bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pan-cancer analysis of m5C regulator genes reveals consistent epigenetic landscape changes in multiple cancers
Authors: He Yuting , Yu Xiao , Zhang Menggang , Guo Wenzhi
Published: April 2021

Backgroud5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a reversible modification to both DNA and various cellular RNAs. However, its roles in developing human cancers are poorly understood, including the effects of mutant m5C regulators and the outcomes of modified nucleobases in RNAs. Methods Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we uncovered that mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) of m5C regulatory genes were significantly correlated across 33 cancer types. We then assessed the correlation between the expression of individual m5C regulators and the activity of related hallmark pathways of cancers. After validating m5C regulators' expression based on their contributions to cancer development and progression, we observed their up-regulation within tumor-specific processes. Results Notably, our research connected aberrant alterations to m5C regulatory genes with poor clinical outcomes among various tumors that may drive cancer pathogenesis and/or survival. Conclusions Our results offered strong evidence and clinical implications for the involvement of m5C regulators.
The role of annexin A1 peptide Ac2-26 in regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reduce lung injury after cardiopulmonary bypass in rats
Authors: He Yunzi , Zhang Yuanjie , Wu Hanhua , Luo Junli , Cheng Chi , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2021

Background: The main causes of lung injury after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and lung ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. SIRS activates the complement system, releases a variety of inflammatory factors, causes accumulation of neutrophils in the lung tissue, and produces a large amount of oxygen free radicals, which are the main causes of CPB lung injury.Results: Treatment with Ac2-26 improves oxygenation index, reduces the degree of lung pathological damage and lung inflammation, while LY294002 shows the opposite effect. Conclusions: In short, AnxA1 peptide Ac2-26 activates PI3K /Akt signaling pathway, upregulates the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, inhibits the expression of p-NF-κB(p65), and reduces the release of inflammatory factors and lung injury after CPB in rats.
Corosolic acid reduces NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance via inducing mitochondrial and liposomal oxidative stress
Authors: Jin Mingming , Wu Yue , Lou Yuqing , Liu Xiyu , Dai Yitian , Yang Wenxiao , Liu Congbiao , Huang Gang
Published: April 2021

Background: Corosolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from Lagerstroemia speciosa, which is known to inhibit cancer cell proliferations. Whereas, it is unclear whether this compound has any effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Methods: Here, we cultured A549 and PC9 cells in increasing corosolic acid concentrations, as well as treated mice with a physiologically relevant concentration of the compound, and used metabolomics analysis and high-throughput sequencing to examine its influences on cell invasion and proliferation, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Results: We found that corosolic acid inhibited cell invasion and proliferation in vivo and in vitro, as well as increase the chemosensitivity of both cell types to cisplatin. Furthermore, we found that corosolic acid destabilized the glutathione peroxidase 2-mediated redox system, which increased mitochondrial and liposomal oxidative stress. Corosolic acid also decreased the targeting protein for Xklp2 level, which inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling and induced apoptosis. In addition, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species dissociated the CCNB1/CDK1 complex and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: Taken collectively, the data indicate that corosolic acid reduces NSCLC cell invasion and proliferation, as well as chemoresistance, by inducing mitochondrial and liposomal oxidative stress.
Risk Factors for Dysphagia after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with the Zero-P Implant system: A Study with Minimum of 2 Years Follow-up
Authors: Xue Rong , Yu Yang , Yin Mengchen , Ji Zhuyong , Cheng Xingdong , Zhang Zhuqiu , Ding Xing , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveDysphagia is one of the most common complications after anterior cervical spine surgery. The study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero-P Implant System by multidimensional analysis and investigated the predictive values of these risk factors for dysphagia.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 260 patients who underwent ACDF with the Zero-P Implant System and had at least 2 year of follow-up ware performed. All patients were divided into a non-dysphagia group and a dysphagia group. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, prevertebral soft-tissue thickness, the levels of surgery, O-C2 angle, C2–7 angle, T1 slope and segmental angle were analyzed. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to analyze the predictive value of each dimension for dysphagia.ResultsIn total, the non-dysphagia group comprised 70 patients and the dysphagia group comprised 190 patients. Chi-square test results indicated that number of operated levels, operation time dT1 slope, dO-C2 angle, dC2–7 angle, segmental angle and dPSTT were associated with a high incidence of dysphagia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that number of operated levels, operation time, dC2–7 angle and dPSTT were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia.ConclusionsNumber of operated levels, operation time, dC2–7 angle and dPSTT were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia. In additionally, sufficient preoperative preparation, evaluation combining with proficient and precise treatment measures are suggested to reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia when ACDF is performed.
Increased Mitochondrial Dysfunction Associated with Autophagy and Mitophagy in Cerebrospinal Fluid Cells Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Youn Dong Hyuk , Kim Youngmi , Kim Bong Jun , Jeong Myeong Seon , Lee Jooeun , Rhim Jong Kook , Kim Heung Cheol , Jeon Jin Pyeong
Published: April 2021

Decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accompanied with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We evaluated the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autophagy and mitophagy in CSF cells for possible insight into DCI pathogenesis. CSF samples were collected from 56 SAH patients (DCI, n=21; and non-DCI, n=35). We analyzed CSF cells using autophagy and mitophagy markers (DAPK1, BNIP3L, BAX, PINK1, ULK1, and NDP52) via qRT-PCR and western blotting of proteins (BECN1, LC3, and p62). Confocal microscopy and immunogold staining were performed to demonstrate the differentially expression of markers within dysfunctional mitochondria. Significant induction of autophagic flux with accumulation of autophagic vacuoles, increased expression of BECN1, LC3-II, and p62 degradation were observed during DCI. DCI patients showed a significantly increased mRNA expression (2-ΔCt) than non-DCI patients: DAPK1, 0.279 (0.220–0.297) in DCI vs. 0.043 (0.021–0.086) in non-DCI; BNIP3L, 0.134 (0.060–0.202) in DCI vs. 0.045 (0.020–0.101) in non-DCI; and PINK1, 0.064 (0.044–0.810) in DCI vs. 0.045 (0.012–0.063) in non-DCI. Other markers including BAX, ULK1, and NDP52 did not differ significantly. The vWF-positive CSF cells showed a colocalization with antibodies for DAPK1, BNIP3L/NIX, PINK1, and BECN1 with dysfunctional mitochondria. Increased dysfunctional mitochondria associated with autophagy and mitophagy are closely associated with DCI pathogenesis.
Evaluation of Parallel Endplate Osteotomy for Severe Rigid Spinal Deformities: A Retrospective Analysis of 36 Cases With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Liao Hang , Xie Peng , Zheng Guizhou , Miao Houguang , Li Ningdao , Li Xuedong , Du Shixin
Published: April 2021

Background: To report on the technique and results of parallel endplate osteotomy (PEO) for severe rigid spinal deformity.Methods: Between July 2016 and December 2018, 36 patients with severe rigid spinal deformities who underwent PEO were retrospectively reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 24 months.Results: Following PEO, the kyphosis and scoliosis correction rates reached 77.4 ± 14% and 72.2 ± 18.2%, respectively. The median intraoperative estimated blood loss was 1500 mL and the operative time was 6.8 h. The SF-36 scores of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role-emotional and mental health changed from 62 ± 28, 51 ± 26, 49 ± 29, 35 ± 30, 53 ± 28, 45 ± 30, 32 ± 34 and 54 ± 18 at baseline to 81 ± 16, 66 ± 41, 72 ± 40, 64 ± 44, 75 ± 25, 71 ± 46, 66 ± 34 and 76 ± 28 at one year postoperatively , 82 ± 32, 67 ± 42, 81 ± 30, 71 ± 41, 80 ± 30, 74 ± 36, 68 ± 35 and 85 ± 33 at 18 months postoperatively, and 86 ± 21, 83 ± 33, 88 ± 26, 79 ± 39, 86 ± 36, 86 ± 48, 80 ± 47 and 91 ± 39 at 24 months postoperatively, respectively. Conclusions: PEO is an effective technique for successful correction of spinal deformities. At the two year follow-up visit, all patients achieved better clinical results based on the SF-36 scores.
The Giant Paraganglioma of The Sigmoid Mesentery：A Case Report
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Li Yuan , Yang Xiaojun
Published: April 2021

Background: PGL is originated from pheochromaffin cells in the adrenal paravertebral ganglion and often presented as a slow-growing, painless mass in the clinical, so many PGL are detected by imaging during physical examination. At present, surgery is still the primary treatment for radical treatment of PGL. However, If the disease and medical history cannot be asked in detail before surgery or imaging examination and related tests cannot be finished for diagnosis, the preoperative preparation will be insufficient and increasing the risk of surgery. Here, we reports the treatment of a case with undiagnosed giant sigmoid mesangial PGL before operation.Case presentation: The 56-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with "intermittent headache and dizziness for 3 years and aggravation for 1 week". Abdominal and pelvic CT showed that round soft tissue density shadow could be seen beside the left iliac artery in the pelvic cavity. The laparoscopic surgery was performed. The patient's blood pressure increased rapidly when the mass was removed intraoperatively, and decreased sharply when it was removed. Postoperative pathological examination showed that is a PGL.Conclusion: For patients diagnosed as space-occupying lesions accompanied by long-term persistent or intermittent hypertension, careful differentiation and diagnosis should be made in combination with the history and relevant examinations to reduce the misdiagnosis rate of the PGL. Meanwhile, the adequate preoperative preparation, intraoperative anesthesia monitoring and postoperative symptomatic supportive treatment should be done to reduce the risk of surgical treatment of this disease in the perioperative period.
Enhanced Catalysis through Structurally Modified Hybrid 2-D Boron Nitride Nanosheets Comprising of Complexed 2-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzophenone Motif
Authors: Rana Pooja , Dixit Ranjana , Sharma Shivani , Dutta Sriparna , Yadav Sneha , Sharma Aditi , Kaushik Bhawna , Rana Pooja , Adholeya Alok , Sharma Rakesh K.
Published: April 2021

Tuning the scturtrual architecture of the pristine two dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets through rational surface engineering can prove advantageous in the fabrication of competent catalytic materials. Inspired by the performance of h-BN based nanomaterials in expediting key organic transformations, we channelized our research efforts towards engineering the inherent surface properties of the exclusively stacked h-BN through the incorporation of a novel competent copper complex of a bidentate chelating ligand 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone. Delightfully, this hybrid nanomaterial worked exceptionally well in boosting the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of azide and nitriles, providing a facile access to a diverse variety of highly bioactive tetrazole motifs. A deep insight into the morphology of the covalently crafted h-BN signified the structural integrity of the exfoliated h-BN@OH nanosheets that exhibited lamellar like structures possessing smooth edges and flat surface. This interesting morphology could also be envisioned to augment the catalysis by allowing the desired surface area for the reactants and thus tailoring their activity. The work paves the way towards rational design of h-BN based nanomaterials and adjusting their catalytic potential by the use of suitable complexes for promoting sustainable catalysis, especially in view of the fact that till date only a very few h-BN nanosheets based catalysts have been devised.
Identification and characterization of miRNAs associated with sterile flower buds in the tea tree based on small RNA Sequencing
Authors: Qu Hao , Liu Yue , Jiang Huibing , Liu Yufei , Song Weixi , Chen Linbo
Published: April 2021

Background
miRNAs are a type of conserved, small RNA molecule that regulate gene expression and play an important role in the growth and development of plants. miRNAs are involved in seed germination, root development, shoot apical meristem maintenance, leaf development, and flower development by regulating various target genes. However, the role of miRNAs in the mechanism of tea tree flower sterility remains unclear. Therefore, we performed miRNA sequencing on the flowers of fertile male parents, female parents, and sterile offspring.
Results
A total of 55 known miRNAs and 91 unknown miRNAs were identified. In the infertile progeny, 37 miRNAs were differentially expressed; 18 were up-regulated and 19 were down-regulated. miR156, miR157, miR164, miR167, miR169, miR2111 and miR396 family members were down-regulated, and miR160, miR172 and miR319 family members were up-regulated. Moreover, we predicted that the 37 differentially expressed miRNAs target a total of 363 genes, which were enriched in 31 biological functions. We predicted that miR156 targets 142 genes, including ATD1A, SPL, ACA1, ACA2, CKB22 and MADS2.
Conclusion
We detected a large number of abnormally expressed miRNAs in the sterile tea tree flowers, and their target genes were involved in complex biological processes. Among these miRNAs, the down-regulation of miR156 may be the critical factor in the formation of sterile floral buds in tea tree plants.
COVID-19 associated rhinosinusitis mucormycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae: A rare but potentially fatal infection occurring after treatment with corticosteroids
Authors: Tabarsi Payam , Khalili Neda , Pourabdollah Mihan , Sharifynia Somayeh , Naeini Ali Safavi , Ghorbani Jahangir , Mohamadnia Abdolreza , Abtahian Zahra , Askari Elham
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and since then the frequency of bacterial and fungal coinfections has been continuously rising. While invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is increasingly being recognized in association with COVID-19, there is limited information with regards to COVID-19 associated mucormycosis. Here, we describe a 50-year-old woman with uncontrolled diabetes who received systemic corticosteroids and remdesevir during her admission for COVID-19. Few days after discharge, the patient was readmitted due to facial swelling and numbness, and a diagnosis of COVID-19 associated rhinosinusitis mucormycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae was confirmed with PCR and DNA sequencing. This report aims to address the importance of short-term follow-up in COVID-19 patients who have received systemic corticosteroids, particularly those with predisposing conditions, as early detection and prompt, aggressive treatment is essential for the management of invasive fungal infections.
Internal Defects Detection Method of the Railway Track Based on Generalization Features Cluster
Authors: Wu Fupei , Xie Xiaoyang , Guo Jiahua , Li Qinghua
Published: April 2021

Many internal defects maybe arise in railway track working, which usually have different shapes and distribution rules. To solve the problem, an intelligent detection method is proposed for internal defects of railway track based on generalization features cluster in this paper. Firstly, defects are classified and counted according to their shapes and locations features. Then, generalized features of defects are extracted and formulated based on the maximum difference between different types of defects and the maximum tolerance among same types of defects. Finally, extracted generalized features are expressed by function constraints, and formulated as generalization feature clusters to classify and identify internal defects of the railway track. Furthermore, a reduced dimension method of the generalization features clusters is presented too in this paper. Based on the reduced dimension feature and strong constrained generalized features, the K-means clustering algorithm is developed for defects clustering, and good clustering results are achieved. To defects in the rail head region, its clustering accuracy is over 95%, and the Davies-Bouldin Index (DBI) index is small, which indicates the validation of the proposed generalization features with strong constraints. Experimental results show that accuracy of the proposed method based on generalization features clusters is up to 97.55%, and the average detection time is 0.12s/frame, which indicates it has good performance in adaptability, high accuracy and detection speed under the complex working environments.
Enhancing the Structural Strength for Injection Molding Tooling With Conformal Cooling Channels Using ANSYS Software
Authors: Kuo Chil-Chyuan , You Zheng-Yan
Published: April 2021

Injection molding of wax patterns faces increasing demands for production rate. Proper thermal management of the injection molding tooling is capable of improving the production rate. Precise temperature control is a key to shorten the cooling time using the conformal cooling channels which are conformal to the molding cavity. However, the service life of the injection molding tooling with cooling channels will reduce significantly because the structural strength will reduce obviously. In this study, the feasibility of applying the increase in the mold thickness to maintain the structural strength of the injection molding tooling with cooling channels was verified through simulation and experiments conducted. It was found that the average variation between the results of simulation and the experiment is about 24.9%. The approximately amount of the increase in the thickness required for different diameters of cooling channels can be determined according to the trend equation of y=1.3429x-2.3429. The results can provide a reference for the conformal cooling channel design.
Three weekly versus weekly concurrent cisplatin: a matter of safety in head and neck cancer
Authors: Buglione Michela , Alterio Daniela , Maddalo Marta , Greco Diana , gerardi marianna alessandra , Tomasini Davide , Pegurri Ludovica , Augugliaro Matteo , Marvaso Giulia , Turturici Irene , Guerini Andrea , Ansarin Mohssen , Spiazzi Luigi , Costa Loredana , Rocca Maria Cossu , Magrini Stefano Maria , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: April 2021

Background

Radio-chemotherapy with CDDP is the standard for H&N squamous cell cancer. CDDP 100mg/m2/q3 is the standard; alternative schedules are used to reduce toxicity, mostly 40mg/m2/q1.
Methods

Patients were treated from 1/2010 to 1/2017 in two Radiation Oncology Centres. Propensity score analysis (PS) was retrospectively used to compare these two schedules.
Results

Patients analyzed were 166. Most (114/166) had 1w-CDDP while 52 had 3w-CDDP. In the 3w-CDDP group, patients were younger and with better performance status; disease extent was smaller and nodal involvement was more common than in the 1w-CDDP. Acute toxicity was similar in the groups. Treatment compliance was lower in the w-CCDP. OS before PS was better for female, for oropharyngeal disease and for 3w-CDDP group. After PS, survival was not related to the CDDP schedule.
Conclusions

3w-CDDP remains the standard for fit patients, weekly schedule could be safely used in selected patients.
Image features for quality analysis of thick blood smears employed in malaria diagnosis
Authors: Amarís Wendy Marcela Fong , Luna Carol Viviana Martinez , Cortés Liliana Jazmín Cortés , Venegas Daniel Ricardo Suárez
Published: April 2021

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) provides protocols for the diagnosis of malaria. One of them is related to the staining process of blood samples to guarantee the correct parasite visualization. Ensuring the quality of the staining procedure on thick blood smears (TBS) is a dicult task, especially in rural centers, where there are factors that can a ect the smear quality (e.g. types of reagents employed, place of sample preparation, among others). This work presents an analysis of an image-based approach to evaluate the coloration quality of the staining process of TBS used for malaria diagnosis. Methods: According to the WHO, there are di erent coloration quality descriptors of smears. Among those, the background color is one of the best indicators of how well the staining process was conducted. An image database with 420 images (corresponding to 42 TBS samples) was created for analyzing and testing image-based algorithms to detect the quality of the coloration of TBS. Background segmentation techniques were explored (based on RGB and HSV color spaces) to separate the background and foreground (leukocytes, platelets, parasites) information. Then, di erent features (PCA, correlation, Histograms, variance) were explored as image criteria of coloration quality on the extracted background information; and evaluated according to their capability to classify images as with Good or Bad coloration quality from TBS. Results: For background segmentation, a thresholding-based approach in the SV components of the HSV color space was selected. It provided robustness separating the background information independently of its coloration quality. On the other hand, as image criteria of coloration quality, among the 19 feature vectors explored, the best one corresponds to the 15-bins histogram of the Hue component with classi cation rates of > 97%. Conclusions: An analysis of an image-based approach to describe the coloration quality of TBS was presented. It was demonstrated that if a robust background segmentation is conducted, the histogram of the H component from the HSV color space is the best feature vector to discriminate the coloration quality of the smears. These results are the baseline for automating the estimation of the coloration quality, which is a key component for automating malaria diagnosis of TBS, that has not been studied before.
From transcriptomics to metabolomics: Extracellular ATP induces TGF-β-like and TGF-β-independent epithelial mesenchymal transition in lung cancer cells
Authors: Evers Maria , Song Jingwen , Shriwas Pratik , Greenbaum Harrison S , Chen Xiaozhuo
Published: April 2021

Background: Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an early process in metastasis. Extracellular ATP (eATP) was shown to play important roles in EMT. However, the mechanisms by which eATP induces EMT and ATP’s relationship to TGF-b, a well-known EMT inducer, are unclear. Key questions include: if and how much EMT-specific gene expression eATP induces and how similar is ATP-induced EMT to TGF-b-induced EMT? We hypothesized that eATP acts as a specific inducer and regulator of EMT at all levels alternative to TGF-b in cancer cells. Methods: As EMT involves changes from gene expression to metabolites, RNAseq and metabolomics analyses were performed on human NSCLC A549 cells treated with either eATP or TGF-b to determine how they induce EMT at transcription and metabolic levels. Bio-functional assays, such as Transwell invasion, intracellular ATP, resazurin cell viability, fluorescence microscopy of filopodia formation, and antibody neutralization / cell rescue, were conducted in more NSCLC cell lines to validate changes identified from RNAseq and metabolomics analyses by confirming the corresponding EMT phenotypic changes.Results: RNAseq analysis shows that eATP significantly enriched expressions of genes involved in EMT temporarily, and similarly but non-identically to TGF-b after 2 and 6 hours of treatment. Eleven genes, with known or unknown functions in EMT, are significantly upregulated by both inducers at both time points, have been identified. Metabolomics analysis revealed eATP induced numerous EMT-related changes in metabolic pathways, including cytoskeleton rearrangement, glycolysis, glutaminolysis, ROS, and individual metabolic changes similar or identical to those induced by TGF-b. eATP-induced transcriptomic changes appeared smaller but earlier than TGF-b. Functional bioassays verified the RNAseq and metabolomics findings that eATP induced earlier and more invasion and formation of filopodia in A549 and H1299 cells, and restored viability of cancer cells treated with TGF-b-neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions: eATP-induced EMT, from gene expression changes and metabolic reprogramming, is similar but non-identical to that induced by TGF-b, and is independent of TGF-b. The smaller but earlier EMT-related changes induced by eATP, compared with TGF-b, could be largely explained by extracellular action of eATP and intracellular activities of macropinocytosis-internalized eATP. These strongly indicate that eATP is an emerging master inducer and regulator of EMT.
Midterm Functional Recovery of Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients Compared Between the ATTUNE Knee System and the Press Fit Condylar (PFC) SIGMA Knee System
Authors: Vanitcharoenkul Ekasame , Unnanuntana Aasis
Published: April 2021

Background
The ATTUNE Knee System is a new prosthetic design that has theoretical advantages over the Press Fit Condylar (PFC) Sigma Knee System specific to improved knee kinematics and patellofemoral joint tracking. This study aimed to evaluate functional outcomes compared between the ATTUNE and PFC Sigma designs at a minimum follow-up of 5 years.
Methods
​​We retrospectively reviewed data from total knee arthroplasty patients who received either the ATTUNE or PFC Sigma system during November 2013 to February 2015 at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand). Functional outcomes were evaluated using timed up and go test, 2-minute walk test, modified knee score, numerical rating scale-pain, range of motion (ROM), and rate of anterior knee pain and crepitation at preoperation, 3-months, 1-year, and 5-years, postoperatively.
Results
Of 113 patients, 59 and 54 received the PFC Sigma and ATTUNE systems, respectively. At a minimum of 5-years follow-up, all functional outcomes improved significantly. Although the mean ROM at 5-years postoperatively was significantly higher in ATTUNE than in PFC Sigma, the difference was small (116° vs. 110°, respectively; p = 0.041). There were no significant differences in any of the other outcome measurements, including anterior knee pain, clunking, and crepitation, between groups at any study time point.
Conclusions
​Our results revealed no major differences in functional outcomes between the PFC Sigma and ATTUNE TKA designs at an intermediate-term follow-up of at least 5 years. Longer-term follow-up study is needed to evaluate the benefits of the ATTUNE design relative to polyethylene wear and the rate of aseptic loosening.
Intraspecific trait variation and species functional turnover in successional tropical forests: assessing gap-filling for community weighted means
Authors: Hogan J. Aaron , Xu Han , Baraloto Christopher
Published: April 2021

Accounting for intraspecific trait variation (ITV) is central to plant ecology and crucial for vegetation modeling efforts. ITV can be substantial; however, it remains unclear how ITV influences community-weighted mean (CWM) trait estimates. We use leaf and root trait data from 423 trees of 72 species from 15 Angiosperm families in combination with community data from 164 small plots comprising 582 species to evaluate the contribution of ITV to CWMs, comparing unlogged, primary forest to selectively-logged and clear-cut secondary forest. We examine the effect of gap-filling missing trait values via phylogenetic generalized linear modeling (PhyloPars) on CWMs. For six of seven traits, ITV negatively covaried with species turnover to generate larger CWM differences than observed if ITV was not integrated. For example, plot average CWM specific leaf area was 10.7 and 10.4 m2 kg− 1 for primary and secondary forest, not accounting for ITV, but shifted to 9.8 and 11.1 m2 kg− 1 after doing so. Specific root length showed a similar trend. Our results from 72-species assemblages were supported by the results from the gap-filled analysis using the entire community, where the contribution of ITV to CWMs ranged from 25 to 75%, with nearly all trait variation due to forest type attributable to ITV. Therefore, CWM trait estimates became more-conservative with forest age, whereas ITV for many traits showed an acquisitive shift, and because of negative covariation between ITV and species turnover, forest age-related CWM differences increased. Differences were unaffected, if not strengthened, by gap-filling incomplete functional trait matrices.
A collaborated framework to improve hydrologic ecosystem services management with sparse data in a semi-arid basin
Authors: Wu Yifan , Xu Yang , Yin Guodong , Zhang Xuan , Li Chong , Wu Liyu , Wang Xiao , Hu Qiuhong , Hao Fanghua
Published: April 2021

Applying various models to assess hydrologic ecosystem services (HESs) management has the potential to encourage efficient water resources allocation. However, can a single model designed on these principles be practical to carry out hydrologic ecosystem services management for all purposes? We address this question by fully discussing the advantages of the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model, the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), and the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs (InVEST) model. The analysis is carried both qualitatively and quantitatively at the Yixunhe River basin, China, with a semi-arid climate. After integrating the advantages of each model, a collaborated framework and model selection method have been proposed and validated for optimizing the HESs management at the data sparse scenario. Our study also reveals that the VIC and SWAT model presents the better runoff reproducing ability of the hydrological cycle. Though the InVEST model has less accuracy in runoff simulation, the interannual change rate is similar to the other two models. Furthermore, the InVEST model (1.08 billion m3) has larger simulation result than the SWAT model (0.86 billion m3) for the water yield, while both models have close results for assessment of sediment losses.
Robert Wartenberg Syndrome and Sign: A Review Article
Authors: Kuschner Stuart H. , Berihun Haben
Published: April 2021

Background:

Robert Wartenberg, a European-American neurologist, was born in 1887 and died in 1956. His description of radial sensory nerve compression at the forearm is memorialized as Wartenberg’s syndrome. He recognized that involuntary abduction of the little finger could be caused by ulnar nerve palsy - a finding often called Wartenberg’s sign Syndrome and signs are reviewed, and a brief biography is presented.

Objective:

To review Wartenberg’s sign and Wartenberg’s syndrome.

Discussion:

Compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve, often called Wartenberg’s syndrome, is characterized by pain, paresthesia, and dysesthesia along the dorsoradial distal forearm. Non-operative treatment can include activity restriction and anti-inflammatory medication. If symptoms persist, surgical decompression of the radial nerve is an option. The abducted posture of the little finger - Wartenberg’s sign - can result from a low ulnar nerve palsy. Tendon transfer can be performed to correct this deformity.

Conclusion:

Compression of the superficial branch of the radial nerve and abducted posture of the little finger were described by Robert Wartenberg and carry his name as eponymous syndrome and sign, respectively.
Баллистическое течение двумерных электронов в магнитном поле
Authors: Афанасьев А.Н. , Алексеев П.С. , Грешнов А.А. , Семина М.А.
Published: April 2021

In conductors with a very small density of defects, electrons at low temperatures collide predominantly with a sample edges. Therefore, the ballistic regime of charge and heat transport is realized. The application of a perpendicular magnetic field substantially modifies the character of ballistic transport. For
the case of two-dimensional (2D) electrons in the magnetic fields corresponding to the diameter of the cyclotron trajectories smaller than the sample width a hydrodynamic transport regime is formed. In the latter regime, the flow is mainly controlled by rare electron–electron collisions, which determine the viscosity effect. In this work, we study the ballistic flow of 2D electrons in long samples in magnetic fields up to the critical field of the transition to the hydrodynamic regime. From solution of the kinetic equation, we obtain analytical formulas for the profiles of the current density and the Hall electric field far and near the ballistic-hydrodynamic transition as well as for the longitudinal and Hall resistances in these ranges. Our theoretical results, apparently, describe the observed longitudinal resistance of pure graphene samples in the diapason of magnetic fields below the ballistic-hydrodynamic transition.
Theory Integration for Lifestyle Behavior Change in the Digital Age: An Adaptive Decision-Making Framework
Authors: Zhang Chao , Lakens Daniël , IJsselsteijn Wijnand A
Published: April 2021

Despite the growing popularity of digital health interventions, limitations of traditional behavior change theories and a lack of theory integration hinder theory-driven behavior change applications. In this paper, we aim to review theories relevant to lifestyle behavior change from the broader psychology literature and then integrate these theories into a new theoretical framework called adaptive decision-making to address two specific problems. First, our framework represents lifestyle behaviors at two levels—one of individual daily decisions (action level) and one of larger behavioral episodes (reflection level)—to more closely match the temporal characteristics of lifestyle behaviors and their associated digital data. Second, the framework connects decision-making theories and learning theories to explain how behaviors and cognitive constructs dynamically influence each other, making it a suitable scaffold for building computational models. We map common digital intervention techniques onto the behavioral and cognitive processes in the framework and discuss possible contributions of the framework to both theory development and digital intervention design.
Perspectives of Inpatients With Cirrhosis and Caregivers on Using Health Information Technology: Cross-sectional Multicenter Study (Preprint)
Authors: Acharya Chathur , Sehrawat Tejasav S , McGuire Deborah B , Shaw Jawaid , Fagan Andrew , McGeorge Sara , Olofson Amy , White Melanie B , Gavis Edith , Kamath Patrick S , Bergstrom Lori , Bajaj Jasmohan Singh
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Health information technology (IT) interventions to decrease readmissions for cirrhosis may be limited by patient-associated factors.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine perspectives regarding adoption versus refusal of health IT interventions among patient-caregiver dyads.

METHODS

Inpatients with cirrhosis and their caregivers were approached to participate in a randomized health IT intervention trial requiring daily contact with research teams via the Patient Buddy app. This app focuses on ascites, medications, and hepatic encephalopathy over 30 days. Regression analyses for characteristics associated with acceptance were performed. For those who declined, a semistructured interview was performed with themes focused on caregivers, protocol, transport/logistics, technology demands, and privacy.

RESULTS

A total of 349 patient-caregiver dyads were approached (191 from Virginia Commonwealth University, 56 from Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and 102 from Mayo Clinic), 87 of which (25%) agreed to participate. On regression, dyads agreeing included a male patient (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, P=.01), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 2.3, P=.006), or hepatic encephalopathy admission (OR 2.0, P=.01), whereas opioid use (OR 0.46, P=.03) and alcohol-related etiology (OR 0.54, P=.02) were associated with refusal. Race, study site, and other admission reasons did not contribute to refusing participation. Among the 262 dyads who declined randomization, caregiver reluctance (43%), perceived burden (31%), technology-related issues (14%), transportation/logistics (10%), and others (4%), but not privacy, were highlighted as major concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cirrhosis admitted with hepatic encephalopathy and gastrointestinal bleeding without opioid use or alcohol-related etiologies were more likely to participate in a health IT intervention focused on preventing readmissions. Caregiver and study burden but not privacy were major reasons to decline participation. Reducing perceived patient-caregiver burden and improving communication may improve participation.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03564626; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03564626
Voice-Controlled Intelligent Personal Assistants in Health Care: International Delphi Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ermolina Alena , Tiberius Victor
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Voice-controlled intelligent personal assistants (VIPAs), such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, involve artificial intelligence–powered algorithms designed to simulate humans. Their hands-free interface and growing capabilities have a wide range of applications in health care, covering off-clinic education, health monitoring, and communication. However, conflicting factors, such as patient safety and privacy concerns, make it difficult to foresee the further development of VIPAs in health care.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a plausible scenario for the further development of VIPAs in health care to support decision making regarding the procurement of VIPAs in health care organizations.

METHODS

We conducted a two-stage Delphi study with an internationally recruited panel consisting of voice assistant experts, medical professionals, and representatives of academia, governmental health authorities, and nonprofit health associations having expertise with voice technology. Twenty projections were formulated and evaluated by the panelists. Descriptive statistics were used to derive the desired scenario.

RESULTS

The panelists expect VIPAs to be able to provide solid medical advice based on patients’ personal health information and to have human-like conversations. However, in the short term, voice assistants might neither provide frustration-free user experience nor outperform or replace humans in health care. With a high level of consensus, the experts agreed with the potential of VIPAs to support elderly people and be widely used as anamnesis, informational, self-therapy, and communication tools by patients and health care professionals. Although users’ and governments’ privacy concerns are not expected to decrease in the near future, the panelists believe that strict regulations capable of preventing VIPAs from providing medical help services will not be imposed.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the surveyed experts, VIPAs will show notable technological development and gain more user trust in the near future, resulting in widespread application in health care. However, voice assistants are expected to solely support health care professionals in their daily operations and will not be able to outperform or replace medical staff.
The Pathway of University-Community Collaboration for Preventing Youth Violence
Authors: Kim Caleb
Published: April 2021

University-community collaboration has grown in popularity due to mutual benefits-university has an opportunity to attempt evidence-based programs while community resolves its emerging needs and problems. However, collaboration is a complex and challenging process because coalitions bring two different organizations and personnel to work together. Using the BRAVE youth violence prevention program as a case study, this study describes the pathway of developing university-community collaborative youth violence prevention program in poor and disadvantaged urban communities. In addition, this study explores significant facilitators and barriers that influence the collaboration process from its initiation to completion. Identified facilitators are agreed mutual benefits, trust relationship, mutual respect, shared power in decision-making, flexibility, and cultural competence while barriers are higher staff turnover, scarce agency space for program, and lack of adequate funding. Building on the lessons from this experience, this study provides core factors enhancing effective university-community collaboration.
Factores incidentes en la creación de una unidad de negocios para graduados
Authors: Diez  Farhat Said , Vargas Valdiviezo María Auxiliadora , Fernández Duque Priscila
Published: April 2021

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo cuantificar los factores que inciden en la creación de una unidad de negocio mediante un análisis estructural en los graduados de las carreras y centros de capacitación universitarios en emprendimiento de la ciudad de Guayaquil. La metodología a utilizar en esta investigación fue el método deductivo, el alcance del estudio fue descriptivo y explicativo porque está orientado a identificar los factores que inciden en la creación de una unidad de negocio, mediante un modelo estructural en los graduados de las carreras y centros de capacitación universitarios en emprendimiento. Se demostró que la educación y capacidad de emprendimiento y la transferencia de investigación y desarrollo no tienen una influencia directa y significativa en la capacidad de crear un nuevo negocio.
Los grupos de autoayuda: una estrategia que favorece la satisfacción personal de los adultos mayores
Authors: Godínez Rodríguez María De los Ángeles , Solís Camarillo Maricruz , Cuevas Guajardo Leticia , Regalado Ruiz Luis Alberto , Martinez Miranda Alejandra
Published: April 2021

Introducción: Hoy en día uno de los rasgos más característicos de las sociedades actuales, es el envejecimiento de su población, la adaptación a esta etapa no es tarea fácil para los adultos mayores, por ello la importancia de contemplar los grupos de autoayuda como una opción para propiciar su satisfacción personal. Objetivo: describir las experiencias de los adultos mayores que contribuyen a una satisfacción personal al pertenecer a un grupo de autoayuda. Metodología: Investigación cualitativa, a seis adultos mayores, el análisis de datos bajo la propuesta de Miles y Huberman, Los criterios de rigor científico credibilidad, auditabilidad, para los aspectos éticos se consideró la Ley General de Salud título quinto capítulo único artículo 100 fracción lV que se refiere al consentimiento informado de los sujetos implicados en una investigación. Hallazgos: Una categoría titulada: Satisfacción personal con cuatro subcategorías: construyendo vínculos afectivos, la confianza y la escucha, recibiendo el apoyo de mis iguales y el gusto por la recreación. Conclusión: Los grupos de autoayuda son una excelente estrategia para los adultos mayores en donde la convivencia, la confianza, la preocupación entre los miembros del grupo, propicia una sensación de pertenecía al mismo, lo que contribuyen de manera significativa a disminuir el riesgo potencial de presentar tristeza, soledad o sensación de abandono.
The Influence of Turnover Factors Toward Employees’ Intention to Stay: A Case Study in Indonesian Islamic Universities
Authors: Malik Nazaruddin
Published: April 2021

This study analyzed employee turnover factors, such as satisfaction, organizational commitment, and religiosity, to predict the employees’ intention to stay. Very few studies in the Muslim context have explored such a corporate attitude from job satisfaction and organizational commitment. This study employed a quantitative and descriptive research design. A survey was used to analyze the correlation between some predictors of the employees’ intention to stay. In particular, it attempted to show that religiosity affected both job satisfaction and organizational commitment either directly or indirectly. The data were obtained from 150 employees in some Islamic universities in Malang, Indonesia. The findings revealed that religious beliefs influenced job satisfaction. Job satisfaction significantly affected the employees' commitment. Religiosity directly impacted corporate commitment through job satisfaction, and religiosity was positively related to the employees' intention to stay. Regarding this, the employees who keep religious beliefs in the workplace are encouraged to perform excellently.
Robust Design of Spaghetti Products based on Consumer Needs
Authors: Mayasti Nur Kartika Indah , Ushada Mirwan , Ainuri Makmudun
Published: April 2021

To produce competitive advantage, a product has to be designed according to the criteria of consumer needs. The results of identifying consumer needs become technical requirements and target specifications in robust product design. The purpose of this research was to propose a robust design of gluten-free spaghetti product concept using the Taguchi method. The selection of factors and experimental levels utilized the zero one matrix and the evaluation matrix. The results showed that the priority quality attributes required by consumers include good product display, nutrition, acceptable taste, competitive prices, and made from local ingredients. Product specifications that are targeted at product quality are closer to commercial spaghetti products. Based on the experimental design, four factors and three levels with an orthogonal matrix (Taguchi) L9 (34) resulted in 9 product concepts. The selected concept has confirmed the quality of its spaghetti products.
Integration of Rough SWARA and COPRAS in the Performance Evaluation of Third-Party Logistics Providers
Authors: Rosiana Elya , Garside Annisa Kesy , Amallynda Ikhlasul
Published: April 2021

Currently, the use of logistics service providers in companies has become a decision chosen by several companies. Companies use Third Party Logistics (3PL) to focus more on other essential activities in the company. Evaluating the performance of a 3PL provider is an essential process in determining performance of a 3PL provider. A wrong evaluation process could lead to company’s loss. The main objective of this study was to propose a 3PL performance appraisal procedure. This study integrated the Rough method Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and the Complex Proportional Assessment Method (COPRAS) to assess the performance of 3PL providers. The SWARA Rough method was used to assess the ranking of the criteria. The results of the Rough SWARA ranking were utilized by the COPRAS method to assess supplier performance. A case study was conducted in an animal feed production company in Indonesia. The results showed that there were criteria for product safety; on-time delivery, responsiveness, and flexibility with the greatest weight among the 16 criteria used.