bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Sliding Friction Characteristics of Magnetorheological Elastomer - Copper Pair Affected by Magnetic-Controlled Surface Roughness and Elastic Modulus
Authors: Li Rui , Wang Di , Li Xinyan , Yang Ping-an , Ruan Haibo , Shou Mengjie
Published: January 2021

To optimize the online friction coefficient adjustment, it is necessary to study the parameter change features of the magneto-sensitive polymer and its influence on the friction characteristics under magnetic field. A series of isotropic magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) with different initial surface roughness were prepared, and a sliding friction platform with MRE - copper block pair was built to carry out magnetic-controlled friction characteristic experiment. Results show that the sliding friction coefficient of MRE decreases with the increase of the magnetic field, but the degree of reduction is quite different under different initial surface roughness and elastic modulus. When the initial surface roughness of MRE is between 0.5 - 2.5 μm and the ferromagnetic particles volume fraction is between 10% - 15%, its magnetic-controlled friction coefficient has the largest reduced value of 22.75%. Moreover, features of elastic modulus and surface topography under magnetic field were tested and analyzed. By combining with the single peak contact model and the friction binomial law, the relationship between the surface roughness and elastic modulus of MREs and the sliding friction force is deduced, and it is proved that the friction coefficient is affected by the coupling effect of surface roughness and elastic modulus. The magnetic-controlled elastic modulus is the key factor, which determines the overall downward trend of the friction coefficient of MREs. Magnetic-controlled surface roughness also plays an important role in the adjustable range of friction coefficient, and reducing the initial surface roughness can increase the magnetic-controlled friction coefficient adjustable range.
Improving Essential Oil Compositions of Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea L.) Medicinal Plant Using Novel Growing Media and Nutrition Pattern in Hydroponics
Authors: Ahmadi Fatemeh , Samadi Abbas , Sepehr Ebrahim , Rahimi Amir , Shabala Sergey
Published: January 2021

Medicinal plants represent a valuable commodity due to beneficial effects of their natural products on human health, prompting a need for finding a way to optimize/increase their production. In this study, a novel growing media with various perlite particle size and its mixture with peat moss was tested for hydroponic-based production of Echinacea purpurea medicinal plant under greenhouse conditions. The plant growth parameters such as plant height, total fresh leave weight, fresh root weight, total biomass, total chlorophyll, leaf area, and essential oil compositions were assessed. Perlite particle size in the growing media was varied from very coarse (more than 2 mm) to very fine (less than 0.5 mm), and the ratio between perlite and peat moss varied from 50:50 v/v to 30:70 v/v. In addition, two NO3-/NH4+ ratios (90:10 and 70:30) were tested for each growing media. The medium containing very fine-grade perlite and 50:50 v/v perlite to peat moss ratio was found to be most optimal and beneficial for E. purpurea performance, resulting in maximal plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf surface area, and chlorophyll content. It was also found that an increase in NO3-/NH4+ ratio caused a significant increase in plant growth parameters and increase the plant essential oil content. The major terpene hydrocarbons found in extract of E. purpurea with the best growth parameters were germacrene D (51%), myrcene (15%), α-pinene (12%), β-caryophyllene (11%), and 1-Pentadecene (4.4%), respectively. The percentages of these terpene hydrocarbons were increased by increasing of NO3-/NH4+ ratio. It can be concluded that decreasing the perlite particle size and increasing the NO3-/NH4+ ratio increased the plant growth parameters and essential oil compositions in E. purpurea.
Comparison of three robust impedance estimators for the MT method
Authors: Chen Hao , Mizunaga Hideki , Tanaka Toshiaki , Wang Gang
Published: January 2021

The initial magnetotelluric (MT) response function estimator is based on the least-square theory; it can be severely disturbed by the cultural noise. The different robust procedures have been developed and improve the performance of response function estimation dramatically. It is hard to say which method is better or not. In a specific situation, a different approach has different performance. Therefore, it is important to know the different property of them. Between the robust procedures, the robust M-estimator gives a small weight to reject the outlier based on the residual between the output (electric filed) of the least-squares estimator and the observed data. M-estimator can reduce the influence of unusual data in the electric field (outliers) but are not sensitive to exceptional input (magnetic field) data, which are termed leverage points. The bounded influence (BI) estimator combines the standard robust M-estimator with leverage weighting based on the hat matrix diagonal element's statistics, a standard statistical measure of leverage point. Chave (2004) also creates an open-source code, Bounded Influence Remote Reference Processing (BIRRP), and it is widely used in the MT community. But the leverage point corresponds to the large variation of the magnetic field. It may be an energetic signal or active noise. The performance of the M-estimator and the BI-estimator was dramatically different in the two situations. On the other hand, the repeat median algorithm can protect against unusual data (outlier and leverage point) maximum. We researched the difference property of bound influence (BI-estimator), maximum likelihood (M-estimator), and repeat median (RM-estimator) signal site MT respond function estimator. Three independent code (BIRRP code, robust M-estimator code, and RM-estimator code) are used to compare them. At last, two typical field data are used, making the difference between the bound influence estimator and robust M-estimator transparent. We found that when the leverage point is the energetic signal, the M-estimator will perform better than the BI-estimator. When the leverage point is the active noise, the BI-estimator will work much better than the M-estimator. Finally, we also investigated the ability of the three estimators at a single site.
Clinical significance of skeletal muscle density and sarcopenia in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy : a retrospective observational study.
Authors: Kim In-Ho , Choi Moon Hyung , Lee In Seok , Hong Tae Ho , Lee Myung Ah
Published: January 2021

Background: To investigate the clinical impact of sarcopenia and skeletal muscle density (SMD) among patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent palliative first line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.Methods: A total of 330 patients treated with first line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy between January 2010 and March 2017 were included. CT scans before chemotherapy and after 8±2 weeks were evaluated. The L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI) was used to detect sarcopenia and calculated as the total area of the L3 skeletal muscle divided by the height-squared (cm2/m2). SMD was quantified as the mean muscle radiation attenuation of the muscle cross-sectional area across the L3 vertebral body level and was assessed between -29 and +150 Hounsfield units. Results: A SMI to SMD comparison revealed a positive correlation (R2 = 0.058, P<0.001). Compared with high SMD, the risks of low SMI were 1.516 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.164-1.973) among patients with low SMD. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the low SMD was related to poor overall survival (OS, median, 6.1 versus [vs.] 7.9 months, P=0.010). Multivariate analysis using Cox regression showed that low SMI (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.78, P=0.032) and low SMD (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.09–1.93, P=0.011) were poor prognostic factors for OS, respectively. Co-presence of low SMI and low SMD had more powerful prognostic implication for OS (HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.12–2.23, P=0.010). Grade 3 or higher toxicity of chemotherapy was more frequently observed in patients who have a low SMI (43% vs. 59%, P=0.019) and low SMD (44% vs. 60%, P=0.023). OS was not related to SMD status among patients who were chemotherapy responders (complete or partial responses). However, among non-responders (stable or progressive disease), low SMD groups had significantly poorer OS in comparison with high SMD groups (median, 5.6 vs 7.4 months, P=0.006).Conclusions: Sarcopenia and SMD status can be considered a prognostic factor in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received palliative first line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. Severe chemotherapy toxicity occurred in the sarcopenia and low SMD groups. Our data suggest that a comprehensive assessment of skeletal muscle parameters may be more useful prognostic factors.
Depressive Effectiveness of Vigabatrin (y-Vinyl-GABA), an Antiepileptic Drug, in Intermediate-conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Hung Te-Yu , Huang Huai-Ying Ingrid , Wu Sheng-Nan , Huang Chin-Wei
Published: January 2021

Background: Vigabatrin (VGB) is an approved non-traditional antiepileptic drug that has been revealed to have potential for treating brain tumors; however, its effect on ionic channels in glioma cells remains largely unclear. Methods: With the aid of patch-clamp technology, we investigated the effects of VGB on various ionic currents in the glioblastoma multiforme cell line 13-06-MG. Results: In cell-attached configuration, VGB concentration-dependently reduced the activity of intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (IKCa) channels, while DCEBIO (5,6-dichloro-1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one) counteracted the VGB-induced inhibition of IKCa channels. However, the activity of neither large-conductance Ca2+-activated (BKCa) nor inwardly rectifying K+ (KIR) channels were affected by the presence of VGB in human 13-06-MG cells. However, in the continued presence of VGB, the addition of GAL-021 or BaCl2 effectively suppressed BKCa and KIR channels. Conclusions: The inhibitory effect of VGB on IKCa channels demonstrated in the current study could be an important underlying mechanism of VGB-induced antineoplastic (e.g., anti-glioma) actions.
Which growth standards should be used to identify large- and small-for-gestational age infants of mothers with type 1 diabetes? A pre-specified analysis of the CONCEPTT trial
Authors: Meek Claire L , Corcoy Rosa , Asztalos Elizabeth , Kusinski Laura Caroline , Lopez Esther , Feig Denice S , Murphy Helen R
Published: January 2021

BackgroundOffspring of women with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of fetal growth patterns which are associated with perinatal morbidity. Our aim was to compare rates of large- and small-for-gestational age (LGA; SGA) defined according to different criteria, using data from the Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 Diabetes Pregnancy Trial (CONCEPTT).MethodsThis was a pre-specified analysis of CONCEPTT involving 225 pregnant women and liveborn infants from 31 international centres (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01788527; registered 11/2/2013). Infants were weighed immediately at birth and GROW, INTERGROWTH and WHO centiles were calculated. Relative risk ratios, sensitivity and specificity were used to assess the different growth standards with respect to perinatal outcomes, including neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, respiratory distress, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and a composite neonatal outcome. ResultsAccelerated fetal growth was common, with mean birthweight percentiles of 82.1, 85.7 and 63.9 and LGA rates of 62%, 67% and 30% using GROW, INTERGROWTH and WHO standards respectively. Corresponding rates of SGA were 2.2%, 1.3% and 8.9% respectively. LGA defined according to GROW centiles showed stronger associations with preterm delivery, neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and NICU admission. Infants born >97.7th centile were at highest risk of complications. SGA defined according to INTERGROWTH centiles showed slightly stronger associations with perinatal outcomes. Conclusions GROW and INTERGROWTH standards performed similarly and identified similar numbers of neonates with LGA and SGA. GROW-defined LGA and INTERGROWTH-defined SGA had slightly stronger associations with neonatal complications. WHO standards underestimated size in preterm infants and are less applicable for use in type 1 diabetes.
Imaging analysis of 13 rare cases of renal collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma patients in northern China: a case series and literature review.
Authors: Lyu Zhehao , Liu Lili , Li Huimin , Wang Haibo , Liu Qi , Chen Tingting , Xu Meiling , Tian Lin , Fu Peng
Published: January 2021

Background: Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma (CDC) is a highly malignant and rare kidney tumor. We report our 12-year experience with CDC and the results of a retrospective analysis of patients and tumor characteristics, clinical manifestations, and imaging features by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT.Methods: Retrospective examination of tumors between January 2007 and December 2019 identified 13 cases of CDC from three medical centers in northern China. All 13 patients underwent CT scan, among which eight underwent dynamic enhanced CT scan, two underwent PET/CT scan, and one underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examination. The lesions were divided into nephritis type and mass type according to the morphology of the tumors.Results: The study group included ten men and three women with an average age of 64.23 ± 10.74 years. The clinical manifestations were gross hematuria, flank pain, and waist discomfort. The mean tumor size was 8.48 ± 2.48 cm. Of the 13 cases, six (46.2%) were cortical-medullary involved type and seven (53.8%) were cortex-medullary-pelvis involved type. Eleven (84.6%) cases were nephritis type and two (15.4%) were mass type. The lesions appeared solid or complex solid and cystic on CT and MRI. The parenchymal area of the tumors showed isodensity or slightly higher density on unenhanced CT scan in the 13 cases. PET/CT in two cases showed increased radioactivity intake. Evidence of intra-abdominal metastatic disease was present on CT in nine (69.2%) cases.Conclusions: The imaging characteristics of CDC differ from those of other renal cell carcinomas. In renal tumors located in the junction zone of the renal cortex and medulla that show unclear borders, slight enhancement, and metastases in the early stage, a diagnosis of CDC needs to be considered. PET/CT provides crucial information for the diagnosis of CDC, as well as for designing treatment strategies including surgery.
Evaluation on Immediate Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Kai-Hou-Jian Spray (Children 'S Type) In Treating Sore Throat Caused By Acute Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis In Children: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ma Yan-ning , Zhong Cheng-liang , Hu Siyuan , Cai Qiu-han , Guo Sheng-xuan
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis are common respiratory diseases for which children seek medical care. Their main clinical manifestation is sore throat which interferes with patients’ quality of life. However, there is no proven effective or safe method to treat it. It is necessary to find an excellent strategy to reduce sore throat and reduce the burden of acute illness. We designed the randomized controlled trial with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to determine the clinical positioning of Kai-Hou-Jian spray (children 's type) (KHJS) through evidence-based research. This trial aims to evaluate the immediate analgesic efficacy of KHJS on sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis (wind-heat syndrome/heat exuberance in lung and stomach syndrome) in children, and to observe its safety. Methods/design: This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. It will include 240 children with acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis from 7 study sites across China. All participants are randomly assigned to two parallel treatment groups, one with KHJS and the other with placebo sprays, for 5 consecutive days. The primary outcome is the time of analgesic onset. Secondary outcomes include duration of analgesic effect, area under time curve of 0-3 hours Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS) score (AUC0-3h), rate of analgesic onset, rate of disappearance of sore throat, changes of WBS score (in days), effective rate of pharyngeal signs, and effective rate of TCM syndrome. The incidence of adverse events during the trial is the primary safety outcome. In addition, vital signs and laboratory tests before and after medication are monitored.Discussion: To our knowledge, this will be the first clinical trial to explore the immediate analgesic efficacy of a Chinese patent medicine spray for acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis induced sore throat in children in a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled manner. Not only might it prove the efficacy and safety of KHJS in the treatment of sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis in children, but it might also provide evidence for the treatment of acute sore throat with Chinese herbal medicine.Trial registration: ChiCTR2000031599. Registered on 5 April 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=50385
Crowdsourcing Framework for QoE-Aware SD-WAN
Authors: Ellawindy Ibtihal , Heydari Shahram Shah
Published: January 2021

The exponential increase in bandwidth-sensitive multimedia traffic on the Internet has created new challenges and opportunities. With the shifting focus from service availability to service quality, there is a need to have quality management measures to serve the high needs of efficient transmission and delivery in time-constrained environments over IP networks. Quality of Experience (QoE) is now considered the most important measure to achieve the twin goals of application efficiency and user satisfaction from a user perspective. In this paper, we propose a framework that can be used to collect real-time QoE feedback through crowdsourcing and forward it to SD-WAN controllers to enhance streaming routes based on real-time user quality perceptions. We analyze how QoE can be affected by different network conditions, and how different streaming protocols compare against each other when the network parameters change dynamically. We compare the real-time user feedback to predefined network changes to measure if participants will be able to identify all degradation events, and to examine which combination of degradation events are noticeable to the participants. These QoE timestamped feedback is sent back to the SD-WAN controller continuously in order to locate problems and bottlenecks in the current service paths and to enable network controllers to take corrective action by rerouting the streamed traffic. Our aim is to demonstrate that real-time QoE feedback can enhance cloud-based services and can adjust services quality based on real-time, active participants’ interaction[1].[1] This paper extends the preliminary results presented by the authors at the PVE-SDN 2019 workshop in IEEE Conference on Network Softwarization (NetSoft 2019).
Combined Subcostal and Posterior Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Pain Relief after Abdominoplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sayed Haytham El , Fadhul A Shaheed , Falaki Mohamed Al , Awad M Nasr
Published: January 2021

Background: Abdominoplasty is a common esthetic surgery for adequate pain management during the postoperative period. Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is a therapeutic complement for analgesia for postoperative pain following abdominal surgery.Aim: To compare the outcomes of TAPB and systemic opioids in patients undergoing abdominoplasty.Methods: Fifty-eight patients undergoing abdominoplasty were randomly assigned to two groups: Combined subcostal and posterior TAPB group (BG, n=29) and Control group (CG, n=29). The standard postoperative analgesic regimen for both groups consisted of IV Paracetamol 1 g every 6 h. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were recorded postoperatively, and once the patient had a VAS ≥4, IV pethidine was administered. The primary outcome was pethidine consumption in the first 72 h postoperatively; the secondary outcomes included VAS scores at rest and during movement in the first 72 h postoperatively, time to first ambulation, and time to first incentive spirometer at 900 mL/min.Results: Pethidine consumption in the first 72 h was 208.62±85.64 in the CG group and 20.69±25.06 in BG (p<0.05). VAS was lower in BG during the first 72 h both at rest and during movement (p<0.05). Time to first ambulation was 12.41±5.04 h in the CG group and 4.62±1.08 h in BG (p<0.05), time to first incentive spirometer at 900 mL/min was 11.45±5.05 h in CG and 4.27±1.09 h in BG (p<0.05).Conclusion: Combined subcostal and posterior TAPB offers a longer postoperative analgesic effect and reduced postoperative opioid requirements with fewer postoperative complications.Trial RegistrationClinical Trial: TCTR20200602001 “Retrospectively registered”Date of registration on May 30, 2020.
Ethical challenges of the healthcare transition to adult Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics for HIV infected adolescents and young people in Uganda
Authors: Mbalinda Scovia Nalugo , Bakeera-Kitaka Sabrina , Amooti Derrick Lusota , Magongo Eleanor Namusoke , Musoke Philippa , Dan Kaye K
Published: January 2021

Background Many adolescents and young people with HIV require the transfer of care from paediatric/ adolescent clinics to adult ART clinics. Transition is beset with factors that hinder or facilitate the process, thereby raising the transition process’s ethical challenges. Decisions made regarding therapy, such as when and how to transition to adult HIV care, should consider ethical benefits and risks. Understanding and addressing ethical challenges in the healthcare transition could ensure a successful transition. The purpose of this study was to analyse the ethical challenges of transitioning HIV care for adolescents into adult HIV clinics. Method We conducted 18 focus group discussions among 191 adolescents attending nine different health facilities in Uganda. We explored facilitators and barriers regarding adolescents transitioning to adult HIV clinics. Thematic data analysis was used to analyze the data. The Silences Framework guided data analysis and interpretation. The principles of Bioethics and the four-boxes ethics framework for clinical care (Patient autonomy, Medical indications, Context of Care and Quality of life) were used to analyze the ethical issues surrounding the transition to adult HIV care. Results The key emerging ethical issues were: reduced patient autonomy; increased risk of harm from stigma and loss of privacy and confidentiality; unfriendly adult clinics induce disengagement and disruption of the care continuum; patient preference to transition as a cohort and contextual factors are critical to a successful transition. Conclusion The priority outcomes of the healthcare transition for adolescents should address ethical challenges of the healthcare transition to ensure retention in HIV care, facilitate long-term self-care, provide ongoing holistic healthcare and support to promote health and wellbeing and build trust in the healthcare system. Identifying what facilitates successful transitions and the gaps that interventions can target may ensure adolescents and young people with HIV infectionremain healthy across the healthcare transition.
Effects of different pretreatment methods on microbial yield from infected tissues
Authors: Cai Yuanqing , Fang Xinyu , Zhang Lvheng , Yang Xurong , Nie Lixiong , Huang Zida , Li Wenbo , Zhang Chaofan , Yang Bin , Zhang Wenming , Guan Zhenpeng
Published: January 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different pretreatment methods on the microbial yield in infected tissues. Methods: Strains of Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Escherichia coli (EC) and Candida albicans (CA) were used to construct single-surface, full-surface, and internal infection models in sterile pork tissue. Manual milling (MM), mechanical homogenization (MH), sonificated (SF), dithiothreitol (DTT), and direct culture (DC) were used to pretreat tissues, the microbial yield from different pretreatment methods were compared. At the same time, periprosthetic tissues collected intraoperatively from periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) patients were pretreated with the same methods. Results: The study showed that the microbial yield from MH pretreatment was significantly higher than that of MM (P <0.01) and SF pretreatment method (P <0.01). Furthermore, in the internal infection model, the microbial yield from MH group was also significantly higher than that of SF (P <0.01), DTT (P <0.01), and DC group (P <0.01). Moreover, the number of bacterial colonies obtained from periprosthetic tissues pretreated by MH was significantly higher than pretreated by other pretreatment methods (P = 0.004). Conclusions: The effects of MH and DTT in microbial yield were significantly higher than that of DC, SF and MM, and these methods can be used to process multiple tissue samples at the same time, which might further improve the sensitivity of infectious disease.
Co-destruction in social care services: how to identify and evaluate barriers arising from a co- production exercise with family carers living in rural and remote areas
Authors: Gheduzzi Eleonora , Masella Cristina , Morelli Niccolò , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: January 2021

Background: Co-production has been widely recognised as a plausible means to reduce the dissatisfaction of citizens, the inefficacy of service providers, and conflicts in relations between the former and the latter. However, the enhancement of co-production has begun to be questioned: co-production has often been taken for granted, and its effects may not always be fruitful. To understand and prevent unsuccessful citizen and provider collaboration, the recent literature has begun to focus on the causes of co-destruction. This paper investigates how the barriers that may arise during the co-production of a new social service with family carers can be identified and interpreted.Methods: To investigate this topic, we undertook a single case study by considering a longitudinal project (Place4Carers) intended to co-produce a new social care service with and for the family carers of elderly patients living in rural and remote areas. We organised collaborative co-assessment workshops and semi-structured interviews to collect the views of family carers and service providers on the co-production process. As part of the research team that participated in the co-production process, we contributed to the analysis with a reflexive approach.Results: The analysis revealed four main co-production barriers: lack of trust, lack of effectiveness of engagement, participants’ inability (or impossibility) to change and the lack of a cohesive partnership among partners. Despite these findings, the project increases carers’ satisfaction, competence and trust in service providers by demonstrating the positive effects of co-production.Conclusions: Our article confirms that co-creation and co-destruction processes may coexist. The role of researchers and service providers is to prevent or remedy co-destruction effects. To this end, we suggest that in co-production projects, more time should be spent co-assessing the project before, during and after the co-production process. This approach would facilitate the adoption of adjustment actions such as creating mutual trust through conviviality among actors and fostering collaborative research between academia and organisations that are not used to working together.
Construction of a patient decision aid for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care
Authors: VINCENT Yves-Marie , FRACHON Adèle , BUFFETEAU Clotilde , CONORT Guillaume
Published: January 2021

Background: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (uUTI) is very common among women in primary care. The risk of developing pyelonephritis remains low after uUTI, nonetheless, empiric antibiotic therapy is frequently prescribed for symptomatic purposes. This may lead to adverse effects and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, patients may express the will to limit the use of antibiotics. Some European countries recommend discussing a delayed prescription with the patient and developing a shared decision. The aim of this study is to create a patient decision aid (PtDA) used in primary care settings to make a shared decision between practitioners and women about whether or not to treat uUTI with antibiotics.Methods: We followed the steps recommended by the International Patient Decision Aids Standards, with a scoping phase, a design phase (including focus groups and literature review), and an alpha-testing phase. A steering group, made of patients and physicians, met throughout the study to develop a prototype PtDA.Results: The information included in the PtDA is the definition of uUTI, information on the options, their benefits, risks, and consequences, based on a review of the literature. The results of the focus group made possible to determine the patient's values and preferences to consider in decision-making, including: the discomfort felt, the impact on daily life, patients’ perceptions of antibiotics, and the position relative to the risk of adverse effect. The choices in presentation, organisation and design are the result of the work of the steering group, improved by feedback from alpha testing. We confirmed the need for shared decision-making and the equipoise in this situation.Conclusions: We developed a PtDA to be used in primary care for sharing decision on the use of antibiotic in uUTI. It needs to be validated in a beta-testing phase, with complementary advice from peers, and then tested in a clinical study comparing its use with the systematic prescription approach.
Association of nasopharyngeal viruses and pathogenic bacteria in children and their parents with and without HIV
Authors: Khan Tila , Das Ranjan Saurav , Chaudhary Amrita , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy , Bhattacharya Sangeeta Das
Published: January 2021

Background: Bacteria and respiratory viruses co-occur in the nasopharynx, and their interactions may impact pathogenesis of invasive disease. Associations of viruses and bacteria in the nasopharynx may be affected by HIV.Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study from a larger cohort study of banked nasopharyngeal swabs from families with and without HIV in West Bengal India, to look at the association of viruses and bacteria in the nasopharynx of parents and children when they are asymptomatic. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for 4 bacteria and 21 respiratory viruses was run on 92 random nasopharyngeal swabs from children--49 from children living with HIV (CLH) and 43 from HIV uninfected children(HUC)-- and 77 swabs from their parents (44 parents of CLH and 33 parents of HUC).Results: Bacteria was found in 67% of children, viruses in 45%, and both in 27% of child samples. Staphylococcus aureus (53%) was the most common bacteria, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) (37%) in children and parents (53%, 20%). Regardless of HIV status, viruses were detected in higher numbers (44%) in children than their parents (30%) (p=0.049), particularly rhinovirus (p=0.02). Human rhinovirus was the most frequently found virus in both CLH and HUC. Children with adenovirus were at six times increased risk of also having pneumococcus (Odds ratio OR 6, 95% CI 1.12-31.9) regardless of HIV status. In addition, the presence of rhinovirus in children was associated with increased pneumococcal density (Regression coeff 4.5, 1.14-7.9). In CLH the presence of rhinovirus increased the risk of pneumococcal colonization by nearly sixteen times (OR 15.6, 1.66-146.4) and pneumococcus and S. aureus dual colonization by nearly nine times (OR 8.7).Conclusions Children more frequently carried viruses regardless of HIV status. In CLH the presence of rhinovirus, the most frequently detected virus, significantly increased co-colonization with pneumococcus and S. aureus.
Preliminary study of the toxicity and radioprotective effects of zymosan in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yue-zhi , Ge Shu-jing , Leng Qing-zhen , Ma Jian-jun , Liu Hanchen
Published: January 2021

Background: This study aimed to confirm the cytotoxicity of zymosan in vitro and in vivo and determine the appropriate treatment time and dose of zymosan.Methods: AHH-1 cells and HIECs were administered by 0, 20, 40, 80 or 160 μg/mL zymosan. The CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the cell viability and apoptosis 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after administration. Furthermore, 12 h before irradiation, the cells were treated with 0, 5, 10, or 20 μg/mL zymosan and then irradiated with 4 Gy X-rays. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry at 24 h. In addition, the protective effect of zymosan against radiation in vitro was compared to that of 20 μg/mL LPS. In vivo, weight, the spleen index and the thymus index were measured to evaluate the toxicity of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 10 mg/kg zymosan. In addition, rats were treated with 0, 2, 4, 8 or 10 mg/kg zymosan and then irradiated with 7 Gy X-rays. The survival rate, organ index were evaluated. The protective effect of zymosan against radiation in vivo was compared to that of 10 mg/kg LPS a positive control. Results: The viability and apoptosis of cells treated with different doses and treatment times of zymosan were not different from those of control cells (p<0.05). Furthermore, cell viability and apoptosis were clearly improved after zymosan preadministration (p<0.05). The radioprotective effect of zymosan was dose-dependent. In addition, the viability of cells pretreated with zymosan was higher than that of cells pretreated with LPS, and the apoptosis rate of zymosan-treated cells was lower than that of cells pretreated with LPS (p<0.05). In vivo, weight, the spleen index and the thymus index were significantly decreased by zymosan at a concentration of 20 mg/kg (p<0.05). Further experiments showed that the concentration at which zymosan exerted radioprotective effects was 10 mg/kg. The survival curves in the irradiated rats were barely separated between the LPS treatment and zymosan treatment. Conclusion: Zymosan administration before radiation exposure significantly increased cell viability and the survival rates of rats.
Identification of molecular regulation on difference of lipid deposition in dedifferentiated preadipocytes from different chicken tissues
Authors: ma zheng , Luo Na , Liu Lu , Cui Huanxian , Li Jing , Xiang Hai , Kang Huimin , Li Hua , Zhao Guiping
Published: January 2021

Background: The body distribution with high intramuscular fat and low abdominal fat is ideal goal for broiler breeding. Preadipocytes with different origins have differences in metabolism and gene expression. This transcriptome analysis of intramuscular preadipocytes (DIMPs) and adipose tissue-derived preadipocytes (DAFPs) is aim to explore the characteristics in lipid deposition of different chicken preadipocytes by dedifferentiation in vitro. Results: Compared to DAFPs, the total lipid content was decreased (P <0.05) in DIMFPs after two days with 100% confluence. Moreover, 72 DEGs related to lipid metabolism were screened, which are involved in the adipocyte differentiation, fatty acid transport and fatty acid synthesis, lipid stabilization, and lipolysis. Among the 72 DEGs, 19 DEGs were enriched in the PPAR signaling pathway, indicating a main contribution to the regulation of the difference of lipid deposition between DAFPs and DIMFPs. Among these 19 genes, the representative APOA1, ADIPOQ, FABP3, FABP4, FABP7, HMGCS2, LPL and RXRG genes were down-regulated, but ACSL1, FABP5, PCK2, PDPK1, PPARG, SCD, SCD5, SLC27A6 genes were up-regulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the DIMFPs. In addition, the well-known pathways affecting lipid metabolism (MAPK-, TGF beta-, Calcium-, PPAR signaling pathway) and the pathways related to cell communication were enriched, which may also contribute to the regulation of lipid deposition. Finally, the regulatory network for the difference of lipid deposition between chicken DAFPs and DIMFPs were proposed based on the above information.Conclusions: Our data suggested the difference of lipid deposition between DIMPs and DAFPs of chicken in vitro, and proposed the molecular regulatory network for the difference of lipid deposition between chicken DAFPs and DIMFPs. The lipid content was significantly increased in DAFPs by the direct mediation of PPAR signaling pathways. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of tissue-specific fat deposition and optimizing body fat distribution in broilers.
Alterations of RNA splicing patterns in esophagus squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ding Jiyu , Li Chunquan , Cheng Yinwei , Du Zepeng , Wang Qiuyu , Tang Zhidong , Song Chao , Xia Qiaoxi , Bai Wenjing , Lin Ling , Liu Wei , Xu Liyan , Li Enmin , Wu Bingli
Published: January 2021

Alternative splicing (AS) is an important biological process for regulating the expression of various isoforms from a single gene and thus to promote proteome diversity. In this study, RNA-seq data from 15 pairs of matched esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and normal tissue samples as well as two cell lines were analyzed. AS events with significant differences were identified between ESCC and matched normal tissues, which were re-annotated to find protein coding genes or non-coding RNAs. A total of 45,439 AS events were found. Of these, 6,019 (13.25%) significant differentially AS events were identified. Exon skipping (SE) events occupied the largest proportion of abnormal splicing events. Fifteen differential splicing events with the same trends of ΔΨ values in ESCC tissues, as well in the two cell lines were found. Four pathways and 20 biological processes related to pro-metastasis cell junction and migration were significantly enriched for the differentially spliced genes. The upregulated splicing factor SF3B4, which regulates 92 gene splicing events, could be a potential prognostic factor of ESCC. Differentially spliced genes, including HNRNPC, VCL, ZNF207, KIAA1217, TPM1 and CALD1 are shown with a sashimi plot. These results suggest that cell junction- and migration-related biological processes are influenced by AS abnormalities, and aberrant splicing events can be affected by splicing factor expression changes. The involved splicing factor SF3B4 was found to be a survival-related gene in ESCC and is presumed to regulate AS in multiple cancers. In summary, we identified significant differentially expressed AS events which may be related to the development of ESCC.
Sheep nemabiome diversity and its response to anthelmintic treatment in Swedish sheep herds
Authors: Halvarsson Peter , Höglund Johan
Published: January 2021

BackgroundA novel way to study the species composition and diversity of nematode parasites in livestock is to perform deep sequencing on composite samples containing a mixture of different species. Herein we describe for the first-time the nematode community structures (nemabiomes) inhabiting Swedish sheep and how these are/were affected by host age and recent anthelmintic treatments.MethodsA total of 158 fecal samples were collected (n=35 in 2007 and n=123 in 2013-2016) and cultured from groups of sheep on 61 commercial farms in the south-central part of the country where most animals are grazed. Among the samples, 2 x 44 (56%) were paired collections from the same groups pre- and post-treatment with anthelmintics such as macrocyclic lactones, benzimidazoles or levamisole. Samples were analyzed for their nemabiome using the PacBio platform followed by bioinformatic sequence analysis with SCATA. Species richness and diversity were calculated and analyzed in R.ResultsNematode ITS2 sequences were found in all larval culture samples except two, even though the fecal egg counts were below the McMaster threshold in 20 samples. Sequencing yielded, on average, 1,008 sequences per sample. In total 16 operational taxonomical units (OTU), all had ≥98 % identity to sequences in the NCBI database, were recognized. The OTUs found represented nematode species of which 10 are commonly associated with sheep. Multiple species were identified in all pre anthelmintic treatment larval culture samples. No effects on nematode diversity were found in relation to host age. On the other hand, recent anthelmintic treatment lowered species richness, especially after use of ivermectin and albendazole. Interestingly, despite zero egg counts after use of levamisole, these samples still contained nematode DNA and especially H. contortus.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that nemabiome analysis combined with diversity index analysis provide an objective methodology in the study of the efficacy of anthelmintic treatment, as both high and low abundant species were detected.
Self-reported psychological problems and coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Guerrero Rita Judith Ames , Parra Victoria Aymé Barreda , Cahua Julio Cesar Huamani , Holl Jane Banaszak
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted health systems across the world and led to major shifts in individual behavior by forcing people into isolation in home settings. Its rapid spread has overwhelmed populations in all corners of Latin-American countries resulting in individual psychological reactions that may aggravate the health crisis. OBJECTIVE: This study reports on demographics, self-reported psychological disturbance and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Peruvian population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study uses an online survey with snowball sampling that was conducted after the state of emergency was declared in Perú (on April 2nd). The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to identify somatic symptoms, incidence of anxiety/ insomnia, social dysfunction and depression and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) mapped personal strategies to address recent stress. RESULTS: 434 self-selected participants ranging in age from 18 to 68 years old (ME =33.87) completed the survey. The majority of participants were women (61.3%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.7%), well-educated (>=85.0 %), Peruvian (94.2%), employed (57.4%) and single (71.20 %). 40.8% reported psychological problems, expressing fear of coronavirus infection (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that women developed more somatic symptoms (p<0.001*, C.I: -2.75 to -.99) and greater anxiety/insomnia (p=0.00*, C.I: -2.98 to 0.84) than men. Depression and social dysfunction were equally likely at any age. Educational status was protective against developing psychological disorders (p<0.05). While active responses (acceptance and social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological problems; passive strategies (such as denial, self-distraction, self-blame, disconnection, and emotional discharge) are more commonly reported.CONCLUSION: This study provides a better understanding of psychological disorders occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Peruvian population. About half of the respondents reported psychological disturbance and poor coping responses. This evidence informs the need for broader promotional health policies focused on strengthening individual’s active strategies to improve mental health, especially in underprivileged groups during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
BMSCs Seeding in Different Scaffold Incorporation with Hyperbaric Oxygen Treat Seawater Immersed Bony Defect
Authors: zhang gan , Chen Xiaosong , Cheng Xunsheng , Ma Xiuwu , Chen Congcong
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The experiment was undertaken to estimate the effect of BMSCs seeding in different scaffold incorporation with HBO on the repair of seawater immersed bone defect. And future compared n-HA/PLGA with β-TCP/PLGA as scaffold in treatment effect of seawater immersed bone defect.Methods: 60 New Zealand White rabbits with standard seawater defect in radius were randomly divided to group A (implant with nothing), group B (implanted with atuogenous bone), group C (implanted with n-HA/PLGA/BMSCs, and Group D ( implanted with β-TCP/PLGA/BMSCs). After implant, each rabbit receive HBO treatment at 2.4 ATA 100% oxygen for 120 minutes per day for 2 weeeks. Radiograph, histological and biomechanical examination were used to analyze osteogenesis.Result: X-ray analysis show that n-HA/PLGA/BMSCs and β-TCP/PLGA/BMSCs could accelerate the new bone formation, and the new bone formation in group C was lager than in group D or group A, and close to group B (P<0.05). After 12 weeks, in group A, defect without scaffold show a loose connect tissue filled in the areas. The medullary canal in group B was recanalizated. Defect in group C and D show a larger number of wove bone formation. The new wove bone formation in defect areas in group C was lager than D. The mechanical examination revealed ultimate strength at 12 weeks were group D>group C>group B>group A(P<0.05).Conclusion: Scaffold of n-HA/PLGA and β-TCP/PLGA incorporation with HBO and BMSCs were effective to treat seawater immersed bone defect, and n-HA/PLGA was more excellent than β-TCP/PLGA.
Is Preexisting Mental Illness Associated with Lower Patient Satisfaction for Older Trauma Patients? A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study
Authors: McGraw Constance , Pekarek Jennifer , Redmond Diane , Vogel Rebecca , Tanner Allen , Bar-Or David
Published: January 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine if satisfaction with care differs among older trauma patients with and without preexisting mental illness (PMI+/PMI-).Methods: Data from two level I trauma centers were examined from 11/2016 through 12/2017. Trauma patients ≥55 years were included and satisfaction of those who had a diagnosis of mental illness prior to the trauma admission (PMI+) to those without a diagnosis (PMI-) (n=299; 62 PMI+ and 237 PMI-) were compared. Enrolled patients completed the Family Satisfaction with Advanced Care Cancer Scale Patient Survey (FAMCARE-P13) prior to discharge. Associations between mental illness status and patient baseline characteristics, overall mean satisfaction, and mean satisfaction by question were compared. Generalized linear models adjusted for differences in patient satisfaction by mental illness status. Analyses were stratified by hospital to account for the interaction between hospital and mental illness status.Results: Compared to PMI- patients, PMI+ patients were more likely to be younger, female, have multiple comorbidities, and to report lower overall satisfaction with care. Among PMI+ patients, the most common diagnoses were depression and anxiety. After adjustment, PMI+ was associated with lower patient satisfaction at hospital 1; after examining individual questions lower satisfaction was associated with information provided on procedures and questions surrounding “Physical care.” Conversely, PMI+ did not affect satisfaction at hospital 2 after adjustment.Conclusions: At hospital 1, room for improvement was identified in providing information about prognosis and procedures, symptom management, and continuity of care. Reexamining practices for older PMI+ trauma patients is warranted.