bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Docetaxel vs. Novel Hormonal Agent for Upfront Management of De Novo Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Report of a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Guin Sunny , Liaw Bobby K. , Jun Tomi , Ayers Kristin , Patel Bonny , O’Connell Timmy , Deitz Matthew , Klein Michael , Mullaney Tommy , Prentice Tony , Newman Scott , Fink Marc , Zhou Xiang , Schadt Eric E . , Chen Rong , Oh William
Published: July 2021

Background: Upfront docetaxel or novel hormonal agents (NHA) such as abiraterone and enzalutamide have become the standard of care for metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). However, data comparing the efficacy of docetaxel and NHAs in this setting are limited.Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with de novo mHSPC treated with upfront docetaxel or an NHA between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2019 within the Mount Sinai Health System. Clinical data were extracted from the medical record. The primary outcome was failure-free survival (FFS), defined as the time to next treatment. The primary predictor was treatment with docetaxel or NHA. FFS was compared between the two groups using the Kaplan Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. We additionally assessed the prognostic value of post-treatment PSA.Results: We identified 94 de novo mHSPC patients; 52 and 42 treated with upfront docetaxel and NHAs, respectively. NHAs were associated with significantly longer FFS compared to docetaxel (20.7 vs. 10.1 months, p=0.023). In a multivariable model adjusting for demographics and clinical factors, docetaxel was independently associated with worse FFS compared to NHAs (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.12−3.45, p=0.019). High metastasis burden patients had a significantly longer FFS with NHAs than docetaxel (25.12 vs. 9.63 months, p=0.014), while there was no significant difference in FFS among low metastasis burden patients (NHA 20.71 vs. Docetaxel 26.5 months, p=0.9). Regardless of treatment, lower post-treatment PSA levels were associated with improved FFS (58.95 vs. 11.57 vs. 9.4 months for PSA ≤0.2, 0.2-0.4, >0.4ng/ml, respectively; p<0.001) Conclusion: Comparative analysis of real-world data demonstrated longer FFS in de novo mHSPC treated with NHA compared to docetaxel. In addition, the depth of PSA response following combination treatment may hold prognostic value for mHSPC outcomes.
Density Exponent Analysis -- A new vision towards gravitational collapse of molecular clouds
Authors: Li Guang-Xing , Zhou Ji-Xuan
Published: July 2021

The evolution of molecular interstellar clouds, during which stars form, is a complex, multi-scale process. The power-law density exponent describes the steepness of density profiles in the log-log space, and it has been used to characterize the density structures of the clouds. Its effectiveness results from the widespread emergence of power-law-like density structures in complex systems that have reached intermediate asymptotic states. However, its usage is usually limited to spherically symmetric systems. Importing the Level-Set Method, we develop a new formalism that generates robust maps of a generalized density exponent kp at every location for complex density distributions. By applying it to a high fidelity, high dynamical range map of the Perseus molecular cloud constructed using data from the Herschel and Planck satellites, we find that the density exponent exhibits a surprisingly wide range of variation (-3.5 < kp < -0.5) Regions at later stages of gravitational collapse are associated with steeper density profiles. Inside a region, gas located in the vicinities of dense structures has very steep density profiles with kp ~ -3, which form because of depletion. This density exponent analysis reveals diverse density structures in a molecular cloud, forming a coherent picture that gravitational collapse and accretion contribute to a continued steepening of the density profile. We expect our method to be effective in studying other power-law-like density structures, including the density structure of granular materials and the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe.
Surface biofunctionalization with liquid-phase plasma treatment of collagen molecules
Authors: Tanaka Shiori , Kanemura Shingo , Okumura Masaki , Iwaikawa Kazuyuki , Funamoto Kenichi , Miyaji Godai , Muraoka Takahiro , Misawa Kazuhiko , Yoshino Daisuke
Published: July 2021

Surface functionalization is a key process in rendering various materials biocompatible. Whereas a number of techniques and technologies have been developed for the purpose of biofunctionalization, plasma treatment enables highly efficient surface modification. Extending plasma treatment to biomolecules in the liquid phase will control biofunctionalization via a simple process. However, interactions between plasma discharge and biomolecules or solvents are poorly understood, potentially leading to the technical limitation as to the utility of plasma treatment. In this study, we developed a technology for substrate biofunctionalization that does not require surface modification but involves direct treatment of a collagen molecules with liquid-phase plasma discharge. Biofunctionalization of collagen by plasma treatment comprises three processes that increase its reactivity with hydrophobic substrates: (1) charge-dependent changes in surface and interfacial properties of the collagen solution; (2) local conformational changes of the collagen molecules without their global structural alterations; and (3) induction of a micelle-like association formed by collagen molecules. We anticipate such plasma-induced functionalization of protein molecules to provide a versatile technique in the applications of biomaterials, including those related to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Implementation of Supervised PCA for Global Sensitivity Analysis of Models with Correlated Inputs
Authors: Sharbaf M. A. M. J. , Abedini Mohammad Javad
Published: July 2021

Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) plays a significant role in quantifying the tangible impact of model inputs on the uncertainty of response variable. As GSA results are strongly affected by correlated inputs, several studies considered this issue, but most of them are quite time-consuming, labor-intensive, and difficult to implement. Accordingly, this paper puts forward a novel strategy based on the Supervised Principal Component analysis (Supervised PCA), benefiting from the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS). Indeed, by conducting one kind of variance-based sensitivity analysis (SA), a renowned method exclusively customized for models with orthogonal inputs, on Supervised PCA (SPCA) regression, the impact of correlation structure of input variables is effectively taken into account. The ability of the suggested technique is evaluated with five test cases as well as two hydrologic and hydraulic models, and the results are compared and contrasted with those obtained from the correlation ratio method taken as a robust benchmark solution. It is found that the proposed method satisfactorily identifies the sensitivity ordering of model inputs. Furthermore, it is proved in this study that the performance of the proposed approach is also supported by the total contribution index in the derived covariance decomposition equation. Moreover, the proposed method compared to the correlation ratio method, is found to be time efficient and easy to implement. Overall, the proposed scheme is appropriate for high dimensional, relatively nonlinear or expensive models with correlated inputs whose coefficient of determination is larger than 0.5.
Identification Hub Genes of Consensus Molecular Subtype Correlation With Immune Infiltration and Predict Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yu Bin , Yu Xin , Xiong Jianping , Ma Mei
Published: July 2021

Gastric Cancer (GC) has a great fatality rate, meanwhile, there is still a lack of available biomarkers for prognosis. The goal of the research was to discover key and novel potential biomarkers for GC. We screened for the expression of significantly altered genes based on survival rates from two consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of GC. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis showed these genes involved in many cancers. And we picked 6 hub genes that could both secreted in the tumor microenvironment and expression enhanced in immune cells. Then, Kaplan Meier survival and expression detected in the tumor pathological stage were utilized to clarify the prognostic of these 6 hub genes. The results indicated that OGN, CHRDL2, C2orf40, THBS4, CHRDL1, and ANGPTL1, respectively, were significantly associated with poor OS in GC patients. And their expression increased with cancer advanced. Moreover, immune infiltration analysis displayed that those hub genes expression positively with M2 macrophage, CD8+ T Cell, most immune inhibitors, and majority immunostimulators. In summary, our results suggested that OGN, CHRDL2, C2orf40, THBS4, CHRDL1, and ANGPTL1 were all potential biomarkers for GC prognosis and might also be potential therapeutic targets for GC.
Environmental and human health at risk – scenarios to achieve the EU’s 50% pesticide reduction goals.
Authors: Silva Vera , Yang Xiaomei , Fleskens Luuk , Ritsema Coen , Geissen Violette
Published: July 2021

The recently released Farm to Fork Strategy sets, for the first time ever, pesticide reduction goals at the EU level: 50% reduction in overall use and risk of chemical pesticides and 50% use reduction of more hazardous pesticides. However, little guidance is provided to achieve these targets. In this study, we compiled the characteristics and recommended application rates of 230 EU approved, synthetic, open-field use active substances and explored the potential of eight pesticide reduction scenarios (defined based on application rates, pesticide type, persistence, and hazard) to achieve the reduction goals. Our approach revealed that all 230 substances are potentially harmful to humans or ecosystems, and that only severe pesticide use restrictions such as full conversion to organic farming or allowing only low hazard substances will result in 50% reductions. Our results emphasis the need of an EC action plan on how to achieve and maintain the aimed reduction levels.
Identification of Appropriate Housekeeping Genes for Gene Expression Studies in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma Under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Teixeira Luiz Felipe S. , Gigliotti Rodrigo , Ferreira Luana da Silva , Bellini MARIA Helena
Published: July 2021

Background: Due to the loss of von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor function, clear renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) deregulates hypoxia pathways. Quantitative PCR is a powerful tool for quantifying differential expression between normal and cancer cells. Reliable gene expression analysis requires the use of genes encoding housekeeping genes. Therefore, in this study, eight reference candidate genes were evaluated to determine their stability in 786-0 cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Methods and Results: Four different tools were used to rank the most stable genes: GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and Comparative Ct (ΔCt), and a general ranking was performed using the RankAggreg. According to the four algorithms, the TFRC reference gene was identified as the most stable, and therefore, no agreement was observed for the 2nd and 3rd positions. A general classification was then established using the RankAggreg tool. Finally, the three most suitable reference genes to be used in 786-0 cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were TFRC, RPLP0, and SDHA. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate reliable genes that can be used in gene expression analysis in ccRcc under a hypoxic environment.
Examining the Effects of Climate Change and Political Instability on Maize Production in Somalia
Authors: Warsame Abdimalik Ali , Sheik-Ali Ibrahim Abdukadir , Barre Galad Mohamed , Ahmed Abdulnasir
Published: July 2021

Agricultural production is sensirive to climate variabilities, so climate change-agriculture sector nexus is topical in developing countries. Given that, this study models the impact of climate change variables – rainfall and temperature – on maize production in Somalia. The study also incorporates political instability as a main determinant variable of maize production. Several econometric methodologies – Johansen and juselius cointegration, Fully modified ordinary least square(FMOLS), Canonical cointegration regression(CCR), variance decomposition(VD) and impulse response function(IRF) – were espoused with a time series data spanning between 1980 and 2018. The empirical results of Johansen and juselius cointegration show that the explanatory variables are cointegrated to the maize output in the long-run. The study also revealed that average temperature and political instability significantly inhibit maize production in the long-run. Whereas rainfall has a favourable effect on maize production in the long-run. Furthermore, land degradation and land area under maize cultivation – incorporated in the model as control variables – are observed to have positive effects on maize production in the long-run. Based on these findings, the study emphesizes the importane of the de-escalation of conflicts and the implementation of irrigation facilities which will enhance the prdocutiivity of maize crop production.
Factors Influencing Breast Milk Donation To a Human Milk Bank in Iran: Implications for Policymakers and Planners
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Gholipour Kamal , Nagshi Maryam , Ahmadi Ayat , Gordeev Vladimir Sergeevich
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

World Health Organization actively promotes breastfeeding as the best nourishment source for infants and young children. However, access to human milk for all newborns is not always possible, leading to nutritional benefits deprivation or financial burden related to acquiring alternatives. Establishing human milk banks (HMB) could facilitate equitable access to donated human milk. However, various factors may impede human milk donation. This study identifies factors influencing milk donation to HMB in Iran.
Methods

We conducted a case-control study among mothers who had given birth at least one year before the study, with 51 cases (mothers who donated their milk to HMB) and 153 controls. Data were collected by a questionnaire designed to obtain retrospective information about individual health, social network, and other factors. Logistic regressions were used to examine relationships between breast milk donation and these factors. Qualitative data were collected during face-to-face interviews and analysed using a content analysis approach to elicit viewpoints of HMB senior staff and mothers on the factors influencing milk donation.
Results

Family factors, social factors, individual social welfare score, and breast milk adequacy were associated with increased milk donation. Family support for human milk donation was among the strongest predictors.
Conclusion

To establish HMB and promote human milk donation, health policy planners and makers should use strategies and policies that motivate mothers' donation to HMBs.
The Lived Experience of HIV-Infected Patients in the Face of a Positive Diagnosis of the Disease: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Zandi Shirdel , Imani Behzad , khazaei Salman , Mirzaei Mohamad
Published: July 2021

Background: AIDS as a human crisis may lead to devastating psychological trauma and stress for patients. Therefore, it is necessary to study different aspects of their lives for better support and care. Accordingly, this study aimed to explain the lived experience of HIV-infected patients in the face of a positive diagnosis of the disease.Methods: This qualitative study is a descriptive phenomenological study. Sampling was done purposefully and participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted, using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s method.Results: 12 AIDS patients participated in this study. As a result of data analysis, 5 main themes and 12 sub-themes were identified, which include: emotional shock (loathing, motivation of social isolation), the fear of the consequences (fear of the death, fear of loneliness, fear of disgrace), the feeling of the guilt (feeling of regret, feeling guilty, feeling of conscience-stricken), the discouragement (suicidal ideation, disappointment), and the escape from reality (denial, trying to hide).Conclusions: The results of this study showed that patients will experience unpleasant phenomenon in the face of the positive diagnosis of the disease and will be subjected to severe psychological pressures that require attention and support of medical and laboratory centers.
Neuroinflammatory and neurometabolic consequences from inhaled 2020 California wildfire smoke-derived particulate matter at a remote location
Authors: Scieszka David , Hunter Russell , Begay Jessica , Bitsui Marsha , Lin Yan , Galewsky Joseph , Morishita Masako , Klaver Zachary , Wagner James , Harkema Jack , Herbert Guy , Lucas Selita , McVeigh Charlotte , Bolt Alicia , Bleske Barry , Canal Christopher , Mostovenko Ekaterina , Ottens Andrew , Gu Haiwei , Campen Matthew , Noor Shahani
Published: July 2021

Utilizing a mobile laboratory located >300 km away from wildfire smoke (WFS) sources, this study examined the systemic immune response profile, with a focus on neuroinflammatory and neurometabolic consequences, resulting from inhalation exposure to naturally occurring wildfires in California and Arizona in 2020. After a 20-day exposure period, WFS-derived particulate matter inhalation resulted in significant neuroinflammation while immune activity in the peripheral (lung, bone marrow) appeared to be resolved in C57BL/6 mice. Importantly, WFS exposure increased cerebrovascular endothelial cell activation and expression of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) in addition to increased glial activation and peripheral immune cell infiltration into the brain. Flow cytometry analysis revealed proinflammatory phenotypes of microglia and peripheral immune subsets in the brain of WFS-exposed mice. Interestingly, endothelial cell neuroimmune activity was differentially associated with levels of PECAM-1 expression, suggesting that subsets of cerebrovascular endothelial cells were transitioning to resolution of inflammation following the 20-day exposure. Neurometabolites related to protection against aging, such as NAD+ and taurine, were decreased by WFS exposure. Additionally, increased pathological amyloid-beta protein accumulation, a hallmark of neurodegeneration, was observed. Neuroinflammation, together with decreased levels of key neurometabolites, have important implications in priming inflammaging and aging-related neurodegenerative phenotypes.
Bioactive nano-selenium antagonizes cobalt nanoparticle- mediated oxidative stress via the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Siqi , Wang Chen , Zhang Weinan , Fan Wentao , Liu Fan , Liu yake
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAt present, no effective treatment exists for the clinical toxicity of cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) after metal-on-metal (MOM) artificial joint replacement. As such, a better understanding of the CoNPs-toxicity mechanism is necessary and urgent for the development of effective and safe detoxification drugs. Our purpose was to explore the role of bioactive nano-selenium (BNS) in antagonizing the toxicity of CoNPs and its mechanism through the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. MethodsTo examine BNS detoxification, we exposed HUVEC cells to CoNPs (400μmol/l) and BNS (50μg/ml) for 24h, before measuring cell activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory factors, and KNA signaling pathway related transcript and protein expression. ResultsCoNPs stimulate intracellular inflammation and ROS production to bring about significant downregulation of cellular activity. Conversely, BNS reduces ROS generation and suppresses inflammatory factors within cells to reduce CoNPs-mediated cytotoxicity, possibly via the KNA signaling pathway. ConclusionsBased on our results, BNS antagonizes CoNPs toxic effects by suppressing ROS production through the KNA pathway. Our research provides new insight into the clinical treatment of CoNPs toxicity and explores the potential of BNS in detoxification therapy.
Mechanism of Electric Field Assisted Screening for Candida Tropicalis
Authors: Zhang Chaozheng , Zhang Tianshuang , Tan Peng , Zhang Xueqing , Zhao Hua
Published: July 2021

Electric field assisted technology has been widely used in many fields. Candida tropicalis degrading thiophene has been successfully screened by electric field assisted screening (EFAS). However, the mechanism of EFAS is yet unclear. In this study, the cell concentration of C. tropicalis at different locations in the electric field was studied. In the electric field, C. tropicalis cells migrate towards the cathode plate. When the loading electric field intensity was 0.6 V /cm, the concentration of cells near the cathode plate reached the maximum and it was nearly stable at 15 minutes of loading time. Analysis of the cell morphology at different locations showed that only the budding cells could migrate in the electric field. The charged characteristic of the budding cells in the electric field explained the screening mechanism of thiophene-degrading C. tropicalis by EFAS. The results can provide a theoretical foundation for EFAS in screening other biodegradable microorganisms.
Predicting the Side Effects of Drugs using Matrix Factorization on Spontaneous Reports Database
Authors: Fukuto Kohei , Takagi Tatsuya , Tian Yu-Shi
Published: July 2021

Background Drugs with severe side effects can be threatening to patients and compromise pharmaceutical companies financially. Various computational techniques have been proposed to predict the side effects of drugs, including methods that utilize chemical, biological, and phenotypic features. Among them, matrix factorization (MF), which harnesses the known side effects of different drugs, has shown promising results. However, methods encapsulating all characteristics of side-effect prediction have not been investigated thus far. To this effect, we employed the logistic matrix factorization (Logistic MF) algorithm, i.e., MF modified for implicit feedback data, on a spontaneous reports database to improve the accuracy of side-effect prediction.Results A weighting strategy was applied to account for differences in the importance of the drug-side effect pairs. The impact of the cold-start problem and means to tackle it using the attribute-to-feature mapping were also explored. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model improved the prediction accuracy by 2.3% and efficiently handled the cold-start problem.Conclusion The proposed methodology is envisaged to benefit applications such as warning systems in clinical settings.
Therapeutic Management of VA-ECMO Support for Cardiogenic Shock: Case Report.
Authors: Yang Hongfeng , Yan Jun , Yu Zhixin , Cai Yan , Jin Zhaochen
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Cardiogenic shock is considered a serious stage of heart disease, and there is no better way to treat this. Veno-arterial Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a well-established technology that can be used as potential life-saving measures in patients who present with cardiac arrest or severe hemodynamic instability by improving organ perfusion and oxygenation. However, it is usually complex and needs individualized decisions in a multidisciplinary approach to manage patients receiving Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, as defined clinical condition’s protocols are still lacking. Case presentation: one patient was a 44-year-old man with out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation was transferred to our hospital after initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In the emergency department, he presented with ST-segment elevation extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock with paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. After transfer to intensive care unit, VA-ECMO was implanted due to worsening cardiogenic shock and recovered slowly thereafter. Another patient was a 58-year-old woman presented refractory hypotension. As a bridge-therapy, VA-ECMO support was implanted and then the patient was taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory where she experienced Percutaneous coronary intervention and implanted a drug-eluting stent in the right coronary artery. Due to acute kidney injury, continuous renal replacement therapy was given to facilitate the control of fluid access balance, the removal of inflammatory media.Conclusion: VA-ECMO is not only used as a temporary treatment strategy for cardiogenic shock, but also as a bridge-therapy. It is important to focus on the improve the success rate of VA-ECMO treatment and avoid complications.
A Pilot Study of Ponatinib in Patients With FGFR-Altered Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ahn Daniel H. , Junior Pedro Luiz Serrano Uson , Masci Peter , Kosiorek Heidi , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Mody Kabir , Babiker Hani , DeLeon Thomas , Sonbol Mohamad Bassam , Gores Gregory , Smoot Rory , Bekaii-Saab Tanios , Mahipal Amit , Mansfield Aaron , Tran Nguyen H , Hubbard Joleen M , Borad Mitesh J.
Published: July 2021

Background:Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are rare, chemo resistant and are associated with a poor prognosis. Preclinical and early clinical work had demonstrated interesting anti-tumor activity from targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathway. We hypothesized that ponatinib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against FGFR, would be active in BTC patients with FGFR alterations.Methods:This was a multi-center, single institution pilot study of ponatinib in patients with advanced, refractory BTC with FGFR alterations. The primary end point was overall response rate, with secondary points of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) assessment. Results:Twelve patients were enrolled prior to early termination of the trial. Clinical benefit (defined as complete/partial response + stable disease) of 45.5% was observed. All observed toxicities were manageable and reversible. Toxicities were mild, with lymphopenia (75%), rash (63%) and fatigue (50%) being the most frequent. No significant detriment in global QoL was observed.Conclusions:Ponatinib as a single agent in FGFR altered BTC is tolerable with very modest clinical activity. This is the first report of prospective assessment of FGFR inhibition in BTC using ponatinib, and the first study to report its effect on HRQoL. Further development of ponatinib will involve correlative studies to better refine patient selection, focus on combinations with other molecular targeted agents, conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, and studies to better understand mechanisms of treatment resistance.
Measurement-based Investigation of the DC and RF Transconductance for Various HEMT Technologies in High-and Low-temperature Conditions
Authors: Alim Mohammad Abdul , Jarndal Anwar , Gaquiere Christophe , Crupi Giovanni
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this experimental study is to evaluate quantitatively the impact of the temperature on the behavior of various high electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) technologies through the analysis of the DC and RF transconductance. The experimental data are reported for six different HEMT devices, in order to develop a comparative analysis based on various technologies, including gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) materials, matched and pseudomorphic HEMTs, single- (S-H) and double-heterojunction (D-H) HEMTs, and both virgin and multi-layer devices. The reported findings show that the impact of the ambient temperature on the HEMT behavior strongly depend on the tested technology and operating conditions. As a matter of fact, a higher temperature can lead to increased or degraded transconductance, depending on the device technologies and bias point. In the GaAs-based devices, an operating bias condition at which the DC and RF transconductance are temperature insensitive can be defined, owing to two-opposite temperature-dependent effects counteracting with each other.
A CpGs Methylation Signature as Potential Marker for Early Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma from HBV-Related Liver Disease using Multiplex Bisulfite Sequencing
Authors: Li Kang , Song Yi , Qin Ling , Li Ang , Jiang Sanjie , Ren Lei , Zang Chaoran , Sun Jianping , Zhao Yan , Zhang Yonghong
Published: July 2021

Background: Aberrant methylation of CpG sites severed as epigenetic marker for building diagnostic, prognostic, and recurrence models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:Using Illumina 450K and EPIC Beadchip, we identified 34 CpG sites in peripheral blood mononuclear cell(PBMC) DNA that were differentially methylatedin early HCCversusHBV-related liver diseases (HBVLD). We employed multiplex bisulfite sequencing (MBS) based onnext-generation sequencing (NGS) to measure methylation of 34 CpG sites in PBMC DNA from 654 patients that were divided into a training set (n = 442), a test set (n = 212). Using training set, we selected and built a six-CpG-scorer (including cg14171514, cg07721852, cg05166871, cg18087306, cg05213896, and cg18772205), applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. We performed multivariable analyses of four candidate risk predictors (including six-CpG-scorer, age, sex, AFP level), using 20 times imputation of missing data, non-linearly transformed and backwards feature selection with logistic regression. The final model’s regression coefficients were calculated according to “Rubin's Rules”. The diagnostic accuracy of model was internally validated with10000 bootstrap validation dataset, and then applied to thetest set for validation.Results:The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the model was 0.81(95%CI, 0.77-0.85) and it showed good calibration, decision curve analysis. Using enhanced bootstrap validation, adjusted C-statistics and adjusted brier score was 0.809 and 0.199, respectively. The model also showed AUROC value of 0.84 (95% CI 0.79-0.88) of diagnosis for early HCC in test set.Conclusions:Our model basing onsix-CpG-scorer was a reliable diagnosis tool for early HCC from HBVLD.The usage of MBS method can realize large-scale detection of CpGsites in clinical diagnosis of early HCCand benefit the majority of patients.
Athletic Trainers’ Viewpoints of Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Wilson Carly J. , Eberman Lindsey E. , Redinger Ansley S. , Neil Elizabeth R. , Winkelmann Zachary K.
Published: July 2021

Background

The core competency of patient-centered care (PCC) states that for positive patient outcomes, the provider must respect the patient’s views and recognize their experiences. The Athletic Training Strategic Alliance Research Agenda Task Force identified a profession-wide belief that examining the extent to which athletic trainers (ATs) provide PCC in their clinical practice would benefit the profession. To first address this line of inquiry, we must study the subjectivity of how ATs view PCC.
Methods

We used Q methodology to allow participants to share their viewpoints while simultaneously exploring the study aim from a quantitative and qualitative perspective. A total of 115 (males = 62, females = 53, age = 37 ± 10 y, experience = 13 ± 10 y) ATs dispersed between 11 job settings volunteered for this study. Participants were asked to pre-sort (agree, disagree, neutral) 36 validated statements representing the 8 dimensions of PCC. The participants completed a Q-sort where they dragged-and-dropped the pre-sorted statements based on perceived importance in providing PCC. The Q-sorts were analyzed using QMethod software. A principal component analysis was used to identify statement rankings and factors. Factors were determined by an Eigenvalue > 1 and analyzed using a scree plot. The 6 highest selected statements per factor were assessed to create the distinguishing viewpoints.
Results

Two distinguishing viewpoints emerged from the Q-sorts. The statement “ATs treat patients with dignity and respect” appeared as a high ranked statement in both distinguishing viewpoints. The lowest ranked statement from viewpoint 1 was “ATs integrate the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model as a framework for delivery of patient care.” The lowest ranked statement from viewpoint 2 was “Appointment scheduling is easy.”
Conclusions

ATs value patient’s preferences. However, a lack of importance was identified for incorporating the ICF model, which is a core competency and adopted framework by the NATA since 2015.
Human DNA AI Model to Predict COVID-19 Symptomatic or Asymptomatic Percentages
Authors: Martinez Peter Oropeza , Rosas-Vargas Haydeé , Gaggero-Sager Luis
Published: July 2021

The current paper proposes to use convolutional neural networks (CNN) to analyze human genome single nucleotide variants (SNVs) from nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and
mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) presented as a 2D image structure to understand if the answer to COVID-19 severities can be found in the human genome. That methodology was implemented with 447 Mexican population samples. From the results, two main groups were formed divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic cases composed of 80.986% and 19.014% respectively and the model was validated through an online survey of individuals, giving a 91.89% of accuracy.
Ethamsylate attenuates mutilated secondary pathogenesis and exhibits a neuroprotective role in experimental model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Dolma Sonam , Adhikari Kirti , Mamidi Teena , Roy Abhishek , Pathak Zarna , Kumar Hemant
Published: July 2021

Deficits in the neuronal connection that succumbs to the impairment of sensory and motor neurons are the hallmarks of spinal cord injury (SCI). Secondary pathogenesis, which initiates after the primary mechanical insult to the spinal cord, depicts a pivotal role in producing inflammation, lesion formation and ultimately causes fibrotic scar formation in the chronic period. This fibrotic scar formed acts as a major hindrance in facilitating axonal regeneration and is one of the root causes of motor impairment. Cascade of secondary events in SCI begins with injury-induced blood spinal cord barrier rupture that promotes increased migration of neutrophils, macrophages, and other inflammatory cells at the injury site to initiate the secondary damages. This phenomenon leads to the release of matrix metalloproteinase, cytokines and chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and other proteolytic enzymes at the lesion site. These factors assist in the activation of TGF-β1 signalling pathway, which further leads to excessive proliferation of perivascular fibroblast, followed by deposition of collagen and fibronectin matrix, which are the main components of the fibrotic scar. Subsequently, this scar formed inhibits the propagation of action potential from one neuron to adjacent neurons. Ethamsylate, an anti-hemorrhagic drug, has the potential to maintain early hemostasis as well as restores capillary resistance. Therefore, we hypothesized that ethamsylate, by virtue of its anti-hemorrhagic activity, reduces hemorrhagic ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis, maintains the blood spinal cord barrier integrity, and decreases secondary damage severity, thereby reduce the extent of fibrotic scar formation, and demonstrates a neuroprotective role in SCI.
The Topographic Representation of Time and its Link with Temporal Context and Perception
Authors: Kulashekhar Shrikanth , Maass Sarah , Rijn Hedderik Van , Bueti Domenica
Published: July 2021

Neuronal tuning and topography are mechanisms widely used in the brain to represent not only sensory information but also abstract features like numerosity and time. In humans, temporal topography has been shown recently in a wide circuit of brain regions, from lateral occipital to inferior parietal and premotor regions. However, it remains unclear whether chronotopic maps are specific to vision, whether they map time in an absolute or relative fashion, and to what extent they reflect objective or subjective, perceived time and whether they are influenced by temporal context. Here we asked human participants to reproduce the durations of sounds in two, partially overlapping, temporal contexts while we recorded high-spatial resolution fMRI. Both model-based and data driven analysis approaches show the presence of auditory chronomaps in the auditory parabelt, intraparietal sulcus, and in the supplementary motor area (SMA). Most importantly, when the same physical duration is presented in different temporal contexts, and thus perceived differently, different neuronal units respond to it. Those units were also spatially shifted on the cortical surface according to the relative position of the perceived duration within each context. Finally, voxels did not change their preferences across contexts and their pattern of activity was more similar within rather than across them, suggesting a pivotal role of the context in shaping the maps. These results highlight two important properties of human chronomaps: their flexibility of representation due to perception and their dependency on temporal context.
Host traits and evolution shape key coral-bacterial symbioses
Authors: Ricci Francesco , Tandon Kshitij , Black Jay , Cao Kim-Ahn Lê , Blackall Linda , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: July 2021

The success of tropical scleractinian corals depends on their ability to establish symbioses with microbial partners. Host traits and evolution are known to shape the coral microbiome, but to what extent they affect its composition remains unclear. Here, by using twelve coral species representing the complex and robust clades, we show that functional traits and host evolutionary history explain 14% of the tissue and 13% of the skeletal microbiome composition, providing evidence that these predictors contribute to shaping the holobiont in terms of the presence and abundance of key bacterial species. Additionally, our study shows that the coral tissue and skeleton are dominated by rare bacteria and the skeleton can function as a microbial reservoir. Together, we provide novel insights into the processes driving coral-bacterial symbioses along with an improved understanding of the scleractinian tissue and skeleton microbiome.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Cambodia (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger
Published: July 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to energy system modelling, causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Cambodia, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Few Canadian children and youth were meeting the 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines 6-months into the COVID-19 pandemic: Follow-up from a national study
Authors: Moore Sarah A , Faulkner Guy , Rhodes Ryan E , Vanderloo Leigh M , Ferguson Leah J , Guerrero Michelle D , Brussoni Mariana , Mitra Raktim , O’Reilly Norm , Spence John C , Chulak-Bozzer Tala , Tremblay Mark S
Published: July 2021

Daily life has changed for families due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this repeated cross-sectional study was to describe movement behaviours in Canadian children and youth six months into the pandemic (T2; October 2020) compared with the start of the pandemic (T1, April 2020). An online survey was distributed to parents (N = 1568) of children and/or youth (5–17 years; 58% girls) in October 2020. The survey assessed changes in movement behaviours [physical activity (PA) and play, sedentary behaviours (SB), and sleep] from before the pandemic to October 2020 (T2). We compared these data to spring data (T1; April 2020; Moore et al., 2020) collected using identical methodology (N = 1472; 54% girls). We report correlations between movement behaviours and relevant parental factors and provide word frequency distributions for open-ended responses. During the second wave, 4.5% of children (4.6% girls; 4.3% boys) and 1.9% of youth (1.3% girls, 2.4% boys) met the movement guidelines (3.1% overall). Whereas, during the first wave, 4.8% (2.8% girls, 6.5% boys) of children and 0.6% (0.8% girls, 0.5% boys) of youth were meeting combined guidelines (2.6% overall). Parental support was correlated with their child’s movement behaviours (T1 and T2). Our study demonstrates the ongoing challenges for children and youth to engage in healthy movement during the pandemic.
The Role of the Church in Efforts to Improve the Economy of Indigenous Peoples in Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Junaedi I Wayan Ruspendi , Waruwu Dermawan , Damayana I Wayan , Utama I Gusti Bagus Rai
Published: July 2021

The novelty of this research is to prove that the community has been unable to encourage and motivate entrepreneurship growth to improve the economy of indigenous peoples in Papua. This research was carried out in-depth in Papua using descriptive qualitative methods using extensive interviews, observations, and secondary data techniques. The results of the study show that the efforts of the Indonesian Christian Church in Papua to improve the economy of indigenous peoples at both synods, classical, and community levels are still small. The community is currently facing challenges internally and externally. You are grappling with the global Covid-19 pandemic situation. Internet problems still exist in many areas of Papua, making communication even more difficult. To improve the economy of the indigenous peoples, the community tries to implement a common empowerment strategy and strategic steps, namely an open heart-to-heart dialogue between all church components internally at different levels. What is required is a concrete problem mapping with a priority scale and the ability to implement strategic indigenous economic development programs, and supported by appropriate support according to the regional or usual context. At the same time, the community must prepare competent human resources in its areas for long-term economic development.
Differential impact of liana colonization on the leaf functional traits of co-occurring deciduous and evergreen trees
Authors: pandi vivek , Babu Kanda Naveen
Published: July 2021

The present study was carried out to analyse the leaf functional traits of co-occurring evergreen and deciduous tree species in a tropical dry scrub forest. This study also intended to check whether the species with contrasting leaf habits differ in their leaf trait plasticity, responding to the canopy-infestation by lianas. A total of 12 leaf functional traits were studied for eight tree species with contrasting leaf habits (evergreen and deciduous) and liana-colonization status (Liana+ and Liana−). In the liana-free environment (L−), evergreen trees had significantly higher specific leaf mass (LMA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) than the deciduous species. Whereas, the deciduous trees had higher specific leaf area (SLA) and mass-based leaf nitrogen concentration (Nmass). The leaf trait-pair relationship in the present study agreed to the well-established global trait-pair relationships (SLA Vs Nmass, Lth Vs SLA, Nmass Vs Lth, Nmass Vs LDMC, LDMC Vs SLA). There was no significant difference between L+ and L− individuals in any leaf functional traits studied in the deciduous species. However, evergreen species showed marked differences in the total chlorophyll content (Chlt), chlorophyll b (Chlb), SLA, and LMA between L+ and L− individuals of the same species. Deciduous species with the acquisitive strategy can have a competitive advantage over evergreen species in the exposed environment (L−) whereas, evergreen species with shade-tolerant properties were better acclimated to the shaded environments (L+). The result revealed the patterns of convergence and divergence in some of the leaf functional traits between evergreen and deciduous species. The results also showed the differential impact of liana colonization on the host trees with contrasting leaf habits. Therefore, liana colonization can significantly impact the C-fixation strategies of the host trees by altering their light environment. Further, the magnitude of such impact may vary among species of different leaf habits. The increased proliferation of lianas in the tropical forest canopies may pose a severe threat to the whole forest carbon assimilation rates.
An intelligent environment for manufacturing creative-aesthetic products
Authors: Bertacchini Francesca , Pantano Pietro S. , Bilotta Eleonora
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Reabilitação protética de dente posterior com coroa metaloceramica e retentor intrarradicular: relato de caso
Authors: Souza Gerbson Rodrigues de , Cruz Jose Henrique de Araújo , Santos Yanna Carla Mendes , Nunes Itamar da Silva , Carneiro Joyce Reis , Freitas Evelinne Costa , Ribeiro Rodrigo Alves , Rodrigues Rodrigo Araújo
Published: July 2021

A Odontologia busca soluções para a reabilitação de elementos tratados endodonticamente que normalmente se apresentam frágeis, devido a sua perca de estrutura pela cárie, e através do procedimento endodôntico, o que torna este remanescente mais frágil.  Havendo assim em alguns casos a necessidade de se utilizar pinos intrarradiculares, e nesse caso os pinos pré-fabricados ganham espaço pelo seu uso fácil e rápido, baixo custo e não necessidade de confecção em laboratório, possibilitando o reforço a estrutura dental e promovendo uma ideal reabilitação. A paciente apresentava um elemento dental com tratamento endodôntico que após fratura da restauração coronária se apresentava sem estrutura, relatando insegurança e insatisfação com a estética dentária e funcionalidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o procedimento reabilitador em prótese dentária de uma coroa metalocerâmica sobre retentor, pino de fibra de vidro, em um elemento de número 14, destacando os materiais utilizados e a técnica de confecção, desde a desobturação do canal de escolha para inserção do pino, confecção do núcleo em resina composta até a instalação da coroa metalocerâmica. No caso clinico descrito o uso do pino de fibra de vidro se apresenta como um material de maior resistência e uma retenção ideal no interior do canal, através da sua excelente fixação com cimentos resinosos. A utilização de retentores intrarradiculares se torna essencial no tratamento reabilitador em elementos cujo seu remanescente está comprometido pela perca de estrutura dental.