bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infodemiological Study on COVID-19 Epidemic and COVID-19 Infodemic
Authors: Hu Zhiwen , Yang Zhongliang , Li Qi , Zhang An , Huang Yongfeng
Published: March 2020

Less aligned emphasis has been given to the COVID-19 infodemic coordinating with the COVID-19 outbreak. Global profusion of tangled monikers and hashtags has found their ways in daily communication and contributed to backlash against Chinese. Official naming efforts against infodemic should be meet with a fair share of identification. Based on brief critical reviews on previous multifarious naming practices, we punctuate heuristic introspection in scientific conventions and sociocultural paradigms. Infodemiological analysis promises to articulate that people around the globe are divided in their favor stigmatized monikers in the public and scientific communities because of perceptual bias. There is no positive correlation between the degree of infection in their territories and collective perceptual bias to COVID-19. The official portfolio “COVID-19” and “SARS-CoV-2” has not become de facto standard usages, but full-fledged official names are excepted to duly contribute to the resilience of negative perceptual bias and collective behavioral propensities.
TEEDA: An Interactive Platform for Matching Data Providers and Users in Data Marketplace
Authors: Hayashi Teruaki , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: March 2020

Improvements in web platforms for data exchange and trading are creating more opportunities for users to obtain data from data providers of different domains. However, the current data exchange platforms are limited to unilateral information provision from data providers to users. In contrast, there are insufficient means for data providers to learn what kinds of data users desire and for what purposes. In this paper, we propose and discuss the description items for sharing users’ call for data as data requests in the data marketplace. We also discuss structural differences in data requests and providable data using variables, as well as possibilities of data matching. In the study, we developed an interactive platform, treasuring every encounter of data affairs (TEEDA), to facilitate matching and interactions between data providers and users. The basic features of TEEDA are described in this paper. From experiments, we found the same distributions of the frequency of variables but different distributions of the number of variables in each piece of data, which are important factors to consider in the discussion of data matching in the data marketplace.
Can The Social Mission Model Improve the Students’ Interest?
Authors: Sholikah Mar'atus , Sutirman Sutirman , Hermanto Febrika Yogie
Published: March 2020

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of entrepreneurship learning models based on social missions to advance entrepreneurial interest in vocational high school students. Experimental research use as a method, with 72 students participating in Class XII of SMK Negeri 1 Kudus. Data collection using questionnaires and learning outcomes. Data analysis using ANOVA and Scheffe test. The results showed that student learning outcomes with social mission learning models and conventional learning models have differences, where the social mission learning model is more useful to improve student learning outcomes and entrepreneurial interest. More than that, the social mission-based entrepreneurship learning model is needed in the curriculum. Entrepreneurship training through social mission will prepare students to become entrepreneurs, in addition to being more concerned about the environment and society. Future research needs to focus more on studying entrepreneurship learning curricula in vocational high schools.
Determining and Comparing Deep Drainage between Two Years – Dry (2012) and Wet (2013) – using Darcy’s Law
Authors: Tamang Archana
Published: March 2020

Understanding of the downward flux of water below the plant root zone, known as deep drainage (DD), is significant in agriculture and soil water conservation. It plays a key role to determine the amount of water that travels below the plant root zone and can potentially cause groundwater recharge. The DD in soil varies with location, soil texture, and topography. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, soil water storage, and DD for the years 2012 (dry year) and 2013 (wet year) at the University of Guelph’s Arboretum. The depths to the water table data were collected using a Mini Water Level Meter. CS616 sensors were used to determine the soil volumetric water content. The soil temperature was extracted with the use of T107 Temperature Probes. The slug test, based on the Hvorslev method, was performed to determine the field saturated hydraulic conductivity. The soil moisture retention curve was produced based on the data collected in the lab with the use of pressure plate systems, using van Genuchten’s equation. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was also determined using van Genuchten’s equation. Darcy’s law was used to determine the specific discharge, which was then converted to the total DD. In general, the soil water storage was 38.5 mm higher in 2013 relative to 2012. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was approximately 2 times higher in 2013 than 2012. The average DD was approximately 25 mm higher in 2013. This study provides information needed to better understand the movement and amount of water flux and DD in larger details.
DISTINGUISHING REGURGITALITES AND COPROLITES: A CASE STUDY USING A TRIASSIC BROMALITE WITH SOFT TISSUE OF THE PSEUDOSUCHIAN ARCHOSAUR REVUELTOSAURUS
Authors: GORDON CALEB M. , ROACH BRIAN T. , PARKER WILLIAM G. , BRIGGS DEREK E. G.
Published: March 2020

Regurgitalites (fossilized regurgitates) can provide insight into the behavioral ecology and physiology of extinct species but they are rarely reported because they are difficult to identify and distinguish from coprolites. A compact mass of skeletal material from the Owl Rock Member of the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation of Arizona reveals features that identify it as a regurgitalite. Characteristics of the teeth and osteoderms in the specimen indicate that these remains belong to the pseudosuchian archosaur Revueltosaurus. Chemical and microstructural analysis revealed a dearth of gastric etching, the preservation of muscle fibers, and the absence of a phosphatic matrix, indicating that this bone mass is a regurgitalite and not a coprolite. It was probably produced by a phytosaur, rauisuchid, or temnospondyl, all of which occur in the Owl Rock Member. We offer an identification key to assist in distinguishing between different types of digestive remains produced by vertebrate carnivores.
Design and Analysis of a New Profile Control Tool: Swirling Autonomous Inflow-Control Device
Authors: Yang Mingjun , Wu Xinyuan , Yue Yingchun , Zhang Ying , Chen Ye , Tang Yufeng
Published: March 2020

Edge/bottomwater cresting or even breaking into the wellbore has been a major factor affecting crude-oil production and has not been overcome so far. Aiming at this problem, this paper designs a new autonomous inflow-control device (AICD) profile control tool—swirling AICD—on the basis of the research of profile control tools used in the past. The AICD is mainly based on the principle of automatic phase separation, the splitting of three-way pipes, and the principle of vortex depressurization. Combined with the special flow path, the production of edge/bottomwater can be effectively restrained. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation and indoor flow experiments are used to prove the water-control function of the swirling AICD, to obtain the pressure and velocity distribution of fluid flow in the AICD, and to obtain the influencing factors and their influence rules. Based on these analyses, we established the swirling AICD mathematical model, which has laid a theoretical foundation for the application of swirling AICDs in wells.
A preliminary assessment of vital-signs-integrated patient-assisted intravenous opioid analgesia (VPIA) for postsurgical pain: a case series
Authors: SNG Ban Leong , Tan Daryl Jian'an , TAN Chin Wen , HAN Nian-Lin Reena , SULTANA Rehena , SIA Alex Tiong Heng
Published: March 2020

Background We developed a Vital-signs-integrated Patient-assisted Intravenous opioid Analgesia (VPIA) analgesic infusion pump, a closed-loop vital signs monitoring and drug delivery system which embodied in a novel algorithm that took into account patients’ vital signs (oxygen saturation, heart rate). The system aimed to allow responsive titration of personalized pain relief to optimize pain relief and reduce the risk of respiratory depression. Moreover, the system would be important to enable continuous monitoring of patients during delivery of opioid analgesia. Methods Nineteen patients who underwent elective gynecological surgery with postoperative patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine were recruited. The subjects were followed up from their admission to the recovery room/ ward for at least 24 hours until assessment of patient satisfaction on the VPIA analgesic infusion pump. Results The primary outcome measure of incidence of oxygen desaturation showed all patients had at least one episode of oxygen desaturation (<95%) during the study period. Only 6 (31.6%) patients had oxygen desaturation that persisted for more than 5 minutes. The median percentage time during treatment that oxygen saturation fell below 95% was 1.9%. Fourteen (73.7%) out of 19 patients encountered safety pause, due to transient oxygen desaturation or bradycardia. The patients’ median [IQR] pain scores at rest and at movement after post-op 24 hours were 0.0 [2.0] and 3.0 [2.0], respectively. The average morphine consumption in the first 24 hours was 12.5 ± 7.1mg. All patients were satisfied with their experience with the VPIA analgesic infusion pump. Conclusions The use of VPIA analgesic infusion pump, when integrated with continuous vital sign monitor and variable lockout algorithm, was able to provide pain relief with good patient satisfaction.
Explicit and implicit attachment and the outcomes of acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for depression
Authors: A-Tjak Jacqueline G.L. , Morina Nexhmedin , Boendermaker Wouter J. , Topper Maurice , Emmelkamp Paul M.G.
Published: March 2020

Background Attachment theory predicts that patients who are not securely attached may benefit less from psychological treatment. However, evidence on the predictive role of attachment in the effectiveness of treatment for depression is limited.Methods Explicit attachment styles, levels of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, as well as implicit relational self-esteem and implicit relational anxiety were assessed in 67 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) receiving Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ANOVA and hierarchical regression analyses were performed to investigate the predictive power of explicit and implicit attachment measures on treatment outcome.Results Explicit attachment avoidance at pre-treatment significantly predicted reduction of depressive symptoms following treatment. Reductions in attachment anxiety and avoidance from pre- to post-treatment predicted better treatment outcomes. Neither one of the implicit measures, nor change in these measures from pre- tot post-treatment significantly predicted treatment outcome. Conclusions Our findings show that attachment avoidance as well as reductions in avoidant and anxious attachment predict symptom reduction after psychological treatment for depression. Future research should use larger sample sizes to further examine the role of attachment orientation as moderator and mediator of treatment outcome. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01517503
An ethnographic exploration of factors that drive policing of street-based female sex workers in a U.S. setting - identifying opportunities for intervention.
Authors: Footer Katherine HA , Silberzahn Bradley E. , Lim Sahnah , Huettner Steven , Kumar Victor A. , Loeffler Derek , Peitzmeier Sarah M. , Sherman Susan G.
Published: March 2020

Background: Building on a broader sociological discourse around policing approaches towards vulnerable populations, increasing public health evidence points to policing practices as a key health determinant, particularly among street-based sex workers. Despite the importance of policing as a structural health determinant, few studies have sought to understand the factors that underlie and shape policing practices towards sex workers. This study therefore aimed to explore the drivers for policing attitudes and practices towards street-based cisgender female sex workers. Methods: Drawing on ethnographic methods, 280 hours of observations with police patrol and 10 stakeholder interviews with senior police leadership in Baltimore City, USA were carried out to better understand the drivers for policing strategies towards cisgender female sex workers. Analysis was data- and theory-driven, drawing on the concepts of police culture and complementary criminological and sociological literature that aided exploration of the influence of the ecological and structural environment on policing practices.Results: Ecological factors at the structural (e.g., criminalization), organizational (e.g., violent crime control), community and individual level (e.g., stigmatizing attitudes) emerged as key to shaping individual police practices and attitudes towards cisgender female sex workers in this setting. Findings indicate senior police support for increased alignment with public health goals. However, the study highlights that interventions need to move beyond individual officer training and address the broader structural and organizational setting in which police practices towards sex work operate. Conclusions: A more in-depth understanding of the circumstances that drive law enforcement approaches to street-based sex work is critical to the collaborative design of interventions with police in different settings. In considering public health-police partnerships to address the needs of sex worker populations in the U.S. and elsewhere, this study supports existing calls for decriminalization of sex work, supported by institutional and policy reforms, neighborhood-level dialogues that shift the cultural landscape around sex work within both the police and larger community, and innovative individual-level police trainings.
Association between Ambient Temperature, Particulate Air Pollution and Emergency Room Visits for Conjunctivitis
Authors: Khalaila Soltan , Coreanu Tara , Vodonos Alina , Kloog Itai , Shtein Alexandra , Colwell Lauren E. , Novack Victor , Tsumi Erez
Published: March 2020

Background Numerous studies have confirmed that ambient temperature and air pollution are associated with higher risk of morbidities to different systems of the human body, yet few have addressed their effect on the ocular system. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between temperature, air pollution and emergency room visits for non-specific conjunctivitis Methods In this retrospective cohort study, the records of all emergency room visits to Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) from 2009 to 2014 were reviewed for patients with conjunctivitis. Exposure to fine and coarse particulate matter and temperature were assessed by a hybrid model that incorporated daily satellite remote sensing. Results The records of the 6001 patients who visited the SUMC emergency room with conjunctivitis, together with the meteorological data, revealed a positive association between temperature increment and incidence of conjunctivitis. The strongest effect was found during summer and autumn: the incidence increased 8.1% for each 1oC rise in temperature between 24oC and 28oC in the summer, and 7.2% for each 1oC rise in temperature between 13oC and 23oC in autumn. The association between fine and coarse particulate matter and incidence of conjunctivitis was not statistically significant. Conclusion High ambient temperature is significantly associated with an increased risk of nonspecific conjunctivitis in summer and autumn and not in spring and winter. Conjunctivitis is not associated with air pollution. The findings can assist community clinics and hospital emergency rooms prepare for the upticks in the condition during certain seasons and acute rises in temperatures, lowering the financial costs to both the individual and the public.
The social determinants of otitis media in Aboriginal children in Australia: are we addressing the primary causes? A systematic content review
Authors: DeLacy Jack , Dune Tinashe , Macdonald John
Published: March 2020

Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience some of the highest rates of otitis media in the world. Key risk factors for otitis media in Aboriginal children in Australia are largely social and environmental factors such as overcrowded housing, poverty and limited access to services. Despite this, little is known about how to address these risk factors. A scoping content review was performed to determine the relationship between social determinants of health and otitis media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as described by peer-reviewed and grey literature. Method Search terms were established for location, population and health condition. The search terms were used to conduct a literature search using six health research databases. Following the exclusion process, articles were scoped, analysed and categorised using scoping parameters and a social determinants of health framework. Results Housing-related issues were the most frequently reported determinants for otitis media (56%). Two articles (4%) directly investigated the impact of social determinants of health on rates of otitis media within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The majority of the literature (68%) highlight social determinants as playing a key role in the high rates of otitis media seen in Aboriginal populations. There were no intervention studies targeting social determinants as a means to reduce otitis media rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Conclusions This review identifies a disconnect between otitis media drivers and the focus of public health interventions within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Despite consensus that social determinants play a key role in the high rates of otitis media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, the majority of literature consists of intervention studies aimed at developing vaccines and antibiotics. This review highlights the need for otitis media intervention studies to shift away from a purely biomedical model and toward investigating the underlying social determinants of health. By shifting interventions upstream, otitis media rates may decrease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as focus is shifted away from a treatment-focussed model and toward a more preventative model.
Wnt5a-induced M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages via IL-10 promotes colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Liu Qing , Yang Chaogang , Wang Shuyi , Shi Dongdong , Wei Chen , Song Jialin , Lin Xiaobin , Dou Rongzhang , Bai Jian , Xiang Zhenxian , Huang Sihao , Liu Keshu , Xiong Bin
Published: March 2020

Background: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment influence tumor initiation, invasion and metastasis. Several studies have shown that Wnt5a is mainly expressed in the tumor stroma, especially in TAMs. However, whether Wnt5a regulates the polarization and biological function of TAMs in colorectal cancer (CRC) is incompletely understood. Methods: Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect CD68 and Wnt5a expression in colorectal tissues from patients (63 CRC specimens VS 20 normal tissues). RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA and inhibitors were carried out to explore the role of Wnt5a in the polarization of TAMs. Clone formation and transwell assays were performed to determine the effects of Wnt5a–treated macrophages on tumor proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Finally, a xenograft model was applied to confirm the effects of Wnt5a + TAMs on CRC tumorigenesis. Results: We found that high Wnt5a + CD68 + /CD68 + TAMs ratio was significantly associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients and Wnt5a + TAM was an M2-like TAM subtype. Subsequently, we found that Wnt5a induced macrophages to secrete IL-10, which then acted as an autocrine cytokine to induce M2 polarization of these macrophages. IL-10 neutralizing antibody completely reversed the pro-M2 effect of Wnt5a. Mechanistically, the CaKMII-ERK1/2-STAT3 pathway was required for Wnt5a-mediated IL-10 expression in macrophages. Furthermore, Wnt5a-induced M2 macrophages promoted CRC cells proliferation, migration and invasion; knockdown of Wnt5a in TAMs significantly impaired the pro-tumor functions of TAMs. Conclusions: Our data indicate that Wnt5a could induce M2 polarization of TAMs by regulating CaKMII-ERK1/2-STAT3 pathway–mediated IL-10 secretion, ultimately promoting tumor growth and metastasis of CRC.
The effect of thranekron and autograft bone on bone defect healing in rabbit model
Authors: Sharifi Siavash , Bigham-Sadegh Amin , Oryan Ahmad , Alavi Yasmin
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, bone grafting is used in both human and veterinary orthopedics to stimulate fracture healing, accelerate arthrodesis, and to restore bone defects. In such procedures, orthopedic surgeons are searching to favorable substitute for autograft bone. The present study seeks to investigate the use of Theranekron in bone defect healing process. 20 native rabbits (male rabbits weighing approximately 2 kg and aged 1.5-2 years) were divided into 4 groups of five, and bone fragments were removed from their radius bones. In the first group, Theranekron 1mg/kg was injected into bone defect. Normal saline was injected into the same site of the five rabbits in the second group (saline treated controls). As for the third group (the untreated controls), nothing was injected. In the fourth group (autograft group), the removed bone was put in place and muscle and skin were sutured. Post op lateral x-rays were prepared on days 14, 28, 42, and 56. Bone biopsy for histopathological study was performed after 8 weeks. Radiographs and samples were analyzed statistically in terms of union, osteogenesis activity, and bone Remodeling.
Results: Radiological evaluation showed that autograft group was significantly superior to both untreated and saline treated controls (p=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). Also, Theranekron group proved better than untreated controls (p=0.04). Histopathological evaluation showed terabecular bone and bone marrow formations in Theranekron and also autograft groups. In the untreated and saline treated controls, most part of defect was filled with fibrous tissue.
Conclusion: Theranekron treated group showed almost similarly to autograft counterpart, but better than normal saline and untreated controls.
Keywords: Thranekron, Bone repair, Autograft, Rabbits
Prevalence and risk factors of acute lower respiratory infection among children living in biomass fuel using households: A community-based cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Adane Mesafint Molla , Alene Getu Degu , Mereta Seid Tiku , Wanyonyi Kristina L.
Published: March 2020

Background: Childhood acute lower respiratory infection in the form of pneumonia is recognized as the single largest cause of childhood death globally accounting for 16% of the overall deaths. Some studies also reported a higher prevalence of childhood acute respiratory infection in Ethiopia, which ranges from 16% up to 33.5%. Concerning the risk factors, there are limited community-based studies in Ethiopia in general, and in the current study region in particular. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of childhood acute respiratory infection and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: As part of the wider stove trial project, a cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2018 among a total of 5830 children aged less than four years old in randomly selected clusters. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors linked with childhood acute lower respiratory infection and adjusted odds ratios were used as measures of effect with a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 5830 children were included in the study within 100 clusters. Out of which 51.7% were male and 48.3% female. The prevalence of childhood lower acute respiratory infection was 19.2% (95% CI: 18.2-20.2) and found to decrease among children living in homes with chimney, eaves space and improved cookstove than children living in households with no chimney, eaves space and improved cookstove with estimated AOR of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.51-0.70), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.60-0.84) and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.28- 0.67) respectively. It was also associated with other cooking-related factors such as cow dung fuel use [AOR=1.54 (95% CI: 1.02-2.33)], child spending time near stove during cooking [AOR=1.41 (95% CI: 1.06-1.88), presence of extra indoor burning events [AOR= 2.19 (95% CI: 1.41-3.40)] and with frequent cooking of meals [AOR=1.55 (95% CI: 1.13- 2.13)]. Conclusion: High prevalence of childhood acute lower respiratory infection was demonstrated by this study and it was found to be associated with household ventilation, cooking technology, and behavioral factors. Therefore, we recommend a transition in household ventilation, cooking technologies as well as in child handling and in the peculiar local extra indoor burning practices.
The impaction of time from injury to surgery in functional recovery of traumatic acute subdural hematoma
Authors: Chen Shih-Han , Sun Jui-Ming , Fang Wen-Kuei
Published: March 2020

Background: The time from injury to surgery (TIS) is critical in the functional recovery of individuals with traumatic acute subdural hematoma (TASDH). However, only few studies have confirmed such notion.
Methods: The data of TASDH patients who were surgically treated in Chia-Yi Christian Hospital between January 2008 and December 2015 were collected. The significance of variables, including age, sex, traumatic mechanism, coma scale, midline shift on brain computed tomography (CT) scan, and TIS, in functional recovery was assessed using the student’s t-test, chi-square test, univariate and multivariate models, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: A total of 37 patients achieved functional recovery (outcome scale score of 4 or 5) and 33 patients had poor recovery (outcome scale score of 1–3) after at least 1 year of follow-up. No significant difference was observed in terms of age, sex, coma scale score, traumatic mechanism, or midline shift on brain CT scan between the functional and poor recovery groups. TIS was found to be significantly shorter in the functional recovery group than in the poor recovery group (145.5±27.0 vs. 181.9±54.5 minutes, P-value=0.001). TIS was a significant factor for functional outcomes in the univariate and multivariate regression models. The analysis of TIS with the ROC curve between these two groups showed that the threshold time for functional recovery in comatose patients and those with TASDH who were surgically treated was 2 hours and 57.5 minutes.
Conclusions: TIS is an important factor l for the functional recovery of comatose TASDH patients who underwent surgery.
An exploration of the complex biogeographical history of the Neotropical banner-wing damselflies (Odonata: Polythoridae)
Authors: Herrera Melissa Sanchez , Beatty Christopher , Nunes Renato , Salazar Camilo , Ware Jessica L
Published: March 2020

Background: The New World Tropics has experienced a dynamic landscape across evolutionary history and harbors a high diversity of flora and fauna. While there are some studies addressing diversification in Neotropical vertebrates and plants, there is still a lack of knowledge in arthropods. Here we examine temporal and spatial diversification patterns in the damselfly family Polythoridae, which comprises seven genera with a total of 58 species distributed across much of Central and South America. Results Our time-calibrated phylogeny for 48 species suggests that this family radiated during the early Eocene (~56 Ma), diversifying during the middle Eocene. As with other neotropical groups, the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) of most of the Polythoridae genera has a primary origin in the Northern Andes though the MRCA of at least one genus may have appeared in the Amazon Basin. Our molecular clock suggests correlations with some major geographical events, and our biogeographical modeling (with BioGeoBEARS and RASP) found a significant influence of the formation of the Pebas and Acre systems on the early diversification of these damselflies, though evidence for the influence of the rise of the different Andean ranges was mixed. Diversification rates have been uniform in all genera except one—Polythore—where a significant increase in the late Pliocene (~3 mya) may have been influenced by recent Andean uplift. Conclusion The biogeographical models implemented here suggest that the Pebas and Acre Systems were significant geological events associated with the diversification of this damselfly family; while diversification in the tree shows some correlation with mountain building events, it is possible that other abiotic and biotic changes during our study period have influenced diversification as well. The high diversification rate observed in Polythore could be explained by the late uplift of the Northern Andes. However, it is possible that other intrinsic factors like sexual and natural selection acting on color patterns could be involved in the diversification of this genus.
Long-term outcomes of uncemented or cemented arthroplasty revision following metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty failure: A retrospective observational study with a mean follow-up of 7 years
Authors: Chen Wenli , Shuai Mao , Lin Jinluan , Chen Baomin , Zhao Mingdong , Zhang Xinchao , Yu Weiguang , Han Guowei
Published: March 2020

Background: A high rate of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM-THA) has been well-known. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of patients who had undergone uncemented or cemented THA(UTHA or CTHA) following initial MoM-THA failure.Methods: Data from 234 patients (234 hips) who were treated with UTHA or CTHA following initial MoM-THA failure during 2007 - 2018 were retrospectively compared. Follow-up occurred 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and then every 1 year after conversion. The mean follow-up was 84.15 months (67 - 101 months). The primary endpoint was the Harris Hip Scores (HHS); secondary endpoint was the incidence of major orthopaedic complications.Results: The HHS demonstrated statistically greater differences in Group CTHA than in Group UTHA 12 months after conversion. From the 12th month after conversion to the final follow-up, CTHA yielded superior functional outcomes than UTHA. Between-group noteworthy differences were observed regarding the rates of re-revision, aseptic loosening, and periprosthetic fracture (10.3% for UTHA vs 2.5% for CTHA, p = 0.015; 16.3% for UTHA vs 5.9% for CTHA, p = 0.011; and 12.0% for UTHA vs 4.2% for CTHA, p = 0.045, respectively). Conclusion: In the setting of revision following initial MoM-THA failure, we found definite evidence of the superiority of CTHA over UTHA in regard to improving functional outcomes and decreasing the incidence of major orthopaedic complications.
Non-communicable diseases are key to further narrow gender gap in life expectancy in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Hanyi , Zhou Yi , Sun Lianghong , Chen Yichen , Qu Xiaobin , Chen Hua , Rajbhandari-Thapa Janani , Xiao Shaotan
Published: March 2020

Background: To address change in gender gap of life expectancy (GGLE) in Shanghai from 1973 to 2018, and to identify the major causes of death and age groups associated with the change overtime.Methods: Retrospective demographic analysis with application of Joinpoint regression to evaluate the temporal trend in GGLE. Causes of death were coded in accordance with International Classification of Diseases and mapped with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) cause list. Life table technique and decomposition method was used to express changes in GGLE.Results: Trend of GGLE in Shanghai experienced two phases ie., a decrease from 8.4 to 4.2 years in the descent phase (1973-1999) and a fluctuation between 4.0 and 4.9 years in the plateau phase (1999-2018). The reduced age-specific mortality rates tended to concentrate to a narrower age range, from age 0-9 and above 30 years in the descent phase to age above 55 years in the plateau phase. Gastroesophageal and liver cancer, communicable, chronic respiratory and digestive diseases were once the major contributors to narrow GGLE in the descent phase. While importance should be attached to a widening effect on GGLE by lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, other neoplasms like colorectal and pancreatic cancer and diabetes in recent plateau phase.Conclusions: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have made GGLE enter a plateau phase from a descent phase in Shanghai China. Public efforts to reduce excess mortalities for male NCDs, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes in particular and health policies focused on the middle-aged and elderly population might further narrow GGLE and ensure improvement in health and health equity in Shanghai China.
ATP hydrolysis determines cold tolerance by regulating available energy for glutathione synthesis in rice seedling plants
Authors: Yu Pinghui , Jiang Ning , Fu Weimeng , Zheng Guangjie , Li Guangyan , Feng Baohua , Chen Tingting , Ma Jiaying , Li Hubo , Tao Longxing , Fu Guanfu
Published: March 2020

Background: Glutathione (GSH) is important for plants to resist abiotic stress, and a large amount of energy is required in the process. However, it is not clear how the energy status affects the accumulation of GSH in plants under cold stress. Results: Two rice pure lines, Zhongzao39 (ZZ39) and its recombinant inbred line 82 (RIL82) were subjected to cold stress for 48 h. Under cold stress, RIL82 suffered more damages than ZZ39 plants, in which higher increases in APX activity and GSH content were showed in the latter than the former compared with their respective controls. This indicated that GSH was mainly responsible for the different cold tolerance between these two rice plants. Interestingly, under cold stress, greater increases in contents of carbohydrate, NAD(H), NADP(H) and ATP as well as the expression levels of GSH1 and GSH2 were showed in RIL82 than ZZ39 plants. In contrast, ATPase content in RIL82 plants was adversely inhibited by cold stress while it increased significantly in ZZ39 plants. This indicated that cold stress reduced the accumulation of GSH in RIL82 plants mainly due to the inhibition on ATP hydrolysis rather than energy deficit. Conclusion: We inferred that the energy status determined by ATP hydrolysis involved in regulating the cold tolerance of plants by controlling GSH synthesis.
Structure guided protein engineering increases enzymatic activities of the SGNH family esterases
Authors: Li Zhengyang , Li Long , Huo Yingyi , Chen Zijun , Zhao Yu , Huang Jing , Jian Shuling , Rong Zhen , Wu Di , Gan Jianhua , Hu Xiaojian , Li Jixi , Xu Xue-Wei
Published: March 2020

Background Esterases and lipases hydrolyze short-chain esters and long-chain triglycerides, respectively, and therefore play essential roles in the synthesis and decomposition of ester bonds in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Many SGNH family esterases share high similarity in sequences. However, they have distinct enzymatic activities toward the same substrates. Due to a lack of structural information, the detailed catalytic mechanisms of these esterases remain barely investigated. Results In this study, we identified two SGNH family esterases, CrmE10 and AlinE4, from marine bacteria with significantly different preferences for pH, temperature, metal ion, and organic solvent tolerance despite high sequence similarity. The crystal structures of these two esterases, including wild type and mutants, were determined to high resolutions ranging from 1.18 Å to 2.24 Å. Both CrmE10 and AlinE4 were composed of five β-strands and nine α-helices, which formed one compact N-terminal α/β globular domain and one extended C-terminal domain. The aspartic residues (D178 in CrmE10/ D162 in AlinE4) stabilized the conformations of the catalytic triad (Ser-Asp-His) in both esterases, and the metal ion Cd2+ might reduce enzymatic activity by blocking proton transfer or substrate binding. CrmE10 and AlinE4 showed distinctly different electrostatic surface potentials, despite the similar atomic architectures and a similar swap catalytic mechanism. When five negative charged residues (Asp or Glu) were mutated to residue Lys, CrmE10 obtained elevated alkaline-adaptability and significantly increased the enzymatic activity from 0% to 20% at pH 10.5. Also, CrmE10 mutants exhibited dramatic change for enzymatic properties when compared with the wide-type enzyme. Conclusions These findings offer a perspective for understanding the catalytic mechanism of different esterases and might facilitate the industrial biocatalytic applications.
Impact of Climate Factors in Modeling and Predicting the Transmission of Meningitis in Africa: The Case of Burkina Faso
Authors: Tall Haoua , Yaméogo Issaka , Novak Ryan , Ouedraogo Lionel L , Ouedraogo Ousmane , Essoh T Alima , Moisi Jennifer C , Baguinebie Bazongo , Sakande Souleymane
Published: March 2020

Background: Meningitis is a major cause of morbidity in the world. Previous studies showed that climate factors influence the occurrence of meningitis. A multiple linear regression model was developed to forecast meningitis cases in Burkina Faso using climate factors. However, the multivariate linear regression model based on times series data may produce fallacious results given the autocorrelation of errors. Aims: The aim of the study is to develop a model to quantify the effect of climate factors on meningitis cases, and then predict the expected weekly incidences of meningitis for each district. Data and methods: The weekly cases of meningitis come from the Ministry of Health and covers the period 2005-2017. Climate data were collected daily in 10 meteorological stations from 2005 to 2017 and were provided by the national meteorological Agency of Burkina Faso. An ARIMAX and a multivariate linear regression model were estimated separately for each district. Results: The multivariate linear model is inappropriate to model the number of meningitis cases due to autocorrelation of errors. With the ARIMAX Model, Temperature is significantly associated with an increase of meningitis cases in 3 of 10 districts, while relative humidity is significantly associated with a decrease of meningitis cases in 3 of the 10 districts. The effect of wind speed and precipitation is not significant at the 5% level in all 10 districts. The prediction of meningitis cases with 8 test observations provides an average absolute error ranging from 0.99 in Boromo and Bogandé to 7.22 in the district of Ouagadougou. Conclusion: The ARIMAX model is more appropriate than the multivariate linear model to analyze the dynamics of meningitis cases. Climatic factors such as temperature and relative humidity have a significant influence on the occurrence of meningitis in Burkina Faso; the temperature influences it positively and the relative humidity influences it negatively.
Regulation of TRPM8 channels by PKCβ mediates morphine-induced cold hypersensitivity.
Authors: Iftinca Mircea , Basso Lilian , Flynn Robyn , Kwok Charlie , Roland Corinne , Hassan Ahmed , Defaye Manon , Ramachandran Rithwik , Trang Tuan , Altier Christophe
Published: March 2020

Postoperative shivering and cold hypersensitivity are major side effects of acute and chronic opioid treatments respectively. TRPM8 is a cold and menthol-sensitive channel found in a subset of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptors. Deletion or inhibition of the TRPM8 channel was found to prevent the cold hyperalgesia induced by chronic administration of morphine. Here, we examined the mechanisms by which morphine was able to promote cold hypersensitivity in DRG neurons and transfected HEK cells. Mice daily injected with morphine for five days developed cold hyperalgesia. Treatment with morphine did not alter the expressions of cold sensitive TREK-1, TRAAK and TRPM8 in DRGs. However, TRPM8-expressing DRG neurons isolated from morphine-treated mice exhibited hyperexcitability. Sustained morphine treatment in vitro sensitized TRPM8 responsiveness to cold or menthol and reduced activation-evoked desensitization of the channel. Blocking phospholipase C (PLC) as well as protein kinase C beta (PKCβ), but not protein kinase A (PKA) or Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), restored channel desensitization. Identification of two PKC phosphorylation consensus sites, S1040 and S1041, in the TRPM8 and their site-directed mutation were able to prevent the MOR-induced reduction in TRPM8 desensitization. Our results show that activation of MOR by morphine 1) promotes hyperexcitability of TRPM8-expressing neurons and 2) induces a PKCβ-mediated reduction of TRPM8 desensitization. This MOR-PKCβ dependent modulation of TRPM8 may underlie the onset of cold hyperalgesia caused by repeated administration of morphine. Our findings point to TRPM8 channel and PKCβ as important targets for opioid-induced cold hypersensitivity.
Evaluating Dosimetric Constraints for Carbon Ion Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lin Lien-Chun , Jiang Guo-Liang , Ohri Nitin , Wang Zheng , Lu Jiade , Garg Madhur , Guha Chandan , Wu XIAODONG
Published: March 2020

Objective:
To identify a safe carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) regimen for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).
Methods:
We generated treatment plans for 13 consecutive, unselected patients who were treated for LAPC with CIRT at our center using three dose and fractionation schedules: 4.6 GyRBE x 12, 4.0 GyRBE x 14, and 3.0 GyRBE x 17. We tested the ability to meet published dose constraints for the duodenum, stomach, and small bowel as a function of dose schedule and distance between the tumor and organs at risk.
Results:
Using 4.6 GyRBE x 12 and 4.0 GyRBE x 14, critical (high-dose) constraints could only reliably be achieved when target volumes were not immediately adjacent to organs at risk. Critical constraints could be met in all cases using 3.0 GyRBE x 17. Low-dose constraints could not uniformly be achieved using any dose schedule.
Conclusion:
While selected patients with LAPC may be treated safely with a CIRT regimen of 4.6 GyRBE x 12, our dosimetric analyses indicate that a more conservative schedule of 3.0 GyRBE x 17 may be required to safely treat a broader population of LAPC patients, including those with large tumors and tumors that approach gastrointestinal organs at risk. The result of this work was used to guide an ongoing clinical trial.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Silver Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Nanoflakes with effective Photocatalytic Activity for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: ikram muhammad , Raza Ali , Imran Muhammad , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Shahbaz Atif , Ali Salamat
Published: March 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) was obtained through modified hummers method and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was acquired by employing heat treatment. Various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.%) of silver (Ag) were incorporated in GO nanosheets by adopting hydrothermal approach. Synthesized Ag decorated rGO photocatalyst Ag/rGO was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine phase purity and crystal structure. XRD patterns showed the formation of GO to Ag/rGO. Molecular vibration and functional groups were determined through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Optical properties and a decrease in bandgap with insertion of Ag were confirmed with UV-visible (Uv-vis.) spectrophotometer and Photoluminescence (PL). Electronic properties and disorders in carbon structures were investigated through Raman spectroscopy that revealed the existence of characteristic bands (D and G). Surface morphology of prepared samples was examined with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Homogeneous distribution, size and spherical shape of Ag NPs over rGO sheets were further confirmed with the help of High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM). Dye degradation of doped and undoped samples was examined through Uv-vis. spectra. Experimental results indicated that photocatalytic activity of Ag@rGO enhanced with increased doping ratio owing to diminished electron-hole pair recombination. Therefore, it is suggested that Ag@rGO can be used as a beneficial and superior photocatalyst to clean environment and wastewater.
The cumulative duration of bispectral index less than 40 concurrent with hypotension is associated with 90-day postoperative mortality: a retrospective study
Authors: Yoon Soohyuk , Yoo Seokha , Hur Min , Park Sun-Kyung , Lee Hyung-Chul , Jung Chul-Woo , Bahk Jae-Hyon , Kim Jin-Tae
Published: March 2020

Background The influence of intraoperative low bispectral index (BIS) values and hypotension on poor clinical outcomes has been controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of intraoperative low BIS values and hypotension on postoperative mortality in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Methods This retrospective study analyzed 1,862 cases of general anesthesia. We collected the cumulative time of BIS values below 20 and 40 as well as electroencephalographic suppression and documented the incidences in which these states were maintained for at least 5 minutes. Durations of intraoperative mean arterial pressures (MAP) less than 50 mmHg were also recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between suspected risk factors and postoperative mortality. Results Ninety-day mortality and 180-day mortality were 1.5% and 3.2% respectively. The cumulative time in minutes for BIS values falling below 40 coupled with MAP falling below 50 mmHg was associated with 90-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.53; P = .019). We found no association between BIS related values and 180-day mortality. Conclusions Delicate adjustment of anesthetic depth is important to avoid excessive brain suppression and hypotension, which could be associated with postoperative mortality.
Attitude of Nursing Students towards Internet Plus Nursing Service
Authors: Zhao Hua , Zhao Peng , Wang yanni
Published: March 2020

Background: In 2019, China completed the pilot project “Internet plus Nursing Service.” As undergraduate nursing students are the future of nursing, their attitude, willingness, and motivation toward “Internet plus Nursing Service” deserves study.The study aimed to investigate the attitude, willingness, and motivation of third-year undergraduate nursing students toward “Internet plus Nursing Service,” providing a reference for the development of “Internet plus Nursing Service” and related nursing education. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 508 third-year undergraduate nursing students from a public University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, using a self-designed survey. Results: Most students held a positive attitude towards “Internet plus Nursing Service,” and were willing to choose “Internet plus Nursing Service” as their future career choice. Conclusion: School education should develop a diversified nursing service model, and professional training programs that meet social demands and professional needs, and address the opportunities and challenges brought by the Internet era should be implemented.