bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Experimental Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection Acquired by Three Individual Routes of Infection in the Common Marmoset
Authors: Nelson Michelle , O’Brien Lyn M. , Davies Carwyn , Keyser Emma , Butcher Wendy , Smither Sophie J. , Nunez Alejandro , Salguero F. Javier , Lever M. Stephen
Published: December 2021

Middle East respiratory syndrome is caused by a human coronavirus, MERS-CoV, similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Humans typically exhibit fever, cough, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues, and breathing difficulties, which can lead to pneumonia and/or renal complications.
Autotoxin Rg
1
Induces Degradation of Root Cell Walls and Aggravates Root Rot by Modifying the Rhizospheric Microbiome
Authors: Xu Yanguo , Yang Min , Yin Rong , Wang Luotao , Luo Lifen , Zi Bianxian , Liu Haijiao , Huang Huichuan , Liu Yixiang , He Xiahong , Zhu Shusheng
Published: December 2021

The accumulation of autotoxins and pathogens in soil has been reported as a primary driver of root rot disease and one of the key factors limiting sustainable development in agricultural production. However, less is known about the correlation of plants, their associated pathogens, and the microbiota mediated by autotoxins, as well as the contributions autotoxins make to the occurrence of root rot disease.
Bacteriophage-Mediated Modulation of Bacterial Competition during Selective Enrichment of Campylobacter
Authors: Kim Jinshil , Hur Jeong In , Ryu Sangryeol , Jeon Byeonghwa
Published: December 2021

Phages are promising antimicrobial alternatives. In this study, we first demonstrated that phages can be used to facilitate selective isolation of fastidious bacteria that are prone to be outgrown by bacterial competitors during isolation.
Interferon-γ-Inducible Protein 10 (IP-10) Kinetics after Antiretroviral Treatment Initiation in Ethiopian Adults with HIV
Authors: Thorman Johannes , Björkman Per , Marrone Gaetano , Tolera Balcha Taye , Tesfaye Fregenet , Abdissa Tamene , Naniche Denise , Medstrand Patrik , Reepalu Anton
Published: December 2021

To reach the goal of elimination of HIV as public health threat, access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) has to be further scaled up. To ensure viral suppression in individuals receiving ART, novel and robust systems for treatment monitoring are required.
Evaluation of Sample Preservation and Storage Methods for Metaproteomics Analysis of Intestinal Microbiomes
Authors: Mordant Angie , Kleiner Manuel
Published: December 2021

Metaproteomics is a powerful tool to study the intestinal microbiome. By identifying and quantifying a large number of microbial, dietary, and host proteins in microbiome samples, metaproteomics provides direct evidence of the activities and functions of microbial community members.
In Vitro
Evaluation of the Activity of Aztreonam-Avibactam against 341 Recent Clinical Isolates of Anaerobes
Authors: Snydman David R. , McDermott Laura
Published: December 2021

This work shows that aztreonam-avibactam lacks activity against anaerobic organisms.
Whole-lithosphere shear during oblique rifting
Authors: Lutz Brandon M. , Axen Gary J. , van Wijk Jolante W. , Phillips Fred M.
Published: December 2021

Processes controlling the formation of continental whole-lithosphere shear zones are debated, but their existence requires that the lithosphere is mechanically coupled from base to top. We document the formation of a dextral, whole-lithosphere shear zone in the Death Valley region (DVR), southwest United States. Dextral deflections of depth gradients in the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and Moho are stacked vertically, defining a 20–50-km-wide, lower lithospheric shear zone with ~60 km of shear. These deflections underlie an upper-crustal fault zone that accrued ~60 km of dextral slip since ca. 8–7 Ma, when we infer that whole-lithosphere shear began. This dextral offset is less than net dextral offset on the upper-crustal fault zone (~90 km, ca. 13–0 Ma) and total upper-crustal extension (~250 km, ca. 16–0 Ma). We show that, before ca. 8–7 Ma, weak middle crust decoupled upper-crustal deformation from deformation in the lower crust and mantle lithosphere. Between 16 and 7 Ma, detachment slip thinned, uplifted, cooled, and thus strengthened the middle crust, which is exposed in metamorphic core complexes collocated with the whole-lithosphere shear zone. Midcrustal strengthening coupled the layered lithosphere vertically and therefore enabled whole-lithosphere dextral shear. Where thick crust exists (as in pre–16 Ma DVR), midcrustal strengthening is probably a necessary condition for whole-lithosphere shear.
Two-step versus 1-step subretinal injection to compare subretinal drug delivery: a randomised study protocol
Authors: Simunovic Matthew P , Shao Emily H , Osaadon Perach , Sasongko Muhammad Bayu , Too Lay Khoon
Published: December 2021

Introduction

There is increasing interest in subretinal injections as a surgical procedure, largely as a result of emerging treatments for ocular diseases which necessitate this manoeuvre. However, surgical variables in the efficacy of such treatments have to date been largely overlooked and the proportion of drug which reaches the intended compartment of the subretinal space remains unknown. Our aims are twofold: first, to determine the proportion of subretinally injected medication retained following surgical delivery and second, to compare two different techniques of injection (‘1-step’ vs ‘2-step’).

Methods

We outline a randomised controlled trial of subretinal injection of alteplase following vitrectomy for the management of submacular haemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Patients will be randomised to receive either 1-step injection, where the therapeutic solution simultaneously defines the surgical plane or 2-step injection, where the surgical plane is first identified with balanced salt solution prior to injection of subretinal alteplase, as outlined below. Sodium fluorescein will be used as an optical label to track drug reflux into the vitreous cavity using quantitative protocols established in our laboratory. All patients will undergo fluid air exchange at the completion of surgery, with injection of bevacizumab 1.25 mg and 20% sulfahexafluoride gas as the vitreous substitute (both of which may help improve outcomes). Alteplase, sodium fluorescein and bevacizumab will all be used for off-label indications in the trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC 17/092). The results of this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed proceedings (associated with conference presentation) and in scholarly journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619001121156.
Cross-sectional study on the characteristics of unrecorded alcohol consumption in nine newly independent states between 2013 and 2017
Authors: Probst Charlotte , Manthey Jakob , Ferreira-Borges Carina , Neufeld Maria , Rakovac Ivo , Andreasyan Diana , Sturua Lela , Novik Irina , Hagverdiyev Gahraman , Obreja Galina , Altymysheva Nurila , Ergeshov Muhammet , Shukrov Shukhrat , Saifuddinov Safar , Rehm Jürgen
Published: December 2021

Objectives

As unrecorded alcohol use contributes to a substantial burden of disease, this study characterises this phenomenon in newly independent states (NIS) of the former Soviet Union with regard to the sources of unrecorded alcohol, and the proportion of unrecorded of total alcohol consumption. We also investigate associated sociodemographic characteristics and drinking patterns.

Design

Cross-sectional data on overall and unrecorded alcohol use in the past 7 days from WHO STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) surveys. Descriptive statistics were calculated at the country level, hierarchical logistic and linear regression models were used to investigate sociodemographic characteristics and drinking patterns associated with using unrecorded alcohol.

Setting

Nine NIS (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) in the years 2013–2017.

Participants

Nationally representative samples including a total of 36 259 participants.

Results

A total of 6251 participants (19.7%; 95% CI 7.9% to 31.5%) reported alcohol consumption in the past 7 days, 2185 of which (35.1%; 95% CI 8.2% to 62.0%) reported unrecorded alcohol consumption with pronounced differences between countries. The population-weighted average proportion of unrecorded consumption in nine NIS was 8.7% (95% CI 5.9% to 12.4%). The most common type of unrecorded alcohol was home-made spirits, followed by home-made beer and wine. Older (45–69 vs 25–44 years) and unemployed (vs employed) participants had higher odds of using unrecorded alcohol. More nuanced sociodemographic differences were observed for specific types of unrecorded alcohol.

Conclusions

This contribution is the first to highlight both, prevalence and composition of unrecorded alcohol consumption in nine NIS. The observed proportions and sources of unrecorded alcohol are discussed in light of local challenges in policy implementation, especially in regard to the newly formed Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as some but not all NIS are in the EAEU.
Design and evaluation of strategies to implement HIV prevention interventions for pregnant women in community pharmacy settings in western Kenya: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Mugambi Melissa Latigo , Baeten Jared M , Kinuthia John , Hauber Brett , Weiner Bryan J , John-Stewart Grace , Barnabas Ruanne Vanessa
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Community pharmacies play an important role in the healthcare system: they are frequently accessed and have increasing capacity to deliver HIV prevention services. In communities where the prevalence of HIV is high and access to antenatal care clinics is delayed or irregular, there is a unique opportunity to leverage pharmacies to enhance early and sustained access to HIV prevention among pregnant women. This study will identify women’s preferences for delivery of HIV prevention services and provider-level and system-level strategies to design a new pharmacy-based model of care for pregnant women. The overall objective of this study is to design and evaluate strategies to implement HIV prevention interventions for pregnant women in community pharmacy settings in western Kenya.

Methods and analysis

We propose to conduct a discrete choice experiment to quantify preferences for delivery of HIV prevention interventions (including pre-exposure prophylaxis, partner testing and sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment) for pregnant women in community pharmacy settings. Latent class analysis will be used to quantify women’s stated preferences and identify packages of intervention components that will optimise uptake among different subgroups of women. We will apply the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify provider-level and system-level factors that might influence the implementation of the optimal intervention packages. We will then use the Behaviour Change Wheel and survey a panel of experts to select and gain consensus on strategies to improve implementation. Finally, we will evaluate the potential costs of extending the implementation of HIV prevention interventions from the clinic to community pharmacy settings.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the Kenyatta National Hospital-University of Nairobi Ethics Research Committee and the University of Washington Institutional Review Board. The results of this research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and shared with various stakeholders, including community members, policymakers and researchers, through local and international conferences.
Impact of Medicare prescription drug (Part D) coverage expansion on utilisation and financial burden of benzodiazepines among older adults: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Li Minghui , Yuan Jing , Dezfuli Chelsea , Lu Z Kevin
Published: December 2021

Objective

Benzodiazepines were excluded from Medicare Part D coverage since its introduction in 2006. Part D expanded coverage for benzodiazepines in 2013. The objective was to examine the impact of Medicare Part D coverage expansion on the utilisation and financial burden of benzodiazepines in older adults.

Design

Interrupted time series with a control group.

Setting

Nationally representative sample.

Participants

53 150 468 users of benzodiazepines and 21 749 749 users of non-benzodiazepines (an alternative therapy) from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey between the pre-expansion (2006–2012) and post-expansion (2013–2017) periods.

Intervention

Medicare Part D coverage expansion on benzodiazepines.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Annual rate of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines, average number of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines and average cost of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines.

Results

After Medicare Part D coverage expansion, the level of the annual rate of benzodiazepines increased by 8.20% (95% CI: 6.07% to 10.32%) and the trend decreased by 1.03% each year (95% CI: −1.77% to −0.29%). The trend of the annual rate of non-benzodiazepines decreased by 0.72% each year (95% CI: −1.11% to −0.33%). For the average number of benzodiazepines, the level increased by 0.67 (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.82) and the trend decreased by 0.10 each year (95% CI: −0.15 to –0.05). For the average number of non-benzodiazepines, the level decreased by 0.11 (95% CI: −0.21 to –0.01) and the trend decreased by 0.04 each year (95% CI: −0.08 to –0.01). No significant level and trend changes were identified for the average cost of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines.

Conclusions

After Medicare Part D coverage expansion, there was a sudden increase in the utilisation of benzodiazepines and a decreasing trend in the long-term. The increase in the utilisation of benzodiazepines did not add a financial burden to older adults. As an alternative therapy, the utilisation of non-benzodiazepines decreased following the coverage expansion.
Gender-specific prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease among government employees in Tianjin, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Ya-Ping , Zhang Shi , Zhang Minying , Wang Yi , Wang Wen-Hong , Li Jing , Li Chunjun , Lin Jing-Na
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To explore the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in Tianjin government employees of different genders.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Health Management Center of Tianjin Union Medical Center.

Participants

16 924 government employees (59.6% male).

Measures

Ultrasound liver examination was performed to determine whether there is fat accumulation in the organ. Participants’ weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

Results

The overall prevalence of MAFLD in this population was 40.76%. The rates were significantly higher in men (49.42%) than in women (27.97%). The prevalence of MAFLD was highest in men aged 40–49 years (54.04%) and women aged 60–69 years (43.44%). In all BMI groups, the prevalence was higher in men than that in women. In both genders, higher BMI was associated with the risk of MAFLD, especially for BMI ≥31.9 kg/m2.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MAFLD in government employees in Tianjin was significantly higher than the average level in China. The prevalence varied by sex and age group, and those with high BMI were at the highest risk of developing MAFLD.
Women’s experiences of the Odon Device to assist vaginal birth and participation in intrapartum research: a qualitative study in a maternity unit in the Southwest of England
Authors: Hotton Emily J , Blencowe Natalie S , Lenguerrand Erik , Draycott Tim J , Crofts Joanna F , Wade Julia
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate women’s experiences of having a birth assisted by the Odon Device (an innovative device for assisted vaginal birth) and participation in intrapartum research.

Design

Qualitative semistructured interviews and observations undertaken in the context of case study work embedded in the ASSIST feasibility study.

Setting

A tertiary referral National Health Service (NHS) maternity unit in the Southwest of England, between 8 October 2018 and 26 January 2019.

Participants

Eight women, four operators and 11 midwives participated with eight observations of the assisted vaginal birth, eight interviews with women in the postnatal period, 39 interviews/reflections with operators and 19 interviews with midwives. Women in the case study research were recruited from participants in the main ASSIST Study.

Intervention

The Odon Device, an innovative device for assisted vaginal birth.

Results

Thirty-nine case studies were undertaken. Triangulation of data sources (participant observation, interviews with women, operators and midwives) enabled the exploration of women’s experiences of the Odon Device and recruitment in the intrapartum trial. Experiences were overwhelmingly positive. Women were motivated to take part by a wish for a kinder birth, and because they perceived both the recruitment and research processes (including observation) to be highly acceptable, regardless of whether the Odon-assisted birth was successful or not.

Conclusions

Interviews and observations from multiple stakeholders enabled insight into women’s experiences of an innovative device for assisted vaginal birth. Applying these qualitative methods more broadly may illuminate perspectives of key stakeholders in future intrapartum intervention research and beyond.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10203171;ASSIST Study registration;https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10203171.
Medical cannabis for severe treatment resistant epilepsy in children: a case-series of 10 patients
Authors: Zafar Rayyan , Schlag Anne , Phillips Lawrence , Nutt David J
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To report the findings of a case-series of 10 children suffering with intractable epilepsies in the UK to determine the feasibility for using whole-plant cannabis medicines to treat seizures in children.

Setting

This study was conducted retrospectively through collecting clinical data from caretakers and clinicians on study outcome variables. Participants were recruited through the MedCann Support and End our Pain charity groups which are patient representative groups that support children who are using medical cannabis to treat their epilepsies. Medicines were prescribed to patients by clinicians in both National Health Service and private medical practices. Follow-up calls were conducted throughout the period January 2021 to May 2021 to keep data recorded up to date.

Participants

Ten children, 18 years old or under, with intractable epilepsies were recruited from two charities. There were no limitations on diagnosis, sex or ethnic origin.

Interventions

Participants were treated with a range of whole-plant medical cannabis oils. Individual dosing regimens were determined by clinicians.

Primary outcome measure

The primary outcome measure was seizure frequency.

Results

Seizure frequency across all 10 participants reduced by 86% with no significant adverse events. Participants reduced use of antiepileptic drugs from an average of seven to one following treatment with medical cannabis. We also noted significant financial costs of £874 per month to obtain these medicines through private prescriptions.

Conclusions

This study establishes the feasibility of whole-plant medical cannabis as an effective and well-tolerated medicine for reducing seizure frequency in children suffering with intractable epilepsies. These findings justify the potential value of further research into the reported therapeutic benefit of whole-plant medicinal cannabis products.
Multidisciplinary teams caring for people with variations of sex characteristics: a scoping review
Authors: Gramc Martin , Streuli Jürg , de Clercq Eva
Published: December 2021

Background

In 2006 the Chicago consensus statement on the management of people with variations of sex characteristics (VSC) acknowledged the importance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. The consensus update from 2016 reinforced the call for multidisciplinary collaborations between medical professionals, parents and support groups, and proposed guidelines to improve shared decision making and patient-centred care embedded in ethical principles of self-determination and child participation. But there is little evidence that successfully MDTs have been implemented in clinical practice.

Methods and aims

A scoping review was conducted to identify studies that address the collaboration and decision making process of MDTs providing care of people with VSC to identify ideal and actual (1) team composition; (2) models of collaboration and (3) ethical principles that MDTs follow. Six databases were systematically searched: CINAHIL, Medline, Psychinfo, Scopus, Socindex and Web of Science. No restriction was placed on the type of methodology used in the studies. To frame the research, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used.

Results

The MDTs in the literature include mainly medical professionals: endocrinologists, urologists and surgeons. The collaboration among medical professionals in MDTs lacks cooperation as one team member sets the tasks of the team while each professional works separately. Despite the importance of psycho-social support the involvement of psychologists remains secondary. The implementation of ethical principles tends to exclude people with VSC.

Conclusion

The care of people with VSC described in the papers is medically oriented as the team members are mainly medical professionals working separately. MDT tend to exclude people with VSC despite references to shared decision making processes and informed consent. There was no mention of adult care and lack of inclusion of patient’s perspective in the care process. The future research should do more empirical research of MDTs.
Designing the careful and kind clinic: an evidence-based approach
Authors: Poplau Sara , Linzer Mark , Allwood Dominique , Montori Victor , Armbruster Ryan , Koka Sreenivas
Published: December 2021

Background

There is evidence that creating a ‘healthy workplace’ can be of profound importance for clinicians, team members and patients. Yet there have been few papers that have proposed mechanisms to take decades of research and translate this into a practical list of options for leaders and managers to take into account when structuring a clinic based on care and kindness to achieve optimal health.

Evidence

We bring together 20 years of scholarship linking care of the caregivers with outcomes for caregivers and patients. The data are used to support both structures and cultures that will result in satisfied and thriving healthcare team members, as well as satisfied and healthy patients.

Results

The clinic based on care of the caregivers will be structured to address key aspects of worklife that are known to cause either satisfaction or burnout. Aspects of care, such as time pressure, chaotic environments and worker control of their workplace, will be taken into account in clinical design; organisational culture will be supportive and cohesive, emphasising quality, values and communication. Experiences based on gender and race will be measured and continuously improved; and performance will be evaluated in a new, human-centred manner.

Outcomes

The careful and kind clinic will be a remarkable place to work; in contrast to industrialised healthcare, this will be an environment where health can indeed be optimised, for both workers and patients.
Retrospective analysis of the appendiceal neoplasms: sampling technique may influence neoplasm detection
Authors: Issin Gizem , Demir Fatih , Simsek Hasan Aktug , Cagatay Diren Vuslat , Tayfur Mahir , Balci Mecdi Gurhan
Published: December 2021

Background and aims

Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon entities that are usually determined incidentally during the histopathological examination. Different techniques used for the macroscopic sampling of appendectomy material may affect the determinating neoplasms.

Materials and methods

H&E-stained slides of 1280 cases who underwent appendectomy between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively for histopathological features.

Results

Neoplasms were determined in 28 cases (3.09%); 1 lesion was observed in the proximal part of the appendix, 1 covering the entire length from proximal to distal and 26 in the distal part. In the 26 cases that observed in the distal part, the lesion was seen on both sides of the longitudinal section of the distal appendix in 20 cases, while it was seen on only one distal longitudinal section in the remaining 6 cases.

Conclusion

The vast majority of appendiceal neoplasms are seen in the distal part of the appendix, and, in some cases, neoplasms might be seen on only one side of the distal section. Sampling only one-half of the distal part of the appendix, where tumours are most often observed, could result in some neoplasms being missed. Therefore, sampling the whole distal part would be more beneficial to determine small diameter tumours that do not create macroscopic findings.
Serum etanercept concentrations in relation to disease activity and treatment response assessed by ultrasound, biomarkers and clinical disease activity scores: results from a prospective observational study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gehin Johanna Elin , Syversen Silje Watterdal , Warren David John , Goll Guro Løvik , Sexton Joseph , Bolstad Nils , Hammer Hilde Berner
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To identify the therapeutic range for etanercept and to assess the incidence of anti-etanercept antibody formation.

Methods

Associations between etanercept serum concentration and disease activity as well as treatment response were examined in a longitudinal observational study of rheumatoid arthritis patients starting etanercept. Disease activity was assessed by ultrasound (grey scale and power Doppler), 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index, plasma calprotectin and C reactive protein. Etanercept concentration and anti-etanercept antibodies were analysed using automated in-house fluorescence assays.

Results

A total of 89 patients were included, whereof 66% were biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) naïve and 91% used concomitant synthetic DMARD. At 3 months, the median etanercept concentration was 1.8 (IQR 1.1–2.5) mg/L. Longitudinal associations were found between etanercept concentration and disease activity assessed by plasma calprotectin, C reactive protein and DAS28, but not between etanercept concentration and improvement in disease activity by any of the parameters at 3, 6 or 12 months of treatment. Etanercept concentrations were not significantly different among patients who achieved response or remission, compared with non-response or non-remission. Hence, no therapeutic range could be identified. None of the patients developed anti-etanercept antibodies.

Conclusion

Despite the use of sensitive and objective markers of inflammation, a therapeutic range could not be identified for etanercept. Hence, this study suggests that proactive therapeutic drug monitoring is unlikely to benefit rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with etanercept, but a potential benefit in certain clinical situations cannot be excluded.
Two-month administration of methylphenidate improves olfactory sensitivity and suppresses appetite in individuals with obesity
Authors: El Amine Fatmé , Heidinger Brandon , Cameron Jameason D. , Hafizi Kaamel , BaniFatemi Shakibasadat , Robaey Philippe , Vaillancourt Régis , Goldfield Gary S. , Doucet Éric
Published: December 2021

Olfaction contributes to feeding behaviour and is modulated by changes in dopamine levels. Methylphenidate (MPH) increases brain dopamine levels and has been shown to reduce appetite and promote weight loss in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The objectives of this study were to test the effect of MPH on olfaction, appetite, energy intake, and body weight (BW) on individuals with obesity. In a randomized, double-blind study, 12 participants (age 28.9 ± 6.7 years) with a body mass index (BMI) of 36.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2 were assigned to MPH (0.5 mg/kg) (n = 5) or placebo (n = 7) twice daily for 2 months. Appetite (visual analog scale), odour threshold (Sniffin’ Sticks®), energy intake (food menu), and BW (DEXA scan) were measured at day 1 and day 60. MPH intake significantly increased odour threshold scores (6.3 ± 1.4 vs. 9.4 ± 2.1 and 7.9 ± 2.3 vs. 7.8 ± 1.9, respectively; p = 0.029) versus placebo. There was a significantly greater suppression of appetite sensations (desire to eat (p = 0.001), hunger (p = 0.008), prospective food consumption (p = 0.003)) and an increase in fullness (p = 0.028) over time in the MPH versus placebo. MPH suppressed appetite and improved olfactory sensitivity in individuals with obesity. These data provide novel findings on the favourable effects of MPH on appetite and weight regulation in individuals living with obesity.
Online Caching Networks with Adversarial Guarantees
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Si Salem Tareq , Neglia Giovanni , Ioannidis Stratis
Published: December 2021

We study a cache network under arbitrary adversarial request arrivals. We propose a distributed online policy based on the online tabular greedy algorithm. Our distributed policy achieves sublinear (1-1/e)-regret, also in the case when update costs cannot be neglected. Numerical evaluation over several topologies supports our theoretical results and demonstrates that our algorithm outperforms state-of-art online cache algorithms.
Long-Distance Transported RNAs: From Identity to Function
Authors: Kehr Julia , Morris Richard J. , Kragler Friedrich
Published: December 2021

There is now a wealth of data, from different plants and labs and spanning more than two decades, which unequivocally demonstrates that RNAs can be transported over long distances, from the cell where they are transcribed to distal cells in other tissues. Different types of RNA molecules are transported, including micro- and messenger RNAs. Whether these RNAs are selected for transport and, if so, how they are selected and transported remain, in general, open questions. This aspect is likely not independent of the biological function and relevance of the transported RNAs, which are in most cases still unclear. In this review, we summarize the experimental data supporting selectivity or nonselectivity of RNA translocation and review the evidence for biological functions. After discussing potential issues regarding the comparability between experiments, we propose criteria that need to be critically evaluated to identify important signaling RNAs.
A Review of the Quality and Impact of Mobile Health Apps
Authors: Grundy Quinn
Published: December 2021

Mobile health applications (apps) have transformed the possibilities for health promotion and disease self-management; however, their promise is not fully realized owing to their reliance on commercial ecosystems for development and distribution. This review provides an overview of the types of mobile health apps and describes key stakeholders in terms of how apps are used, developed, and regulated. I outline key challenges facing consumers, public health professionals, and policy makers in evaluating the quality of health apps and summarize what is known about the impact of apps on health outcomes and health equity. I suggest that factors within the wider mobile ecosystem largely define the impact of health apps and, most notably, practices around the collection and commercialization of user data. Finally, I suggest that upstream public health strategies, grounded in an understanding of corporate influences on health, are necessary to promote healthy digital environments in which mobile health app innovation can flourish.
Improving the Specific Surface Area of Etched Aluminum Foil by Fabricating the Micro/Nano Structure
Authors: Peng Ning , Xu Guiren , Wang Pan , Li Jianping , Yang Xiaofei
Published: December 2021

Aluminum foil with micro/nano structure has been prepared by electrochemical DC etching and a subsequent anodization treatment followed by removal of the alumina film. When the micron-sized tunnels were generated on the etched aluminum foil, the size and distribution of the nano-concave formed on the sidewall of the etched tunnels varied with the anodized time in H2SO4 and C4H6O6 electrolyte. The optimal value of the specific surface area for the aluminum foil with micro/nano structure is approximately four times larger than that of the only etched aluminum foil. It is indicated from the chronoamperometry and BET measurements that the specific capacitance of aluminum foil with micro/nano structure can be significantly improved by suitable anodization in H2SO4 electrolyte, in comparison with a comparatively small increasement in C4H6O6 electrolyte. This can be attributed to the fact that the tardy anodization process will consume a considerable amount of aluminum substrate, resulting in the aggravation of the merged tunnels.
East Asian Calligraphy Black Ink-Coated Paper as Flexible Conducting Electrode for Supercapacitor
Authors: Xie Ren-Jie , Cheng I-Chun , Chen Jian-Zhang
Published: December 2021

East Asian calligraphy black ink (hereafter called simply “black ink”) is used to fabricate flexible conducting chromatography paper electrode by a simple and low-cost method. The black ink-coated paper was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, surface profiler, water contact angle measurement, electrical resistance measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The hydrophilicity slightly decreased after black ink coating but still provided good adhesion to the follow-up reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline/chitosan slurry coating for fabricating supercapacitor electrodes. A 1000-cycle repeated bending test with a bending radius of 5 mm revealed good conductance retention. Instrumental analyses indicated that the carbon black in the black ink was the main contributor to the electrical conductance. The supercapacitor with black-ink-coated paper electrodes exhibited an areal specific capacitance of up to 179.08 mF cm−2 and coulomb efficiency of 80%. This confirmed that the black-ink-coated paper electrode could be feasibly applied to a supercapacitor. This black-ink-coated paper can be easily fabricated in resource-limited settings, and it provides new possibilities for the use of paper-based electrodes in flexible electronics.
Megakaryocyte-bone cell interactions: lessons from mouse models of experimental myelofibrosis and related disorders
Authors: Stavnichuk Mariya , Komarova Svetlana V.
Published: December 2021

Over the years, numerous studies demonstrated reciprocal communications between processes of bone marrow hematopoiesis and bone remodeling. Megakaryocytes, rare bone marrow cells responsible for platelet production, were demonstrated to be involved in bone homeostasis. Myelofibrosis, characterized by an increase in pleomorphic megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, commonly leads to the development of osteosclerosis. In vivo, an increase in megakaryocyte number was shown to result in osteosclerosis in GATA-1low, Nf-e2−/−, TPOhigh, Mplf/f; PF4cre, Lnk−/−, Mpig6b−/−, Mpig6bfl/fl; Gp1ba-Cr+/KI, and Pt-vWD mouse models. In vitro, megakaryocytes stimulate osteoblast proliferation and have variable effects on osteoclast proliferation and activity through soluble factors and direct cell-cell communications. Intriguingly, new studies revealed that the ability of megakaryocytes to communicate with bone cells is affected by the age and sex of animals. This mini-review summarizes changes seen in bone architecture and bone cell function in mouse models with an elevated number of megakaryocytes and the effects megakaryocytes have on osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro, and discusses potential molecular players that can mediate these effects.
Order controls disordered droplets: structure-function relationships in C9ORF72-derived poly(PR)
Authors: Kanekura Kohsuke , Hayamizu Yuhei , Kuroda Masahiko
Published: December 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) have been thought as two distinct neurodegenerative diseases. However, recent genetic screening and careful investigations found the genetic and pathological overlap among these disorders. Hexanucleotide expansions in intron 1 of C9ORF72 are a leading cause of familial ALS and familial FTD. These expansions facilitate the repeat-associated non-ATG-initiated translation (RAN translation), producing five dipeptide repeat proteins (DRPs), including Arg-rich poly(PR: Pro-Arg) and poly(GR: Gly-Arg) peptides. Arg is a positively charged, highly polar amino acid that facilitates interactions with anionic molecules such as nucleic acids and acidic amino acids via electrostatic forces and aromatic amino acids via cation-π interaction, suggesting that Arg-rich DRPs underlie the pathophysiology of ALS via Arg-mediated molecular interactions. Arg-rich DRPs have also been reported to induce neurodegeneration in cellular and animal models via multiple mechanisms; however, it remains unclear why the Arg-rich DRPs exhibit such diverse toxic properties, because not all Arg-rich peptides are toxic. In this mini-review, we discuss the current understanding of the pathophysiology of Arg-rich C9ORF72 DRPs and introduce recent findings on the role of Arg distribution as a determinant of the toxicity and its contribution to the pathogenesis of ALS.
Efferent neurons control hearing sensitivity and protect hearing from noise through the regulation of gap junctions between cochlear supporting cells
Authors: Zhao Hong-Bo , Liu Li-Man , Yu Ning , Zhu Yan , Mei Ling , Chen Jin , Liang Chun
Published: December 2021

The cochlear efferent system provides a negative feedback to control hair cell activity and hearing sensitivity and plays a critical role in noise protection. We reveal a new efferent control pathway in which medial olivocochlear efferent fibers have innervations with cochlear supporting cells to control their gap junctions, therefore regulating outer hair cell electromotility and hearing sensitivity. This supporting cell gap junction-mediated efferent control pathway is required for the protection of hearing from noise.
Dynamical Behaviors of a Fractional-Order Three Dimensional Prey-Predator Model
Authors: Barhoom Noor S. Sh. , Al-Nassir Sadiq
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the dynamical behavior of a three-dimensional fractional-order prey-predator model is investigated with Holling type III functional response and constant rate harvesting. It is assumed that the middle predator species consumes only the prey species, and the top predator species consumes only the middle predator species. We also prove the boundedness, the non-negativity, the uniqueness, and the existence of the solutions of the proposed model. Then, all possible equilibria are determined, and the dynamical behaviors of the proposed model around the equilibrium points are investigated. Finally, numerical simulations results are presented to confirm the theoretical results and to give a better understanding of the dynamics of our proposed model.
Effect of Xiaoyutang Combined with Intraperitoneal Heat Perfusion Chemotherapy on Immune Function, Circulating mir, Prognosis, and Survival of Postoperative Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Lingxia , Wang Yunjiu , Huang Xiaowan , Sun Jian , Zhang Jue
Published: December 2021

Objective. To explore the effects of Xiaoyutang combined with intraperitoneal heat perfusion chemotherapy on immune function, circulating Mir, and prognosis and survival of postoperative patients with colorectal cancer. Methods. A total of 96 patients with colorectal cancer who were treated in our hospital from May 2018 to August 2019 and followed up to August 2021 were selected as the study subjects. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and study group by a 1 : 1 random number table method, 48 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given intraperitoneal thermal perfusion chemotherapy after surgery, and patients in the research group were treated with Xiaoyutang on this basis. The treatment cycle was 21 days, and all patients were treated for 3 consecutive cycles. The therapeutic efficacy, immune function (CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+), circulating mir (mir-29a, mir-145, and mir-92a), prognosis, and survival of the two groups were compared. Results. After 3 cycles of treatment, ORR and DCR in the study group were higher than those in the control group (60.42% vs. 37.50%) and 85.42% vs. 66.67%, respectively, with statistical significance (

P
<
0.05

). There were statistically significant differences in CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, mir-29a, mir-145, and mir-92a time points and intergroup and intergroup interactions between the two groups (

P
<
0.05

); the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ in the study group were higher than those in the control group after 1, 2, and 3 cycles of treatment (

P
<
0.05

); the expressions of mir-29a, mir-145, and mir-92a were significantly lower than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). By the end of follow-up, 3 cases were lost to follow-up in the study group and 5 cases in the control group. The recurrence rate and mortality of the study group were lower than those of the control group at 1- and 2-year follow-up (

P
>
0.05

), and the mean survival time of patients in the study group was higher than that in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (

χ

2

=
5.151

,

P
=
0.023

). Conclusion. Xiaoyutang combined with peritoneal heat perfusion chemotherapy has a good postoperative effect on patients with colorectal cancer, which can effectively improve the immune function and circulating Mir of patients with colorectal cancer, reduce tumor recurrence, and improve the prognosis of patients.
Spine Medical Image Segmentation Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Qingfeng , Du Yun , Wei Zhiqiang , Liu Hengping , Yang Xiaoxia , Zhao Dongfang
Published: December 2021

The aim was to further explore the clinical value of deep learning algorithm in the field of spinal medical image segmentation, and this study designed an improved U-shaped network (BN-U-Net) algorithm and applied it to the spinal MRI medical image segmentation of 22 research objects. The application value of this algorithm in MRI image processing was comprehensively evaluated by accuracy (Acc), sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), and area under curve (AUC). The results show that the image processing time of fully convolutional network (FCN) algorithm and U-Net algorithm is greater than 6 min, while the processing time of BN-U-Net algorithm is only 5–10 s, and the processing time is significantly shortened (

P
<
0.05

). The Acc, Sen, and Spe results of BN-U-Net segmentation algorithm were 94.54 ± 3.56%, 88.76 ± 2.67%, and 86.27 ± 6.23%, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with FCN algorithm and U-Net algorithm (

P
<
0.05

). In summary, the improved U-Net network algorithm used in this study significantly improves the quality of spinal MRI images by automatic segmentation of MRI images, which is worthy of further promotion in the field of spinal medical image segmentation.
Dislocation Analysis of 3C-SiC Nanoindentation with Different Crystal Plane Groups Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Yu Dongling , Zhang Huiling , Yi Jiaqi , Fang Yongzhen , Wu Nanxing
Published: December 2021

To explore the deformation law of nanoindentation dislocations of different crystal plane groups of 3C-SiC by cube indenter. The molecular dynamics simulation method is used to construct the different crystal plane family models of 3C-SiC, select the ensemble, set the potential function, optimize the crystal structure, and relax the indentation process. The radial distribution function, shear strain, and dislocation deformation of nanoindentation on (001), (110), and (111) planes were analyzed, respectively. In the radial distribution function, the change in

g

r

in the (110) crystal plane is the most obvious. Shear strain and dislocation occur easily at the boundary of square indentation defects. During the indentation process, the shear strain is enhanced along the atomic bond arrangement structure, (001) crystal plane shear strain is mainly concentrated around and below the indentation defects and produce a large number of cross dislocations, (110) the crystal plane shear strain is mainly concentrated in the shear strain chain extending around and below the indentation defect, which mainly produces horizontal dislocations, and (111) the crystal plane shear strain is mainly concentrated in four weeks extending on the left and right sides in the direction below the indentation defect and produces horizontal and vertical dislocations. The direction of shear stress release is related to the crystal structure. The crystal structure affects the direction of atomic slip, resulting in the results of sliding in different directions. The final dislocation rings are different, resulting in different indentation results.
Numerical, Approximate Solutions, and Optimal Control on the Deathly Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever Disease in Pregnant Women
Authors: Higazy M. , El-Mesady A. , Mahdy A. M. S. , Ullah Sami , Al-Ghamdi A.
Published: December 2021

This paper is devoted to the model of Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF) disease in pregnant women. This disease is a biocidal fever and epidemic. LHF disease in pregnant women has negative impacts that were initially appeared in Africa. In the present study, we find an approximate solution to the fractional-order model that describes the fatal LHF disease. Laplace transforms coupled with the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) are applied. In addition, the fractional-order LHF model is numerically simulated in terms of a varied fractional order. Furthermore, a fractional order optimal control for the LHF model is studied.
Deep Transfer Learning for Biology Cross-Domain Image Classification
Authors: Guo Chunfeng , Wei Bin , Yu Kun
Published: December 2021

Automatic biology image classification is essential for biodiversity conservation and ecological study. Recently, due to the record-shattering performance, deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) have been used more often in biology image classification. However, training DCNNs requires a large amount of labeled data, which may be difficult to collect for some organisms. This study was carried out to exploit cross-domain transfer learning for DCNNs with limited data. According to the literature, previous studies mainly focus on transferring from ImageNet to a specific domain or transferring between two closely related domains. While this study explores deep transfer learning between species from different domains and analyzes the situation when there is a huge difference between the source domain and the target domain. Inspired by the analysis of previous studies, the effect of biology cross-domain image classification in transfer learning is proposed. In this work, the multiple transfer learning scheme is designed to exploit deep transfer learning on several biology image datasets from different domains. There may be a huge difference between the source domain and the target domain, causing poor performance on transfer learning. To address this problem, multistage transfer learning is proposed by introducing an intermediate domain. The experimental results show the effectiveness of cross-domain transfer learning and the importance of data amount and validate the potential of multistage transfer learning.