bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Effects of Text Messaging and Mobile Social Networking on Physical Activity and Anthropometric Indices of Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ansari Kousar , Afshari Poorandokht , Abedi Parvin , Haghighizadeh Mohammadhossein
Published: June 2021

Background: Physical inactivity is a global health problem which is more prevalent among women. Among different age groups, middle-aged women are more vulnerable to physical inactivity as one of consequences of menopause. This study aimed to compare the effect of text messaging and that of mobile social networking on the improvement of physical activity and anthropometric indices of middle-aged women in Iran. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial in which 110 overweight or obese women who were physically inactive were recruited and allocated into two groups of text messaging (n=55) or mobile social networking (n=55). Women in both groups received information regarding the necessity, benefits, and barriers of physical activity and how to overcome these barriers for 12 weeks. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. Anthropometric indices including weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, and body fat percentage were measured at baseline, as well as 4, 8, and 12 weeks after intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Chi-square, and repeated measure test. Results: In the mobile social networking group, most women had moderate physical activity after 12 weeks (p<0.05). The mean physical activity and energy expenditure were significantly higher in the mobile social group than those in the text messaging. In the 12th week of intervention, there was a significant reduction in the weight and BMI of the participants in the mobile social networking group compared to the text messaging group (p<0.05). The waist and hip circumferences of women in the mobile social networking group reduced significantly after 12 weeks of intervention in comparison to the text messaging group (p=0.001). The two groups did not show any significant difference regarding waist/hip ratio. While the body fat percentage was reduced in the mobile social networking group in the 4th, 8th, and 12th week of intervention, the differences between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: Both text messaging and mobile social networking were effective in promoting physical activity and reducing anthropometric indices except for waist/hip ratio and body fat percentages, but the effect of mobile social networking was more pronounced. Thus, mobile social networking is recommended for promoting physical activity among middle-aged women.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide with Intravenous Hydrocortisone Does Not Improve Microvascular Perfusion in Septic Pigs.
Authors: Grotowska Malgorzata , Gozdzik Waldemar , Harbut Piotr , Frostell Claes
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCapillary flow restoration in sepsis may prevent organ dysfunction caused by a prolonged impairment of microvascular flow. The main aim of the study was to investigate the microcirculatory effect of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) combined with intravenous hydrocortisone in a porcine model of sepsis. The second aim was to evaluate the influence of hemodynamic resuscitation with noradrenaline and crystalloids on capillary flow.Materials and MethodsIn the study, 11 piglets of Polish breed were generally anaesthetized and underwent surgical colon perforation. The animals were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups. Group 1 received iNO and hydrocortisone, whereas Group 2 was a control group. Both groups were resuscitated with crystalloids and noradrenaline if hypotensive. Group 3 received no treatment at all.In a 30-hour period of observation, we assessed microcirculation using sidestream dark field imaging (SDF) and monitored hemodynamics with a pulmonary artery catheter.Results We found no effect of iNO with hydrocortisone on microcirculation in septic piglets. Fluid and vasopressor treatment postponed microvascular flow impairment and led to a higher microcirculatory flow index, greater proportion of perfused vessels, and perfused vessel density.ConclusionCrystalloid and vasopressor treatment postpones microvascular flow derangement and organ dysfunction in septic piglets.
Mechanical Properties as a Function of Casting Process of Aluminum–Silicon Alloy Matrix Composites
Authors: ostadshabani mohsen , Baghani Amir , Rahimipour Mohammad Reza , Razavi Mansour , Zakeri Mohammad , Heydari Fatemeh
Published: June 2021

Applying aluminum composite in the defense, aerospace and automotive industries depends on how they behave during the elasto-plastic form change. In addition to the factors responsible for changing the form of the alloy, many other factors have an impact on the behavior of the composite form change. In this study, the effect of casting type on the mechanical properties of Al-Si nano composites has been investigated. Due to the proper distribution of reinforcing particles, tensile strength in compo casting sample in semi-solid state is higher than sand casting and squeeze casting. In all samples, the tensile strength of the heat-treated samples has increased by about 30%. Tensile strength in compo casting sample in semi-solid state was obtained with higher nano particle reinforcing particles, which can be explained by the fact that the percentage of elongation in micro samples was lower than that of nano composite samples.
Investigation of gene effects on Fruit Shape Index and Seed Size in Generations Resulting from The Crossing of Zucchini and Hull-Less Seed Pumpkin
Authors: Davoodi Sima , Olfati Jamal-Ali , Rabiei Babak , Sabouri Atefeh
Published: June 2021

Fruit shape index (round shape) and seed size have important effects on pumpkin yield. To investigate these traits and create the most desirable state, a cross was made between two pumpkin cultivars. The objective of this study was to estimate the main gene effects (additive, dominant and di-genic epistasis) and to determine the mode of inheritance for fruit shape and seed size by generation mean analysis. Six generations, namely P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2 from a cross between Zucchini and hull-less seed Pumpkin, S10×P25, were constructed and evaluated for fruit length, fruit width, fruit shape index, and some seed-related traits (seed length, seed width, seed thickness). The experiment was conducted in the research field of the Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran in 2019. Results showed a significant difference between generations in terms of fruit and seed traits. Scale and joint scale tests showed the presence of epistasis for some traits. According to the results of the average traits of different generations, standard heterosis and hetrobeltiosis were observed. Concerning the fruit shape index and seed width, there was an over-dominance effect. The broad-sense heritability of the traits was relatively high for all traits and between 52 and 92%. Narrow sense heritability was between 26 and 86% and relatively low for the fruit shape index and seed width. Therefore, selection of elite lines and production of their hybrids are recommended as two methods suitable for breeding to achieve the round shape index and larger seed size.
Generalization Enhancement of Artificial Neural Network for Turbulence Closure by Feature Selection
Authors: Zhu Linyang , Zhang Weiwei
Published: June 2021

Feature selection targets for selecting relevant and useful features, and is a vital challenge in turbulence modeling by machine learning methods. In this paper, a new posterior feature selection method based on validation dataset is proposed, which is an efficient and universal method for complex systems including turbulence. Different from the priori feature importance ranking of the filter method and the exhaustive search for feature subset of the wrapper method, the proposed method ranks the features according to the model performance on the validation dataset, and generates the feature subsets in the order of feature importance. Usin the features from the proposed method, a black-box model is built by artificial neural network (ANN) to reproduce the behavior of Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) turbulence model for high Reynolds number (Re) airfoil flows in aeronautical engineering. The results show that compared with the model without feature selection, the generalization ability of the model after feature selection is significantly improved. To some extent, it is also demonstrated that although the feature importance can be reflected by the model parameters during training process, artificial feature selection is still very necessary.
Diagnostic Performance of the BHBCheck β-Hydroxybutyrate Meter for Hyperketonemia in Indian Cows and Buffaloes
Authors: Suthar Vishal Surendrakumar , Patil Deepak B
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study was to evaluate diagnostic performance of the electronic hand-held BHBCheck meter (PortaCheck, Inc, USA; BHM) to determine blood, plasma and serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) against serum BHB determined using reference laboratory method of Randox D-3 Hydroxybutyrate Ranbut assay (RSM) in Indian cows and buffaloes. Blood samples were collected by puncturing coccygeal vessels for determining serum and plasma BHB using BHM and serum BHB using RSM from 217 cows (Gir breed; median 42 DIM and 3rd lactation) and 223 buffaloes (non-descript; median 39 DIM and 3rd lactation) from nearby herds. Cow-side blood BHB were determined with BHM. The Pearson’s correlation between blood (0.988; 0.987), plasma (0.985; 0.983) and serum (0.985; 0.983) BHB determined using the BHM and serum BHB determined with the RSM were significant. Bland-Altman plot demonstrated an excellent agreement between blood, plasma and serum BHB determined with BHM, against the serum BHB determined with RSM. For hyperketonemia with reference serum BHB cut-off values ≥ 1.2 and 1.4 mmol/L determined with RSM; recorded optimized BHB thresholds, sensitivity and specificity for blood (≥ 0.9 to 1.0 mmol/L; 91 to 95% and 88 to 98%) plasma (≥ 0.9 to 1.0 mmol/L; 91 and 100%) and serum (≥ 0.9 to 1.0 mmol/L; 92 to 100% and 85 to 94%) with BHM in cows and buffaloes. In conclusion, BHB determined with BHM demonstrated an excellent correlation, agreement and test characteristics with BHB determined with RSM, hence, can accurately determine blood, plasma and serum BHB in cows and buffaloes.
Trees with different mycorrhizal types show differential drought responses at the global scale
Authors: Liao Huixuan , Zhao Hengjun , Xie Weiyu , Sui Yuan , Chen Baoming , Zhou Ting , Peng Shaolin
Published: June 2021

Climate drying is posing severe threats to forest ecosystems across the world. Although experimental evidence suggested that tree species with different mycorrhizal types may differ in their drought responses, a quantitative global synthesis is still lacking. By compiling and analyzing global datasets of four aspects of trees’ drought responses (i.e., mortality, sensitivity, growth reduction and growth recovery), we found that AM trees exhibited lower sensitivity to drought intensity variation than EM trees in the tropical zone, whereas the opposite was true in the temperate zone. In addition, growth and survival of EM trees were more strongly impacted by severe drought than AM trees in the temperate zone, potentially causing reduced EM dominance in some temperate regions under climate drying. Compared to other previously studied traits, mycorrhizal type is a better predictor of trees’ drought responses than specific leaf area, seed-bearing type, and rooting depth, but a worse predictor than wood density and maximum height. This study is the first to reveal the importance of mycorrhizal type in affecting trees’ drought responses at the global scale, contributing to a better understanding of the intraspecific differences in trees’ drought responses and the global biogeography of plant-mycorrhizal symbiosis.
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Predicts PTEN Protein Expression which can Function as a Prognostic Measure of Progression-free survival in NPC patients.
Authors: Wu Gang , Huang Weiyuan , Li Wenzhu , Wu Yu , Yang Qianyu , Liu Kun , Zhu Mingyue , Balasubramanian Priya S. , Li Mengsen
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The objective of our study was to investigate whether a phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) expression was associated with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) parameters and prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods: Two hundred and forty-five (245) patients with NPC who underwent pretreatment biopsy, PTEN immunohistochemistry of biopsy, and radical intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with or without chemotherapy were included. Tumor segmentations were delineated on pretreatment MRI manually. The pharmacokinetic parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and Vp) derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) using the extended Toft’s model within the tumor segmentations were estimated. The following demographics and clinical features were assessed and correlated against each other: gender, age, TNM stage, clinical-stage, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), pathological type, progression-free survival (PFS), and prognosis status. DCE parameter evaluation and clinical feature comparison between the PTEN positive and negative groups was performed and correlation between PTEN expression with the PFS and prognosis status using Cox regression for survival analysis was assessed.Results: A significantly lower Ktrans and Kep were found in NPC tumors in PTEN negative patients than in PTEN positive patients. Ktrans performed better than Kep in detecting PTEN expression with the ROC AUC of 0.752. PTEN negative was associated with later TNM stage, later clinical-stage, shorter PFS, and worse prognosis. Moreover, N stage, pathological type, Kep, and prognostic status can be considered as independent variables in discrimination of PTEN negative expression in NPCs. Conclusions: PTEN negative indicated a shorter PFS and worse prognosis than PTEN positive in NPC patients. Ktrans and Kep derived from DCE-MRI, which yielded reliable capability, should be considered as novel image markers that are correlated with PTEN expression and may be used to predict PTEN expression noninvasively. Combined radiological and clinical features can improve the performance of the classification of PTEN expression.
A Multi-mode Electronic Load Sensing Control Scheme with Power Limitation and Pressure Cut-off for Mobile Machinery
Authors: Cheng Min , Sun Bolin , Ding Ruqi , Xu Bing
Published: June 2021

In mobile machinery, hydro-mechanical pumps are increasingly replaced by electronically controlled pumps to improve the automation level, but diversified control functions(e. g., power limitation and pressure cut-off) are integrated into the electronic controller only from the pump level, leading to the potential instability of the overall system. To solve this problem, a multi-mode electrohydraulic load sensing (MELS) control scheme is proposed especially considering the switching stability from the system level, which includes four working modes of flow control, load sensing, power limitation, and pressure control. Combined with defined control priority, a switching rule including bilateral and unilateral switching for different modes is then established according to the actual requirements of mobile machinery. A comparative study was carried out based on a test rig with a 2-ton hydraulic excavator. The results show that the MELS controller can achieve the control functions of proper flow supplement, power limitation, and pressure control, which has good stability performance when switching between different control modes.
Effects of aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extract on growth performance and accumulation of cadmium in a Thai jasmine rice-Khao Dawk Mali 105 variety
Authors: Auesukaree Choowong , Bussarakum Jutamas , Sirirakphaisarn Sirin , Saengwilai Patompong
Published: June 2021

The contamination of paddy fields and rice grains by cadmium (Cd) adversely affects human health. Thus, many approaches have been proposed to reduce the accumulation of Cd in rice. Here, we investigate the potential of aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extract (AMOLE) in decreasing uptake and toxicity of Cd in a popular Thai jasmine rice variety, Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105). Plants were grown in Petri dishes, a hydroponic system, and a pot system under different concentrations of Cd, in the presence and absence of AMOLE. In Petri dishes, Cd reduced the percentage of germination by 79%, but the treatment with 0.5 mg mL -1 AMOLE significantly increased the germination percentage. Moreover, AMOLE significantly decreased Cd accumulation in rice seedlings by 97%. In the hydroponics system, 0.5 mg mL -1 AMOLE decreased Cd content in shoots by 48%. Although no significant physiological changes in response to Cd treatments were observed in the pot system, a large amount of Cd was accumulated in rice roots. The AMOLE treatments significantly reduced Cd accumulation in rice shoots and decreased Cd content in milled grain by half compared to those without AMOLE treatment. We conclude that AMOLE reduced Cd toxicity, enhanced seedling growth, and reduced Cd accumulation in rice grains.
Implementation of A Structured Emergency Nursing Framework Results in Significant Cost Benefit
Authors: Curtis Kate , Sivabalan Prabhu , Bedford David S. , Considine Julie , D’Amato Alfa , Shepherd Nada , Fry Margaret , Munroe Belinda , Shaban Ramon Z.
Published: June 2021

Background
Patients are at risk of deterioration on discharge from an emergency department (ED) to a ward, particularly in the first 72 hours. The implementation of a structured emergency nursing framework (HIRAID) in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia, resulted in a 50% reduction of clinical deterioration related to emergency nursing care. To date the cost implications of this are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine any net financial benefits arising from the implementation of the HIRAID emergency nursing framework.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted between March 2018 and February 2019 across two hospitals in regional NSW, Australia. Costs associated with the implementation of HIRAID at the study sites were calculated using an estimate of initial HIRAID implementation costs (AUD) ($492,917) and ongoing HIRAID implementation costs ($134,077). Equivalent savings (i.e. in less patient deterioration) were calculated using projected estimates of ED admission and patient deterioration episodes via OLS regression with confidence intervals for incremental additional deterioration costs per episode used as the basis for scenario analysis.
Results
The HIRAID-equivalent savings exceed the costs of implementation under all scenarios (Conservative, Expected and Optimistic). The estimated preliminary savings to the study sites was $1,914,252 with a payback period of 75 days. Conservative projections estimated a net benefit of $1,813,760 per annum by 2022-23. The state-wide projected equivalent savings benefits of HIRAID equalled $227,585,008 per annum, by 2022-23.
Conclusions
The implementation of HIRAID reduced costs associated with resources consumed from patient deterioration episodes. The HIRAID-equivalent savings exceed the costs of implementation across a range of scenarios, and upscaling would result in significant patient and cost benefit.
Mitigating Heat Stress By Dietary Manipulation of Dried Pulp of Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica L.) In Broilers Ration: Growth Dynamics, Lipids Profile, Redox Balance, Cellular And Humoral Immune Response
Authors: Hassan Mah , Chand Naila , Khan Rifat Ullah
Published: June 2021

A total of 700 day old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were weighed and allocated to 28 floor pens (25 birds per pen). Five diets were prepared and allocated in a completely randomized design consisting of a control (basal diet) and four levels of dried Tamarind seeds pulp (DTSP) powder at the rate of 5 (DTSP-5), 7.5 (DTSP-7.5), 10 (DTSP-10) and 12.5 (DTSP-12.5) g/kg of feed for 35 days under heat stress condition. Body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased significantly (P<0.05) in the DTSP fed broilers compared to the control. Blood concentration of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the DTSP-10 and DTSP-12.5 compared to the control. However, antibody titre against New Castle disease (ND) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in DTSP-7, DTSP-10 and DTSP-12.5 compared to the control. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly (P<0.05) lower in DTSP-7, DTSP-10 and DTSP4-12.5 compared to the control. However, blood HDL was significantly (P<005) higher in DTSP-10 and DTSP-12.5 compared to the control. Blood LDL was significantly (P<0.05) lower in DTSP-7, DTSP-10 and DTSP-12.5 compared to the control. Significantly (P<0.05) higher total leucocytes count (TLC) was found in DTSP-12.5, however, heterophils were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the same group. In contrast, lymphocytes increased significantly (P<0.05) in DTSP-7, DTSP-10 and DTSP-12.5 while monocytes was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in the same group. In conclusion, DTSP-5 supplementation improved growth, however, redox balance, cholesterol profile and cellular and humoral immunity increased in DTSP-5, DTSP-7.5 and DTSP-12.5 in broilers exposed to heat stress.
SMURF2 phosphorylation at Thr249 modifies the stemness and tumorigenicity of glioma stem cells by regulating TGF-β receptor stability
Authors: Hiraiwa Manami , Fukasawa Kazuya , Iezaki Takashi , Sabit Hemragul , Horie Tetsuhiro , Tokumura Kazuya , Iwahashi Sayuki , Murata Misato , Kobayashi Masaki , Park Gyujin , Kaneda Katsuyuki , Todo Tomoki , Hirao Atsushi , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Hinoi Eiichi
Published: June 2021

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to the pathogenesis of glioblastoma, the most malignant form of glioma. The implication and underlying mechanisms of SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (SMURF2) on the GSC phenotypes remain unknown. We previously demonstrated that SMURF2 phosphorylation at Thr249 (SMURF2Thr249) activates its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Here, we demonstrate that SMURF2Thr249 phosphorylation plays an essential role in maintaining GSC stemness and tumorigenicity. SMURF2 silencing augmented the self-renewal potential and tumorgenicity of patient-derived GSCs. The SMURF2Thr249 phosphorylation level was low in human glioblastoma pathology specimens. Introduction of the SMURF2T249A mutant resulted in increased stemness and tumorgenicity of GSCs, recapitulating the SMURF2 silencing. Moreover, the inactivation of SMURF2Thr249 phosphorylation increases TGF-β receptor (TGFBR) protein stability. Indeed, TGFBR1 knockdown markedly counteracted the GSC phenotypes by SMURF2T249A mutant. These findings highlight the importance of SMURF2Thr249 phosphorylation in maintaining GSC phenotypes, thereby demonstrating a potential target for GSC-directed therapy.
Fungal Solubilisation and Subsequent Microbial Methanation of Coal Processing Wastes
Authors: Ahmed Asma , Sharma Anima
Published: June 2021

Large quantities of rejects from coal processing plants are currently disposed of as waste piles or in ponds and rivers, resulting in environmental concerns including pollution of rivers and ground and surface water contamination. This work investigates for the first time, a two-stage microbial process for converting coal processing wastes to methane, involving (1) fungal solubilisation of coal rejects and (2) microbial methanation of the solubilised products. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trichoderma viride and Neurospora discreta were screened for their ability to solubilise coal rejects. N. discreta was found to be the most suitable candidate based on the extent of bio-solubilisation, laccase activity, and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis. Bio-methanation of fungal-solubilised coal rejects was carried out in mesophilic anaerobic reactors with no additional carbon source, using inoculum from an anaerobic food digester. Coal rejects solubilised by N. discreta produced 3 to 6-fold higher methane compared to rejects solubilised by the other two fungi. No methane was produced from untreated coal rejects, demonstrating the importance of the fungal solubilisation stage. A total of 4.1 mmol methane was generated per gram of carbon in 15 days from N. discreta-solubilised coal rejects. This process offers a timely, environment-friendly, and sustainable solution for treatment of coal rejects and the generation of value-added products such as methane and volatile fatty acids.
Exclusion Criteria of Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Protocols: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Wan Clara , Caston Nicole E. , Ingram Stacey A. , Rocque Gabrielle B.
Published: June 2021

Purpose3% of US adults with cancer are enrolled in a clinical trial due to various barriers to enrollment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the variability of eligibility criteria, which currently have no standard guidelines. MethodsThis descriptive analysis utilized all therapeutic breast protocols offered at the University of Alabama at Birmingham between 2004-2020. Exclusion criteria were abstracted using OnCore and ClinicalTrials.gov. Laboratory values included liver function tests and hematologic labs. Comorbid conditions included congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system (CNS) metastases, and prior cancer history. Comorbid conditions were further analyzed by amount of time protocols required participants to be from diagnosis or exacerbation-free. Results102 protocols were eligible. Among liver laboratory values, bilirubin (78%) was included in most protocols ranging from institutional upper limit of normal (ULN) (9%) to 3xULN (2%), with 1.5xULN (56%) being most common. Similar variability was observed in alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. Among hematological labs, 82% of protocols defined a lower limit of acceptable absolute neutrophil count ranging from 500μL (1%) to 1,800μL (1%), with 1,500μL (64%) being most common. Of the comorbid conditions, exclusion criteria varied for congestive heart failure (49%), an acute exacerbation of cardiovascular disease (80%), CNS metastases (59%) and a prior cancer (66%). The allowable timeframe varied between protocols for cardiovascular disease and prior cancer. ConclusionSubstantial heterogeneity was observed across laboratory values and comorbid variables among protocols. Future research should focus on defining standardized eligibility criteria while allowing for deviation based on drug specificity.
Towards New Multiwavelets: Associated Filters and Algorithms. Part I: Theoretical Framework and Investigation of Biomedical Signals, ECG and Coronavirus Cases
Authors: Jallouli Malika , Zemni Makerem , Mabrouk Anouar Ben , Mahjoub Momahed Ali
Published: June 2021

Biosignals are nowadays important subjects for scientific researches from both theory, and applications, especially, with the appearance of new pandemics threatening the humanity such as the new Coronavirus. One aim in the present work is to prove that Wavelets may be a successful machinery to understand such phenomena by applying a step forward extension of wavelets to multi-wavelets. We proposed in a first step to improve multi-wavelet notion by constructing more general families using independent components for multi-scaling, and multi-wavelet mother functions. A special multi-wavelet is then introduced, continuous, and discrete multi-wavelet transforms are associated, as well as new filters, and algorithms of decomposition, and reconstruction. The constructed multi-wavelet framework is applied for some experimentations showing fast algorithms, ECG signal, and a strain of Coronavirus processing.
Outbreak of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Producing VIM Carbapenemase in an Intensive Care Unit and its termination by implementation of waterless patient care
Authors: Catho Gaud , Martischang R. , Boroli F. , Chraïti M.N. , Martin Y. , Tomsuk Z. Koyluk , Renzi G. , Schrenzel J. , Pugin J. , Nordmann P. , Blanc D. , Harbarth S.
Published: June 2021

Background: Long-term outbreaks of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli related to hospital-building water systems have been described. However, successful mitigation strategies have rarely been reported. In particular, environmental disinfection or replacement of contaminated equipment usually failed to eradicate environmental sources of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Methods: We report the investigation and termination of an outbreak of P. aeruginosa producing VIM carbapenemase (PA-VIM) in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) of a Swiss tertiary care hospital with active case finding, environmental sampling and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of patient and environmental strains. We also describe the implemented control strategies and their effectiveness on eradication of the environmental reservoir.Results: Between April 2018 and September 2020, 21 patients became either infected or colonized with a PA-VIM strain. For 16 of them, an acquisition in the ICU was suspected. Among 131 environmental samples collected in the ICU, 13 grew PA-VIM in sink traps and drains. WGS confirmed the epidemiological link between clinical and environmental strains and the monoclonal pattern of the outbreak. After removing sinks from patient rooms and implementation of waterless patient care, no new acquisition was detected in the ICU within 6 months after the intervention.Discussion: Implementation of waterless patient care with removal of the sinks in patient rooms was successful for termination of a PA-VIM ICU outbreak linked to multiple environmental water sources. WGS provides highly discriminatory accuracy to investigate environment-related outbreaks.
Cubic-Quartic Optical Solitons in Bragg Gratings Fibers for Perturbed NLSE Having Parabolic-Nonlocal Law of Refractive Index Using Two Integration Schemes
Authors: Zayed Elsayed M. E. , Alngar Mohamed E. M.
Published: June 2021

The optical solitons in Bragg gratings fibers for perturbed NLSE having cubic-quartic dispersive reflectivity with parabolic-nonlocal combo law of refractive index are studied. The extended auxiliary equation method and the addendum to Kudryashov's method are introduced. The existence criteria for such solitons are indicated.
FungiExp: A Comprehensive Platform For Exploring Fungal Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing Based On 35,821 RNA-Seq Experiments From 220 Fungi
Authors: Liu Jinding , Yin Fei , Lang Kun , Jie Wencai , Tan Suxu , Duan Rongjing , Huang Shuiqing
Published: June 2021

Background: RNA-seq has become a standard tool in biology and has produced large and diverse transcriptomic datasets for users to explore fungal expression regulation. Fungal alternative splicing, which is attracting increasing attention because of evolutionary adaptations to changing external conditions has not been thoroughly investigated in previous studies, unlike that of animals and plants. However, the analyses of RNA-seq datasets are made difficult by the heterogeneity of study design and complex bioinformatics approaches. Comprehensive analyses of these published datasets should contribute new insights into fungal expression regulation.Results: We have developed a web-based platform called FungiExp hosting fungal gene expression levels and alternative splicing profiles in 35,821 curated RNA-seq experiments from 220 species. It allows users to perform retrieval via diverse terms and sequence similarity. Moreover, users can customize experimental groups to perform differential and specific expression analyses. The wide range of data visualization is an additional important feature that should help users intuitively understand retrieval and analysis results.Conclusions: With its uniform data processing, easy data accessibility, convenient retrieval, and analysis functions, FungiExp is a valuable resource and tool that allows users to (re)use published RNA-seq datasets. It is accessible at http://bioinfo.njau.edu.cn/fungiExp.
Characterization of PVPK90 core shell nanofibers containing curcumin prepared by emulsion electrospinning process
Authors: Kamali Hossein , Farzadnia Parisa , Movaffagh Jebraeil , Abbaspour Mohammadreza
Published: June 2021

The pharmacological effects of curcumin (CUR) as a polyphenolic ingredient of turmeric affected by its water insolubility, poor bioavailability, and instability. The electrospun nanofibers of hydrophilic biodegradable polymer can be addressed this issue. The current study aimed to investigate the CUR-loaded core-shell PVPK90 nanofibers generated from O/W nanoemulsions. CUR-loaded PVPK90 fibers were prepared based on the central composite design and different levels of drug concentration, flow rate, amount of acetone, and organic phase percentage by electrospinning technique and their diameter and uniformity, tensile strength, wetting and disintegration time were evaluated. Then, DSC, FTIR, XRD, TEM, fluorescence microscopy, and drug release test were carried out on the optimized nanofibers. The formulation containing 6 mg/mL CUR, 30% organic phase, 0.4 mL acetone, and flow rate of 1 mL/h was selected as optimum formulation. The results were confirmed the core-shell bead-free uniform fibers at the nanometer scale. The optimum nanofiber showed a good flexibility, short wetting and disintegrating times as well as the amorphous structure. The drug release pattern indicated the rapid release of the drug within 30 min. Our findings confirm that the O/W emulsion electrospinning-based PVPK90 core-shell nanofiber would be beneficial as a novel delivery system for water insoluble drug.
Curriculum Development on the Human Rights of People with Disabilities for Future Medical Education: Using a modified Delphi
Authors: Lee Bomyee , Park So-Youn
Published: June 2021

Background

Healthcare workers’ negative attitudes towards people with disabilities and limited understanding of disability characteristics create barriers for people with disabilities to access healthcare services. Healthcare workers untrained in treating patients with disabilities may exhibit negative attitudes, such as a doctor’s unilateral decisions or insufficient respect for patients’ experiences and opinions. This study aimed to develop a systematic medical education curriculum for increasing understanding of people with disabilities and treating patients with disabilities.
Methods

The authors conducted a systematic literature review to develop and verify the basic framework of the educational content and curriculum. Two surveys were also developed using the Delphi method to evaluate the adequacy and necessity of educational topics. Items with a content validity ratio equal to or greater than the minimum value were considered valid. Survey panels comprised academic experts and healthcare practitioners who were working with people with disabilities. We conducted two surveys, one for a basic and the other for an advanced course, in which 13 to 16 respondents took part.
Results

The authors selected 13 topics for the ‘Basic Introductory Course’ and included general educational content on the health rights of people with disabilities focused on improving students’ knowledge of disabilities. The authors also selected 12 topics for the ‘Care and Communication for Patients with Disabilities Course’ designed to improve students’ understanding of interviewing and communicating with patients with disabilities.
Conclusions

In Korea, disability has received little attention in the medical curriculum to date. The curriculum developed in this study provides preliminary data for guiding future directions in medical education and developing specific support plans for education that promotes people with disabilities’ health rights.
Detection of Antibiotic Resistance of Broad-Spectrum Beta-Lactams by Multiplex PCR Method
Authors: Raieszadeh Mohamad , khosravi mohamad ali , Sabzi Niloofar , Esmaeili Davoud
Published: June 2021

BackgroundOne of the most resistant important mechanisms against beta-lactam antibiotics is Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. These enzymes can hydrolyze penicillin, cephalosporin, Cephamycin, and monobactam. The genes of these enzymes are located on integron and can be transmitted to other strains of bacteria, including the Enterobacteriaceae.The study of ESBL genes is critical for the report to clinicians for an appropriate antibiotic pattern. This study aimed for rapid and precise identification of ESBL genes by the Multiplex PCR method.Methods In this study, three pair primers were designed for common ESBL genes (TEM, AmpC, KPC) using Genscript software. The first use contains control positive genes was performed set-up of PCR. Negative control samples and the 50 isolates of the Escherichia coli isolated from Baqiyatallah hospital were studied with this method. Results The results of this research showed that primers designed for ESBL genes (TEM, AmpC, KPC) were able to simultaneously identify positive control samples. The sensitivity of the multiplex PCR technique for ESBL genes was 1 pg and specificity reported 100%.Conclusion This study showed that a Multiplex PCR designed with a sensitivity of 1 pg and 100% specificity can correctly detect ESBL genes. Therefore, by quickly and correctly identifying the pattern of antibiotic resistance and providing a suitable treatment pattern to physicians, the spread of antibiotic resistance genes as well as the occurrence of economic and human losses can be prevented.
All-Dielectric Metasurface with Ultrahigh Color Filtering and Polarization-Independent/Dependent Characteristics
Authors: Chen Kunlin , Fang Rongpeng , Wen Yao , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: June 2021

All-dielectric nanostructure-based color filter (CF) has attracted huge interest in many fields due to its excellent optical properties. We present four metasurface-based CFs with different shapes on quartz substrates to generate pure blue, green and red colors. CFs show maximum reflection intensities of 99.6%, 99.7%, and 95.1% and the corresponding spectra bandwidths are 13 nm, 16 nm, and 14 nm for blue, green and red colors, respectively. The proposed metasurface-based CFs possess high color saturations and ultra-narrow bandwidths. In addition, metasurface-based CFs with different shapes show the tunability for color switching characteristics. These CFs designs will potentially benefit reflective display technologies, and their ultrahigh color filtering and polarization-independent/dependent characteristics are particularly useful for high resolution color printing, micro-LED, polarizer-switches, tunable color switches, and so on.
Linking Genetic Determinants With Salinity Tolerance and Ion Relationships in Eggplant, Tomato, and Pepper
Authors: Suarez Donald L. , Celis Nydia , Ferreira Jorge F.S. , Reynolds Trevor , Sandhu Devinder
Published: June 2021

The Solanaceae family includes commercially important vegetable crops characterized by their relative sensitivity to salinity. Evaluation of 24 heirloom cultivars of eggplant (Solanum melongena), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and pepper (Capsicum spp.) from different geographic regions under salinity revealed significant variation in salt tolerance. Relative fruit yield under salt treatment varied from 52 to 114% for eggplant, 56 to 84% for tomato, and 52 to 99% for pepper. Cultivars from all three crops, except Habanero peppers (C. chinense), restricted Na transport from roots to shoots under salinity. The high salt tolerance level showed a strong association with low leaf Na concentration. Additionally, the K-salinity/K-control ratio was critical in determining the salinity tolerance of a genotype. Differences in relative yield under salinity were regulated by several component traits, which was consistent with the gene expression of relevant genes. Gene expression analyses using 12 genes associated with plant salt tolerance showed that, for eggplant and pepper, Na+ exclusion was a vital component trait, while sequestration of Na+ into vacuoles was critical for tomato plants. The high variability for salt tolerance found in heirloom cultivars helped characterize genotypes based on component traits of salt tolerance, enabling breeders to increase the salt tolerance of Solanaceae cultivars.
Assessing Demand for Doctoral-Prepared PA Faculty: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kayingo Gerald , Kibe Lucy , Venzon Aldreen , Gordes Karen L. , Cawley James F.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Many health profession programs have transitioned to doctoral credentials. While a master’s degree is the terminal degree for the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, there is increasing discussion for a PA terminal doctoral credential in America. This study examines trends, demand and economic opportunities for doctoral prepared PA faculty; specifically, assessing to what extent PA faculty employers prefer doctoral credentials. Methodology: This longitudinal retrospective observational study assessed commonly required/preferred academic credentials in PA faculty job postings. Data from 2014 to 2020 was obtained from the labor analytics firm Burning Glass Technologies (BGT) and other academic job search engines. Data on current PA faculty and program directors were obtained from PAEA survey reports. Wage gap analysis was performed to gain additional insight for the supply and demand of PA educators with a doctoral degree. Results: Of the 612 unique job ads posted from 232 PA programs between 2014 and 2020, approximately 38.9% (238) stated a preference or requirement for a doctoral degree. Nearly half of the postings for program directors and leadership positions preferred candidates with doctorates. There was a correlation between tenure eligibility positions (20.1%) and preference/requirement for doctoral credentials. PAEA survey data (2014-2019) revealed approximately 24% PA faculty and 45-48% of program directors held a doctoral degree with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) as the most frequently held doctorate. No significant difference existed in wages for faculty with or without doctoral degree. Conclusions: Among our sample of PA program job ads, there is a preference for doctoral-prepared PA educators and the demand for these candidates is greater than market supply. Our analysis has implications for individual faculty career planning, employers and the PA profession as it debates transition to a terminal doctoral credential. Further studies should assess the impact of doctoral credentials on PA education by examining measurable outcomes.
Clinical Evaluation of Automatic Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS TM) in Coronary CT Angiography Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Huang Zengfa , Xiao Jianwei , Hu Yun , Li Zuoqin , Guo Ning , Zhang Shutong , Xie Yuanliang , Li Xiang , Wang Xiang
Published: June 2021

Background: The coronary artery disease reporting and data system (CAD-RADSTM) was recently introduced for standard reporting. We aimed to evaluate the utility of an automatic post-processing and reporting system based on CAD-RADS in suspected CAD patients.Methods: The clinical evaluation was encompassed 346 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We compared deep learning (DL)-based CCTA with Readers for classification of CAD-RADS with commercially-available automated segmentation and manual post-processing in a prospective validation cohort. Results: Compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of DL model for diagnosis of CAD were 79.02%, 86.52%, 89.50%, 73.94% and 82.08%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the DL-based and Readers-based CAD-RADS grading in CCTA. The consistency test showed that the Kappa value between the model and Readers was 0.775 (95% CI: 0.728-0.823, P < 0.001), 0.802 (95% CI: 0.756-0.847, P<0.001), and 0.796 (95% CI: 0.750-0.843, P < 0.001), respectively. This system reduces the time consumed from 14.97 ± 1.80 min to 5.02 ± 0.8 min (P < 0.001).Conclusion: The standardized report of DL-based CAD-RADS in CCTA can accurately evaluate suspected CAD patients with time-saving, and has good consistency with the radiologists.
First Tracking of the Oceanic Spawning Migrations of Australasian Short- Finned Eels (Anguilla Australis)
Authors: Koster Wayne , Aarestrup Kim , Birnie-Gauvin Kim , Church Ben , Dawson David , Lyon Jarod , O’Connor Justin , Righton David , Rose Denis , Westerberg Hakan , stuart Ivor
Published: June 2021

Across their near-global range, anguillid eel populations have declined dramatically over the last fifty years and many species are now threatened. A critical life history phase is migration from freshwater to distant oceans, culminating in their single life-time spawning event. For many anguillids, especially those in the southern hemisphere, mystery still shrouds their oceanic spawning migrations. We investigated the oceanic spawning migrations of the Australasian short-finned eel (Anguilla australis) using pop-up satellite archival tags. Eels were collected from river estuaries (38°S, 142°E) in south-eastern temperate Australia. In 2019, sixteen eels were tracked for up to about 5 months, ~2620 km from release, and as far north as the tropical Coral Sea (22°S, 155°E) off the north-east coast of Australia. Eels from southern Australia appeared to access deep water off the Australian coast via two main routes: (i) directly east via Bass Strait, or (ii) south-east around Tasmania, which is the shortest route to deep water. Tagged eels exhibited strong diel vertical migrations, alternating between the warm euphotic zone (~100 to 300 m, 15 to 20°C) at night, and the mesopelagic zone (~700 m to 900 m, 6 to 8°C) during the day. Marine predators, probably lamnid sharks, tuna, or marine mammals, ended many eel migrations (at least ~30%), with many eels lost before leaving the Australian continental shelf. The long and risky marine migrations of Australasian eels highlight the need for better information on the processes contributing to eel mortality across the life cycle, including the impacts of future changes to oceanic currents, predator abundance and direct anthropogenic disturbances.
Identifying Benefit Factors Associated With Primary Tumor Resection in Patients With Stage IV Gastric Cancer: a Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Yan Haihao , Liu Zheng , Jin Ye
Published: June 2021

Background: At present, the beneficial factors related to surgery at the primary tumor site in patients with stage IV gastric cancer (GC) are unclear. We developed a new selection process to determine the beneficial factors associated with primary tumor surgery.Methods: Patients with stage IV GC were screened from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and were divided into surgery and non-surgery groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival curve before and after the propensity score-matched analysis (PSM). We believe that patients in the surgery group who have a longer median cancer-specific survival (CSS) time than those in the non-surgery group can benefit from surgery. Use Multivariate Logistic regression analysis to determine the benefit factors related to surgery.Results: A total of 7259 patients with stage IV GC were included, of which 29.95% (2174) underwent primary tumor surgery. After PSM, the median CSS of the surgery group and the non-surgery group was 12 months and 7 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that age, T stage, primary tumor site, histological classification, histological grade, and chemotherapy were independently correlated with CSS. We included the independent related factors affecting CSS in COX analysis in the multivariate Logistics regression model. The results showed that T stage, histological grade, and chemotherapy were related to surgical benefit.Conclusion: The surgery to the primary tumor site can prolong the survival time of patients with stage IV GC, and surgeons should screen patients before surgery. Our results show that patients with T stage T4b and histological grade GIII/GIV do not benefit from surgery, while patients receiving chemotherapy can benefit from surgery.