinese Han population.
Visual Analytics for Network Events Classification in LAN With Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Sun Yuwei , Ochiai Hideya , Esaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

This article illustrates a method of visualizing network traffic in LAN based on the Hilbert Curve structure and the array exchange and projection, with nine types of protocols’ communication frequency information as the discriminators, the results of which we call them feature maps of network events. Several known scan cases are simulated in LANs and network traffic is collected for generating feature maps under each case. In order to solve this multi-label classification task, we adopt and train a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), in two different network environments with feature maps as the input data, and different scan cases as the labels. We separate datasets with a ratio of 4:1 into the training dataset and the validation dataset. Then, based on the micro scores and the macro scores of the validation, we evaluate performance of the scheme, achieving macro-F-measure scores of 0.982 and 0.975, and micro-F-measure scores of 0.976 and 0.965 separately in these two LANs.
Protocol for Personal RF-EMF Exposure Measurement Studies in 5th Generation Telecommunication Networks
Authors: Velghe Maarten , Aerts Sam , Martens Luc , Joseph Wout , Thielens Arno
Published: June 2020

Background

The general population is exposed to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMFs) used by telecommunication networks. Previous studies developed methods to assess this exposure. These methods will be inadequate to accurately assess exposure in 5G technologies. This is due to the fact that 5G NR (new radio) base stations will focus actively on connected users, resulting in a high spatio-temporal variations in the RF-EMFs. This increases the measurement uncertainty in personal measurements of RF-EMF exposure. Furthermore, a user’s exposure from base stations will be dependent on the amount of data usage, adding a new component to the auto-induced exposure, which is often omitted in current studies.

Methods

The objective of this paper is to develop a general study protocol for future personal RF-EMF exposure research adapted to 5G technologies. This protocol will include the assessment of auto-induced exposure of both a user’s own devices and the networks’ base stations.

Results

To account for auto-induced exposure, an activity-based approach is introduced. In survey studies, an RF-EMF sensor is fixed on the participants’ mobile device(s). Based on the measured power density, GPS data and movement and proximity sensors, different activities can be clustered and the exposure during each activity is evaluated. In microenvironmental measurements, a trained researcher performs measurements in predefined microenvironments with a mobile device equipped with the RF-EMF sensor. The mobile device is programmed to repeat a sequence of data transmission scenarios (different amounts of uplink and downlink data transmissions). Based on simulations, the amount of exposure induced in the body when the user device is at a certain location relative to the body, can be evaluated.

Conclusion

Our protocol addresses the main challenges to personal exposure measurement introduced by 5G NR. A systematic method to evaluate a user’s auto-induced exposure is introduced.
The specific metabolome profiling of patients infected by SARS-COV-2 supports the key role of tryptophan-nicotinamide pathway and cytosine metabolism
Authors: BLASCO H. , BESSY C. , PLANTIER L. , LEFEVRE A. , PIVER E. , BERNARD L. , MARLET J. , STEFIC K. , DE BRETAGNE I. BENZ , CANNET P. , LUMBU H. , MOREL T. , BOULARD P. , ANDRES C.R. , VOURCH P. , HERAULT O. , GUILLON A. , EMOND P.
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe biological mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection are only partially understood. Thus we explored the plasma metabolome of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 to search for diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers and to improve the knowledge of metabolic disturbance in this infection.Materials and Methods We analyzed the plasma metabolome of 55 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 45 controls by LC-HRMS at the time of diagnosis (D0). We first evaluated the ability to predict the diagnosis from the metabotype at D0 in an independent population. Next, we assessed the feasibility of predicting the disease evolution at the 7th and 15th day.ResultsPlasma metabolome allowed us to generate a discriminant multivariate model to predict the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in an independent population (accuracy>74%, sensitivity, specificity>75%). We identified the role of the cytosine and tryptophan-nicotinamide pathways in this discrimination. However, metabolomic exploration modestly explained the disease evolution.DiscussionHere, we present the first metabolomic study in SARS-CoV-2 patients which showed a high reliable prediction of early diagnosis. We have highlighted the role of the tryptophan-nicotinamide pathway clearly linked to inflammatory signals and microbiota, and the involvement of cytosine, previously described as a coordinator of cell metabolism in SARS-CoV-2. These findings could open new therapeutic perspectives as indirect targets.
Mathematical Analysis of the Role of Detection Rate on Dynamical Spread of Ebola Virus Disease
Authors: Olajide Akanni John
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a non-linear mathematical model of the Ebola virus disease with detection rate is proposed and analyzed. The whole population under consideration is divided into five compartments e.g. susceptible, latently infected, infected undetected, infected detected, and recovered to study the transmission dynamics of the Ebola virus disease. Based on the immunity level, susceptible individuals move to exposed class or directly to infected detected class once they come into contact with an infective. This has been incorporated through the progression rate which is slow. The equilibria of the model and the basic reproduction number R0 are computed. It is observed that the disease-free equilibrium of the model is locally asymptotically stable when R0<1. The model exhibits forward bifurcation under certain restrictions on parameters, which indicate that the model has a single endemic equilibrium for R0<1. This suggests that an accurate estimation of parameters and the level of control measures are required to reduce the infection prevalence of the Ebola virus in the endemic region and just R0<1 is enough to eliminate the disease from the population. R0 needs to be lowered much below one to confirm the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium. Numerical simulation is performed to demonstrate the analytical results. It is found that the increase in the rate of detection rate leads to a decrease in the threshold value of R0. Numerical simulations have been carried out to support the analytic results.
Validation and Optimization of Thermophysical Properties for Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Nanofluid Engine Oil using Neural Network
Authors: Moslemi Petrudi Amin , Rahmani Masoud
Published: June 2020

In this study, the thermophysical properties of thermal conductivity and viscosity of a motor oil nanofluid were investigated using experimental data and artificial neural network. NSGA II optimization algorithm was used to maximize thermal conductivity and minimum viscosity with changes in temperature and volume fraction of nanofluids. Also, to obtain the viscosity and thermal conductivity values in terms of nanofluid temperature and volume fraction with 174 experimental data, neural network modeling was performed. Input data include temperature and volume fraction, and output is viscosity and thermal conductivity. Various indices such as R squared and Mean Square Error (MSE) have been used to evaluate the accuracy of modeling in the prediction of viscosity and thermal conductivity of nanofluids. The coefficient of determination R squared is 0.9989 indicating acceptable agreement with the experimental data. In order to optimize and finally results as an objective function, the optimization algorithm is presented and the Parto front and its corresponding optimum points are presented where the maximum optimization results of thermal conductivity and viscosity occur at 1% volume fraction.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIS PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATERI TRIGONOMETRI BERDASARKAN GAYA BELAJAR
Authors: Setiana Dewi
Published: June 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kemampuan pemahaman konsep peserta didik dalam pemecahan masalah  ditinjau dari gaya belajar. Analisis pemahaman konsep dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kriteria dari Peraturan Dirjen Dikdasmen Depdiknas dengan Nomor 576/C/TU/2006. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dalam bentuk deskriptif. Subjek penelitian adalah peserta didik kelas X TMPO-2 SMK Negeri 3 Semarang yang berjumlah 36 anak. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan gaya belajar tidak secara signifikan mempengaruhi kemampuan pemahaman konsep peserta didik. Penelitian ini memberikan informasi bahwa gaya belajar visual, auditori, dan kinestetik dalam hal keterampilan memahami konsep hanya terdapat sedikit perbedaan dalam prosesnya. Hal ini dikarenakan subjek visual dan kinestetik sama-sama mampu menguasai 6 dari 7 indikator pemahaman konsep, sedangkan untuk subjek auditori mampu memahami keseluruhan indikator pemahaman konsep dalam penelitian ini. Hasil analisis disimpulkan bahwa subjek auditori memiliki kemampuan yang lebih tinggi di banding dengan subjek visual dan kinestetik.
A szubjektív térérzékelés módszertana és felhasználásának lehetőségei a turizmuskutatásban
Authors: Tóth Tímea Zsófia
Published: June 2020

A szubjektív térérzékelés módszertana, a kognitív térképezés egy rendkívül izgalmas és sokszínű technika, amelyet kialakulása óta számos tudományterület felhasznált már. A fogalom a huszadik század közepétől jelenik meg a szakirodalomban, mint a behaviorista földrajz egyik legfontosabb módszere. A lényegében pszichológiai alapokkal rendelkező technika a földrajz, az ökológia, az urbanisztika, a regionális gazdaságtan és természetesen a menedzsment különböző területein is fellelhető. A kognitív térképezés és a turizmus elválaszthatatlanok egymástól, hiszen a módszer alapját a világ térbeli rendjének gondolati úton való leképezése jelenti. Ez a gondolati térkép erősen befolyásolja a környezet észlelését, az utazási helyszín kiválasztását, illetve a bejárni kívánt útvonalakat is. A tanulmány a kognitív, illetve mentális térkép fogalomrendszerét és elméleti hátterét ismerteti, valamint sorra veszi a hazai kutatások eredményeit, amelyeket a módszer segítségével végeztek a turizmus területén. Mindezeken túl a kutatás a jövőbeli hasznosítási lehetőségekre is kísérletet tesz.
Fen Bilimleri Dersi ve Laboratuvar Uygulamalarına Yönelik Öğrenci ve Öğretmen Görüşleri: Bir Durum Çalışması
Authors: Soğukpınar Ramazan , Gundogdu Kerim
Published: June 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı, ortaokul fen bilimleri dersi ve laboratuvar uygulamalarına yönelik öğrenci ve öğretmen görüşlerinin tespit edilmesidir. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışması deseni kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın katılımcıları, 2019-2020 eğitim öğretim yılında, Türkiye’nin batı illerinden birinin merkez ilçesindeki bir devlet ortaokulunda görev yapmakta olan 6 (2 kadın, 4 erkek) fen bilimleri öğretmeni ve aynı ortaokulun 5, 6, 7, ve 8. sınıflarında öğrenim gören 13 (5 kız, 8 erkek) öğrencidir. Veriler öğretmen ve öğrencilere yönelik hazırlanmış olan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formları ve yapılandırılmamış gözlem formu ile toplanmıştır. Toplanan veriler betimsel olarak ve içerik analizi ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, öğretmenlerin laboratuvar uygulamalarında en çok karşılaştığı istenmeyen durumun deney malzemelerinin eksik olması, sınıfların kalabalık olması, laboratuvarda elektrik ve su tesisatının tam olmayışı olduğu belirlenmiştir. Öte yandan öğretmenlerin çoğunluğu laboratuvar uygulamaları yapılırken öğrencileri gruplandırma, laboratuvarda güvenlik önlemlerinin alınmasını, öğrencilere rehberlik yapılması yeterli deney malzemelerinin temin edilmesi tavsiyesinde bulunmuştur. Yapılan gözlemler sonucunda da sınıfların kalabalık olduğu, sınıfların sınıf mevcuduna göre alan büyüklüklerinin yetersiz olduğu, sınıf yönetimini zorlaştıracak eylemler içcerisinde olabildiklerigözlemlenmiştir.
Hypothetical Proteins as Predecessors of Long Non-coding RNAs
Authors: Malik Girik , Agarwal Tanu , Raj Utkarsh , Sundararajan Vijayaraghava Seshadri , Bandapalli Obul Reddy , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: June 2020

Hypothetical Proteins [HP] are the transcripts predicted to be expressed in an organism, but
no evidence of it exists in gene banks. On the other hand, long non-coding RNAs [lncRNAs] are the
transcripts that might be present in the 5’ UTR or intergenic regions of the genes whose lengths are
above 200 bases. With the known unknown [KU] regions in the genomes rapidly existing in gene
banks, there is a need to understand the role of open reading frames in the context of annotation. In
this commentary, we emphasize that HPs could indeed be the predecessors of lncRNAs.
The Proportion of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Achieving Treatment Goals and the Survey of Patients’ Attitude Towards Insulin In tiation ini Patient s with Inadequate Glycaemic Control with Oral Anti-diabetic Drugs
Authors: Bhat Shivashankara , Chowta Mukta , Chowta Nithyananda , Shastry Rajeshwari , Kamath Priyanka
Published: June 2020

Background:

Type 2 diabetic patients often require insulin therapy for better glycaemic control.
However, many of these patients do not receive insulin or do not receive it in a timely manner.

Objective:

The study was planned to assess the proportion of type 2 diabetic patients attaining treatment
goals as per the ADA 2018 guidelines. In addition, patient’s perception of insulin therapy was assessed
and compared between insulin naïve and insulin-initiated type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods:

The study was conducted in type 2 diabetic patients. Data on their demographics, medical history,
duration of diabetes, history of diabetes related complications, the current anti-diabetic medication
received, and the most recent glycaemic parameters were all noted. Patient’s perception of insulin initiation
was recorded through a structured interview.

Results:

A total of 129 patients were included in the study. Around 76.7% patients achieved HbA1c target
(<7%). The duration of the disease is much higher in patients who did not meet the HBA1c target. A
good number of patients felt that insulin injection would be physically painful (56.5%). The majority of
the patients also felt that insulin would make their life less flexible (64.8%). Many patients have the opinion
that insulin is required for life long (73.2%). More number of patients on insulin agreed with the statement
‘Leads to good short-term outcomes as well as long-term benefits’ compared to insulin naïve patients.

Conclusion:

The results highlight that the proportion of patients achieving the recommended glycaemic
target is not satisfactory. Many patients who are inadequately controlled with oral anti-diabetic drugs
were reluctant to initiate insulin.
Spontaneous Biliary Pericardial Tamponade: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Battisha Ayman , Altibi Ahmed M. , Madoukh Bader , Sheikh Omar , Sawalha Khalid , Shaikh Shakil , Al-Sadawi Mohammed
Published: June 2020

Background:

Biliary pericardial tamponade (BPT) is a rare form of pericardial tamponade,
characterized by yellowish-greenish pericardial fluid upon pericardiocentesis. Historically,
BPT reported to occur in the setting of an associated pericardiobiliary fistula. However, BPT in the
absence of a detectable fistula is extremely rare.

Learning objective::

A biliary pericardial tamponade is a rare form of tamponade warranting a
prompt workup (e.g., MRCP or HIDA scan) for a potential fistula between the biliary system and
the pericardial space. A pericardio-biliary fistula can be iatrogenic or traumatic. People with a history
of chest wall trauma, abdominal surgery, or chest surgery are at increased risk. The use of
HIDA scanning plays a salient role in effectively surveilling for the presence of a fistula – especially
when MRCP is contraindicated.

Case Presentation:

A 75-year-old Hispanic male presenting with dyspnea and diagnosed with cardiac
tamponade is the subject of the study. Subsequent pericardiocentesis revealed biliary pericardial
fluid (bilirubin of 7.6 mg/dl). The patient underwent extensive workup to identify a potential
fistula between the hepatobiliary system and the pericardial space, which was non-revealing. The
mechanism of bile entry into the pericardial space remains to be unidentified.

Literature Review:

A total of six previously published BPT were identified: all were males, with a
mean age of 53.3 years (range: 31-73). Mortality was reported in two out of the six cases. The underlying
etiology for pericardial tamponade varied across the cases: incidental pericardio-biliary
fistula, traumatic pericardial injury, and presence of associated malignancy.

Conclusion::

Biliary pericardial tamponade is a rare form of tamponade that warrants a prompt
workup (e.g., Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid – HIDA scan) for an iatrogenic vs. traumatic pericardio-
biliary fistula. As a first case in the literature, our case exhibits a biliary tamponade in the
absence of an identifiable fistula.
Meaningfulness of Work and Employee Engagement: The Role of Affective Commitment
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Mittal Amit
Published: June 2020

Background:

Meaningfulness of work leads to positive job-related consequences, such as engaged, satisfied, productive, trustworthy, and devoted employees.

Purpose:

The main purpose of this research was to study the relationship between meaningfulness of work, employee engagement, and affective commitment. Further, this study is also examined the mediating influence of affective commitment on the relationship between meaningfulness of work and employee engagement.

Methods:

Researchers used a quantitative approach to collect data for the research by utilizing a cross-sectional survey design. The study included standardized scales and was conducted on 319 employees working in the service sector of Punjab and Chandigarh, India.

Results:

The findings of the given study confirmed a positive relationship between meaningfulness of work, employee engagement, and affective commitment.

Conclusion:

Moreover, affective commitment acts as a mediator on the relationship between the meaningfulness of work and employee engagement.