bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Good Performance in the Management of Acute Heart Failure in Cardiogeriatric Departments : The ICREX-94 Experience
Authors: Berthelot Emmanuelle , Broussier Amaury , Damy Thibaud , Donadio Cristiano , Cosson Stephane , Rovani Xavier , Salengro Emmanuel , Megbemado Richard , Rekik Noomen , Godreuil Christian , Richard Kevin , Shourick Jason , Assayag Patrick , Belmin Joel , David Jean Philippe , Hittinger Luc , Billebeau Gilles
Published: January 2021

Context: A growing number of elderly patients hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure (AHF) are being managed in cardiogeriatrics departments, but their characteristics and prognosis are poorly known. This study aimed to investigate the profile and outcome (rehospitalization at 90 days) of patients hospitalized for AHF in cardiogeriatrics departments in the Val-de-Marne area in the suburbs of Paris, and to compare them to AHF patients hospitalized in cardiology departments in the same area. Methods: Observational study, ICREX-94, conducted in seven cardiology departments in France and three specific cardiogeriatrics departments in Val-de-Marne. Results: A total of 308 patients were hospitalized for AHF between October 2017 and January 2019. During the 90 days following discharge, 29.6% patients were readmitted to the hospital. Compared with patients hospitalized in cardiology departments, patients in cardiogeriatrics departments were older (p<0.001), less independent (living more often alone or in an institution) (p<0.001), more often depressed (p<0.001), had more often major neurocognitive disorder (p<0.001), had a higher Human Development Index (HDI, p<0.001), and were less often diagnosed with amyloidosis (p<0.001). There was no difference in outcome whether patients were discharged from cardiology or cardiogeriatrics departments. The most frequent precipitating factors underlying AHF decompensation between the first and second hospitalization were arrhythmia and infection.Conclusion: AHF patients discharged from cardiogeriatrics departments, compared to cardiology departments, showed clinical differences but had the same prognosis regarding AHF rehospitalization at 90 days.
Rapid Molecular Diagnosis of Parechovirus Infection Using the Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Technique
Authors: Yokoyama Tadafumi , Tasaki Yuko , Inoue Natsumi , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Nariai Eri , Kuramoto Sanae , Wada Taizo
Published: January 2021

Objectives Human parechovirus (HPeV), especially HPeV A3 (HPeV3), causes sepsis-like diseases and sudden infant death syndrome in neonates and young infants. However, commercial laboratory tests for HPeVs, including HPeV3, do not exist.Methods We originally designed inner primers, outer primers, and loop-primers on the 5′ untranslated region of HPeV3. We used HPeV3 ribonucleic acids (RNAs), other viral RNAs, and clinical stool samples to confirm whether our designed primers would allow the detection of HPeV3 with the reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) technique.Results We created three combinations of primers and confirmed that all primer sets allowed the detection of HPeV3 RNAs in only 60 minutes. These primer sets had cross-reactivity with HPeV type 1 (HPeV1), but all sets showed negative results when we applied Coxsackievirus, Echovirus, Enterovirus, Norovirus, and Adenovirus genomes. Four of six stool samples, which were obtained from newborn and infant patients with sepsis-like symptoms, showed positive results with our RT-LAMP technique.Conclusions This report is the first showing that HPeVs can be detected with RT-LAMP. Based on this finding, HPeV infection can be diagnosed faster, more easily, and with less cost. This technique is clinically useful for newborn and infants who have sepsis-like symptoms.
Geometry symmetry-free and Higher-order Optical Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Zhou Qingjia , Fu Yangyang , Huang Lujun , Wu Qiannan , Miroshnichenko Andrey , Gao Lei , Xu Yadong
Published: January 2021

Geometrical symmetry plays a significant role in realizing robust, symmetry-protected, bound states in the continuum (BICs). However, this benefit is only theoretical in many cases since the unavoidable imperfections of fabricated samples may easily break the stringent geometrical requirements. Here we propose an essentially new approach by introducing the concept of geometrical-symmetry-free but symmetry-protected BICs, realized using the static-like environment induced by a zero-index metamaterial (ZIM). We find that robust BICs exist and are protected from the disordered distribution of multiple objects inside ZIM host by its physical symmetries rather than geometrical ones. We further show theoretically and numerically that the existence of those higher-order BICs depends only on the number of objects. By practically designing a structural ZIM waveguide, the existence of BICs is numerically confirmed, as well as their independence on the presence of geometrical symmetry. Our findings provide a new way of realizing higher-order BICs and link their properties to disorder of photonic systems.
Perioperative Respiratory Adverse Events in General Anesthesia Among Pediatric Surgical Patients in Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia, 2020; A Cross-Sectional Follow-Up
Authors: Woldegerima Yophtahe , Muche Desalegn , Birlie Wubie , Adane Habtu , Mengie Misganaw
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) are the most frequent complications in pediatrics which frequently result in morbidity and mortality. They are accountable for 75% of perioperative critical incidents and 33% of cardiac arrests. The occurrence and severity of PRAEs depends on the natures of surgery, anesthesia & patient’s status.Objective: To assess the incidence and factors associated with PRAEs in general anesthesia among pediatric surgical patients at the University of Gondar and Tibebe-Ghion Comprehensive Hospital and Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.Methods: After obtaining the ethical approval, a hospital-based prospective cross-sectional follow-up study was conducted among pediatric surgical patients who underwent variety of surgical operations. A total of 225 patients were included. The associations between independent variables and the outcome variables were determined at 95% CI with the Chi-squared test, Fisher–exact test, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: The incidence of PRAEs among 210 (93.3% response rate) pediatrics surgical patients was 26.2% (95% CI: 20.5, 30.9). A total of 129 episodes of PRAEs were observed. Most of the adverse events (89 (69.0%)) were occurred postoperatively. Desaturation was found to be the predominant adverse event which was occurred 61 (47.3%) times. Age < 1 year (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3, 10.0), ASA ≥ 3 (AOR: 5.2, 95% CI: 1.9, 22.9), upper respiratory tract infections (AOR: 7.6, 95% CI: 1.9, 30.2), presence of secretions in the upper airway (AOR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 15.9) and airway related procedures (AOR: 6.0, 95% CI: 1.5, 24.1) were significantly associated PRAEs.Conclusions: The incidence of PRAEs among pediatric surgical patients was relatively high (26.2%). Especially, the postoperative phase is the most critical time for the occurrence of PRAEs and desaturation was the predominant adverse event. Age less than a year, presence of upper respiratory tract infections, presence of secretions in the upper airways, ASA ≥ 3 and airway related procedures were associated with PRAEs. Clinicians should carry out effective risk assessment, optimization and adequate preparation for the management of perioperative respiratory adverse events.
Confluence of Artificial Intelligence and High Performance Computing for Accelerated, Scalable and Reproducible Gravitational Wave Detection
Authors: Huerta Eliu , Khan Asad , Huang Xiaobo , Tian Minyang , Levental Maksim , Chard Ryan , Wei Wei , Heflin Maeve , Katz Daniel , Kindratenko Volodymyr , Mu Dawei , Blaiszik Ben , Foster Ian
Published: January 2021

Finding new ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the analysis of gravitational wave data, and ensuring the developed models are easily reusable promises to unlock new opportunities in multi-messenger astrophysics (MMA), and to enable wider use, rigorous validation, and sharing of developed models by the community. In this work, we demonstrate how connecting recently deployed DOE and NSF-sponsored cyberinfrastructure allows for new ways to publish models, and to subsequently deploy these models into applications using computing platforms ranging from laptops to high performance computing clusters. We develop a workflow that connects the \texttt{Data and Learning Hub for Science} (DLHub), a repository for publishing machine learning models, with the Hardware Accelerated Learning (HAL) deep learning computing cluster, using funcX as a universal distributed computing service. We then use this workflow to search for binary black hole gravitational wave signals in open source advanced LIGO data. We find that using this workflow, an ensemble of four openly available deep learning models can be run on HAL and process the entire month of August 2017 of advanced LIGO data in just seven minutes, identifying all four binary black hole mergers previously identified in this dataset, and reporting no misclassifications. This approach, which combines advances in AI, distributed computing, and scientific data infrastructure opens new pathways to conduct reproducible, accelerated, data-driven gravitational wave detection.
Evidence for widespread woody plant use of water stored in bedrock
Authors: McCormick Erica , Dralle David , Hahm William , Tune Alison , Schmidt Logan , Chadwick K. Dana , Rempe Daniella
Published: January 2021

Woody plant transpiration is a major control on Earth’s climate system, streamﬂow, and human water supply. Soils are widely
considered to be the primary reservoir of water for woody plants, however, plants also access water stored in the fractures and pores of bedrock, either as rock moisture (water stored in the unsaturated zone) (Schwinning, 2010) or bedrock groundwater (below the water table) (Miller et al., 2010). Bedrock as a water source for plants has not been evaluated over large scales, and consequently, its importance to terrestrial water and carbon cycling is poorly known (Fan et al., 2019). Here, we show that woody plants routinely access signiﬁcant quantities of water stored in bedrock —commonly as rock moisture —for transpiration across diverse climates and biomes. For example, in California, the volume of bedrock water transpired by woody vegetation annually exceeds that stored in man-made reservoirs, and woody vegetation that withdraws bedrock water accounts for over 50% of the aboveground carbon stocks in the state. Our ﬁndings show that bedrock water storage dynamics are a critical element of terrestrial water cycling and therefore necessary to capture the effect of shifting climate on woody ecosystems, above- and belowground carbon storage, and water resources.
Parenting Support: Mediation Pathways for Reduced Substance Use Among Parents and Their Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Massarwi Adeem , Cluver Lucie , Meinck Fraziska , Lachman Jamie , Doubt Jenny , Shenderovich Yulia , Ohad Green
Published: January 2021

Background: Substance use is a major public health concern worldwide. Alcohol and drug use have risen over recent decades in many low and middle-income countries, with South Africa among the highest globally.Despite effectiveness of family-based interventions on reducing substance use among adolescents, less is known about the effectiveness of family-based programs on substance use among parents and caregivers, in particular, among families in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).This study investigated mediators of change in a parenting programme (Parenting for Lifelong Health -PLH) on reduction of substance use among parents and their children through three potential mediators: parental depression, parenting stress and family poverty. In addition, the study examined the correlation between parental substance use and adolescent substance use.Methods: The current study draws on a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial design; the total sample comprised 552 parents\caregiver and adolescent dyads (parents\caregivers M = 49.37; SD = 14.69 and adolescents M = 13.84; SD = 2.38) who were recruited from 40 communities in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Participants completed a structured confidential self-report questionnaire, at baseline and follow-up test (5–9 months following the intervention). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to investigate direct and indirect effects. Results: Mediation analysis indicated that PLH intervention impact on parental substance use reduction among parents ran through one indirect pathway: Improvement in parental mental health (reduction in parental depression levels). There were no pathways from PLH intervention to parental substance use through parenting stress or family poverty. Furthermore, findings showed a significant positive correlation between parental substance use and adolescents' substance use.Conclusions: The findings of the study highlight the fact that PLH parenting intervention has a significant effect on secondary outcomes, including substance use and depression among parents\caregivers in LMIC. These findings emphasize the need for creating supportive environments and systems for parents who suffer from emotional strain and mental health problems, in particular among families in adversity. Supporting parental mental health as part of a parenting programme serves as a significant pathway for reducing substance use among parents and their children.Trial registration: Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201507001119966. Registered on 27 April 2015. It can be found by searching for the key word ‘Sinovuyo’ on their website or via the following link:http://www.pactr.org/ATMWeb/appmanager/atm/atmregistry_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=BasicSearchUpdateController_1&BasicSearchUpdateController_1_actionOverride=%2Fpageflows%2Ftrial%2FbasicSearchUpdate%2FviewTrail&BasicSearchUpdateController_1id=1119
Influence of Preoperative Anxiety Level on Postoperative Pain After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Hamid Mohammad , Raza Amir
Published: January 2021

IntroductionPreoperative anxiety is generally neglected in evaluation of cardiac surgery patients due to various reasons including insufficient literature and lack of simple assessment tool. In addition, association between anxiety and postoperative complications including pain has been scarcely studied.Present study was designed, to assess preoperative anxiety levels in all patients coming for cardiac surgery and then evaluate the effect of different levels of anxiety on postoperative pain scores. MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted in a single university hospital, from March 2018 to December 2019. 100 consecutive cardiac surgery patients between the ages of 18-65 year were enrolled in this study. Level of preoperative anxiety ( assessed by State Anxiety Inventory) and its effect on postoperative pain and morphine consumption was assessed.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 58.24±10.03 year in which 68% were male and 32% female. Preoperative mild anxiety was observed in 64% patients and moderate to severe anxiety in 36% patients. Post-operative mean pain score was significantly high in moderate to severe anxiety group as compared to mild anxiety group [Mean pain difference =1.64 (95%CI: 1.38-1.89) p=0.0005], [Mean pain difference =0.51 (95%CI: 0.29-0.73) p=0.0005] at 12 hour and 24 hour respectively. Intraoperative and postoperative morphine consumption was significantly high in patients with moderate to severe anxiety group.ConclusionsPatients with moderate to severe anxiety before cardiac surgery experienced higher pain scores at post-operative period which is significantly different from mild anxiety group. Intraoperative and postoperative analgesic requirements were also significantly increased.
Ethnobotanical Characterization of Scarlet Eggplant (Solanum Aethiopicum L.) Varieties Cultivated in Benin Republic
Authors: Aguessy Scholastique , Idossou Roger , Dassou Anicet Gbèblonoudo , Loko Yêyinou Laura Estelle , Yelome Octaviano Igor , Gbaguidi Anicet A. , Agre Paterne A. , Dansi Alexandre , Agbangla Clément
Published: January 2021

Background: The African eggplant [Solanum aethiopicum (L.)] is an important orphan traditional vegetable cultivated in tropical regions for its edible fruits. In Benin republic, S. aethiopicum (L.) is mainly produced by rural farmers for food and for its uses in traditional medicine. Assessing the varietal diversity, the endogenous knowledge, the production constraints and the farmers’ preference criteria are of great importance for promotion and conservation purposes. Methods: Using rural appraisal tools and methods, an ethnobotanical study was conducted within 680 households across 92 villages. A total of 60 local accessions were identified, documented and collected in the surveyed sites. Results: We documented fifteen (15) farmers’ criteria for agronomic (57.88% of responses), and culinary (28.51%) preference; and for economic (13.61%) aspects. Several constraints related to eggplant production in Benin were recorded among which, low market demand (27% of responses), lack of high-yielding cultivars (11.08% of responses), low fruit storability (10.67%), low productivity (9.84%), soil poverty (8.43%), susceptibility to high soil moisture (8.02 %), pests (9.56%) and diseases (8.45%), and drought (6.38%) appeared to be the most important stress factors. In addition to synthetic pesticides, the eggplant farmers use botanical plant extracts such as extracts from Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) and Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae). Conclusion and implications: Benin eggplant production still remains traditional and limited to a few rural farmers. Finally, the current collected germplasm was proposed for further evaluation using morphological and molecular markers in order to provide breeders with traits of interest for developing better eggplant varieties that are suitable for local environmental conditions and production systems.
Fluorochloridone Induces Autophagy in TM4 Sertoli Cells:Involvement of ROS-mediated AKT-mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ni Zhijing , Sun Weiqi , Li Rui , Yang Mingjun , Zhang Fen , Chang Xiuli , Li Weihua , Zhou Zhijun
Published: January 2021

BackgroundFluorochloridone (FLC), a selective pyrrolidone herbicide, had medium persistence in soil and groundwater, indicating that its environmental fate was highly correlated with mammals and human health. FLC has been recognized as a potential endocrine disruptor and reported to induce male reproductive toxicity, but the underlying mechanism is largely unclear. MethodsAdult C57BL/6 mice were raised to divided into one control group (0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), and four FLC-treated groups (3,15,75,375 mg/kg). The animals (ten mice per group) received gavage for a period of 28 days. After treatment, histological analysis, sperm parameters, the microstructure of autophagy and the expression of autophagy-associated proteins in testis were evaluated. Furthermore, to explore the autophagy mechanism, TM4 Sertoli cells were treated with FLC (0,40,80,160μM) in vitro for 24 h. Cell activity and cytoskeletal changes were measured by MTT assay and F-actin immunofluorescence staining. The formation of autophagosome, accumulation of reactive oxygen species and expression of AKT, mTOR were detected.ResultsIn vivo, it showed that FLC exposure caused testicular injuries, abnormality in epididymal sperm. Moreover, FLC increased the formation of autophagosomes, the accumulation of LC3, Beclin-1 and the expression of P62 protein, which is related to the degradation of autophagy. In vitro, the upregulation of TM4 cells autophagy was confirmed by FLC increased the formation of autophagosomes and upregulation of autophagy marker proteins (LC3, Beclin-1 and P62) levels. In addition, FLC induced ROS production and inhibited the activities of AKT and mTOR kinases. The Inhibition of AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and the activation of autophagy induced by FLC could be efficiently reversed by pretreatment of ROS generation by N-acetylcysteine. SC79, AKT agonist, could restore the autophagy induced by FLC in TM4 cells. Intriguingly, FLC-induced autophagy could be inhibited through AKT agonists, which indicated that FLC-induced autophagy may be pro-death. ConclusionTaken together, our study provided the evidence that FLC promoted autophagy in TM4 Sertoli cells and that this process may involve ROS-mediated AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
Integrated Primary Care and Social Services for Older Adults With Multimorbidity in England: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dambha-Miller Hajira , Simpson Glenn , Hobson Lucy , Roderick Paul , Little Paul , Everitt Hazel , Santer Miriam
Published: January 2021

Background: As the prevalence of older adults with multimorbidity increases, greater integration of services is necessary to manage the range of physical and social needs of the population. The aim of this study is to describe and summarise current evidence, clinical provision and progress towards integrated primary care and social services for older adults with multimorbidity in an English context. Methods: A scoping review was conducted which included a systematic electronic search of Medline, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Science and Social Science Citation Indices and Opengrey from data inception until the 16th June 2020. Articles were screened and extracted in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted onto a charting sheet and thematic synthesis used to summarise findings.Results: Our search yielded 7656 papers of which 84 papers were included. Three themes were identified: (1) diverse focus on individual level services rather than multi-level or multi-sector integration, with an increasing emphasis on the need to consider broader determinants of population health as critical to integrated care in multimorbidity; (2) time was needed for integration to embed to allow new structures and relationships to develop and mature; and (3) we identified inherent tension between top-down and bottom-up driven approaches to integrated care that requires a whole-systems structure while allowing for local flexibilities.Conclusions: There is limited evidence of multi-level and multi-sector integration of services for older adults with multimorbidity in an English context. The literature increasingly acknowledges wider determinants of population health that are likely to require integration beyond primary care and social services. Improving clinical care in one or two sectors may not be as effective as simultaneously improving the organisation or design across services as one single system of provision. This may take time to establish and will require local input.
Transcript Profiling Provides Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Harvesting-activated Latex Regeneration in Virgin Rubber Trees
Authors: Fan Yujie , Xiao Xiaohu , Yang Jianghua , Qi Jiyan , Zhang Yi , Zhang Shengmin , Tao Jun , Tang Chaorong
Published: January 2021

Background: Natural rubber, an important industrial raw material with wide applications, is harvested in the form of latex (cytoplasm of rubber-producing laticifers) from Hevea brasiliensis (para rubber tree) by the way of tapping, i.e. removing a slice of trunk bark by a special knife. In regularly tapped rubber trees, latex regeneration consists of one of the main yield-limiting factors for rubber productivity. Conspicuous stimulation on latex production for the first few tappings makes virgin (untapped before) rubber trees an ideal model to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of latex regeneration. To understand the underlying mechanisms, genome-wide transcript profiling was conducted with a silver-staining cDNA-AFLP technology against the latex samples for the first five tappings.Results: A total of 505 non-redundant differentially expressed (DE) transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) were identified, of which 217 were up-regulated, 180 down-regulated, and 108 bell type-regulated among the five tappings. About 72.5% of these DE-TDFs were functionally annotated, and classified into 11 functional categories, which were discussed with reference to harvesting-stimulated latex regeneration. The importance of sugar metabolism and rubber biosynthesis was highlighted, due to the fact that most of the DE-TDFs annotated in sucrose transport, sugar catabolism, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose-phosphate pathway and nine of the ten rubber biosynthesis pathway DE-TDFs were up-regulated by the tapping treatment. More than one tenth of the total DE-TDFs were randomly selected for expression validation by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and 83.8% showed patterns consistent with their original cDNA-AFLP gel profiles. Moreover, quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed an 89.7% consistency for the 29 latex-regeneration related DE-TDFs examined.Conclusions: In brief, our results indicate the tapping treatment incurs extensive physiological and molecular changes in the laticifers of virgin rubber trees. The vast numbers of tapping-responsive DE-TDFs identified here provide a basis for unravelling the gene regulatory network for latex regeneration in regularly harvested rubber trees.
Analysis and Forecasting of Global RT-PCR Primers for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nayar Gowri , Seabolt Edward , Kunitomi Mark , Agarwal Akshay , Beck Kristen , Mukherjee Vandana , Kaufman James
Published: January 2021

Rapid tests for active SARS-CoV-2 infections rely on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR uses reverse transcription of RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) and amplification of specific DNA (primer and probe) targets using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The technology makes rapid and specific identification of the virus possible based on sequence homology of nucleic acid sequence and is much faster than tissue culture or animal cell models. However the technique can lose sensitivity over time as the virus evolves and the target sequences diverge from the selective primer sequences. Different primer sequences have been adopted in different geographic regions. As we rely on these existing RT-PCR primers to track and manage the spread of the Coronavirus, it is imperative to understand how SARS-CoV-2 mutations, over time and geographically, diverge from existing primers used today. In this study, we analyze the performance of the SARS-CoV-2 primers in use today by measuring the number of mismatches between primer sequence and genome targets over time and spatially. We find that there is a growing number of mismatches, an increase by 2% per month, as well as a high specificity of virus based on geographic location.
Circulating ACE2-expressing Exosomes Block SARS-CoV-2 Infection as an Innate Antiviral Mechanism
Authors: El-Shennawy Lamiaa , Hoffmann Andrew , Dashzeveg Nurmaa , Mehl Paul , Yu Zihao , Tokars Valerie , Nicolaescu Vlad , Ostiguin Carolina , Jia Yuzhi , Li Lin , Furlong Kevin , Mao Chengsheng , Wysocki Jan , Batlle Daniel , Hope Thomas , Shen Yang , Luo Yuan , Chae Young , Zhang Hui , Swaminathan Suchitra , Randall Glenn , Demonbreun Alexis , Ison Michael , Fang Deyu , Liu Huiping
Published: January 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with innate and adaptive immune response triggered in such patients by viral antigens. Both convalescent plasma and engineered high affinity human monoclonal antibodies have shown therapeutic potential to treat COVID-19. Whether additional antiviral soluble factors exist in peripheral blood remain understudied. Herein, we detected circulating exosomes that express the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in plasma of both healthy donors and convalescent COVID-19 patients. We demonstrated that exosomal ACE2 competes with cellular ACE2 for neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ACE2-expressing (ACE2+) exosomes, but not the ACE2-negative controls, blocked the binding of the viral spike (S) protein RBD to ACE2+ cells in a dose dependent manner, which was 400- to 700-fold more potent than that of vesicle-free recombinant human ACE2 extracellular domain protein (rhACE2). As a consequence, exosomal ACE2 prevented SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype virus tethering and infection of human host cells at a 50–150 fold higher efficacy than rhACE2. A similar antiviral activity of exosomal ACE2 was further demonstrated to block wild-type live SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of note, depletion of ACE2+ exosomes from COVID-19 patient plasma impaired the ability to block SARS-CoV-2 RBD binding to host cells. Furthermore, a dramatic increase in plasma ACE2+ exosome levels were detected in patients with severe COVID-19 pathogenesis. Our data demonstrate that ACE2+ exosomes can serve as a decoy therapeutic and a possible innate antiviral mechanism to block SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Study on the Influence of Anchorage Length and Pretension on the Working Resistance of Rock Bolt Based on its Tensile Characteristics
Authors: Chang Jucai , He Kai , Pang Dongdong , Li Dong , Li Chuanming , Sun Bingjun
Published: January 2021

In coal mining roadway support design, the working resistance of the rock bolt is the key factor affecting its support effect. Effective improvement of the working resistance is of great significance to roadway support. Based on the rock bolt’s tensile characteristics and the mining roadway surrounding rock deformation, a mechanical model for calculating the working resistance of the rock bolt is established and solved. Taking the mining roadway of the 17102 (3) working face at the Panji 3# Well Coal Mine of China as a research object, with a quadrilateral section roadway, the influence of pretension and anchorage length on the working resistance of high-strength and ordinary rock bolts in the middle and corner of the roadway is studied. The results show that when the bolt is in the elastic stage, increasing the pretension and anchorage length can effectively improve the working resistance. When the bolt is in the yield and strain-strengthening stages, increasing the pretension and anchorage length cannot effectively improve the working resistance. The influence of pretension and anchorage length on the ordinary and high-strength bolts is similar. The ordinary bolt’s working resistance is approximately 25 kN less than that of the high-strength bolt. When pretension and anchorage length are considered separately, the best pretensions of the high-strength bolt in the middle of the roadway side and the roadway corner are 41.55 and 104.26 kN, respectively, and the best anchorage lengths are 1.54 and 2.12 m, respectively. The best anchorage length of the ordinary bolt is the same as that of the high-strength bolt, and the best pretension for the ordinary bolt in the middle of the roadway side and at the roadway corner is 33.51 and 85.12 kN, respectively. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for supporting the design of quadrilateral mining roadways.
Longwall Face Roof Disaster Prediction Algorithm Based on Data Model Driving
Authors: Pang Yihui , Wang Guofa , Wang Hongbo
Published: January 2021

Hydraulic support is the main equipment used for surrounding rock control at fully mechanized mining face. Data such as load and posture of hydraulic support are important basis for predicting roof disasters. This paper summarized and analyzed the status of coal mine safety accidents and the main influencing factors of roof disasters, and proposed the monitoring information characteristic parameters of roof disasters based on support posture-load changes. According to the monitoring load data of the Yanghuopan coal mine, the data feature decomposition method was used to effectively extract the trend item and cycle period item of the load, and the period weighting characteristics of the longwall face was obtained. Some various algorithms were used to model and analyze the monitoring data, which can better realize the single point prediction and the prediction of one support cycle. The accuracy of different algorithms was evaluated. Different data models had better single point prediction effects on the support load. SARIMA model was better than ARIMA model for load prediction in one support cycle, but the prediction effect of these two algorithms in one fracture cycle was poor. Therefore, we proposed a hydraulic support load prediction method based on multiple data cutting and hydraulic support load template library, and constructed the technical framework of roof disaster intelligent prediction platform based on this method, which can perform the prediction and early warning of roof disaster according to the load and posture monitoring information of hydraulic support.
Magnitude and Factors Associated With Uncontrolled Asthma Among Patients at Government Hospitals Follow-Up Clinic in Harar and Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.
Authors: Heluf Helina , Assefa Nega , Dessie Yadeta , Tibebu Abel , Tamiru Dawit
Published: January 2021

Background: Uncontrolled asthma adds to the burden of non-communicable diseases. The studies on the level of asthma control in Ethiopia are confined to some specific geographical areas, didn’t assess trigger related factors and factors associated with partially and poorly controlled asthma separately and done with small sample sizes. The purpose of this study is to assess the magnitude and factors associated with uncontrolled asthma among patients at government hospitals follow-up clinic in Harar and Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on selected 509 adult asthmatic patients on follow up at 6 government hospitals in Harar and Dire Dawa cities from February 21- April 20, 2020. Multinomial logistic regression has been used to identify factors associated with uncontrolled asthma and the result was presented using COR and AOR with their corresponding 95% confidence interval. Result: The magnitude of uncontrolled (poorly controlled and partially controlled) asthma was 420 (82.5%). Poor knowledge about asthma (AOR: 5.442; 95% CI (1.839-16.101)), negative attitude towards asthma (AOR=4.247; 95% CI (1.594-11.312)), non-adherence to medications (AOR=4.692; 95% CI (1.554-14.17)) and using the combination of Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) and Long Acting Beta2 Agonist (LABA) to control asthma (AOR=0.287; 95% CI (0.102-0.803)) were significantly associated with poorly controlled asthma. Average knowledge about asthma (AOR=3.918; 95% CI (1.276-12.03)) and using the combination of ICS and LABA (AOR=0.283; 95% CI (0.084-0.947)) were significantly associated with partially controlled asthma.Conclusion: This study indicated a higher magnitude of uncontrolled asthma. Poor and average knowledge about asthma, negative attitude towards asthma, non-adherence to medications, and using the combination of ICS and LABA to control asthma were associated with uncontrolled asthma. Health care providers, hospitals, health policymakers, and researchers should work on asthma control by different methods through enhancing patients' knowledge and attitude towards asthma.
Is Early Surgical Intervention Effective for Traumatic Severe Cervical Spinal Cord Injury?
Authors: Yamamoto Koji , Okuda Akinori , Maegawa Naoki , Konishi Hironobu , Miyazaki Keita , Tada Yusuke , Kogeichi Yohei , Takano Keisuke , Asai Hideki , Kawai Yasuyuki , Urisono Yasuyuki , Shigematsu Hideki , Kawamura Kenji , Fukushima Hidetada , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: January 2021

Background: It is unclear whether early surgery for traumatic severe cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) improves neurological outcomes and reduces complications. This study aimed to determine whether surgery within 24 h improves the neurological prognosis of and reduces the complications associated with surgery for traumatic severe CSCI.Methods: The data of 42 patients with traumatic severe CSCI with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grades of A–B who underwent surgery between December 2007 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The participants were divided into early surgery (< 24 h) and late surgery (> 24 h) groups. With inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using a propensity score adjusted for confounding factors, we compared the AIS grade before and 1 month after surgical treatment as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was the intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS) and occurrence of respiratory complications and cardiac arrest.Results: In the early surgery group (n = 32, 76%), the average time to surgery was 10.25 h (4–23 h). The IPTW analysis indicated significant differences in neurological improvement according to the AIS grade at 1 month after surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 17.1 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 1.9–156.7, p = 0.012), ICU-LOS > 7 days (OR: 0.14 95% Cl: 0.02–0.90, p = 0.04), respiratory complications (OR: 0.08 95% Cl: 0.01–0.73, p = 0.03), and cardiac arrest (OR: 0.13 95% Cl: 0.02–0.85, p = 0.03).Conclusion: Early surgery (within 24 h) for traumatic severe CSCI may be effective in improving the neurological prognosis and preventing a long ICU-LOS and postoperative complications.
Efficient Removal of Organic Dyes and Lead Ions With Eco-friendly Prepared Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles From Water 
Authors: Salam Mohamed Abdel , Alharthi Maymounah , Ismail Iqbal , Bellucci Stefano
Published: January 2021

In this research work, different ZnO NPs were prepared via eco-friendly green route using Ziziphus jujuba leaves extract assisted by microwave. Eco-friendly prepared ZnO NPs characterized by different techniques, and the results confirmed the preparation of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles with different particle sizes. The prepared ZnO NPs were then used for the adsorption and removal of two different azo dyes; methyl orange (MO), and methylene blue (MB), as well as toxic Pb(II) ions, from a model solution and real samples. Influence of experimental conditions was explored, and the results showed that most of the MB, MO and Pb(II) could be removed from the model solution within few minutes, at ambient conditions using 15 mg ZnO NPs. The removal of the MB, MO and Pb(II) using ZnO NPs was studied kinetically and thermodynamically, and the results showed that the experimental data were best fitted using the pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The thermodynamics study showed that the process was spontaneous, with exothermic nature. Finally, the prepared ZnO NPs were used for the removal of MB, MO and Pb(II) in real wastewater sample, and high removal efficiency was presented.
Can Axillary Surgery Be Omitted in Patients With Breast Pathologic Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer? A Real-World Re Trospective Study in China
Authors: Wang Jue , Li Yan , Li Shuo , Zhu Qiannan , Shi Xiaoqing , Xu Lu , Xu Yinggang , Zhang Weiwei , Huang Xiaofeng , Chen Rui , Zha Xiaoming
Published: January 2021

BackgroundStudies show that axillary surgery can be potentially omitted in certain breast cancer patients who achieve breast pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). However, potential differences between the ypT0 (no residual invasive or in situ carcinoma in the breast) and ypTis (in situ carcinoma in the breast) subgroups remain to be explored. Furthermore, whether axillary surgery can be omitted in patients with clinically assessed positive axillary lymph nodes (cN+) remains unknown.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 258 patients with early or locally advanced breast cancer who underwent breast and axillary surgery after NST. Clinical and pathologic data were compared between patients with breast pCR (ypT0/is) and those without breast pCR.ResultsAmong the patients with initial cN0, the rate of axillary pCR was similar between the breast pCR and breast non-pCR groups (P = 0.1543). Among those with breast pCR, the rate of axillary pCR was 100% in both the ypT0 and ypTis subgroups. Furthermore, among those with initial cN+, the rate of axillary pCR was higher in the breast pCR group than in the breast non-pCR group (P < 0.0001). Among the patients with breast pCR, the rate of axillary pCR was higher in the ypT0 subgroup than in the ypTis subgroup (P = 0.0034).ConclusionAxillary surgery may potentially be omitted in patients with initial cN0 who achieve breast pCR (ypT0/is), and may also be considered for omission in patients with initial cN+ who achieve ypT0 (not ypTis).
Benefits of esmolol in sepsis and septic shock in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Chun , Zhang Jing , Zhou Zemei
Published: January 2021

Background

Sepsis affects millions of people each year, and brings substantial health and economic burden to the global. Esmolol may have the potential in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock in adults. However, current evidence remains controversial.
Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from their inception to September 19, 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of esmolol in sepsis and septic shock in adults. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to combine effect estimates. Two investigators independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies.
Results

Seven RCTs were included with a total of 463 patients with sepsis and/or septic shock. Overall, compared with standard treatment, esmolol significantly decreased 28-day mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52 to 0.88), and heart rate (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.83, 95% CI -2.95 to -0.70) and troponin I (TnI) level (SMD − 0.59, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.16) at 24 hours after treatment; no significant effect was found on the length of intensive care unit stay, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, central venous oxygen saturation, Stroke Volume Index, tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin 6, White Blood Cells and PO2/FiO2.
Conclusions

Esmolol treatment may be safe and effective in decreasing 28-day mortality, controlling heart rate, and preventing myocardial damage, but no evidence of effect on lung injury in sepsis and septic shock after fluid resuscitation early. There were no significant adverse effects on tissue perfusion and oxygen utilization.
Development and Validation a Nomogram for Predicting the Third Station Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Cong , Fang Mengjie , Zhang Liwen , Zhong Lianzhen , Dong Di , Tian Jie , Shan Xiuhong
Published: January 2021

Background:This study aimed to evaluate the value of radiomic nomogram in predicting lymph node metastasis in T1-2 gastric cancer according to the No. 3 station lymph nodes.Methods:A total of 159 T1-2 gastric cancer (GC) patients who had undergone surgery with lymphadenectomy between March 2012 and November 2017 were retrospectively collected and divided into a primary cohort (n = 80) and a validation cohort (n = 79). Radiomic features were extracted from both tumor region and No. 3 station lymph nodes (LN) based on computed tomography (CT) images per patient. Then, key features were selected using minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm and fed into two radiomic signatures, respectively. Meanwhile, the predictive performance of clinical risk factors was studied. Finally, a nomogram was built by merging radiomic signatures and clinical risk factors and evaluated by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) as well as decision curve.Results: Two radiomic signatures, reflecting phenotypes of the tumor and LN respectively, were significantly associated with LN metastasis. A nomogram incorporating two radiomic signatures and CT-reported LN metastasis status showed good discrimination of LN metastasis in both the primary cohort (AUC: 0.915; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.832-0.998) and validation cohort (AUC: 0.908; 95%CI: 0.814-1.000). The decision curve also indicated its potential clinical usefulness.Conclusions:The nomogram received favorable predictive accuracy in predicting No.3 station LN metastasis in T1-2 GC, and could assist the choice of therapy.
Subjective Symptoms and Serum Methadone Concentration: What Should Guide Dose Adjustments in Methadone Maintenance Treatment? A Naturalistic Cohort Study From Norway
Authors: Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Fadnes Lars Thore , Høiseth Gudrun , Ohldieck Christian , Vold Jørn Henrik , Aas Christer , Løberg Else-Marie , Johansson Kjell Arne , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThere is little evidence-based guidance on how to optimize methadone dosage among patients with opioid addiction undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study aims to investigate whether self-perceived opioid withdrawal symptoms, adverse effects and self-reported substance use in patients on MMT are related to serum methadone concentration and what role these could play in clinical decisions on dose adjustments.MethodsIn this naturalistic cohort study clinical and laboratory measurements from 83 patients undergoing MMT in outpatient clinics in Bergen, Norway during May 2017-January 2020 were included. Information on age, gender, methadone daily doses and serum concentrations, subjective opioid withdrawal symptoms (SOWS), self-reported adverse effects and substance use were obtained. Linear mixed modelling was used for analyzing the data.ResultsMean age was 45 years and 34% were women. 55% reported subjective opioid withdrawal symptoms, and all had experienced at least one subjective adverse effect. Self-reported substance use was recorded in 88% of the interviews. Total SOWS score (P<0.001), and the specific subjective withdrawal symptoms of anxiety (P=0.004), bone- and muscle ache (P=0.003), restlessness (P=0.017) and shaking (P=0.046) out of the 16 symptoms in standard SOWS questionnaire, as well as the use of heroin (P=0.015) and alcohol (P=0.011) were associated with lower methadone concentrations, whereas cannabis use was associated with higher methadone concentrations (P=0.049). Conclusions More subjective opioid withdrawal symptoms and more self-reported use of heroin and alcohol were associated with lower serum methadone concentrations. More use of cannabis was related to higher serum methadone concentrations. These findings suggest that patient's self-perceived symptoms and current clinical condition can be applied as the main guide in methadone dose adjustments. In some aberrant cases, measurement of serum concentration together with other individual assessments may be considered to support the clinical decision.
Change Trend of Plasma D-Dimer Level and Its Clinical Value in Patients with Acute Lower Limb Ischemia Treated by Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Xie Hailiang , Zheng Guofu , Liu Yuanfei
Published: January 2021

To investigate the correlation between plasma D-dimer levels before and after catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) and lower limb arterial recanalization and the clinical value of the change trend of plasma D-dimer. A retrospective review of all patients who received CDT for the treatment of ALI between January 2013 and December 2019 was carried out. The change trend of plasma D-dimer of the patients during thrombolysis was statistically analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. A total of 150 patients were included in the analysis. Among them, 3 days of CDT was ineffective in 41 cases, effective in 33 cases and markedly effective in 76 cases. The plasma D-dimer levels of the patients were significantly different between pre- and post-thrombolysis (F = 23.856, P = 0.000). There was an interaction effect between the measured time factors and thrombolysis efficacy (F=13.991, P=0.000). The change trends of plasma D-dimer levels in the three groups were statistically significant (F = 3.246, P = 0042). The plasma D-dimer level changes regularly during CDT for ALI. We can predict the efficacy of CDT and guide adjustments of the therapeutic regimen according to the trend of D-dimer changes during thrombolysis to obtain better clinical effects.