bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rocker Models for Reliable Detection and Typing of Short Read Sequences Carrying β-lactamases
Authors: Zhang Si-Yu , Suttner Brittany , Rodriguez-R Luis , Orellana Luis , Rowell Jessica , Webb Hattie , Williams-Newkirk Amanda , Huang Andrew , Konstantinidis Konstantinos
Published: November 2020

Background: Resistance genes encoding β-lactamases (BLs) confer resistance to the widely prescribed antibiotic class, β-lactams. Therefore, the prevalence of BL genes in clinical or environmental samples is important for assessing the public health risk and the spreading of these genes into pathogens. However, identification of genes encoding BLs from short read metagenomes remains challenging due to the high frequency of shared amino acid functional domains and motifs in proteins encoded by BL genes and related, non-BL gene sequences. Accordingly, divergent BL homologs can be frequently missed during similarity searches, which has important practical consequences for monitoring antibiotic resistance.Results: To address this limitation, we built ROCker models that targeted either broad classes (e.g., class A, B, C and D) or individual families (e.g., TEM) of BLs and challenged them with mock 150 bp and 250 bp read data sets of known composition. ROCker identifies most-discriminant bit score thresholds in sliding windows along the sequence of the target protein sequence and hence, can account for non-discriminative domains shared by unrelated proteins. BL ROCker models showed a 0% false positive rate (FPR), a 0% to 4% false negative rate (FNR), and a up to 50-fold higher F1 score [2*precision*recall/(precision+recall)] compared to alternative methods, such as similarity searches using BLASTx with various e-value thresholds and BL Hidden Markov Models, or specialized tools for this purpose like DeepARG, ShortBRED and AMRFinder. The ROCker models and the underlying protein sequence reference data sets and phylogenetic trees for read placement are freely available through http://enve-omics.ce.gatech.edu/data/rocker-bla.Conclusions: Our results showcased the reliable detection and typing of short read sequences carrying BLs by ROCker models. Application of these BL ROCker models on metagenomics, metatranscriptomics as well as high-throughput PCR gene amplicon data should facilitate the reliable detection and quantification of BL variants encoded by environmental or clinical isolates and microbiomes, and more accurate assessment of the associated public health risk compared to the current practice.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Factor XIII Deficiency Using Cell-Free Fetal DNA (cffDNA)
Authors: Motlagh Hoda , Dorgalaleh Akbar , Tabibian Shadi , Naderi Majid , Zaker Farhad
Published: November 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Treatment of Low-Strength Rubber Industry Wastewater Using a Combined Adsorbents and Membrane Technologies
Authors: Nasir Subriyer , Gaol Elsa Rama Lumban , Susanti Susi , Mediana Meta , Mataram Agung
Published: November 2020

The discharge of liquid waste from rubber industry poses a significant threat to human beings and environment; therefore, it ought to be addressed. Meanwhile, activated sludge technologies are usually used in Indonesia by this industry to handle liquid waste and tackle discharge issues. The combined adsorbents and hybrid membrane UF/RO were proposed in this study to decrease contaminants parameter of rubber industry wastewater (RIW). Furthermore, to achieve this goal three steps of treatments were applied in the current experiment. The first step is filtration using sand filter columns containing silica sand and activated carbon. In addition, the second stage is categorized by adsorption using three types of adsorbents, namely calcium carbide residue (CCR), coal fly ash (CFA) and bentonite. The third stage is separation process using adsorbents and UF/RO. This investigation was conducted using three types of adsorbents arranged in series configuration followed by UF/RO.Results showed that combined adsorbent (CCR-CFA-bentonite) followed by UF/RO membranes increases the acidity of RIW from 4.70 to 7.28 with removal efficiency of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solid (TSS), ammonia-nitrogen (AN), and total nitrogen (TN) at 99.0, 88.1, 92.5, 89.5, and 67.5%, respectively.The currently proposed method is advantageous because it does not require a long processing time or an intensive treatment area. This is applicable in rubber industries wastewater treatment process and is therefore an alternative method to active sludge technologies. In addition, final permeate RO are potentially used as clean water for rubber factory needs.
Transcription Factor VAX1 Regulates the Regional Specification of the Subpallium through Repressing Gsx2
Authors: Wen Yan , Su Zihao , Wang Ziwu , Yang Lin , Liu Guoping , Shang Zicong , Duan Yangyang , Du Heng , Li Zhenmeiyu , You Yan , Li Xiaosu , Yang Zhengang , Zhang Zhuangzhi
Published: November 2020

Specification of the progenitors’ regional identity is a pivotal step during development of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. The molecular mechanisms underlying progenitor regionalization, however, are poorly understood. Here we showed that the transcription factors Vax1 was highly expressed in the developing subpallium. In its absence, the RNA-Seq analysis, in situ RNA hybridization, and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the cell proliferation was increased in the subpallium, but the neuronal differentiation was blocked. Moreover, the dLGE region severely expanded ventrally at the expense of the vLGE, MGE, and septum. Finally, overexpressed VAX1 in the LGE progenitors strongly inhibits Gsx2 expression. Taken together, our findings show that Vax1 is crucial for subpallium regionalization by repressing Gsx2.
Cirbp-PSD95 Axis Protects Against Hypobaric Hypoxia-Induced Aberrant Morphology of Hippocampal Dendritic Spines and Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Zhou Yang , Lu Huanyu , Liu Ying , Zhao Zaihua , Zhang Qian , Xue Chong , Zou Yuankang , Cao Zipeng , Luo Wenjing
Published: November 2020

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) is a typical characteristic of high altitude environment and causes a spectrum of pathophysiological effects, including headaches, gliovascular dysfunction and cognitive slowing. Here, we sought to understand the mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits under HH exposure. Our results showed that HH exposure impaired cognitive function and suppressed dendritic spine density accompanied with increased neck length in both basal and apical hippocampal CA1 region neurons. The expression of PSD95, a critical synaptic scaffolding molecule, is down-regulated by hypoxia exposure and post-transcriptionally controlled by cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (Cirbp) through 3’-UTR region binding. PSD95 expressing alleviates hypoxia-induced neuron dendritic spine plasticity abnormality and memory impairment. Moreover, overexpressed Cirbp in hippocampus rescues hypoxia-induced loss of PSD95 and attenuates hypoxia-induced dendritic spine injury and cognitive outcomes. Thus, our findings reveal a novel mechanism where Cirbp-PSD-95 axis appears to play a key role in hypoxia-induced cognitive abilities impairment in brain.
Schizophrenia Risk ZNF804A Interacts with its Associated Proteins to Modulate Dendritic Morphology and Synaptic Development
Authors: Dong Fengping , Mao Joseph , Chen Miranda , Yoon Joy , Mao Yingwei
Published: November 2020

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a devastating brain disease that affect about 1% of world population. Among the top genetic associations, zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) gene encodes a zinc finger protein, associated with SZ and biolar disorder (BD). Copy number variants (CNVs) of ZNF804A have been observed in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), anxiety disorder, and BD, suggesting that ZNF804A is a dosage sensitive gene for brain function. However, its molecular functions have not been fully determined. Our previous interactomic study revealed that ZNF804A interacts with multiple proteins to control protein translation and neural development. ZNF804A is localized in the cytoplasm and neurites in the human cortex and is expressed in various types of neurons, including pyramidal, dopaminergic, GABAergic, and Purkinje neurons in mouse brain. To further examine the effect of gene dosage of ZNF804A on neurite morphology, both knockdown and overexpression of ZNF804A in primary neuronal cells significantly attenuates dendritic morphology and synaptogenesis. To determine the effectors mediating these phenotypes, interestingly, three binding proteins of ZNF804A, galectin 1 (LGALS1), fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 1 (FEZ1) and ribosomal protein SA (RPSA), show different effects on reversing the deficits. LGALS1 and FEZ1 stimulate neurite outgrowth at basal level but RPSA shows no effect. Intriguingly, FEZ1 and RPSA but not LGALS1, can ameliorate ZNF804A-mediated dendritic abnormalities. Thus, our results uncover a critical post-mitotic role of ZNF804A in neurite and synaptic development relevant for neurodevelopmental pathologies.
Dissecting Immune Cell Stat Regulation Network Reveals Biomarkers to Predict ICB Therapy Responders in Melanoma
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Li Feng , Xu Yanjun , Zheng Xuan , Zhang Chunlong , Hu Congxue , Xu Yingqi , Mi Wanqi , Li Xia , Zhang Yunpeng
Published: November 2020

BackgroundImmunotherapy is a revolutionary strategy in cancer therapy，but the resistance of which is one of the important challenges. Detecting the regulation of immune cells and biomarkers concerning immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is great significance.MethodsHere, we investigated the CD45+ immune cell regulation networks and immunotherapy response features by integrating biological pathway data and single cell sequencing data in metastatic melanoma with or without ICB therapy. First, we constructed regulation networks for 11 predefined CD45+ cell stats in context with biology pathway. Furthermore, we identified differently expressed genes between responders and non-responders. Finally, we trained and validated a logistics regression model based on ligands and receptors in the regulation network to predict ICB therapy response. ResultsWe discovered the regulation of genes across various immune cell stats. Functional analysis indicated that these stat-specific networks consensually enriched in immune response corrected pathways and highlighted antigen processing and presentation as a core pathway in immune cell regulation. Furthermore, some famous ligands and receptors like SIRPA, CD14, IL2, HLA-G, ITGAM and CD247 were differently expression between cells of responders and non-responders before and (or) during course of treatment. Several gene sets containing differently expressed ligands and receptors performed accuracy prediction with AUCs in validation datasets above 0.7 suggesting that they may be server as biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy response.Conclusions﻿In summary, our study provided single cell-based regulation network in context of melanoma model with or without ICB therapy. Our analysis revealed several gene sets consist of therapy response biomarkers which is efficient for construction of ICB therapy response classifier.
miR-22/TET2/p53-Feedback Loop Regulates Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis of k562 cells
Authors: Yao Hongxia , Fu Xiangjun , Chen Yueqing , Duan Mengling , Guo Li , Chen Wenting , Pan Yanping , Ding Yipeng
Published: November 2020

BackgroundChronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a major global health threat due to its low cure rate and high fatality rate. Studies have reported that miR-22, TET2, and p53 play a vital role in the progression of leukemia. However, it is unclear whether there is feedback regulation between them.MethodsTransfection efficiency of miR-22 and TET2 was detected by qRT-PCR. CCK-8 assay was applied to measure the proliferation ability of K562 cells. Flow cytometry was used for evaluation the cell cycle and apoptosis rate of K562 cells after transfection. Moreover, the interaction between miR-22, TET2 and P53 was analyzed by luciferase reporter gene assay.ResultsExperiments indicated that the TET2 expression was decreased and apoptosis was increased in the miR-22 mimic group, and cell cycle was arrested in G0/G1phase, the proliferation was markedly inhibited. Meanwhile we found that TET2 can affect the expression of p53. Then, we directly proved p53 inhibition miR-22 transcription, whereas miR-22 as a transcriptional repressor, TET2 expression is negatively regulated to form a feedback loop.ConclusionsmiR-22, TET2 and p53 can form a feedback loop and thus affect cell proliferation and apoptosis of chronic myeloid leukemia cells.
Schirmer strip and conjunctival swab for viral detection on the ocular surface of adults: a scoping review
Authors: Sabage Luís Expedito , Mazzo Alessandra , Sabage Josmar , Olivo Taylor Endrigo Toscano , Lourençone Luiz Fernando Manzoni
Published: November 2020

Purpose During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest challenges is accurate diagnosis, and it is known that, in some cases, ocular manifestations are one of the first symptoms. In this context, this study has the objective of raising scientific evidence that highlights the use of Schirmer strips and conjunctival swabs as a method of sample collection for viral analysis to support future research on this theme. Methods A literature search was developed in the PubMed, Web of Science and BVS databases and followed the Scoping Review protocol defined by Joana Brigs Institute (JBI) after the guiding question “Is it possible to detect viruses on the ocular surface with Schirmer Test and/or conjunctival swab?”. Results A total of 418 studies were identified, and after discerning analysis, 36 studies published in English were selected. Three researchers analyzed studies after virus research, collection methods, and sample analysis. Publications were mainly on adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and SARS-CoV-2, but there is evidence of ocular detection on more viruses. Discussion Studies have generally been conducted to understand viral infection, to develop accurate diagnostic methods and to follow the patient’s response to treatment. Most studies were developed on a small number of patients and lacked clear definitions of collection time and viral persistence since the onset of diseases. Viruses can be detected on the ocular surface through the analysis of Schirmer strips and conjunctival swabs. However, additional studies with larger populations and time permanence are necessary to develop more assertive conclusions on the theme.
Exploring eating and exercise-related indicators during COVID-19 quarantine: Concerns and routine changes in women with different BMI
Authors: Coimbra Maria , Paixão Carolina , Ferreira Cláudia
Published: November 2020

Purpose. The present study aimed to understand how quarantine associated to COVID-19 was experienced by women from different BMI groups (underweight, normal weight, pre-obesity, and obesity), by exploring the changes introduced in eating and exercise routines and the differences between BMI groups regarding shape concern, weight concern and binge eating behaviours reported during this time.Methods. This study comprised 580 women aged between 18 and 65 years old, who completed self-report measures, during the mandatory confinement in Portugal due to COVID-19. The total sample was divided into four groups, according to their BMI.Results. Results revealed that overall, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding the eating and exercise routine changes introduced during quarantine. However, significant differences between the four groups were found in the reported body and eating-related difficulties (shape concern, weight concern and binge eating behaviours), with the pre-obesity and obesity groups presenting significant higher levels. Conclusions. Our study suggests that, even though the changes introduced to the eating and exercise routine are independent from BMI, the pre-obesity and obesity group represent a major vulnerability group for the development of eating disorders. We hope this study allows professionals to understand the need to develop different guidelines and strategies for the pre-obesity and obesity female population during the deconfinement period. Level of evidence. Level V - Descriptive study.
Effectiveness of mobile applications in diabetic patients’ healthy lifestyles: review of systematic reviews.
Authors: Carrera Francisco Jesús Represas , Ques Ángel Alfredo Martínez , Fontán Ana Clavería
Published: November 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently a major public health problem worldwide. It is traditionally approached by a clinical inpatient relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. However, the rise in of the use of new technologies, particularly mobile applications, is revolutionizing the traditional healthcare model with the introduction of telehealthcare.Objective: (1) Examine the mobile applications that address lifestyles to improve the metabolic control of adult patients with Diabetes Mellitus. (2) Describe the characteristics of the used mobile applications, identify the healthy lifestyles they target, and describe any of their adverse effects.Methods: Review of systematic reviews following Cochrane Collaboration and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. We included studies that used any mobile application to help patients improve DM self-management by focusing on healthy lifestyles. Studies needed to include a control group receiving regular care without using mobile devices. In May 2018, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS, PsychINFO, Cinahl and Science Direct were searched, updated in May 2019. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the Amstar-2 tool.Results: Seven systematic reviews of 798 articles were initially selected for the analysis. Interventions lasted 1-12 months. Twenty-three different mobile applications were identified. They were all related to eating and physical activity. Significant changes were found in HbA1c values, body weight and BMI, but no clear improvement was observed in others like lipid profile, quality of life or blood pressure. No significant adverse effects were identified.Conclusions: Clearly evidence appeared for using mobile applications to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients in the short term, but not for long-term benefits. Thus carrying out further studies is necessary to learn about the long-term effectiveness of mobile applications to promote DM patients’ healthy lifestyles. PROSPERO Register: CRD42019133685
Comparative analysis, applications, and interpretation of electronic health record-based stroke phenotyping methods
Authors: Thangaraj Phyllis , Kummer Benjamin R , Lorberbaum Tal , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Tatonetti Nicholas P
Published: November 2020

Background: Accurate identification of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patient cohorts is essential for a wide range of clinical investigations. Automated phenotyping methods that leverage electronic health records (EHRs) represent a fundamentally new approach cohort identification without current laborious and ungeneralizable generation of phenotyping algorithms. We systematically compared and evaluated the ability of machine learning algorithms and case-control combinations to phenotype acute ischemic stroke patients using data from an EHR.Materials and Methods: Using structured patient data from the EHR at a tertiary-care hospital system, we built and evaluated machine learning models to identify patients with AIS based on 75 different case-control and classifier combinations. We then estimated the prevalence of AIS patients across the EHR. Finally, we externally validated the ability of the models to detect AIS patients without AIS diagnosis codes using the UK Biobank.Results: Across all models, we found that the mean AUROC for detecting AIS was 0.963±0.0520 and average precision score 0.790±0.196 with minimal feature processing. Classifiers trained with cases with AIS diagnosis codes and controls with no cerebrovascular disease codes had the best average F1 score (0.832±0.0383). In the external validation, we found that the top probabilities from a model-predicted AIS cohort were significantly enriched for AIS patients without AIS diagnosis codes (60-150 fold over expected). Conclusions: Our findings support machine learning algorithms as a generalizable way to accurately identify AIS patients without using process-intensive manual feature curation. When a set of AIS patients is unavailable, diagnosis codes may be used to train classifier models.
The pathological features of hip abductor tendon tears – a cadaveric study
Authors: Zhu Mark , Smith Brittany , Krishna Sanjeev , Musson David S. , Riordan Peter R. , McGlashan Sue R. , Cornish Jillian , Munro Jacob T.
Published: November 2020

Background: The hip abductors are crucial in maintaining pelvic stability. Tears in these tendons are common and often debilitating. There is uncertainty regarding both the histological and macroscopic features of hip abductor tears. This study aims to clarify both the macroscopic and microscopic features of the tendon and enthesis in hip abductor tendon tears.Methods: Thirty-six cadavers with an average age of 81 were dissected, and the hip abductor mechanisms removed en-bloc. The presence, location and size of the tears were recorded and analysed. The samples were processed into histological blocks and viewed using both transmitted and polarised light. Tendon histology was graded using the modified Movin’s score in three sections (deep, middle and superficial layers) and the enthesis graded separately using 5-point criteria. Analysis of variance was used to confirm histological features associated with tears.Results: Tears were found in 24 of 36 samples (67%). The most common finding was an isolated tear in the gluteus minimus (46%), followed by concurrent gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tears (33%). Histology revealed significantly more degeneration in both the tendon (p=0.0005) and enthesis (p=0.0011) when tears were present. Furthermore, these changes were concentrated in the deeper layers of the tendon (p=0.0002) and enthesis (p=0.003).Conclusion: This study demonstrated degeneration as the primary pathology underlying hip abductor tendon tears. Degenerative changes occur in both the tendon and enthesis, with the deeper layers predominantly affected. These findings are important for guiding surgical repair techniques and to aid the development of novel materials and biologics.
Prognostic significance of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in papillary renal cell carcinoma patients after receiving curative surgery based on a retrospective cohort
Authors: Zhang Zhilei , Yu Yongbo , Zheng Jilu , Zhang Mingxin , Niu Haitao
Published: November 2020

Background: Inflammatory response biomarkers have been studied as promising prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but few studies have focused on papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC). This study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in PRCC patients. Methods: In total, 90122 postoperative PRCC patients selected from 284 366 non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) patients were enrolled from our institution between 2012 and 20192020. The optimal cutoff value of the NLR was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards regression models were performed to analyze the association of the NLR with overall survival (OS). In addition, the potential of tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, the NLR and an NLR-TNM system to predict survival were compared with ROC curves. Results: A threshold value of 2.39 for the NLR for OS analysis was determined by ROC curve analysis. An NLR≥2.39 was associated with a more advanced TNM stage (P<0.001) and larger tumors (P<0.05) than a low NLR, as well as pathological subtype Ⅱ (P<0.05), and the patients with a high NLR also exhibited significantly worse overall survival outcomes (P<0.05). The NLR was determined to be a significant independent prognostic indicator by univariable and multivariable analyses (HR = 5.557, P<0.05). Furthermore, TNM stage and the NLR were integrated, and the area under the curve (AUC) of for the NLR-TNM system was larger than that of for the TNM system when predicting overall survival (0.839 VS 0.731, P=0.036). Conclusion: A high preoperative NLR was associated with poor clinical and pathologic parameters in patients with PRCC; moreover, the NLR was also an independent prognostic factor for the OS of patients with PRCC. The NLR-TNM system, which was a model that integrated the NLR with TNM staging, could improve the ability to predict overall survival.
Parecoxib alleviates the inflammatory effect of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma in normal rabbit tendons
Authors: Zhou Ming , Wang Ning , Wang Gang , Jia Zishan , Qi Xiaolei
Published: November 2020

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used to treat tendon injuries. Its therapeutic effect varies depending on the different cell components, and white blood cells (WBCs) may play an important role in this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how PRP with different concentrations of WBCs affect normal rabbit tendon and assess whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can suppress the catabolic effects of WBCs.Methods: Sixteen adult New Zealand White rabbits were used. Blood samples were collected from each rabbit, and PRP was extracted following two different protocols to obtain leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) and leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP). LP-PRP or LR-PRP was injected into the patellar tendon of each rabbit, while normal saline (NS) was injected as control. In LR-PRP + NSAID group, Parecoxib was administered after LR-PRP injection. For each group, 2 rabbits were euthanatized at day 5 and 14. The patellar tendons were collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. A semi-quantitative approach was used to assess the inflammatory response and tendon destruction based on the evaluation of the WBCs, vascularization, fiber structure, and fibrosis.Results: The LR-PRP group exhibited a higher total tendon score than the LP-PRP group at day 5 after PRP injection, but there was no significant difference between the two groups at day 14. For the NSAID group, the tendon score was lower than that of the LR-PRP group both at day 5 and 14.Conclusion: LR-PRP can promote a higher inflammatory response than LP-PRP in the normal rabbit patellar tendon, and this effect can be suppressed by NSAIDs.
Investigation of Awareness and Anxiety Levels of Pregnant Women During Pandemic Process. A Multi-Centric Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey Study in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Palalioglu Rabia Merve , Karadeniz Ozan , Aytok Gokce Ipek , Palalioglu Batuhan , Koyan Gizem Nur , Erbiyik Halil Ibrahim , Muhcu Murat
Published: November 2020

Background:COVID-19 pandemic is an important and urgent public health problem. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women deal with the Coronavirus disease and its results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic on pregnant women and to determine whether pregnant women have sufficient knowledge and awareness for a healthy antenatal process.Methods: This prospective study was conducted at two centers. Regardless of the gestational age, a questionnaire was distributed to 1003 pregnant women in total, from 51 original questions that investigate the pregnant women’s demographic data, history of contact with COVID-19-positive patients, knowledge and concerns about COVID-19, precautions. 526 participants were included in the study. The questionnaire was delivered using the QR code method. The questionnaires were answered online by participants via SurveyMonkey in order to minimize contamination due to the pandemic.Results: The period when anxiety was highest was the 2nd trimester, whereas women in the 1st trimester had the lowest level of anxiety. High levels of awareness were observed in patients with heart disease, but patients with diabetes mellitus had a high level of anxiety. There was a statistically significant correlation between anxiety and awareness scores of the coronavirus disease.Conclusion:It is important to maintain the mental and physical health of pregnant women, who are in a more delicate condition than other individuals in the society. In this regard, healthcare professionals have important duties such as taking necessary precautions and explaining the seriousness of the situation to pregnant women.
Developing a scoring tool to estimate the risk of deterioration for normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism on admission 
Authors: Gao Yizhuo , Ji Chao , Zhao Hongyu , Han Jun , Shen Haitao , Jia Dong
Published: November 2020

Background: It is important to identify deterioration in normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). This study aimed to develop a tool for predicting deterioration among normotensive patients with acute PE on admission.Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography parameters were retrospectively collected for normotensive patients with acute PE who were treated at a Chinese center from January 2011 to May 2020 on admission into the hospital. The endpoint of the deterioration was any adverse outcome within 30 days. Eligible patients were randomized 2:1 to derivation and validation cohorts, and a nomogram was developed and validated by the aforementioned cohorts, respectively. The areas under the curves (AUCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A risk-scoring tool for predicting deterioration was applied as a web-based calculator.Results: The 845 eligible patients (420 men, 425 women) had an average age of 60.05±15.43 years. Adverse outcomes were identified for 81 patients (9.6%). The nomogram for adverse outcomes included heart rate, systolic pressure, N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide, and ventricle/atrial diameter ratios at 4-chamber view, which provided AUC values of 0.925 in the derivation cohort (95% CI: 0.900–0.946, p<0.001) and 0.900 in the validation cohort (95% CI: 0.883–0.948, p<0.001). A risk-scoring tool was published as a web-based calculator (https://gaoyzcmu.shinyapps.io/APE9AD/).Conclusions: We developed a web-based scoring tool that may help predict deterioration in normotensive patients with acute PE.
Asthma and COVID-19 - A systematic review
Authors: Mendes Natália F. , Jara Carlos P. , Mansour Eli , Araújo Eliana P. , Velloso Licio
Published: November 2020

Background. Severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) presents with progressive dyspnea, which results from acute lung inflammatory edema leading to hypoxia. As with other infectious diseases that affect the respiratory tract, asthma has been cited as a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19. However, conflicting results have been published over the last few months and the putative association between these two diseases is still unproven. Methods. Here, we systematically reviewed all reports on COVID-19 published since its emergence in December 2019 to June 30, 2020, looking into the description of asthma as a premorbid condition, which could indicate its potential involvement in disease progression. Results. We found 372 articles describing the underlying diseases of 161,271 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Asthma was reported as a premorbid condition in only 2,623 patients accounting for 1.6% of all patients. Conclusions. As the global prevalence of asthma is 4.4%, we conclude that either asthma is not a premorbid condition that contributes to the development of COVID-19 or clinicians and researchers are not accurately describing the premorbidities in COVID-19 patients.
Loss of MiR-192-5p Initiates a Hyperglycolysis and Stemness Positive Feedback in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Authors: Gu Yuanzhuo , Ji Fubo , Liu Niya , Zhao Yongzhi , Wei Xiyang , Hu Shiyuan , Jia Wei , Wang Xin Wei , Budhu Anuradha , Ji Juling , Zhao Bin , Roessler Stephanie , Zheng Xin , Ji Junfang
Published: November 2020

Background: Emerging studies revealed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) possessed peculiar metabolic properties, which however remained largely unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genetic silencing of liver-abundant miR-192-5p was a key feature for multiple groups of CSC-positive HCCs. We thus aimed to investigate essential metabolic features of hepatic CSCs via using HCCs with miR-192-5p silencing as a model.Methods: Datasets from two independent HCC cohorts were used. Data integration analyses of miR-192-5p with metabolome and mRNA transcriptome data in HCC Cohort 1 were performed to investigate miR-192-5p related metabolic features, which was further validated in Cohort 2. Cellular and molecular assays were performed to examine whether and how miR-192-5p regulated the identified metabolic features. Co-culture systems consisting of HCC cells and LX2 (human hepatic stellate cell line) or THP1 (human monocyte cell line) were established to explore effects of the identified metabolic properties on stemness features of HCC cells via interacting with co-cultured non-tumor cells.Results: High levels of glycolysis-related metabolites and genes were present in HCCs with low miR-192-5p and CSC-positive HCCs in two independent HCC cohorts. miR-192-5p knockout cells displayed CSC features and miR-192-5p loss led to an enhanced glycolytic phenotype via upregulating three bona fide targets, GLUT1 and PFKFB3 (two glycolytic enzymes) and c-Myc (regulating glycolytic genes’ expression). Meanwhile, c-Myc suppressed miR-192-5p transcription, ensuring a low-miR-192-5p/high-c-Myc loop to maintain hyperglycolysis. Moreover, over-produced lactic acid from hyperglycolytic HCC cells stimulated the ERK phosphorylation of co-cultured LX2 and THP1 non-tumor cells partially via NDRG3 and MCT1, which in turn promoted cell malignancy and stemness of HCC cells. Consistently, HCC patients with low level of miR-192-5p in their tumor tissues and high level of NDRG3 or MCT1 in their non-tumor tissues had the shortest overall survival.Conclusions: In CSC-positive HCCs, miR-192-5p loss enhanced glycolysis and over produced lactate might further increase HCC malignant features via interacting with environmental non-tumor cells.
Comparison of surgical, functional and oncological outcomes of innovatively “three-port” and traditionally “four-port” laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Xu Ben , Cheng Si-da , Peng Yi-ji , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2020

Background: To compare the surgical, functional and oncological outcomes between innovatively “three-port” and traditionally “four-port” laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa).Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of PCa patients treated at our institutions from June 2012 to May 2016. According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 234 patients were included in the study, including 112 in group A (four-port) and 122 in group B (three-port). The perioperatively surgical characteristics, functional and oncological outcomes were compared between groups.Results: None of statistical difference in the baseline parameters were detected between these two groups. Compared with group A, the operative time (OT) and estimated blood loss (EBL) were significantly less in group B. The similar follow-up results were obtained in the rate of positive surgical margin (PSM), prostate specific antigen (PSA) biochemical recurrence and continence after LRP without any statistically significant difference. An identical conclusion was also received in comparison of overall survival (OS) and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) between both groups. Conclusion: Innovatively “three-port” LRP can significantly shorten the OT and reduce the EBL compared with the traditionally “four-port” LRP. Meanwhile, it does not increase the positive rate of PSM and PSA biochemical recurrence. “Three-port” LRP could be popularized in the future in view of its superior surgical technique, considerably functional outcomes and remarkably oncological control.
A novel humanized Frizzled-7-targeting antibody enhances antitumor effects of Bevacizumab against triple-negative breast cancer via blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xie Wei , Zhao Huijie , Wang Fengxian , Wang Yiyun , He Yuan , Wang Tong , Zhang Kunchi , Yang Hao , Zhou Zhaoli , Shi Haibin , Wang Jin , Huang Gang
Published: November 2020

Background: Anti-angiogenic therapy has been widely applied to the clinical treatment of malignant tumors. However, the efficacy of such treatments has been called into question, especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Bevacizumab, the first anti-angiogenic agent approved by FDA, actually increases invasive and metastatic properties of TNBC cells, resulting from the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in response to hypoxia. As a critical receptor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Frizzled-7 (Fzd7) is aberrantly expressed in TNBC, indicating Fzd7 a potential target for developing drugs to be combined with anti-angiogenic agents. Methods: Hybridoma technique and antibody humanization technique were utilized to generate a Fzd7-targeting antibody (SHH002-hu1). Biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay and near infrared (NIR) imaging were conducted to detect the affinity and targeting ability of SHH002-hu1. Next, whether SHH002-hu1 could suppress the invasion and migration of TNBC cells induced by Bevacizumab were validated, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were elucidated by luciferase reporter and western blot assays. The nude-mice transplanted TNBC models were established to assess the anti-TNBC activities of SHH002-hu1 when combined with Bevacizumab. Then, the effects on putative TNBC stem-like cells and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF). Further, the tumor-initiating and self-renew capacity of TNBC cells were studied by secondary nude mouse xenograft model and sphere formation assay. In addition, the effects of SHH002-hu1 on the adaptation of TNBC cells to hypoxia were evaluated by the detection of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) transcriptional activity.Results: The novel humanized antibody targeting Fzd7 (SHH002-hu1) exhibited extremely high affinity with Fzd7, and specifically targeted to Fzd7+ cells and tumor tissues. SHH002-hu1 repressed invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal cell transformation (EMT) of TNBC cells induced by Bevacizumab through abating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. SHH002-hu1 significantly enhanced the capacity of Bevacizumab to inhibit the growth of TNBC via reducing the subpopulation of putative TNBC stem-like cells, further attenuating Bevacizumab-enhanced tumor-initiating and self-renew capacity of TNBC cells. Moreover, SHH002-hu1 effectively restrained the adaptation of TNBC cells to hypoxia via disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusion: SHH002-hu1 significantly enhances the anti-TNBC capacity of Bevacizumab, and shows the potential of preventing TNBC recurrence, suggesting SHH002-hu1 a good candidate for the synergistic therapy together with Bevacizumab.
A Longitudinal Network Analysis of the German Knowledge Economy from 2009 to 2019: Spatio-Temporal Dynamics at the City–Firm Nexus
Authors: Zöllner Silke , Lüthi Stefan , Thierstein Alain
Published: November 2020

Multi-location knowledge-intensive firms span their value chains and thus their locations across space. Increased globalization alters the spatial configuration of such networks of knowledge creation. Longitudinal social network analysis allows detecting temporal changes in the arrangement of nodes and edges in the network and resulting changes in the overall structure. We use this approach to study for Germany the spatio-temporal dynamics of knowledge-intensive services firms – advanced producer services (APS) – in the years between 2009 and 2019. Multi-location APS firms are considered as vanguard of spatial structural change and thus lending to study their location choice behavior. A common approach is to analyze a one-mode intercity network where cities are the nodes. We take a different approach and include the firms’ perspectives. We work directly with the original data structure of a two-mode network including cities and firms as two node sets and we apply stochastic actor-oriented models for network dynamics. Results show that the spatio-temporal dynamics are characterized by both agglomeration and network economies. On a local scale, APS firms continue their location expansion over time and concentrate in agglomerations where many other APS firms and a greater availability of workforce are present. Simultaneously, they also choose new locations in agglomerations further apart from their present locations. On a supra-local scale, the network grows denser over time. Agglomerations that are attractive for APS firms in 2009 become even more attractive in 2019. Our analysis contributes to an understanding of how interactions amongst cities and firms on a local scale give rise to the empirically observed network patterns on a supra-local scale.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM SISTEMA DE MEDIÇÃO DE DESEMPENHO A PARTIR DO MODELO BALANCED SCORECARD: PESQUISA AÇÃO EM UMA UNIDADE HEMOTERÁPICA EM MARINGÁ - PR
Authors: Éckeli Ian , Hisano Barbosa Danilo , Sayuri Kurumoto Barbosa Juliana
Published: November 2020

Um sistema de medição de desempenho (SMD) é um modo de monitorar as ações realizadas e seus respectivos resultados, de modo que o sistema pode ser relacionado com a estratégia e auxiliar na tomada de decisão. Além disso, o SMD se refere ao monitoramento de uma organização como um todo, identificando a direção tomada frente a meta. O método utilizado para a realização da pesquisa foi a pesquisa ação, já que o pesquisador atuou em conjunto e de forma democrática com os colaboradores, possibilitando a troca de experiência para a transformação da situação identificada. Como problemática da pesquisa, o monitoramento da estratégia não era realizado pelos indicadores de desempenho de um banco de sangue localizado em Maringá, que é responsável pelo abastecimento de hemocomponente da cidade e outros 29 municípios. Logo, este trabalho tem o objetivo de propor um SMD consolidado, a fim de monitorar a organização de uma forma estratégica, a partir do modelo Balanced Scorecard (BSC). Com o desenvolvimento do estudo, foi possível propor um conjunto de 32 indicadores, que se mostra mais equilibrados e, assim, avalia a organização integralmente.
A ESTRATÉGIA DE TECNOLOGIA DA INFORMAÇÃO E OS SISTEMAS EMERGENTES NO PLANO DE GERENCIAMENTO DE CRISE DA COVID-19 NO INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE CÂNCER
Authors: Freire de Castro Silva Sandro Luis , Pereira dos Santos Rodrigo , Fornazin Marcelo , Gonçalves Antônio Augusto
Published: November 2020

A chegada da COVID-19 ao Brasil fez com que uma série de ações fossem adotadas para reduzir a sua disseminação. Entre essas medidas, o isolamento social pode ser considerado a de maior impacto nas organizações brasileiras, em especial aquelas que nunca se depararam com o desafio de reduzir o número de colaboradores presenciais e se voltar à modalidade de teletrabalho. O Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) é um caso específico em que o contágio de pacientes pela COVID-19 pode ter efeitos graves. Tal particularidade fez com que o INCA tivesse de elaborar um planejamento emergencial para preservação de funcionários e pacientes durante a pandemia. Este artigo, portanto, tem como objetivo apresentar a estratégia desenvolvida pela equipe de Tecnologia de Informação do INCA, para dar suporte ao Plano Institucional da COVID-19, considerando os recursos tecnológicos para o teletrabalho, os sistemas emergentes e o tratamento da informação. O trabalho é parte de uma pesquisa de tese em andamento, na qual técnicas e reflexões originadas de estudos prévios permitiram incrementar o processo de planejamento e execução da estratégia.
Phonology and Online Media Used in Enhancing Listening Skill
Authors: Nurhayati Dwi Astuti Wahyu
Published: November 2020

This study examines how phonology and online media used to enhance students’ listening skill. The data were collected for 5 months starting from April to August 2020 in Islamic State Institute of Tulungagung (IAIN Tulungagung). The data were collected through questionnaire and interview. It involves college students who study and major English and have the relevant information about the research theme. It consist of 196 students of 3rd semester in IAIN Tulungagung. The finding reveals that there are some perspectives of students about the use of phonology and online media to enhance listening skill such as: the importance of online learning English media, online learning English media towards students’ attitudes in learning, the effect of online learning English media towards inferential listening, and media enhancing inferential listening skill. It was also gained students’ responses towards phonology used to enhance listening skill.
Teachers’ Beliefs in Integrating Digital Literacy in EFL Classroom: Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior Perspectives
Authors: Laksani Hening , Fauziati Endang , Wijayanto Agus
Published: November 2020

The need for integrating digital technology into learning instructions has been acknowledge as a most prominent aspect in 21st Century learning. With emerging technology rising in prevalence, a digital consciousness to select and manage digital resources safely, appropriately, and efficiently for digital learning instruction is crucial. This present study is intended to explore teachers’ beliefs in the integration of digital literacy in EFL classroom using Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) perspectives. The study was a qualitative study by means of case study research design to obtain a reliable understanding of the phenomenon. The data were collected using semi-structured interview, open-ended survey, and documentation. The data were retrieved from the purposively chosen informants based on the familiarity with digital technology. The results indicate relatively high levels of integration and consistent beliefs about the advantages, support from the environment, and the technology availability to integrate digital literacy into teaching learning activities. Recommendations are suggested to advance schools equipment to mediate the better support in constructing technology-enhanced classroom for teachers.
An Analysis of Translation Strategies of Honorific Term in the Film “The Boss Baby”
Authors: Sari Aisya Novita , Zamzani Zamzani
Published: November 2020

Translation helps the people to communicate and to transfer the information given by others. In translation language and meaning is the key of those communication and information. The culture of each language is different from another. Honorific is one of the cultures in language. The aims of the study is to examine the translation strategy of honorific term in the film The Boss Baby in its English to Indonesian translation and the use of the honorific. In this research, the researchers mainly used the qualitative research design in the strategy of descriptive. The subject of his research is honorific. Meanwhile, the data or object is the translation of subtitle of the film The Boss Baby. The method and technique in collecting data is observation specifically in noting technique and the technique for analyzing data is identity method. Research instrument is human instrument. Based on the findings, there are six types of translation strategies used. Those six types are literal translation, naturalization, generalization, reduction, transposition, and linguistic compression. The most used translation strategy is literal translation and the least one is transposition.