bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased B Lymphocytes Subpopulations Are Associated With Higher Atherosclerotic Risk in Elderly Patients With Moderate-to-severe Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: Lin Jieshan , Tang Bin , Feng Zhanwu , Hao Wenke , Hu Wenxue
Published: September 2021

Aim: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the risk of CVD increases with reductions in renal function. This study aims to investigate the potential roles of B lymphocyte populations in subclinical atherosclerosis (measured by intima-media thickness, IMT) and prognosis in elderly patients with moderate-to-severe CKD.Methods: In this study, a total of 219 patients (143 moderate-to-severe CKD patients with stage 3-4 and 76 non-CKD controls) were recruited. B cell subsets: B1 cells (CD19+CD5+) and B2 cells (CD19+CD5–) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured by ultrasound. Correlations between the B cell subsets with IMT and clinical outcomes were analyzed.Results: CKD patients showed increased IMT (P=0.006). The level of B, B1 and B2 cells were decreased in CKD patients. Correlation analysis showed that IMT was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, protein/creatinine ratio and diabetes (P<0.05), and were negatively correlated with B, B1 and B2 lymphocytes (P<0.05). IMT was increased in lower level of B (≤ 0.06 × 109 /L) and B2 cells (≤ 0.05 × 109 /L) (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with lower level of B, B1 and B2 cells exhibited worse survival (P<0.05).Conclusions: Our results showed that decreased B1 and B2 lymphocytes were correlated with atherosclerosis and worse survival, which indicates that B lymphocytes might involve in atherosclerosis and associated the prognosis of elderly patients with moderate-to-severe CKD.
Finnish Late Adolescents' Physical Activity During COVID-19 Spring 2020 Lockdown
Authors: Ng Kwok , Koski Pasi , Lyyra Nelli , Palomaki Sanna , Mononen Kaisu , Blomqvist Minna , Vasankari Tommi , Kokko Sami
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is recognised as one of the leading and effective strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases that boosts the immune system to fight against diseases. Closures of schools, sport clubs and facilities because of COVID-19 reduced the opportunities to participate in PA. We aimed to examine physical activity levels of late adolescents, the contexts to be physical active and its changes during the spring 2020 lockdown. MethodsA nationally represented sample of late adolescents in general upper secondary school (n=2408, females = 64%, mean age = 17.2y, SD=0.63) completed online surveys on PA between March and May 2020. Multinominal logistic regression analyses were performed to identify correlates with PA, and decision tree analyses to ascertain the perceived changes on PA during lockdown based on sport club aspirations and levels of PA. ResultsAmong the late adolescents, the distribution of PA frequency was 23% (0-2days/week), 35% (3-4days/week), 30% (5-6 days/week) and 12% (7 days/week), and differences between males and females were not statistically significant. Participation in PA both indoor and outdoor were 50 times more likely to report daily PA (OR=54.28, CI=15.16-194.37). A quarter of late adolescents not part of a sports club yet their PA levels increased. Although sports club members generally perceived they did less PA during lockdown, over a third of sport club members with competitive aspirations reported daily PA. ConclusionsOverall, late adolescents reported their PA levels decreased during lockdown. Findings from this study continue to demonstrate factors associated with PA in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Naturally occurring nanoparticles in two biological wastewater treatment plants in Southern California
Authors: Smeraldi Josh , Tseng Linda Y , Dutta Ishir , Ganesh Rajagopalan , Rosso Diego
Published: September 2021

Naturally occurring nanoparticles (NONPs) in wastewater are generally considered colloids, but their production and size distribution are not well understood. NONPs are more abundant than engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in wastewater, where they may cause membrane fouling, harbour pathogens, and transport contaminants to the environment. In this study we aimed to understand the seasonal behaviour as well as the quantity and size of suspended particles (both unfiltered and filtered through a 450 nm filter) along two water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs, formerly wastewater treatment plants) located in Southern California. We also investigated the factors that correlate with their occurrence. We found that both of the biological secondary treatments investigated, conventional activated sludge process (ASP) and trickling filter (TF), were more efficient in removing suspended particles larger than 450 nm than they were smaller ones. The results show that current treatment processes are not designed to remove nano-sized particles efficiently. Additionally, there was a significant and direct correlation between influent dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the abundance of suspended particles both larger and smaller than 450 nm, suggesting that the suspended particles increased with dissolved COD in the WRRFs and thus were biogenically generated during the wastewater treatment.
Formation of High-Quality Solutions In The Construction of Aeromonitoring Data Banks
Authors: Nekrasov Hlib , Vostrikov Alexander , Prokofeva Ekaterina , Adero Nashon
Published: August 2021

Background: This article discusses the approach to the implementation of the project for the extraction and the methodology of preliminary processing of the obtained data with the aim of centralized accumulation for collective multipurpose use of the databank on the example of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by air transport for a given territory. It should be noted that on the basis of morphological analysis, processing, as well as the classification of spatial objects of the geodatabase and additional information, it is subsequently possible to organize, for example, a system of geoecological monitoring.Methods: At the fundamental level, the research used integration and process-based approaches, the method of extrapolation, expert methods of evaluation, random selection and analytical comparisons, a set of methods of spatial analysis based on various instruments and sources. In this study are used of open standards OGC, web, GIS technologies and the Internet for the formation, processing and storage of spatial data, their unambiguous geolocation, the implementation of territorial selections and visualization of results.Results: The set of data, which was organized according to the proposed and defined rules, made it possible to assess the structural processing of geospatial data, and to prepare a visual representation of the impact of aviation on the environmental situation over the designated geographic area.Conclusions: The transport industry was chosen as the object of research, but this solution can also be successfully applied to other logistics and industrial areas. During the implementation of the project, the analysis of the subject area was carried out, the architecture of the future prototype of the databank was designed, the accumulated data from the sources was structured, and a database was selected for storing them, taking into account the provision of high availability and ensuring stable operation under high loads. For the convenience of displaying data, an interactive visualization tool with a convenient and friendly user interface has been developed.
Differential Response of Migratory Guilds of Birds to Urbanization
Authors: Murphy Michael T. , Bailey David C. , Lichti Nathanael I. , Roberts Laura A.
Published: September 2021

Species richness and density of native fauna in urban parks and greenspaces (“parks”) is often lower than in surrounding areas. Understanding the causes of these differences requires a hierarchical approach that integrates factors across multiple scales. In 2003 we surveyed bird communities in 48 forested parks in Portland, Oregon, USA, to identify the relative contributions of park size, shape, and connectivity, landscape composition, and variation in local habitat to differences in richness and density of long-distance migrant, short-distance/partial migrant, and resident birds. All surveyed parks contained highly structured understories comprised primarily of native vegetation and lacked development beyond trails. The bird guilds responded differently to environmental factors. Richness and density of long-distance migrants increased with park area and the abundance of small, mostly native, tree species. Resident species richness also increased with the abundance of small trees. Richness of residents and short-distance migrants was independent of park area, and resident density declined with increasing park area. Park shape, connectivity, and landscape composition did not contribute to differences in richness or density of different migratory guilds. Most long-distance migrants were forest-dependent species. An analysis of all forest-dependent species of all migratory guilds suggested that few exist in parks below 10 ha, and minimum area requirements for maintaining populations of forest-dependent species are estimated to be 30 to 40 ha. Without such parks most long-distance migrants would likely disappear from Portland’s landscape.
Tailoring Career Ladders for Medical Assistants in Primary Care: A Qualitative Assessment
Authors: Vilendrer Stacie , Amano Alexis , Johnson Cati Brown , Morrison Timothy , Asch Steve
Published: August 2021

Background: Growing demand for medical assistants (MAs) in team-based primary care has led health systems to explore career ladders as one solution to improve MA recruitment and retention. The practical implementation of career ladders remains a challenge for many health systems, and an improved understanding of MA perspectives on career ladders is needed. Methods: Semi-structured focus groups were conducted August to December 2019 in primary care clinics based in three health systems in California and Utah. MA perspectives of existing career ladders, including acceptability, appropriatness and impact on career intentions were discussed, recorded, and qualitatively analyzed.Results: Ten focus groups conducted with 59 participants showed the MA employment decisions were influenced by a number of factors, with opportunities for economic and professional growth predominating. MA career aspirations varied, with “stepping stone” MAs using their role to advance into other health professions and “contented career” MAs hoping to grow within their MA career. Career ladders were acceptable in theory but MAs felt current implementations could benefit from clear and transparent expectations for advancement, consistent recognition of training, experience and work responsibilities, the ability to advance in place, and career counseling. Conclusion: MAs held positive perceptions of career ladders, yet recommended a number of improvements to their practical implementation across three institutions. The emergence of two distinct clusters of MA professional needs and desires suggests an opportunity to further optimize career ladders to provide tailored support to MAs in order to strengthen the healthcare workforce and talent pipeline.
Gender Differences and Changes in Social Participation Among the Elderly in Japan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Goto Ryohei , Ozone Sachiko , Kawada Shogo , Yokoya Shoji
Published: September 2021

Background: It has been recognized that keeping relationships with society and other people, such as through social participation, is important to maintaining health in the elderly. We aimed to determine changes in the social participation of the elderly from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to compare differences in this status by gender.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in a single city in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The questionnaires were sent by mail to 3,000 people aged 65 to 85 years randomly selected by the administrative staff of the city. Responses were obtained on the basic attributes of the participants (age, gender, working status, residential status), as well as their economic status, daily physical activity, and social participation status at three time points: (1) before the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020; (2) immediately prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in April 2020; and (3) one year after (1), namely January 2021.Results: A total of 1,301 people responded to the survey. Mean age was 73.3 (SD 5.5) years, and 690 (53.0%) were female. Significant gender differences were seen in living alone, currently working, and amount of physical activity. The number of people reporting social participation gradually decreased, from 543 respondents (41.7%) at (1), 319 (24.5%) at (2) and 251 (19.3%) at (3). On comparison by gender, a significant difference in social participation status was seen at (1), but not at (2) or (3).Conclusions: The percentage of social participation among elderly decreased during the pandemic. The rate of decrease was particularly large among women.
Is Oral Sulfate Tablet Effective and Safe for Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy in Elderly People 65 Years of Age and Older?
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Park Yong Eun , Kim Tae Oh , Park Jongha , Moon Won , Park Seun Ja
Published: August 2021

Background

Recently, a novel oral sulfate tablet (OST) has been introduced for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. However, whether elderly patients can take OST is not yet clear, as OST consists of 28 tablets. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of OST and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for bowel preparation for colonoscopy according to age.
Method:

We randomly divided subjects into a OST group and a PEG group and compared Boston bowel preparation score (BBPS), bubble score, patient compliance and satisfaction, and safety between the two groups according to age (under 65 years of age vs. 65 years of age and older).
Results

Among the 179 participants, sixty-one were 65 years of age and older. The BBPS and bubble score of the OST group were better than that of the PEG group, regardless of age. The satisfaction of the OST group was better than that the PEG group, regardless of age. The compliance was not different between the two groups, however, the OST group under 65 years of age had a higher rate of completing the dose within 2 h compared with the PEG group under 65 years of age. Adverse events including abdominal distension, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting were not different between the two groups.
Conclusion

The use of OST for bowel preparation before colonoscopy is as effective and safe as PEG, and these results were consistent in elderly people 65 years of age and older.
The construction And Analysis of ceRNET And Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells In The Prognosis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Luo Mingqiu , Huang Chengzhi , Yi Hui , Wang Minjia , Liang Zongyu , Hu Yong , Wang Muqing , Yao Xiaoya , Zhao Haibi , Feng Xingyu , Wang Junjiang , Yao Xueqing
Published: August 2021

Background: The incidence of colon cancer is at the forefront of all cancers and poses great concerns for humans. Colon cancer is becoming more prevalent in young adults and therefore it is vital to find specific molecular markers for prognosis. This study aims to explore multidimensional prognostic targets of colon cancer from the perspective of the ceRNET and immune- infiltrating tumor cells. Results: The lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA proﬁles and clinical data were downloaded from TCGA-COAD and 206 differential expression lncRNAs ,352 differential expression miRNAs and 2995 differential expression mRNAs were screened out. Interactions between miRNA–mRNA pairs and lncRNA–miRNA pairs were obtained in differentially expressed molecules through the Starbase database, thus constructing ceRNET. The relative content of 22 kinds of immune cells in COAD was estimated by “Cell type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT)” algorithm. To predict the prognosis of colon cancer patients based on meaningful ceRNET or immune cells, two nomograms were constructed respectively. NRG1 had significant prognostic value(p=0.008) and was found to be highly correlated with Macrophages M1 (p = 6.5e−06) after co-expression analysis. In addition, there were two pairs of biomarkers that could affect the prognosis of colon cancer: Dendritic cells resting and UST (p =0.0012) and B cells naive and LINC00894 (p = 0.017). Finally, we found that MALAT1- NRG1 - has-miR-200c-3p and Macrophages M1 axis may have important prognostic significance for colon cancer. Conclusions: In this research,we constructed ceRNET according to differential lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in the colon cancer and found ceRNAs and tumor-inﬁltrating immune cells valuable for colon cancer prognosis.
Costimulatory Molecule Expression Profile as a Biomarker to Predict Prognosis and Chemotherapy Response for Patients With Small-cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Wu Peng , Yang Zhaoyang , Zhang Chaoqi , Luo Yuejun , Zhang Guochao , Wang Lide , Xue Qi , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: August 2021

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the deadliest pathological subtype of lung cancer with few precise treatment options. Owing to the paucity of specimens, progress in identifying prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for SCLC has been stagnant for decades. Considering the costimulatory molecules are essential elements in modulating anti-tumor immune responses and determining therapeutic response, we decided to conduct a comprehensive analyses of costimulatory molecule expression profile with regard to prognosis and chemotherapy response for SCLCs for the first time. Methods: We systematically explored the molecular characteristics and clinical relevance of costimulatory molecules in SCLC. Using a univariate Cox and LASSO Cox model, we then constructed a molecule-based signature (CMS) based on our examination of 208 cases with SCLC from two different cohorts—including an independent cohort that contained 131 cases with qPCR data, to predict the outcome and chemotherapy response for SCLCs. Relationships between the CMS and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) benefits and inflammatory landscape were also evaluated.Results: We found T cell activation was restrained in SCLCs, and costimulatory molecules exhibited widespread abnormal genetic alterations and expression. Then, the CMS containing 7 molecules (ICOSLG, EDA2R, TNFRSF25, CD276, RELT, PDCD1, and TNFSF14) was built with a training cohort of 77 cases, which successfully divided patients into high- or low-risk groups with significantly different prognosis and chemotherapy benefit (both P<0.001). The CMS was well validated in the independent cohort with qPCR data. ROC and C-index analysis confirmed the superior predictive performance of the CMS in comparison with other clinicopathological parameters from different cohorts. Importantly, the CMS was confirmed as a significantly independent prognosticator for clinical outcomes and chemotherapy response in SCLCs through multivariate Cox analysis. Further analysis revealed that low-risk patients were characteristic by an activated immune phenotype with distinct expression of immune checkpoints.Conclusions: We firstly uncovered the expression heterogeneity of costimulatory molecules in SCLC, and successfully constructed a novel predictive CMS. The identified signature contributed to more accurate patient stratification and provided robust prognostic value in estimating survival and the clinical response to chemotherapy, allowing optimization of treatment and prognosis management for patients with SCLC.
The Work Competence of General Practitioners Working in Shanghai’s Community Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Study based on Self-assessment
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Ru Xueying , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Xiangjie , Gong Jian , Lao Limin , Gao Junling , Pan Zhigang
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the work competence of GPs in community health services(CHS) in Shanghai, China. Methods: A questionnaire was designed on the basis of a previous capacity evaluation indicator system. We adopted a stratified and proportional cluster sampling method in this self-assessment and cross-sectional study. We collected data on GPs demographic variables and work competence which was separated as patient care ability, teaching ability, communication skill and coordination ability, using the questionnaire. Results: A total of 2954 GPs were sampled from 116 CHS in Shanghai. The median score of patient care ability, teaching ability, communication skill and coordination ability were 80[70-88.75], 76[60-80] and 80[70-85] on a scale of 100, respectively. GPs who were 30-39 years old, worked in urban CHS, and participated in GP trainer’s training or had teaching experience got higher scores in patient care ability. GPs who worked for 5-20 years in CHS, worked in training CHSs and participated in GP trainer’s training program had higher scores in teaching ability. As for communication skill and coordination ability, GPs who were older than 30-39 years old and with a senior professional title, worked in training CHS, participated in GP trainer’s training and had teaching experiences in CHS got higher scores. Conclusions: The work competence of GPs in Shanghai’s CHS largely meets the requirements of daily practice, but there is still great improving space in the aspect of teaching ability.
Interpersonal Predictors of Loneliness in Children : Variable- and Person-Centered Approaches
Authors: Nishimura Takuma , Murakami Tatsuya , Sakurai Shigeo
Published: September 2021

The present study investigates potential interpersonal predictors of loneliness among late elementary school-aged children using variable-centered (hierarchical linear modeling; HLM) and person-centered (mover-stayer latent transition analysis) approaches. A total of 1,088 students (531 boys, 557 girls, Mage = 10.35, the age range was 9 - 11) participated in a one-year survey. The results of the HLM revealed that victimization and relational aggression were positively correlated with loneliness, while positive peer relations were negatively correlated with loneliness. The mover-stayer analysis, however, showed that higher positive peer relations, lower victimization, and lower relational aggression do not necessarily relate to lower loneliness. Instead, the analysis only supported the findings in the inverse direction in which lower positive peer relations, higher victimization, and higher relational aggression are predictors of higher loneliness. We discuss a significance of a combination approach for sounding an alarm over-dependence on the variable-centered approaches dominating child research and concluded the precautionary approach preventing the experience of loneliness, rather than reducing loneliness, is important for children in school education.
WITHDRAWN: Modified Borden Grading System For Cranial And Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas In Neuroendovsacular Era
Authors: Lv Xianli , Zhu Ke , Wang Jiangdian
Published: September 2021

Objective:Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is a complex condition in neurovascular surgery. Many DAVF classifications have been reported and have changed over time in the literatures. The purposes of this study was to propose a practical and easy-to-follow grading system for DAVFs.Methods: From a retrospective analysis of our database, 143 DAVF patients were consecutively collected. Patients were grouped into modified Borden types I, II and III. Patients’ characteristics, treatment and outcomes were analyzed between 3 types. Patients’ pre-treatment status(pre-mRS) were analyzed between Borden, Cognard and modified Borden grading systems. Results:Male and non-sinus locations were statistically significantly correlated with the type III DAVF type (p<0.001). More than 3 pedical suppliers and pial arterial suppliers were associated with high grade (type II and III) DAVFs(p=0.003). Worse symptoms were present in most type II and type III patients(p<0.001). Type III DAVF was associated with TAE and type II DAVF was associated with TVE treatment modalities(p<0.001). The results of one-way ANOVA indicated that pre-mRS was significantly different within modified Borden types and Cognard types (p = 4.3×10-6 and p = 1×10-4, respectively). In terms of pre-mRS, patients were not separated well using Cognard grading systems.Conclusions: A modified grading system of cerebral and spinal DAVFs was promoted according to understanding of angioarchitectures in order to evaluate risk of DAVFs and guide the therapies of these lesions. The modified Borden grading system was informative by providing an effective assessment for the risk of patients with simple but precise results.
The Scale, Logic and Structure of Intra-urban Place Communities Based on Place Niche Theory
Authors: Xie Yang , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiao
Published: August 2021

Spatial agglomeration phenomena on the earth's surface permeate in various fields of the natural and human world, yet their researches in human society are relatively few with the focus mainly on the economic concept of "industrial clusters". Precise quantitative descriptions, in-depth logical analyses and overall systematic explanations are lacked in various intra-urban spatial agglomeration phenomena. Using over 10 million POIs in the mainland China, 18 grid network models of 9 grid scales based on two kinds of spatial relationships (co-location/adjacent) are constructed in this article. 23 typical place communities are extracted based on complex network analysis, and four types including 11 sub-categories of agglomeration patterns are summarized. Drawing on the concept of "ecological niche", we further propose the theory of "place niche" and analyze the logic and structure of intra-urban place communities within its framework. This study extends the spatial scales and dominating factors of the agglomeration phenomenon research.
Effect of Feeding Insoluble Fibre On The Microbiome And Metabolites of The Caecum And Faeces of Rabbits Recovering From Epizootic Rabbit Enteropathy Relative To Non-Infected Animals
Authors: Puón-Peláez Xiao-Haitzi Daniel , McEwan Neil Ross , Álvarez-Martínez Roberto Carlos , Mariscal-Landín Gerardo , Nava-Morales Gerardo Manuel , Mosqueda Juan Joel , Olvera-Ramírez Andrea Margarita
Published: September 2021

Background:This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding insoluble fibre on the microbiome and metabolites of the caecum and faeces of rabbits recovering from epizootic rabbit enteropathy relative to non-infected animals.Methods:Animals which had either recovered from epizootic rabbit enteropathy, or ones which had never had epizootic rabbit enteropathy were fed on a diet of 32% or 36% neutral detergent fibre until they were 70 days of age. At this point short chain fatty acid and ammonia levels were measured in caecotroph and faecal samples and compared using 2x2 ANOVA. The microbial composition of the samples was also analysed using next generation sequencing and compared by PERMANOVA.Results:Caecotrophic samples from previously affected animals on lower fibre diets had higher short chain fatty acid content and higher species diversity index values for some indices (P<0.05), although faecal samples showed lower species diversity levels (P<0.05). In addition, PERMANOVA analyses demonstrated that differences were detected in the microbial composition of both faecal and caecotrophic samples depending on the disease status at the outset of the experiment (P<0.05).Conclusions:The results of this work show that although there is some potential in the use of high fibre diets for treatment of animals which have had epizootic rabbit enteropathy, they are not able to produce the same digestive tract properties as those seen in animals which have never had the condition. This is true even after animals have recovered from epizootic rabbit enteropathy.
Metabolism-associated Molecular Classiﬁcation of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Dong Meng , Li Hao , Zhang Xue , Tan Jichun
Published: August 2021

Objective：Metabolic processes play an important role in cervical cancer. Here, we explored metabolic abnormalities in cervical cancer by analysing somatic mutations, copy number variations, and relationships with clinical parameters based on metabolism-related genes in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). Methods：Metabolism related genes were downloaded from Fluxer database. First, we analysed the impact of mutations and copy number changes of metabolism-related genes on CESC. Secondly, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used for analysing the potential functions of metabolism related genes. Results：We identified 3620 metabolism-related genes in CESC; 2493 genes contained related mutations. Among these genes, 15 were related to the prognosis of CESC. In addition, eight pairs of genes showed a co-occurrence relationship. Moreover, the inter-occurrence of three genes (CUBN-KALRN-HERC1) was related to the prognosis of CESC. Furthermore, we found that metabolism-related tumour mutation burden (TMB) and fraction genome altered (FGA) is closely related to CESC. In the expression analysis, 374 genes were related to the occurrence and prognosis of CESC. We then identified four metabolic pathway modules in WGCNA. Further analysis revealed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis is related to endothelial cells and that the arachidonic acid metabolism module is related to cell proliferation. At the same time, these four modules were determined to be related to the prognosis of CESC. Finally, among CESC-related metabolic genes, we found that two might be regulated by miRNA and methylation. Two genes could thus be co-regulated by miRNA and mutation.Conclusions: Among metabolism-related genes, 15 genes are related to the prognosis of CESC. The inter-occurrence of the three genes of CUBN-KALRN-HERC1 is related to the prognosis of CESC. Glycolysis/gluconeogenesis is related to endothelial cells, and arachidonic acid metabolism module is related to cell proliferation.
Scan From the Sky: A Path Planning Method with Perception Optimization for UAVs
Authors: Yuan Songhe , Ota Kaoru , Zhao Jianghai
Published: September 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are frequently adopted in disaster management. The vision they provided is extremelyvaluable for rescuers. However, they face severe problems in their stability in actual disaster scenarios, as the images captured by theon-board sensors cannot consistently give enough information for deep learning models to make accurate decisions. In many cases,UAVs have to capture multiple images from different views to output final recognition results. In this paper, we desire to formulate the flypath task for UAVs, considering the actual perception needs. A new convolutional neural network (CNN) model is proposed to detectand localize the objects, such as the buildings, as well as an optimization method to find the optimal flying path to accutately recognizeas many as possible objects with a minimum time cost. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective andefficient, and can well address the actual scene understanding and path planning problems for UAVs in the real world.
Quantitative Serum Proteomics Reveals The Predictive and Prognostic Potential of Clusterin and Gelsolin in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Radiotherapy
Authors: Das Lipi , Murthy Vedang , VARMA ASHOK K
Published: August 2021

Background

Radiotherapy (RT) with concomitant chemotherapy (CTRT) is the standard treatment for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite advancements in treatment, a significant proportion of patients develop local recurrence and/or metastasis indicating resistance to treatment. Early identification of radio-resistant tumors using predictive and prognostic biomarkers is an important goal. We used a quantitative serum proteomics platform to evaluate the differential expression of proteins in HNSCC patients treated with CTRT.
Methods

Fifty patients with biopsy-proven, HPV-negative, squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and larynx, undergoing curative CTRT were included in this prospective, IRB-approved study. Serum samples were collected before the start of RT (PreRT), 48 hours after RT (48hrsRT), and 1week after RT (1WeekRT). Patients were classified as “good responders” or “poor responders” based on their clinical outcome at follow-up. Relative quantitation of serum was carried out by iTRAQ to identify differentially expressed proteins. A total of 180–200 proteins were identified, of which twenty proteins showed more than 1.5 fold differential expression. PreRT protein expression levels were compared across good and poor responders to identify proteins with prognostic potential. Differential expression of proteins during RT was analyzed to identify proteins with predictive potential. Finally, twelve proteins were validated using targeted mass spectrometry in ten good and poor responders.
Results

A 1.5–2.5 fold pre-treatment upregulation of clusterin, gelsolin, extracellular matrix proteins, and proteins of the IGF pathway was observed in poor responders. A 2.0–5.0 fold upregulation of S100 proteins, clusterin, gelsolin, extracellular matrix proteins, IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 was observed in poor responders within 48 hours to 1 week of starting RT.
Conclusions

The present results are the first report for a panel of twelve potential proteins that would help in early risk stratification and therapeutic prognosis of HNSCC treated with radiotherapy. The significant upregulation of clusterin and gelsolin at PreRT and within 48 hours to 1 week of starting RT, indicates their ability to act as prognostic and predictive markers, respectively. The panel of twelve proteins may facilitate the early identification of patients who are most likely to develop resistance to radiotherapy.
Spread of Endemic SARS-CoV-2 Lineages in Russia Before April 2021
Authors: Klink Galya V. , Safina Ksenia R. , Garushyants Sofya K. , Moldovan Mikhail , Nabieva Elena , Komissarov Andrey B. , Lioznov Dmitry , Bazykin Georgii A
Published: September 2021

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by global spread of several lineages with evidence for increased transmissibility. Russia is among the countries with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, making it a potential hotspot for emergence of novel variants. Here, we show that among the globally significant variants of concern, alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351) or gamma (P.1), none have been sampled in Russia before January 2021. Instead, between summer 2020 and spring 2021, the epidemic in Russia has been characterized by the spread of two lineages that are rare elsewhere: B.1.1.317 and a sublineage of B.1.1 including B.1.1.397 (hereafter, B.1.1.397+). Their frequency has increased in different parts of Russia. Mutational composition and frequency dynamics suggest that B.1.1.317 and B.1.1.397+ may be more transmissible than the previously predominant B.1.1. On top of these lineages, in January 2021, B.1.1.7 emerged in Russia, reaching the frequency of 17.4% (95% C.I.: 12.0%-24.4%) in March 2021. Additionally, we identify three novel distinct lineages, AT.1, B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525, that have started to spread, together reaching the frequency of 11.8% (95% C.I.: 7.5%-18.1%) in March 2021. These lineages carry combinations of several notable mutations, including the S:E484K mutation of concern, deletions at a recurrent deletion region of the spike glycoprotein (S:Δ140-142, S:Δ144 or S:Δ136-144), and nsp6:Δ106-108 (also known as ORF1a:Δ3675-3677). Community-based PCR testing indicates that these variants have continued to spread in April 2021, with the frequency of B.1.1.7 reaching 21.7% (95% C.I.: 12.3%-35.6%), and the joint frequency of B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525, 15.2% (95% C.I.: 7.6%-28.2%). Although these variants have been displaced by the onset of delta variant in May-June 2021, the frequency increase of lineages B.1.1.317, B.1.1.397+, AT.1, B.1.1.524 and B.1.1.525 suggest that the combinations of mutations observed in them could have increased the rate of their spread.
Operational Challenges That May Affect Implementation of Evidence-based Interventions at Mobile Produce Markets
Authors: Kasprzak Christina , Lally Anne , Schoonover Julia , Gallicchio Deanna , Haynes-Maslow Lindsey , Vermont Leah , Ammerman Alice , Raja Samina , Tumiel-Berhalter Laurene , Tirabassi Jill , Leone Lucia
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Mobile produce markets are becoming an increasingly prevalent, accepted, and effective strategy for improving fruit and vegetable (F&V) access and consumption across underserved and lower-income communities. However, there is limited published research on mobile market operations. The goal of this research is to identify the challenges mobile markets face and ways to potentially mitigate those challenges. We will also discuss implications of our findings on implementation of evidence-based interventions for mobile produce markets.Methods: We conducted 21 semi-structured key informant (KI) interviews to assess common practices of mobile market organizations that had been operating for 2 + years. We asked KIs about their organizational structure, operations, procurement and logistics, evaluation efforts, marketing and community engagement, success and challenges. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by two independent coders using ATLAS.ti 8.0 qualitative software. A secondary qualitative analysis identified subthemes related to common challenges and remedial practices. An inductive coding process was applied to match identified challenges to the appropriate Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).Results: The leading challenges cited by KIs correspond to the CFIR domains of inner setting (e.g., funding and resources), outer setting (e.g., navigating regulations), and process (e.g. engaging community partnership). Practices that may mitigate challenges include maximizing ancillary services, adopting innovative volunteer and staffing structures, and formalizing agreements with community partners.Conclusion: Common and persistent challenges ought to be addressed to ensure and enhance the positive public health impacts of mobile produce markets. Contextual factors, particularly organizational factors, that impact implementation should also be considered when implementing an evidence-based-intervention at a mobile market. Further research is needed to determine which innovative solutions are the most effective in mitigating challenges, improving implementation, and enhancing sustainability of mobile markets.
C2–C3 Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) for Hangman's Fractures with C2 Posterior Dislocation: A Modified Classification of Hangman's Fractures and Technical Notes
Authors: Chen Yufei , Luan Guannan , Li Xiaojie , Zhang Hongxing , Li Jingyuan , Peng Ye , Ma Shuang , Li Songlin , Xue Jing , Du Junjie
Published: August 2021

Background: The overwhelming majority of hangman’s fractures cause anterior dislocation of C2. Hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation is extremely rare, only one paediatric case was reported in 2018 to date. This kind of injury cannot be catalogued using current classification schemes and no established treatment recommendations exist. The purpose of this article is to report a rare case of a hangman's fracture with C2 posterior dislocation, which does not fit into existing classification systems, propose a new subtype of hangman’s fractures, and discuss management technical notes for the new subtype to avoid pitfalls. Methods: Description of case, review of relevant literatures and share our experience.Results: A 31-year-old male sustained hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation after fell into a 50cm deep roadside ditch when riding a motorcycle. Radiograph and computed tomography (CT) on admission showed fractures through both pars of C2 and C2 posterior dislocation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on admission showed high T2-weighted signal intensity of cervical spinal cord and compression of cervical spinal cord by posterior dislocation of C2 vertebral body. After 5 days of skull traction with 5 kg weight before operation, the dislocation aggravated. A C2-3 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) was performed. At 6 months after operation, bony fusion was achieved, and MRI showed the T2-weighted signal hyperintensity of cervical spinal cord before surgery disappeared.Conclusion: We proposed a new subtype of hangman's fractures here, type IIb hangman’s fractures: type II hangman’s fracture with C2 posterior dislocation. C2–C3 ACDF is recommended for type IIb hangman’s fractures. Traction before surgery is not recommended.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Eight European Countries:
Prevalence, Determinants and Heterogeneity
Authors: Steinert Janina , Sternberg Henrike , Prince Hannah , Fasolo Barbara , Galizzi Matteo , Büthe Tim , Veltri Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Vaccine hesitancy poses a major obstacle to containing COVID-19. Previous experimental studies of communication strategies for promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake have been conducted in a single country each, often testing strategies that have differed from those studied in other countries. On the few occasions when two or more single-country studies have tested similar treatments, they have yielded inconsistent findings. For example, highlighting pro-social benefits increased participants’ willingness to get vaccinated in the UK and the US, but had no effect in France and the UK, thus calling into question the often implied generalisability of previous findings. We experimentally assess the effectiveness of different information treatments across eight European countries and examine heterogeneity in the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as in the perceptions of the different vaccines available, within and across countries. We reveal striking differences in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy across countries, ranging from 5.5% of the adult population in Spain to 50.94% in Bulgaria. The main barriers to vaccine acceptance were fears regarding the quality and safety of the vaccines, as well as mistrust in government. Receiving information emphasising (i) COVID-19 risk reduction through vaccination, (ii) non-medical benefits of a vaccination certificate, and (iii) hedonistic benefits significantly increases vaccination willingness in Germany, but only the vaccination certificate message significantly increases willingness in the UK. No information treatment has significant effects in any other country. A machine-learning technique, model-based recursive partitioning, reveals that the effectiveness of some information treatments is highly heterogeneous among subsets of the population, with adverse effects for Spanish, German and Italian participants without active employment. The heterogeneity of vaccine hesitancy and responses to different messages suggests that health authorities should avoid one-size-fits-all messages and instead tailor vaccination campaigns to their specific target populations, with special care to more disadvantaged populations.
Research Protocol for a Before-After Comparison of the Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity, Sedentary and Dietary Behaviour of School-Going Adolescents in Punjab, India (ICPASA Study)
Authors: Thapar Supriya , Willeboordse Maartje , Schayck Onno CP van , Vreugdenhil Anita , Thakur Jarnail Singh
Published: September 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing pandemic of physical inactivity. In adolescents, the effect of COVID-19related governmental measures may beeven more pronounced,as they experience school closures, home confinement, social distancing and possible mental health issues as a result.The currentstudy uses the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental measures as a natural experiment to understand the impact it may have on the lifestyle of adolescents with relation to physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour. We also aim to describe the determinants of change in lifestyle behaviours.Methods/Design: A before-after experimental study design will be followed in which baseline measurements have been undertaken in 2018-19 before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the follow-up measurements will be repeated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty government and private schools of Punjab, India form the primary unit of participation from which 1086adolescents participated in the study. Validated questionnaires are used to measurephysical activity, sedentarybehaviour, and dietary behaviour. Additionally, objective measures of physical activity will be performed using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT over a 7-day period on a sub-sample. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference will be assessed objectively as a measure of central obesity. Qualitative interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted to have a better understanding for reasons of change in physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour or any possible differences between groups.Discussion: The study aims torevealthe impact of COVID-19 governmental measures on physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour of adolescents. It is one of the first studies to show both subjective and objective measures of physical activity levels and sedentary time of school-going adolescents during COVID-19. Due to the mixed method approach we will be able to identify reasons for changes in lifestyle behaviours and possibly also detect innovative ways of stayingphysically active during the era of physical distancing.
Wheat Bran Hydrolysate Culture Medium Design for Talaromyces Purpureogenus CFRM02 Pigment Production and Colour Characteristics
Authors: Das Sujit , Pandit Saritha Gopal , Dhale Mohan
Published: September 2021

Wheat bran hydrolysate (WBH) in combination with carbon and nitrogen was utilised as substrate for pigment production by Talaromyces purpureogenus CFRM02. Pigment yield was significantly increased (≈ 3 fold: OD units and ≈ 2 fold: a* value) by xylose supplementation with WBH compared to other carbon sources. Whereas 1% xylose supplementation increased pigment production (1.57 ± 0.05 OD Units and 49 ± 1.62 a* value). Pigment yield was low when WBH supplemented with 0.3% nitrogen sources. However significant increase (≈ 2-2.5 fold, OD units and a* value) was observed, when yeast extract (1.2%), nitrate of sodium (1.2%) and potassium (1.6%) were supplemented. Accordingly, 16 WBH media were designed by supplementing carbon and nitrogen. Interestingly the pigment production was significantly increased (1.59 OD units and 32 a* value) in the medium supplemented with 4% carbon and 0.9–1.2% nitrogen. T. purpureogenus CFRM02 was able to co-utilize xylose, fructose and glucose in WBH medium. The CIE Lab values indicated that, pigment characteristics differed significantly among the media. Apparently, T. purpureogenus CFRM02 possess alternative gene(s) or pathway(s) for xylose metabolism and channelled towards pigment biosynthesis. Comparative results revealed that, 1% xylose supplementation to WBH makes the fermentation process economically competitive for pigment production.