bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of A Novel FRK-ROS1 Fusion Variant in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Brain Metastases and Remarkable Response to Crizotinib
Authors: Wu Li-xin , Wang Wen-xian , Xu Chun-wei , Huang Wei-hu , Chen Xiao-jie , Lei Lei , Fang Mei-yu
Published: October 2021

ROS1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a subset of NSCLC patients with unique malignant behavior and clinical course. Crizotinib, a multi-targeted ALK/ROS1/MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has promising significant activity in NSCLC with ROS1-rearrangement. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) is commonly used to identify the “druggable” genetic alterations in clinical practice. We identified a novel ROS1 fusion variant (FRK-ROS1) in a de novo stage IV NSCLC patient by NGS testing. This novel ROS1-rearrangement is generated by the fusion FRK to ROS1. The patient was remarkably responsive to crizotinib including the brain metastasis. A 29-year-old male never-smoker with chief complaints of back pain with a lumpy and flaky soft tissue mass in the upper right lobe of the lung and diffuse ground-glass shadow in both lungs e IV (cT4N3M1b). A CT-guided biopsy revealed the predominant adenocarcinoma and partial mucinous adenocarcinoma. By using next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay, we found that the tumor had FRK-ROS1 fusion rather than other actionable mutations. In that case, the patient took the first-line crizotinib and experienced a remarkable tumor response to it and tolerance well until written. FRK-ROS1 is a novel ROS1 fusion variant in NSCLC identified by NGS testing and the first-line crizotinib showed excellent performance in all lesions including the brain metastasis.
Carbohydrate Antigen 125 Supplements Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 for the Prediction of Invasive Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas
Authors: Qian Yunzhen , Gong Yitao , Luo Guopei , Liu Yu , Wang Ruijie , Deng Shengming , Zou Xuan , Lin Xuan , Chen Yusheng , Wang Xu , Yu Xianjun , Cheng He , Liu Chen
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIntraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a disease with malignant potential. IPMNs of the pancreas are mainly managed according to ﻿radiographic indications, which lack accuracy in defining grades of IPMNs. Therefore, other indications such as serological biomarkers should be employed to predict the invasiveness of IPMNs.MethodsWe investigated preoperative serum levels of CA19-9, CA125 and CEA of 381 surgical patients with a definite pathological diagnosis of IPMN from July 2010 to December 2019 at Shanghai Cancer Center. We calculated the Youden indices of each point of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to find the most appropriate cut-off values of CA19-9, CA125 and CEA in recognizing malignant IPMNs. Serological biomarker differences were correlated with grades and biological behaviours of IPMNs. Diagnostic indices of these serum biomarkers were calculated.ResultsMalignant group had higher serum levels of CA19-9, CA125 and CEA. According to ROC curves, the most appropriate cut-off value of CA125 were readjusted to 13.5 U/ml while the cut-off values of CA19-9 and CEA remained 37 U/ml and 5.3 ng/l as them mostly be employed. Besides, CA19-9 elevation was significantly associated with vascular invasion and perineural infiltration. We found CA125 may predict invasive IPMN in CA19-9 negative subgroup according to ROC curve. ConclusionsSerological biomarkers are useful and sensitive indications for recognizing invasive IPMNs. CA19-9 has the upmost diagnostic indices among all regularly used serum biomarkers in differentiating malignant and benign IPMNs. CA19-9 should be combined with CA125 to form a more favourable biomarker panel for IPMNs malignancy prediction.
Molecular Characterization of a Silenced Transgenic Nicotiana Tabacum Line
Authors: Dietz-Pfeilstetter Antje , Manske Ulrike
Published: October 2021

BackgroundRNA interference (RNAi), a natural regulatory mechanism involved in gene regulation, transgene silencing and virus defense in plants, has been widely used for improving the quality of crops and for conferring resistance to plant pests and pathogens. For the sustained application of RNAi-based genetically modified (GM) crops in agriculture, stable expression of the silencing-inducing hairpin transgene is important. As RNA interference may be accompanied by RNA-directed methylation of homologous DNA, including the RNAi transgene, gene body methylation may spread into the promoter and eventually lead to progressive transcriptional silencing of the RNAi inducing transgene. This would be detrimental for the effective use of RNAi crops and may have safety implications if food allergens or antinutrients are the target. Methods and ResultsIn order to gain knowledge about the molecular structure of transgenes sensitive to gene silencing as well as about the early detection of unstable plant lines, an unstable GM tobacco line was analyzed with respect to the integration structure and methylation patterns. This plant line was selected because it lost reporter gene expression in progeny plants due to post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) and was subject to transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) during prolonged tissue culture propagation of the primary transformant. It was found to contain an inverted repeat integration with transgene constructs separated by the bacterial transposon Tn5393 and to exist in two epigenetic states with respect to transgene methylation.ConclusionsInverted repeat integration containing bacterial transposon sequences may be a possible molecular trigger for the observed silencing of transgene expression in this unstable GM line.
Key Gene Network Related to Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Hippocampus of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease Revealed by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Xia Pengcheng , Chen Jing , Bai Xiaohui , Li Ming , Wang Le , Lu Zhiming
Published: October 2021

Background. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely related to aging, showing an increasing incidence rate for years. As one of the main organs involved in AD, hippocampus has been extensively studied due to its association with many human diseases. However, little knowledge is known on its association with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).Material and Methods. The microarray data of hippocampus on AD were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to construct the co-expression network by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The gene network modules associated with AD screened with the common genes were further annotated based on Gene Ontology (GO) database and enriched based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on STRING database to identify the hub genes in the network.Results. Genes involved in PCD were identified in the hippocampus of AD patients. Functional analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in ciliary tissue, ciliary assembly, axoneme assembly, ciliary movement, microtubule based process, microtubule based movement, organelle assembly, axoneme dynamin complex, cell projection tissue, and microtubule cytoskeleton tissue. A total of 20 central genes, e.g.,DYNLRB2, ZMYND10, DRC1, DNAH5, WDR16, TTC25, and ARMC4 were identified as hub genes related to PCD in hippocampus of AD patients.Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that AD and PCD have shared metabolic pathways. These common pathways provide novel evidence for further investigation of the pathophysiological mechanism and the hub genes suggest new therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AD and PCD.Subjects Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neurology
The Effect of Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism and Lp (a) Levels on Coronary Artery Disease with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Li Yong , Chen Lei , Zhang Min , Chen Wensu
Published: October 2021

Background This study is the first to explore the influence of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) and blood lipid metabolism on coronary artery disease (CAD) with atrial fibrillation.Methods In this study, there were a total of 2048 participants, including 400 patients in the control group (CAD- AF-), 126 AF patients without CAD (CAD- AF+), 1294 CAD patients without AF (CAD+ AF-) and 228 CAD patients with AF (CAD+ AF+). Blood lipid levels and APOE genotypes were determined by collecting blood samples from the patients.Results Compared with CAD patients without AF, the age and Lp (a) levels of CAD patients with AF were significantly higher. Among CAD patients, the frequencies of E3/E3 and ε3 genotypes in patients with AF were significantly lower than those in patients without AF, and the frequencies of E4/E4 and ε4 genotypes were significantly increased. Spearman correlation analysis showed that in CAD patients, Lp(a) levels in the ε4 group were significantly higher than those in the group of patients without ε4, and there was a significant correlation between ε4 and Lp (a) levels (p<0.001, r=0.106). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the increase in Lp (a) levels (p=0.023) and age (p=0.01) were independent risk factors for CAD patients who develop AF.Conclusion Patients with AF had increased age, ε4 frequencies and Lp (a) levels among CAD patients, age and Lp (a) levels may be independent risk factors for CAD patients to develop AF.
Spectating: How non-players participate in videogaming
Authors: Baldauf-Quilliatre Heike , Colón de Carvajal Isabel
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates situations in French videogame interactions where non-players who share the same physical space as players, participate in the gaming activities as spectators. Through a detailed multimodal and sequential analysis, we show that being a spectator is a local achievement of all co-present participants - players and non-players.
Our argument is twofold. Firstly, we focus on three gaming interactions and connect the different configurations to the non-players’ participation practices. We analyse the development of the game, watching, commenting, gaze and body movements of players and non-players, as well as the configuration of the spatial environment are intertwined. Three different “ways of spectating” are identified: doing being a couple, doing being friends and doing being a supporter. Additionally, we describe a selection of embodied practices used to locally achieve these “ways of spectating”, indicating that spectatorship is co-constructed.
Pemberian Penguatan Konsep Secara Tatap Muka Via Zoom Meeting dalam Pembelajaran Daring
Authors: Zulyanty Marni
Published: October 2021

The spread of the disease that occurs throughout the world, namely the Covid-19 pandemic, has made changes to learning methods. The learning method is now carried out with online learning, which previously used the face-to-face method. However, there are many shortcomings occurred when using online learning method. One thing that is most highlighted regarding the shortcomings of online learning is the inability of students to understand the material, including learning mathematics. This study used a qualitative approach with the aim of describing the effect of giving face-to face concept reinforcement via zoom meetings on the success of online learning. The research instrument was the researcher and the interview guideline sheet. The subjects of the research are the 3rd semester students of Tadris Matematika UIN STS Jambi in the academic year of 2020/2021. The results showed that strengthening the concept via zoom meetings could be done through systematic dialogue so that the concept can be fully understood. The dialogue is an open dialogue and is very dependent on the response of students. Face-to-face strengthening of concepts in online learning through systematic dialogue via zoom meetings is proven able to make students understand the concepts being taught even though learning is done with online learning.
Magnetism of magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Vahedi Javad , Peters Robert , Missaoui Ahmed , Honecker Andreas , Trambly de Laissardière Guy
Published: October 2021

We investigate magnetic instabilities in charge-neutral twisted
bilayer graphene close to so-called ``magic angles’’ using a combination
of real-space Hartree-Fock and dynamical mean-field theories. In view of
the large size of the unit cell close to magic angles, we examine a
previously proposed rescaling that permits to mimic the same underlying
flat minibands at larger twist angles. We find that localized magnetic
states emerge for values of the Coulomb interaction UU
that are significantly smaller than what would be required to render an
isolated layer antiferromagnetic. However, this effect is overestimated
in the rescaled system, hinting at a complex interplay of flatness of
the minibands close to the Fermi level and the spatial extent of the
corresponding localized states. Our findings shed new light on
perspectives for experimental realization of magnetic states in
charge-neutral twisted bilayer graphene.
Correlación del deseo sexual y disposición a fantasías sexuales con control inhibitorio y planificación cognitiva en jóvenes colombianos
Authors: Klimenko Olena , Cardona Restrepo Brigitte Natalia , Navarro Mercado María Monica
Published: October 2021

Objetivo: El estudio se orientó a indagar la relación entre algunas funciones ejecutivas (FE) (control inhibitorio, cálculo de riesgo-beneficio, flexibilidad cognitiva, habilidad de planeación y toma de decisiones) con el deseo sexual general, diádico y solitario, inhibición del deseo sexual y disposición hacia las fantasías sexuales en una muestra de jóvenes entre 17 y 30 años.  Método: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo de corte transversal. Mediante un muestreo intencional por conveniencia se seleccionaron 64 jóvenes entre 17 y 30 años, estudiantes universitarios que se encontraban en una relación de pareja. Para evaluar las variables de las FE se utilizaron tareas de la Batería Neuropsicológica de Funciones Ejecutivas y Lóbulos Frontales (BANFE): Stroop, juego de cartas, clasificación de cartas y Torre de Hanoi, y las variables relacionadas con el deseo sexual fueron valoradas mediante el Test del Deseo Sexual Inhibido, el Inventario del Deseo Sexual (SDI-2, sigla de Sexual Desire Inventory) y la Escala de la Actitud hacia las Fantasías Sexuales. Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones entre las variables del deseo sexual, disposición hacia las fantasías sexuales y el deseo sexual inhibido; deseo sexual total y diádico y disposición hacia las fantasías sexuales correlacionó con el control inhibitorio; y el deseo sexual inhibido correlacionó con la planificación y el control de impulsos. Discusión: Los hallazgos del estudio llaman la atención sobre las implicaciones educativas encaminadas a desarrollar las funciones ejecutivas en adolescentes y jóvenes con el fin prevenir conductas sexuales de riesgo.to formulate new hypotheses in the field of sexuality and neurosciences. The study findings draw attention to the educational implications aimed to develop the executive functions in adolescents and young people to prevent risky sexual behavior.
Forecasting saltwater intrusion volume and sulfate content in a wastewater collection system. Case study: Barreiro/Moita WWTP, Portugal
Authors: Figueiredo A. , Amaral L. , Pacheco J.
Published: October 2021

The presence of salt water from the Tagus Estuary has been identified in the influent at Barreiro/Moita Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Portugal. The intrusion occurs throughout damaged sections and direct vectors in the wastewater collection system, during high tide levels, changing the wastewater characteristics and impacting the WWTP process. This study designed models to quantify this problem, enabling more effective countermeasures within the right timing. The proposed models estimate the average volume of salt water and sulfate () load for each high tide period. The laboratory results show strong correlations between the influent electrical conductivity (EC) and percentage of salt water in WWTP inflow (0.9909), and between EC and concentration in WWTP influent (0.9797). The forecast models also show good correlation between the high tide levels with volume of salt water (0.9145) and load (0.9162) entering the system. Considering the total monthly inflow, the highest percentage of salt water registered in WWTP inflow was 3.6%. During high tide periods, critical situations have been assessed with up to 53.9% of salt water in the WWTP inflow, increasing energy consumption and costs in pumping stations.
Real-time 3D Object Detection Using Improved Convolutional Neural Network Based on Image-driven Point Cloud
Authors: Gao Zhiyong , Xiang Jianhong
Published: October 2021

Background:

While detecting the object directly from the 3D point cloud, the natural 3D
patterns and invariance of 3D data are often obscure.

Objective:

In this work, we aimed at studying the 3D object detection from discrete, disordered and
sparse 3D point clouds.

Methods:

The CNN comprises the frustum sequence module, 3D instance segmentation module SNET,
3D point cloud transformation module T-NET, and 3D boundary box estimation module ENET.
The search space of the object is determined by the frustum sequence module. The instance
segmentation of the point cloud is performed by the 3D instance segmentation module. The 3D coordinates
of the object are confirmed by the transformation module and the 3D bounding box estimation
module.

Results:

Evaluated on KITTI benchmark dataset, our method outperforms state of the art by remarkable
margins while having real-time capability.

Conclusion:

We achieve real-time 3D object detection by proposing an improved Convolutional
Neural Network (CNN) based on image-driven point clouds.
Small Targets Detection for Transmission Tower Based on SRGAN and Faster RCNN
Authors: Liu Runze , Yan Guangwei , He Hui , An Yubin , Wang Ting , Huang Xile
Published: October 2021

Background:

Power line inspection is essential to ensure the safe and stable operation of
the power system. Object detection for tower equipment can significantly improve inspection efficiency.
However, due to the low resolution of small targets and limited features, the detection accuracy
of small targets is not easy to improve.

Objective:

This study aimed to improve the tiny targets’ resolution while making the small target's
texture and detailed features more prominent to be perceived by the detection model.

Methods:

In this paper, we propose an algorithm that employs generative adversarial networks to
improve small objects' detection accuracy. First, the original image is converted into a superresolution
one by a super-resolution reconstruction network (SRGAN). Then the object detection
framework Faster RCNN is utilized to detect objects on the super-resolution images.

Results:

The experimental results on two small object recognition datasets show that the model proposed
in this paper has good robustness. It can especially detect the targets missed by Faster RCNN,
which indicates that SRGAN can effectively enhance the detailed information of small targets by
improving the resolution.

Conclusion:

We found that higher resolution data is conducive to obtaining more detailed information
of small targets, which can help the detection algorithm achieve higher accuracy. The small object detection
model based on the generative adversarial network proposed in this paper is feasible and more
efficient. Compared with Faster RCNN, this model has better performance on small object detection.
Genome-wide Studies of knee Osteoarthritis: Review
Authors: Novakov Vitaly B. , Novakova Olga N. , Churnosov Mikhail I.
Published: October 2021

Background. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease resulting from the interaction of many environmental, epigenetic and genetic risk factors, and the latter account for 40% to 65%. Genetic bases of the knee OA based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) are being actively studied by many scientific teams around the world. At the same time, the results obtained are often contradictory and ambiguous, as for the conducted replicative studies of knee OA. This dictates the need for additional replicative studies in various populations, including populations of Russia. The aim of the study was to analyze genome-wide studies of knee OA and to establish GWAS-significant polymorphic loci associated with OA. Materials and Methods. The search for publications was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed, PubMedCentral, eLIBRARY, in the GWAS catalog for the period from 2008 to the present by the keywords: knee osteoarthritis, GWAS studies, candidate genes. Results. Firstly, for the period from 2008 to 2021, 15 genome-wide studies of knee OA were performed (8 GWAS, 6 meta-analyzes of GWAS data, 1 study a combination of GWAS and meta-analysis of GWAS data), as a result of which 78 polymorphic loci were found associated with the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee joint at p510-08. Second ly, the vast majority of these loci (62 out of 78 SNPs, 79%) showed GWAS-significant associations with OA in meta-analyzes of GWAS data and only 16 loci (21%) in GWAS studies. Third ly, almost 95% of GWAS-significant loci for knee OA (74 SNPs) were found in samples of Caucasian origin. Fourthly, 21 out of 78 GWAS-significant SNPs are associated with isolated knee OA, and 57 SNPs are associated with knee, hip and hand OA (mixed sample). Fifth, all genome-wide studies of knee OA and meta-analyzes of GWAS data were carried out abroad on samples from various foreign populations, and samples from the Russian Federation were not included in these studies. Sixth, only two GWAS-significant polymorphic loci for OA (rs143384 of the GDF5 gene for knee OA isolated localization and rs3771501 of the TGFA gene for OA of any localization) were replicated at the whole genome level of significance (p510-08) in two different studies. Conclusion. The main genome-wide studies of knee OA were reviewed and GWAS-significant polymorphisms associated with OA were identified. The obtained materials on GWAS-significant loci can be used both in the selection of polymorphisms in replicative studies of OA in various populations of Russia, and for expanding the understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms of the disease development.
Exploration of Students’ Understanding of Geometry Concepts
Authors: Pasandaran Rio Fabrika , Suciati Indah , Alfisyahra Alfisyahra
Published: October 2021

This article contains an exploration of conceptual understanding in geometry lectures in the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program, Cokroaminoto Palopo University, Odd Semester, Academic Year 2020/2021. This research was conducted through a qualitative approach with the aim of explaining the details of the relationship between concepts in detail and recommending appropriate learning in problem solving. Data were collected using observation, documentation, and written tests. The three techniques are elaborated with the aim of analyzing the concepts and problem-solving patterns of the students' final semester test results. The results of the study explain several findings, namely, Teaching geometry should begin with the process of identifying the important concepts that build up a particular problem. These concepts are then analyzed and linked to one another to form a network. The concept network is then represented in an image/visual display. Through this visual display, lecturers can guide students in compiling procedural steps based on the sequence of concepts that have been compiled. Lecturers need to create meaningful learning for students by connecting previous knowledge with new knowledge through various representations, examples, and manipulations and focus on conceptual understanding rather than procedures or rules.Eksplorasi Pemahaman Konsep Geometri MahasiswaArtikel ini memuat eksplorasi pemahaman konsep dalam perkuliahan geometri pada Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar Universitas Cokroaminoto Palopo Semester Ganjil Tahun Akademik 2020/2021. Penelitian ini dilakukan melalui pendekatan kualitatif dengan tujuan untuk menjelaskan rincian hubungan antar konsep secara detail, dan merekomendasikan pembelajaran yang tepat dalam pemecahan masalah. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan teknik observasi, dokumentasi, dan tes tertulis. Ketiga teknik tersebut dielaborasi dengan tujuan Hasil penelitian menjelaskan beberapa temuan yakni; pengajaran geometri harus diawali dengan proses identifikasi konsep-konsep penting yang membangun masalah tertentu. Konsep-konsep tersebut selanjutnya dianalisis dan dihubungakan satu sama lain sehingga membentuk sebuah jejaring. Jejaring konsep selanjutnya direpresentasikan ke dalam gambar/tampilan visual. Melalui tampilan visual ini, dosen dapat membimbing mahasiswa dalam menyusun langkah-langkah prosedural berdasarkan urutan konsep yang telah disusun. Dosen perlu menciptakan pembelajaran yang bermakna bagi mahasiswa dengan cara menghubungkan pengetahuan sebelumnya dengan pengetahuan yang baru melalui berbagai representasi, contoh, dan manipulasi dan fokus pada pemahaman konseptual dibandingkan prosedur atau aturan.
Readiness for Use of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malawi: Qualitative Focus Group and Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Mpunga Elizabeth , Persaud Navindra , Akolo Christopher , Boyee Dorica , Kamanga Gift , Trapence Gift , Chilongozi David , Ruberintwari Melchiade , Masankha Banda Louis
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key group for HIV interventions in Malawi considering their high HIV prevalence (17.5% compared to 8.4% among men in the general population). The use of oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) presents a new opportunity for MSM to be protected. We present the findings from a qualitative assessment designed to assess awareness of and willingness and barriers to using PrEP among MSM in Malawi.

OBJECTIVE

The 3 main objectives of this assessment were to determine: (1) awareness of PrEP, (2) factors that influence willingness to use PrEP, and (3) potential barriers to PrEP use and adherence among MSM in order to guide the design and implementation of a PrEP program in Malawi.

METHODS

Ahead of the introduction of PrEP in Malawi, a qualitative study using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted in October 2018 in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and rural districts of Mzimba North and Mangochi. With support of members of the population, study participants were purposively recruited from 4 MSM-friendly drop-in centers where MSM receive a range of health services to ensure representativeness across sites and age. Participants were asked what they had heard about PrEP, their willingness to use PrEP, their barriers to PrEP use, and their preferences for service delivery. The data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis framework that was predetermined in line with objectives.

RESULTS

A total of 109 MSM were interviewed—13 through IDIs and 96 through FGDs. Most participants were aware of PrEP as a new HIV intervention but had limited knowledge related to its use. However, the majority were willing to use it and were looking forward to having access to it. IDI participants indicated that they will be more willing to take PrEP if the dosing frequency were appropriate and MSM were involved in information giving and distribution of the drug. FGD participants emphasized that places of distribution and characteristics of the service provider are the key factors that will affect use. Knowing the benefits of PrEP emerged as a key theme in both the IDIs and FGDs. Participants highlighted barriers that would hinder them from taking PrEP such as side effects which were cited in IDIs and FGDs. Key factors from FGDs include cost, fear of being outed, drug stockouts, fear of being known as MSMs by wives, and lack of relevant information. FGDs cited stigma from health care workers, forgetfulness, and community associated factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite having inadequate knowledge about PrEP, study participants were largely willing to use PrEP if available. Programs should include an effective information, education, and communication component around their preferences and provide PrEP in MSM-friendly sites.
Authors’ Response to Peer Reviews of “A Local Community-Based Social Network for Mental Health and Well-being (Quokka): Exploratory Feasibility Study” (Preprint)
Authors: Shih Cynthia , Pudipeddi Ruhi , Uthayakumar Arany , Washington Peter
Published: October 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

These are authors' responses to peer review of ms#24972.
The preferred way of patient communicating with a cardiologist and declared objectives for future contacts (Preprint)
Authors: Kalańska-Łukasik Barbara , Gładyś Aleksandra , Jadczyk Tomasz , Gruz-Kwapisz Monika , Wojakowski Wojciech , Kowalska Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine solutions, especially in the face of a pandemic, have intensified their role in the patient-cardiologist contact. Entirely recognition of modern technology must be based on the patient's acceptance to be able to improve effective cooperation with the physician. However, the successful application of patient-centric telehealth services requires an in-depth analysis of users’ expectations.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors determining readiness for telecommunications solutions in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study based on an investigator-designed validated questionnaire including 19 items (demographics, health status, medical history, previous healthcare experience, expected telehealth functionalities and preferred remote communication methods) was used. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between readiness and their determinants.

RESULTS

Nearly 84% of respondents consent to the use of telemedicine solutions in the cardiologist-patient contact. Disacceptance to using telemedicine was two times frequent for rural dwellers, OR=2.411 (95%CI:1.003-5.796) and for patients without access to the Internet, OR=2.432 (95%CI:1.022-5.786). In comparison to studying participants living in rural areas, city dwellers demonstrated a higher willingness to use telemedicine solutions in particular function such as : issuing prescription (61,2%/83,2%), alarm at the deterioration of health (79,95%/61,5 %), arranging or cancelling a medical visit (53,8 %/75.5%). Contact by mobile phone was preferred by younger patients OR=2.256 (95%CI:1.058-4.814). Older people and patients who had no previous difficulties in contact with physicians prefer contact by line phone.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CVD are ready to accept the virtual solutions to contact a cardiologist. However, patients' expectations for telehealth services are associated with socio-demographical factors. Identifying needs in a group of patients with CVD may help to adjust telecommunication technologies for specific groups of patients
Characteristics of Cheyenne Little Filtered Cigar Instagram Ads, 2019-2020 (Preprint)
Authors: Mead-Morse Erin L , Delnevo Cristine D , Singh Binu , Wackowski Olivia A
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Little filtered cigar (LFC) marketing has often blurred the line between cigar and cigarette, and little is known about LFC marketing on social media.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the characteristics of Instagram posts by Cheyenne—a popular LFC brand—from 2019-2020.

METHODS

A content analysis of 323 images posted in 2019 and 2020 on Cheyenne’s official Instagram account was conducted. Descriptive statistics were examined, and Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to test differences by year.

RESULTS

Most posts (76.0%) showed 1 pack and/or LFC stick, which look highly similar to cigarette packs and sticks, and the pack was often flavored (62.2%). Images of lit LFC sticks increased from 2019 (12.2%) to 2020 (26.7%, P=.005). Warning labels were present on the ad in 79.9% of posts, but were always presented at the bottom, and used the same single warning statement that they are not a safe alternative to cigarettes. The depiction of people nearly doubled from 2019 (18.1%) to 2020 (34.8%, P=.001), and women (51%) were more commonly depicted than men (32%). Popular depictions and themes included the outdoors (57.6%) and seasonal imagery (36.2%) among others.

CONCLUSIONS

Cheyenne actively used Instagram to market its product and grow its brand. Posts seemed designed to promote the similarity of their LFC to cigarettes, through depictions of cig-a-like packs/sticks. Although warning labels were highly prevalent on Cheyenne Instagram posts, the warnings were not compliant with FDA warning guidelines and might have been counterproductive by emphasizing their viability as cigarette alternatives rather than their dangerous health effects. Future surveillance is needed, and regulation of LFC advertising on social media may be warranted.
Peer Review of “A Local Community-Based Social Network for Mental Health and Well-being (Quokka): Exploratory Feasibility Study” (Preprint)
Authors: Alasmari Ashwag
Published: October 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report for ms#24972.
Artificially making Lifeform
Authors: Das Souvik
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The word ‘life’ is a mysterious word with a chart of attributes that have neither been completed nor has been agreed upon by the race of humans. Probably the proper definition of life is impossible to identify for humans (the proof for this claim is given later) but the handbook to the secret shall be updated till the end, thanks to the inquisitive attitude of humans. For this piece, we shall adopt the description from the professional medical community of today. Though this topic falls midway between science and philosophy, this project is strictly technical. To quote dictionary.com, Life is the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction and the power of adaptation to environment- through changes originating internally; cambridge.com teaches Life is the period between birth and death, or the experience or state of being alive; medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com states Life is the property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organisms. There are several other definitions but to summarize, we can safely state that though the concept is somewhat vague, we could indeed point out some common principles. We shall, in this project, try to replicate the characteristics so as to attain life in medical terms. (The order does not base upon importance of the listed character since the characters, all of them are absolute essentials and cannot possibly be categorized as more or less important). 1) Metabolism 2) Growth 3) Adaptability 4) Birth 5) Death 6) Self-stimulated response to environment 7) Reproduction 8) Can sustain self without foreign intervention Keywords: artificial, life, intelligence, computer, programming, algorithm This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Performance Investigation of Variable Compression Ratio Engine
Authors: Patel Vimal
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) engine test can be used to determine the effect of Compression Ratio (CR) on the performance and emissions of the engine. The combustion situation, when provided with a pressure transducer. The performance frequency parameters like efficiencies, power, and specific fuel consumption are determined. The combustion phenomenon is also observed through this work, we can find the optimum compression ratio for which the best performance is possible. In order to find out the optimum compression ratio, experiments were carried out on a single-cylinder four-stroke variable compression ratio engine. Tests were carried out at compression ratios of 18, 17, and 16 at different loads the performance characteristics of the engine like Brake power (BP), Thermal Efficiency, Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC). A variable compression ratio engine is able to operate at different compression ratios, depending on particular vehicle performance needs. The VCR engine is optimized for the full range of driving conditions, as acceleration, speed, and load. Keywords: Performance, Compression ratio, Load, Break Power, William Line’s Method, Emission, Thermal Efficiency, Diesel Engine, Fuel Consumption
Digital India: Opportunities and Challenges including in Context of COVID-19
Authors: Agarwal Tarunima
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Digital India is an umbrella programme that covers multiple Government Ministries and Departments. It is an effort to weave a large number of ideas and thoughts into a single, comprehensive vision so that each of them can be implemented as part of a larger goal. Digital India is to be implemented by the entire Government with overall coordination being done by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY). It provides the much needed thrust to the nine pillars of growth areas, namely Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, eGovernance: Reforming Government through Technology, e-Kranti - Electronic Delivery of Services, Information for All, Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs and Early Harvest Programmes. A number of digital health initiatives have also been rolled out under the programme, including in context of COVID-19 and pandemic response. A comprehensive real-time based IT platform ‘COVID India Portal’ has been launched in March 2020 in response to COVID -19 pandemic, for monitoring the situation, preparedness and management to control the COVID in the country.
A Study of Adsorption Dynamics of Biologically Active Plants
Authors: Thirumalai Murugan
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Alstonia scholaris is a biologically active and important Devil tree. The medicinal importance pharmacology importance in particulars antiulcer activity of Alstonic scholaris in albino rats were Analyzed and reported. The juice of Alstona scholaris to rats show a remarkable record with respect to ranitidine tablet (to cure ulcer). This result initiate the author to study chemo mimetic nature of plant material for the removal of heavy metal in synthetic solution also extended studies with modified Alstonia scholaris and Wrichitia Tinctoria. An adsorption of 96% in all the cases was observed. A linear correlation with R2 value of 0.977 was calculated from the linear plot of optical densities of Alstonia Scholaris and modified Alstonia Scholaris similar trend in adsorption was also noted. In the case of Wrightia Tinctoria instead of modified Alstonia Scholaris
Síndrome de piel escaldada. Avances en Diagnóstico y Tratamiento.
Authors: Faúndes Gandolfo Nicolás Marcos , Estrada Eguiguren Sebastián Ignacio , García Valdebenito Alonso Ignacio , Leiva Mora Javiera Andrea , Ducasse Crespo Karen Patricia
Published: October 2021

Síndrome de piel escaldada estafilocócica (SSSS, por sus siglas en inglés) es una entidad clínica generada por toxinas epidermolíticas producidas por el microorganismo Staphylococcus aureus que destruye las uniones celulares de la epidermis. Esta afectación produce un compromiso cutáneo caracterizado por exfoliación superficial de la piel, celulitis eritematosa y bulas que se pueden expandir hacia gran parte del cuerpo.Esta enfermedad se describe como una infección mediada por toxinas que afecta principalmente pacientes pediátricos y algunos adultos. Las medidas terapéuticas más importantes para disminuir la tasa de mortalidad son el tratamiento de soporte con analgesia, cuidado de heridas y tratamiento antibiótico con antiestafilocócicos.Se recomienda enfrentar esta enfermedad con un enfoque multidisciplinario debido a los diagnósticos diferenciales que incluyen manifestaciones de reacción adversas a medicamentos, necrólisis epidérmica tóxica o síndrome de Steven Johnson por lo que requiere la evaluación por al menos dermatólogos, infectólogos y cirujanos. El propósito de esta revisión es resumir las bases clínicas, etiopatogénicas, complicaciones, tratamiento actual según evidencia y proyecciones a futuro.
Diuretic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Physalis peruviana(Linn.) Leaves in Wistar Rats
Authors: Singh Bora Dr. Kundan , Shah Pooja
Published: October 2021

Physalis is a genus of a perennial, herbaceous or annual plant, which is mostly the local plant of tropical North & South America. Few species of Physalis are widely distributed in warmer parts of world. Some species of Physalis grow in its edible fruits. One or two species occur wildly in India, while three other species are cultivated. Plant Physalis peruviana Linn. (Family: Solanaceae) is one of the important species of genus Physalis found in India, especially leaves & fruits have been traditionally used as a diuretic, muscle relaxant, in inflammation, for prevention of tooth decay & abdominal ailments throughout the world. The plant is reported to relieve hypertension, asthma, urinary problem & widely valued for its calming properties. The present study was initiated to investigate the diuretic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Physalis peruviana (HEPP) in Wistar rats. Hydroalcoholic extract of Physalis peruviana leaves was administered at the dose of 50, 100 & 200 mg/kg,p.o. Hydrochlorothiazide (500mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a positive control in the study. The diuretic effect of the extract was evaluated by measuring the volume of urine, sodium, chloride & potassium content in the urine sample. Urine volume significantly increased at two doses of HEPP extract that is 100 & 200 mg/kg body weight in treated rats. Excretion of chloride, sodium and potassium levels were also increased (77.42 mmol/l, 85.20 mmol/l and 43.6 mmol/l respectively) by HEPP extract (200 ml/kg).The diuretic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract was similar to hydrochlorothiazide at the dose of 200 ml/kg. This study concluded that HEPP produced a notable diuretic effect which appeared to be comparable to that produced by the standard diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. The present study provides a quantitative basis for investigating the use of Physalis peruviana as a diuretic agent.
Clinical Trials of Solid Tumor Drugs Approved in Europe: Evidence-Based-Medicine
Authors: Aseel Bin Sawad , Amin Aissaoui , Najah Aissaoui , Ahmed Bin Sawad , Fatema Turkistani
Published: October 2021

The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) were introduced to determine response to therapy by evaluation of change from baseline while on the treatment of the solid tumor. These criteria are used mainly in clinical trials where tumor objective response (tumor shrinkage) or disease progression is the primary endpoint. RECIST is widely used by academic institutions, cooperative groups, and industry for oncology clinical trials. Regulatory authorities use RECIST as an appropriate guideline for risk-benefit assessments of oncology drugs. This study aimed to assess the impact on pivotal clinical trial designs due to adopting the RECIST for assessing the risk-benefit ratio for oncology drugs approved in Europe for treatment of solid tumors (2000–2019). The Summary of Product Characteristics for all oncology drugs was reviewed to identify the pivotal clinical trials. Results: There were 78 pivotal clinical trials for 38 oncology drugs approved, by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), for treatment of solid tumors. Open-label randomized controlled trials (RCTs) account for 62.82% of the pivotal clinical trials compared to 37.18% blinded RCTs. A total of 6,721 patients (average=1,120) participated in 78 pivotal clinical trials. Around sixty-three percent (4,211 out of 6,721) of patients participated in blinded RCTs, and 37.34% (2,510 out of 6,721) of patients participated in open-label RCTs. Conclusion: Less restrictive rules for oncology drugs approval were applied by the regulatory agency. Over 19 years, EMA had approved oncology drugs based on open-label trials, especially when an oncology drug was compared to an active comparator, with results of few or no clinical improvement over existing therapy. The approval process of oncology drugs should be supported by clear evidence about the clinical effects of the new oncology drugs compared to the existing effective oncology therapies using clinical trial designs that are methodologically rigorous.
Analytical Procedure for determination and statistical validation of novel drug Mafenide acetate in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: S.F.Choragudi  , NavyaYanamandra K.S  , Chandrika kethineni  , Sharmila Thokala
Published: October 2021

Requirement for a sophisticated analytical method using HPLC and HPTLC is in high demand to meet the needs of a small scale industry for analysis of drugs that  are  relatively expensive. Hence  a simple method  was proposed  in the  routine determination  of  Mafenide  acetate  in  pharmaceutical  formulations  and  bulk  dosage  forms  that  can  be  less  expensive.  An analytical  method  was  developed  for  the  estimation  of  Mafenide acetate  drug  substance  by liquid  chromatography.  The chromatographic  separation was achieved on phenyl column (Eclipse XDB-Phenyl  250*4.6, 5um) at ambient temperature. The separation  was achieved employing  a mobile  phase consisting of 0.1 %v/v Trifluoroacetic acid in water:  Methanol (10:90). The flow  rate  was 1.0 ml/ minute  and ultraviolet  detector at  245nm. The  average retention  time for Mafenide acetate  was 3.3 minutes. The proposed  method  was validated for selectivity, precision, linearity and accuracy. All validation parameters  were checked and are found within the acceptable range. The assay methods  were found to be linear ranging from 50-150 µg/ml for Mafenide acetate.  The  parameters  considered for  the  procedure   are  related  limit, selectivity, linearity, range, accuracy and precision are defined. Thesample solution leads to unequivocal, absolute identification of the analyte peak of interest apart from all other  matrix components.  The objective of our  work is to form a basis for production procedure  and control, which are designed to assure that the drug products have the identity, Quality, and purity. The results obtained could be treated  as simple, sensitive and reproducible for determination of Mafenide acetate in pharmaceutical formulations.
Gestos artísticos e narrativas pós-memoriais: interrogações pós-coloniais em português
Authors: Ribeiro Margarida Calafate , Da Cruz Rodrigues Fátima
Published: October 2021

Este artigo oferece as narrativas biográficas de três artistas cujos trabalhos exercem um questionamento pós-memorial sobre o passado colonial português e as suas sombras no presente: Jorge Andrade, ator e encenador, nascido em Moçambique; Délio Jasse, artista visual, nascido em Angola; Vanessa Fernandes, cineasta, nascida na Guiné-Bissau. O nosso ponto de partida assenta numa reconceptualização do conceito de pós-memória desenvolvido no âmbito do projeto Memoirs – Filhos de Império e Pós- -Memórias Europeias, que identifica a herança colonial como uma questão transversal para a definição da Europa contemporânea. O nosso objetivo é o de proporcionar narrativas biográficas que permitam refletir sobre o impacto do final do colonialismo português nas memórias, nas vidas e nas produções artísticas de uma geração herdeira da experiência dos processos de descolonização de territórios colonizados por Portugal.