bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Team-Based Learning in a Transnational Post Registration Bachelor of Nursing Program in Singapore
Authors: Burton Rob , Mortel Thea van de , Kain Victoria
Published: March 2021

Background: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is growing in popularity as a method to create active learning within larger group lectures. It is facilitated through phases of individual work, teamwork and immediate feedback, to develop students’ understanding and assessment of conceptual knowledge. A single facilitator can manage many groups within larger lectures. The study aim was to evaluate the impact of TBL on the engagement, learning and satisfaction of students enrolled in a transnational post registration Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program in Singapore.Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed. The TBL approach was delivered during lecture sessions within a post registration BN program delivered in a Higher Education Institution in Singapore. A sample of BN students was drawn from 305 students undertaking the program. Participation in the surveys was voluntary with informed consent protocols followed. An online anonymous university-delivered student evaluation of course (SEC) survey and an online anonymous survey using the Student Assessment Instrument, were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Student performance in the course was also reviewed.Results: Eighty-two students (27%) completed the SEC scoring a median of 4/5 for satisfaction, and 68 (22%) completed the online survey. As 93 was the neutral score for the survey, there was a moderately positive evaluation with an overall score of 108.5/155 for TBL in accountability for learning, TBL preference and satisfaction with TBL compared to traditional lecture approaches. Conclusions: Implementation of TBL with this cohort demonstrated evidence of moderately positive engagement, learning and satisfaction when compared to traditional didactic lectures.
Aortoiliac Diameter and Length in a Healthy Cohort
Authors: Kim Hyangkyoung , Kwon Tae-Won , Choi Eol , Jeong Seonjeong , Kim Hong-Kyu , Han Youngjin , Cho Yong-Pil , Choe Jaewon , Kim Won Hong
Published: March 2021

Objective: Diameter is currently the only screening and diagnostic criterion for asymptomatic aneurysms. Therefore, aortic and lower-extremity arterial diameter has diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic importance. We aimed to determine aortic and lower-extremity arterial reference diameters in a general population and compare them according to age, sex, and other characteristics.Methods: We evaluated consecutive 3,692 patients who underwent computed tomography as part of a general health checkup from 2015–2019 in a single tertiary center. Aortic and lower-extremity arterial diameters and the most important factor related to arterial diameters were evaluated.Results: The mean diameter of the abdominal aorta was 17.490 ± 2.110 mm, while that of the common iliac artery was 10.851 ± 1.689 mm. The mean diameter of the abdominal aorta was 18.377 ± 1.766 mm in men and 15.884 ± 1.694 mm in women. Significant intersex differences were observed for all mean diameters and lengths. Multilinear regression analysis showed that age, sex, and body surface area impacted mean diameters of all measured sites except aorta and common iliac artery length. Between male and female patients matched for body surface area, there were significant intersex differences for all measured sites, except for common iliac artery length.Conclusions: The mean diameter of the abdominal aorta in this healthy cohort was 17.490 ± 2.110 mm overall, 18.377 ± 1.766 mm in men, and 15.884 ± 1.694 mm in women. Arterial diameter increased with male sex, older age, and increased body surface area, and aortic diameters were larger in men than in women with the same body surface area.
Smoking is associated with constant cough which is resistant to oseltamivir therapy for suspected COVID-19
Authors: Chiba Satoru
Published: March 2021

Background: Smoking depresses pulmonary immune function and is a risk factor contracting more serious outcomes among people who become infected. The association between smoking and persistent respiratory symptoms which are resistant to oseltamivir for suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was evaluated.Methods: A total of 22 COVID-19 suspected medical personnel and their cohabitation families without hypoxia and lung diseases, who came to the adult fever clinic from March to September 2020 were studied. All patients received oseltamivir and antibacterial therapy together. And four patients suffering from constant cough were started on inhaled ciclesonide 400 μg twice a day for a week.Results: Most of the infected patients were female [13 (59%)], 2 had diabetes (9%) and 4 hypertension (18%). The median age was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR] 25–47 years). The study patients were divided into 2 groups; individuals who currently smoke in 11 patients (current smokers) and never smoked in 11 (never smokers). Four (36%) of 11 current smokers experienced constant cough even after oseltamivir administration, compared with 0% of never smokers (χ2=4.90; p<0.05). The cough score decreased from 1.5±0.5 at baseline to 0.3±0.5 during the one week after ciclesonide administration (p<0.001) and constant cough disappeared in three cases out of four current smokers. Conclusion: Because current smokers are at a higher risk to develop constant cough which is resistant to oseltamivir therapy for suspected COVID-19 as compared to never smokers, smoking cessation should be recommended at an early stage. Ciclesonide may improve the constant cough in suspected COVID-19.
Evaluation of Procalcitonin (PCT) As a Marker of Infection in Early Post Living Donated Liver Transplant Period.
Authors: Mahmoud Eman Ibrahim El-Desoki , Algendy Mohammad A. , Al-Ansary Adel M. , Noaman Maissa K.
Published: March 2021

Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) has been increasingly used as a biomarker of bacterial infection and as a tool to guide antimicrobial therapy. Despite its increased use, data in patients with solid organ transplants are limited. The study aim is to assess the frequency of rising procalcitonin associated with infectious complications in immunosuppressed living donated liver transplantation.Methods: A single center, retrospective observational study. Preoperative patients' demographic data, operative, anesthetic data and postoperative clinical course are analyzed till discharge from intensive care unit.Results: Sixty patients were classified according to the culture results' into a positive culture group & a negative one, then following up sepsis variables in each group. Total leukocyte count (TLC) and procalcitonin (PCT) were high in the positive culture group in the first 4 and 5 days respectively and was statistically significant (P-value < 0.05).PCT at a cutoff value ≥ 9ng/ml had higher specificity, especially on day three postoperative (90.7%). The TLC cutoff value of ≥ 17.3/mm3on day one; had the specificity of > 90%. Conclusions: following up PCT level on day one with TLC is essential and will help to detect sepsis and guide early antimicrobial initiation post liver transplantation.Trial registration: NHTMRI, NCT03389360. Registered 7 February, 2018,https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0007O6F&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0003W0U&ts=2&cx=fwyacz
Clusterin, TNF-α, and IL-6 polymorphism and implications on Alzheimer’s disease risk determination in Saudi population
Authors: Algamdi Amani Ahmad , Abdi Saba , Almutairi Reem Muteb , Sarwar Sadia , Aldaghri Nassser , Haq Samina Hyder , Alamro Abir , Muayqil Taim Abdullah
Published: March 2021

Background: In the wake of the warning by WHO that the prevalence of dementia may rise by 125% in Middle East by 2050, identification of genetic risk factors in Arab population is urgent.Methods: To genotype the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in clusterin (CLU) rs11136000, rs1532278; tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α) -308 rs1800629 A/G and -857 rs1799724 T/C; interleukin-6 (IL-6) rs1800796 G/C (-572 G/C) and rs1800795 G/C (-174 G/C), and to determine their association with Alzeimer’s Disease (AD), DNA was isolated from the blood of 42 elderly Saudi AD patients (19 male, 23 female) and 23 healthy controls (11 male, 12 female), recruited for this study. Total serum cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels were measured using an autoanalyzer. Serum concentrations of beta-amyloid 1–40 (Aβ1-40), beta-amyloid 1–42 (Aβ1-42), CLU, and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, and the C-reactive protein) were assessed by ELISA. The gene polymorphisms were analyzed by RT-PCR using the TaqMan assay. Results: The results show that in the rs1532278 SNP of CLU gene, GA heterozygous allele was significantly higher in AD patients (57.1%) than in the control subjects (26.1%; OR = 3.67, CI = 1.10-12.32; p=0.036), thus it may be a risk factor for AD. On the other hand, the AD patients who carried genotype GG for TNF-α SNP rs1800629 showed significantly higher levels of serum IL-6 (p = 0.04), and hence may increase susceptibility to AD in Saudi population.
Wild apple-associated fungi and bacteria compete to colonize the larval gut of an invasive wood-borer Agrilus mali in Tianshan forests
Authors: Bozorov Tohir , Toshmatov Zokir , Kahar Gulnaz , Zhang Daoyuan , Shao Hua , Gafforov Yusufjon
Published: March 2021

Background: The gut microflora of insects plays important roles throughout their lives. Different foods and geographic locations change gut bacterial communities. The invasive wood-borer Agrilus mali causes extensive mortality of wild apple, Malus sieversii, which is considered a progenitor of all cultivated apples, in Tianshan forests. Recent analysis showed that the gut microbiota of larvae collected from Tianshan forests showed rich bacterial diversity but the absence of fungal species. In this study, we explored the antagonistic ability of gut bacteria to address this absence of fungi in the larval gut. Results: The results demonstrated that gut bacteria were able to selectively inhibit wild apple tree-associated fungi. However, Pseudomonas synxantha showed strong antagonistic ability, producing antifungal compounds. Using different analytical methods, such as column chromatography, mass spectrometry, HPLC and NMR, an antifungal compound, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), was identified. Activity of the compound was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration method and electron microscopy. Moreover, sequence alignment and cluster analysis showed that gut bacteria could originate from noninfested apple microflora during infestation. Conclusions: Overall, the results showed that in newly invaded locations, A. mali larvae changed their gut microbiota and adopted new gut bacteria that prevented fungal colonization in the gut.
Iron Overload and Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Barrett Michael J , McCarthy Roberta , McGrath Ailbhe , Slevin Marie , Donoghue Veronica , Macken Alan , Freyne Bridget , Kissoon-Harrison Ghia , Isweisi Eman , Quigley John , Molloy Eleanor J
Published: March 2021

Iron is essential for growth and haematopoiesis but iron overload can have detrimental effects. The aim of this study is to correlate iron indices at 1 month of age in very low birth weight infants undergoing intensive care prior to additional iron supplementation and correlate results with clinical measures and 2 year corrected neurodevelopmental outcomes.A prospective observational cohort study was undertaken of very low birth weight infants at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. In 45 eligible infants, iron overload existed in 14 (31%) who had significantly decreased: mean (SD) gestational age at birth [26(2) v 28(2) weeks], birth weight [814(231)g v 1011(238)g], weight on assessment [1180(369)g v 1502(423)g], haemoglobin level at birth [13.8(3.1)g/dL v 16.1(2.5)g/dL] and mean corpuscular volume at assessment [85(4)fL v 90(6)fL] with increased number of red cell transfusions [4(2.5-5) v 1(0-2)] and volume of transfusions [65 (38)mL v 27 (23)mL]. Regression analysis determined the number of transfusions had the strongest correlation with iron status on testing. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years were not significantly different.Conclusion: Very low birth weight infants at risk of iron overload (≥2 red cell transfusions) may benefit from the measurement of iron indices prior to oral iron supplementation.
Exploring heavy element distribution in soil profiles to assess the geochemical background and contamination extent in soils of a metallurgical and industrial area in Kosovo
Authors: Protano Giuseppe , Lella Luigi Antonello Di , Nannoni Francesco
Published: March 2021

This paper reports the results of a geochemical study focused on the distribution of heavy elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, U, Zn) in soil profiles, with the aim of defining their geochemical background, contamination threshold, surface and vertical extent of contamination in soils of a metallurgical and industrial area in Kosovo. The geochemical background of heavy elements in soil was assessed by exploratory data analysis of their concentrations in soil profiles, and the contamination threshold was used as reference value to quantify their anthropogenic enrichment. Cadmium, Pb, Sb, Zn were the primary soil contaminants, As, Cu, Tl the secondary ones. The main sources of soil contaminants were the Zvecan smelter for Pb, Sb, As, Cu, Tl, and the Trepca industrial complex for Cd and Zn. The highest levels of Pb and Sb contamination were found up to depths between 30 and 60 cm in soil profiles within 5 km north and south-east of the Zvecan smelter. Contamination by Pb and Sb decreased with depth in soil profiles and affected the whole thickness of soils closer the metallurgical plant. Cadmium and Zn contamination declined with distance from the Trepca industrial complex and decreased with depth, generally extending down to depths of 40–90 cm and 30–70 cm, respectively. Cobalt, Cr, Ni, U were geogenic heavy elements. Anomalous natural concentrations of Co, Cr, Ni were found in soils collected in the northern part of the study area, where the geology consists mainly of ultrabasic and basic magmatic rocks.
New insights into the microscopic interactions associated with the physical mechanism of action of highly diluted biologics
Authors: Woods Kristina N.
Published: March 2021

In this investigation, we report the effect on the microscopic dynamics and interactions of the cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-g) and antibodies to IFN-g (anti-IFN-g) and to the interferon gamma receptor 1 (anti-IFNGR1) prepared in exceptionally dilute solutions of initial proteins. Using both THz spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations we have uncovered that the high dilution method of sample preparation results in the reorganization of the sample surface residue dynamics at the solvent-protein interface that leads to both structural and kinetic heterogeneous dynamics that ultimately create interactions that enhance the binding probability of the antigen binding site. Our results indicate that the modified interfacial dynamics of anti-IFN-g and anti-IFGNR1 that we probe experimentally are directly associated with alterations in the complementarity regions of the distinct antibodies that designate both antigen-antibody affinity and recognition.
The Prenatal High Risk Factors in Non-syndromic Cleft Lip or/and Palate Fetuses: A Nested Case-control Study Based on Maternal Health Care Records of a Population
Authors: Li Bing , Xiao Xiao-hua , Chen Ang , Li Ying , Lin Hui-fang , Lin Hua-zhao , Liu Feng-hua
Published: March 2021

Background: To determine the associations of different prenatal factors with the development of non-syndromic cleft lip or/and palate (NSCL/P), as there are still no consensus to the risk factors of NSCL/P.Methods: Nested case-control study based on the gestational period health care record data of all singleton NSCL/P (n=197) and fetuses without birth defects (n=192706) born in-hospital of Zhongshan between 2016 and 2019. Results: Vagina infected (OR 3.43, 95%CI 1.34-7.19), assisted conception (OR 11.57, 95% CI 0.65-54.29), folic acid intake <3 moths during pre- and early pregnancy (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.10-2.30), incomplete placenta or rough surface placenta (OR 4.65, 95% CI 3.23-6.57), abnormal amniotic fluid (OR 2.74, 95% CI 2.04, 3.67), low birth weight of newborns (OR 5.44, 95% CI 3.41-8.54), preterm delivery (OR 3.29, 95% CI 2.07-5.24), and post-term delivery (OR 5.94, 95% CI 0.97-18.93) were associated with a higher risk of NSCL/P. Conclusions: The status of placenta and fluid were discovered as risk factors with NSCL/P, which strengthens the importance role of interaction between the placental barrier and various environmental factors on the development of NSCL/P.
Unraveling Genetics of Semi-Determinancy and Identification of Markers for Indeterminate Stem Growth Habit in Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.)
Authors: Nagraj Ambika , Hegde Venkatraman , Nimmy M S , Bharadwaj C , Tripathi Shailesh , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Rajendra
Published: March 2021

BackgroundChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is predominantly an indeterminate plant and tends to generate vegetative growth when the ambient is conducive for soil moisture, temperature and certain other environmental conditions. The semi-determinate (SDT) types are comparatively early, resistant to lodging and found to be similar in their yield potential to indeterminate (IDT) lines. Indeterminate types and semi-determinate genotypes are found to be similar during early stage, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them. Thus, there is a need to identify molecular marker linked either to indeterminate or semi-determinate plant type. The present study was carried out to study the genetics of semi-determinacy and identify molecular markers linked to stem growth habit. MethodsThe study was undertaken in the cross involving BG 362(IDT) X BG 3078-1(SDT). All F1 plants were indeterminate, which indicates that indeterminate stem type is dominant over semi-determinate. In further advancement to F2 generation, F2 plants are segregated in the ratio of 3(Indeterminate): 1(Semi-determinate) that indicates that the IDT and SDT parents which are involved in the cross differed for a single gene. The segregation pattern observed in F2 is confirmed in F3 generation. The parental polymorphic survey was undertaken for molecular analysis using total of 246 SSR markers, out of which 41 polymorphic markers were found to distinguish the parents and were utilized for bulked segregant analysis (BSA). ResultsThe segregation pattern in F2 indicates that the IDT(Indeterminate) and SDT(Semi-determinate) parents which are involved in the cross differed for single gene. The segregation pattern of F2 and F3 derived from the cross BG 362 (IDT) x BG 3078-1 (SDT) confirmed the genotypic structure of the newly found SDT genotype BG 3078-1 as dt1dt1Dt2Dt2. Three SSR markers TA42, Ca_GPSSR00560 and H3DO5 were found to be putatively linked to Dt1 locus regulating IDT stem growth habit.ConclusionOur results indicate that the SSR markers identified for Dt1 locus helps to differentiate stem growth habit of chickpea in its early growth stage itself and can be efficiently utilized in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) for changed plant type in chickpea.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis on En-Mass Retraction of Maxillary Anterior Teeth With the Clear Aligner Technique
Authors: Xiang Xiaosong , Bai Yujing , Wei Xiaodong , Ji Yuebai , Yu Yunyun , Cang Song
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the biomechanics effects during en⁃mass retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with the clear aligner (CA) system by three⁃dimensional finite element method, which provides a theoretical basis for orthodontics and CA exploitation.
Methods

Cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) was used to scan a normal occlusion adult volunteer who meeting the modeling standards from the Hospital of Stomatology Nankai University. A finite element model including maxillary teeth, periodontal ligament (PDL),alveolar bone and CA was established by Mimics 17.0, Geomagic Studio 12.0, and UG NX software packages. The analysis of material properties of the model set the contact, constraint, and load was performed using the ANSYS Workbench 19.0. CA was employed to simulate the 0.2 mm en⁃mass retraction of anterior teeth and analyze the results.
Results

The movement of anterior teeth with an inclination of the lingual and distal crown was observed to have the tendency overbite increasing and the posterior teeth tending to incline mesially. The maximum displacement of the central incisor, lateral incisor, canine, second premolar, and first molar were 0.320, 0.290, 0.287, 0.350, and 0.230 mm, respectively. The stress distribution of PDL and alveolar fossa were concentrated in the neck and apical areas of teeth. The stress distribution of PDL on both sides of the extraction space was broad which consistent with the trend of tooth movement. The entire CA had a tendency of dislocation༌displacement and deformation. The CA showed stress concentration at the junction of adjacent teeth and the joints of the posterior teeth were the main stress concentration areas.
Conclusion

To achieve en⁃mass retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with the CA system, we should pay attention to the orthodontic optimization design, the retraction procedure of torque, intrusion and anchorage protection of posterior teeth, and the CA retention.
Standardization of a Polymerase Chain Reaction Protocol for Detecting Antimicrobial Peptides in Anopheles Darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Santos Erian , Santos Ana Cecília Feio dos , Pires Luciana Letícia da Costa , Casseb Samir Mansour Moraes , Holanda Gustavo Moraes , Sucupira Izis Mônica Carvalho , Cruz Ana Cecília Ribeiro , Santos Eduardo José Melo dos , Póvoa Marinete Marins
Published: March 2021

Background: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are proteins of the innate immune system that can limit infections of the malaria-carrying parasite Plasmodium, which develops inside anopheline mosquitoes, the human malaria vectors. Despite this, studies on Brazilian Amazon species of anopheline mosquitoes are still needed. The aim of the study is to develop a standard molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to detect the AMPs cecropin A (CecA) and defensin from Anopheles darlingi to support studies involving their detection and amplification and better understanding of the roles of these peptides in the Anopheles-Plasmodium interaction. Methods: The collection of anopheline mosquitoes was carried out in three municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon: Altamira and Peixe-Boi, in the state of Pará, and Cruzeiro do Sul, in the state of Acre. The primers were built based on the sequences available in GenBank, and PCR followed standard protocols with different annealing temperatures tested. The PCR products were purified and then sequenced by the dideoxy chain termination method. Results: CecA and defensin amplification were standardized with annealing temperatures of 59ºC and 55ºC, respectively. The amplified products and sequencing demonstrated the good quality of both primer sets. Conclusions: For the first time, a standardized molecular technique for detecting AMPs was described in An. darlingi, a mosquito species from the Brazilian Amazon, supporting future studies aiming to understand the interactions of this species and the action of these peptides during infection and providing important molecular markers for the control of human malaria.
Sjögren's Syndrome in Children: About 15 Cases in Guinea Conakry
Authors: Condé Kaba , Guelngar carlos othon , Barry Mamadou Ciré , Atakla Hugues Ghislain , Mohamed Awada , Cissé Fodé
Published: March 2021

Objectives- Sjögren's syndrome is difficult to diagnose in the African context. It is rarely reported in children in Black Africa. We report a series of 15 cases of Sjögren’s syndrome in order to clarify the particularities of this condition in children.Methods- This 2-year retrospective study focused on children under 16 years of age with a male predominance who were followed for AS in the rheumatology and pediatrics departments. Patient data were collected and analyzed using STATA/SE version 11.2 software. Anonymity and respect for ethical rules were the norm. There was no link between patients and researchers.Results- The average age of the patients was 11 years with extremes of 5 to 15 years. An anamnesis revealing dry mouth was found in more than half of the cases, i.e. in 10 (66.7%) patients. The clinical examination found oral ulceration and periodontitis in equal proportions, i.e. 6 (40%). The immunological assessment and the biopsy of the accessory salivary glands were used as diagnostic evidence in the 15 patients according to the American-European criteria of 2002.Conclusion- Sjögren's syndrome is a rare entity in pediatrics. It is difficult to diagnose in pediatrics and its severity is linked to the occurrence of visceral and lymphomatous late dry syndrome. Rapid diagnosis and the use of a synthetic antimalarial drug (Hydroxychloroquine) increases the hope of a cure.
Female Fatality due to Cholera was Higher than Male. Studies of Four Cholera Epidemics in the Poznań Province in the Second Half of the 19th Century.
Authors: LICZBIŃSKA GRAŻYNA , Králík Miroslav
Published: March 2021

Background: Males and females differ in terms of patterns of morbidity and mortality resulting from diseases.Objectives: It has been tested whether cholera epidemics killed selectively by sex in historical populations. Four cholera epidemics in the Poznań Province: 1852, 1855, 1866, and 1873 have been studied.Data sources: Data have been derived from death registers of the selected parishes located on the territory of the Poznań Province. In total, the information about 34, 655 individual cases, with the causes of deaths recognized, has been used, encompassing 18,243 males and 16,325 females. Methods: The daily and weekly incidences of cholera deaths have been counted for epidemics in 1852, 1855, 1866 and 1873. The relations of male-to-female deaths numbers by epidemiological weeks have been computed. The sex ratio at death (SRD) and sex ratio at death from cholera (SRDCh) have been calculated. The differences between the theoretical and empirical distributions in the numbers of male and female deaths, deaths from cholera, SRD and SRDCh have been examined. Results: More females than males died in the periods of cholera epidemics than in non- epidemic ones. The values of SRDCh during the earlier epidemics (1852, 1855) and later epidemics (1866, 1873) were 0.91 and 0.97, respectively. A significant variances in the sex-specific death ratio have been observed between the cholera epidemics periods (SRD=0.89) and non-epidemic periods (SRD=1.13) in Poznań.Conclusions: The gender-specific cholera death rates could have been related to the division of social roles between women and men. Women more frequently than men had contact with contaminated water, e.g. when preparing and cooking meals, feeding, caring for and washing children and caring for sick family members.
Trends of Hyperuricemia Prevalence among the Urban and Rural Chinese Populations of the Southeast Coastal Region During the Years 2014-2018: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhu Xu-xin , Hu Min-hua , Yang Pei-xuan , Wu Chun-na , Chen Yong-song , Li Li-ping
Published: March 2021

Background: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a tremendous health problem worldwide. Data on the trends of HUA prevalence in China is limited. Therefore, we assessed this trend among the urban and rural Chinese populations of the southeast coastal region during 2014-2018. Methods: This hospital-based retrospective study lasted 5 years. Data on physical measures and fasting blood parameters from 210,825 health checkup subjects from urban and rural tertiary hospitals during 2014-2018 were extracted to investigate the trends of serum uric acid (SUA) levels and HUA prevalence and to compare them between urban and rural areas, stratified by year, age, and sex. Results: Both SUA (395.49±102.29 μmol/L) levels and HUA prevalence (37.87%) were high in this population. Mean SUA levels among urban subjects increased from 382.54±91.17 μmol/L in 2014 to 407.38±103.97 μmol/L in 2018, and from 367.75±90.76 μmol/L to 398.42±104.6 μmol/L in rural subjects. Similarly, urban HUA prevalence increased from 32.87% to 42.41%, and rural from 27.81% to 38.81%. Both SUA levels and HUA prevalence were higher in urban than in rural areas (397.59±103.01 μmol/L vs 388.03±99.34 μmol/L and 38.70% vs 34.89%, respectively, P<0.01) and higher in men than women (437.87±93.98 μmol/L vs 338.21±83.43 μmol/L and 54.78% vs 15.00%, respectively, P<0.01). Both SUA levels (P<0.01) and HUA prevalence (P<0.01) increased with advancing age in urban areas, while seemingly decreasing and remaining stable after the age of 50 years in rural areas. Although both SUA levels (P<0.001) and HUA prevalence (P<0.001) showed a downward trend in men and an upward trend in women after age 40 in both areas, men had greater disease burden than women. Conclusions: This is the first investigation of SUA levels and HUA prevalence trends among the urban and rural Chinese population of the southeast coastal region. Increases in both SUA levels and HUA prevalence were observed in both areas during 2014-2018. Although there was a downward trend in men and an upward trend in women of the SUA levels and the HUA prevalence, men had higher disease burden. Attention should be paid and effective measures should be taken to lower the HUA prevalence for men in this population. Keywords: Serum uric acid, Hyperuricemia, Prevalence, Trends
Tsunami Generation Potential of a Strike-slip Fault Tip in the Westernmost Mediterranean
Authors: Estrada F. , González-Vida J. M. , Peláez J. A. , Galindo-Zaldívar J. , Ortega S. , Macías J. , Vázquez J. T. , Ercilla G.
Published: March 2021

Tsunamis are triggered by sudden seafloor displacements, and usually originate from seismic activity at faults. Nevertheless, strike-slip faults are usually disregarded as major triggers, as they are thought to be capable of generating only moderate seafloor deformation; accordingly, the tsunamigenic potential of the vertical throw at the tips of strike-slip faults is not thought to be significant. We found the active dextral NW-SE Averroes Fault in the central Alboran Sea (westernmost Mediterranean) has a historical vertical throw of up to 5.4 m at its northwestern tip corresponding to an earthquake of Mw 7.0. We modelled the tsunamigenic potential of this seafloor deformation by Tsunami-HySEA software using the Coulomb 3.3 code. Waves propagating on two main branches reach highly populated sectors of the Iberian coast with maximum arrival heights of 6 m within 21 and 35 min, which is too quick for current early-warning systems to operate successfully. These findings suggest that the tsunamigenic potential of strike-slip faults is more important than previously thought, and justify the re-evaluation of tsunami early-warning systems worldwide.
Disentangling Syntrophic Electron Transfer Mechanisms in Methanogenesis Through Electrochemical Stimulation, Omics, and Machine Learning
Authors: Yuan Heyang , Wang Xuehao , Lin Tzu-Yu , Kim Jinha , Liu Wen-Tso
Published: March 2021

Background: Interspecies hydrogen transfer (IHT) and direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) are two syntrophy models for methanogenesis. Their relative importance in methanogenic environments is still unclear. Our recent discovery of a novel species Candidatus Geobacter eutrophica with the genetic potential of IHT and DIET may serve as a model species to address this knowledge gap. Results: To experimentally demonstrate its DIET ability, we performed electrochemical enrichment of Ca. G. eutrophica-dominating communities under 0 and 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl based on the presumption that DIET and extracellular electron transfer (EET) share similar metabolic pathways. After three batches of enrichment, acetate accumulated in all reactors, while propionate was detected only in the electrochemical reactors. Four dominant fermentative bacteria were identified in the core population, and metatranscriptomics analysis suggested that they were responsible for the degradation of fructose and ethanol to propionate, propanol, acetate, and H2. Geobacter OTU650, which was phylogenetically close to Ca. G. eutrophica, was outcompeted in the control but remained abundant and active under electrochemical stimulation. The results thus confirmed Ca. G. eutrophica’s EET ability. The high-quality draft genome (completeness 99.4%, contamination 0.6%) further showed high phylogenomic similarity with Ca. G. eutrophica, and the genes encoding outer membrane cytochromes and enzymes for hydrogen metabolism were actively expressed. Redundancy analysis and a Bayesian network constructed with the core population predicted the importance of Ca. G. eutrophica-related OTU650 to methane production. The Bayesian network modeling approach was also applied to the genes encoding enzymes for alcohol metabolism, hydrogen metabolism, EET, and methanogenesis. Methane production could not be accurately predicted when the genes for IHT were in silico knocked out, inferring its more important role in methanogenesis.Conclusions: Ca. G. eutrophica is electroactive and simultaneously performs IHT and DIET. The results from the metatranscriptomic analysis have provided valuable information for enrichment and isolation of Ca. G. eutrophica. IHT is predicted to have a stronger impact on methane production than DIET in the electrochemical reactors. The genomics-enabled machine learning modeling approach can provide predictive insights into the importance of IHT and DIET.
Race/Ethnicity, Delay of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Initiation Following Breast Cancer Surgery and Associated Patient Survival: An Analysis of the United States National Cancer Database 2004-2016
Authors: Desai Raj Piyush , Narayan Aditya , Hsiao Sabrina , Balkrishnan Rajesh
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The relationship between survival and time to the start of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) among breast cancer patients is unclear. Most breast cancer patients start adjuvant chemotherapy within a few weeks after surgery, but it is still unclear whether a delay in the initiation of chemotherapy will lead to adverse outcomes.Methods: Women diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 with invasive breast cancer (stages I-III) and treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were selected from the National Cancer Database (n= 443,100). We evaluated factors associated with prolonged time to start adjuvant chemotherapy (≥60, ≥90, and ≥120 days after surgical resection) using multivariable log binomial models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs. Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the effect of delay on survival.Results: The average time to adjuvant chemotherapy was 47.93 days (±29.17 days). Non-Hispanic African American patients had higher risk of 60-day delay (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.38 to 1.43), 90-day delay (RR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.50 to 1.60), and 120-day delay (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.61 to 1.78) compared with non-Hispanic white patients. Early initiation of chemotherapy, less than 1 month (RR, 0.893; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.92), 1-2 month (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.82), and 2-3 month (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.90); was associated with decreased overall mortality. Non-Hispanic African Americans (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.19) were associated with increased overall mortality compared to non-Hispanic whites. Conclusion: Black breast cancer patients experience clinically relevant delays in the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy more often than white patients, which may in part explain the increased mortality observed among black patients. Efforts should be made to reduce the time to surgery when possible to enhance overall survival.
Trends in Opioid Prescribing Following Statewide PDMP Implementation: The Pennsylvania Experience
Authors: Miller Chaim , Ilyas Asif
Published: March 2021

Background: The opioid epidemic is a major public health crisis in the United States. Legislators have enacted various strategies to combat this crisis, including the implementation of statewide prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP). These PDMPs are electronic databases that collect and analyze patient prescription data on controlled substances allowing physicians to review prior prescriptions before prescribing. Objective: To determine opioid prescribing patterns after implementation of a statewide PDMP in Pennsylvania. Methods: After IRB approval, PDMP data was obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Data obtained included: drug name, days supplied, refill count, and partially filled prescriptions. The study timeline was 3 years, from first quarter 2017 through first quarter 2020.Results: Over the three years post implementation of a PDMP, Pennsylvania saw a 33% decrease in overall quantity of opioid pills prescribed (677,194 absolute), a 9% decrease in partially filled prescriptions (5,821 absolute), and an 18% decrease in the authorized refill (525 absolute). There also was a larger rate of decrease in prescriptions for more than seven days compared to prescriptions for less than seven days (43% vs 27%). However, the rate of decrease in opioid pills prescribed lessened from 14% in the first two years post implementation, to 10% from in the third year. The decrease in opioids partially filled for the first two years averaged 14% per year, while it increased by 23% in the third year. There also was an 8% average decrease in the rate of refills for opioids prescribed for the two years post implementation, while it was only 3% in the third year. Conclusion: There was a 33% decrease in overall quantity of opioid pills prescribed in the three years after the implementation of a PDMP. The first two years after implementation saw the largest decreases in prescribing habits, which slowed in the third year. More data is needed to show the long-term effects of implementing a statewide PDMP.
Construction of NiMoS3/BC heterostructure photoanodes and optimization of light scattering to improve the photovoltaic performance of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Sumathi T , Fredricka Sonia A , Deepa G
Published: March 2021

In the last two decades, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have gotten a lot of attention from researchers and have progressed quickly. To promote commercialization and large-scale application of DSSCs, their efficiency should be increased. This paper details significant advancements in advanced NiMoS3/BC nanocomposites for improving photoanodes and DSSC conversion efficiencies. The fabricated electrode samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, UV, PL and BET to explore the structural, morphological and optical properties. A significant reduction band gap with enhanced light absorption and rapid prevention of electron hole pair was explored by UV-DRS and PL studies. The photocurrent density-voltage (J-V) and IPCE characteristics were analyzed for assembled solar cell. The NiMoS3/BC (NMSC5) nanocomposite DSSC showed a PCE of 8.85%, far higher than that of the NiMoS3 (2.45%) and a PCE value equivalent to Pt CE (4.79 %). The enhanced PCE of the proposed electrodes are also discussed in scientifically.
Personal Electronic Records of Medications (PERMs) for Medication Reconciliation at Care Transitions: A Rapid Realist Review
Authors: Waldron Catherine , Cahill Joan , Cromie Sam , Delaney Tim , Kennelly Sean P. , Pevnick Joshua M. , Grimes Tamasine
Published: March 2021

Background: Medication reconciliation (MedRec), a process to reduce medication error at care transitions, is labour- and resource-intensive and time-consuming. Use of Personal Electronic Records of Medications (PERMs) in health information systems to support MedRec have proven challenging. Relatively little is known about the design, use or implementation of PERMs at care transitions that impacts on MedRec in the ‘real world’. To respond to this gap in knowledge we undertook a rapid realist review (RRR). The aim was to develop theories to explain how, why, when, where and for whom PERMs are designed, implemented or used in practice at care transitions that impacts on MedRec. Methodology: We used realist methodology and undertook the RRR between August 2020 and February 2021. We collaborated with experts in the field to identify key themes. Articles were sourced from four databases (Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL Complete and OpenGrey) to contribute to the theory development. Quality assessment, screening and data extraction using NVivo was completed. Contexts, mechanisms and outcomes configurations were identified and synthesised. The experts considered these theories for relevance and practicality and suggested refinements. Results: Ten provisional theories were identified from 19 articles. Some theories relate to the design (T2 Inclusive design, T3 PERMs complement existing good processes, T7 Interoperability), some relate to the implementation (T5 Tailored training, T9 Positive impact of legislation or governance), some relate to use (T6 Support and on-demand training) and others relate iteratively to all stages of the process (T1 Engage stakeholders, T4 Build trust, T8 Resource investment, T10 Patients as users of PERMs). Conclusions: This RRR has allowed additional valuable data to be extracted from existing primary research, with minimal resources, that may impact positively on future developments in this area. The theories are interdependent to a greater or lesser extent; several or all of the theories may need to be in play to collectively impact on the design, implementation or use of PERMs for MedRec at care transitions. These theories should now be incorporated into an intervention and evaluated to further test their validity.
Entomopathogenic Rickia wasmannii fungal infection generated colony-level stress effects cause size decline in Myrmica ants
Authors: Csősz Sándor , Rádai Zoltán , Tartally András , Ballai Lilla Erika , Báthori Ferenc
Published: March 2021

Parasitism-generated negative effects on ant societies are multifaceted, implying individual and colony-level responses. Though laboratory based evidence shows that the sublethal fungus Rickia wasmannii is responsible for physiological and behavioral responses that may negatively affect individual workers’ resilience and life expectancy in Myrmica ant workers, colony-level stress response to this parasite is largely unknown. Here, we focus on understanding of a long-term, colony-level effect of Rickia infection on Myrmica scabrinodis ant populations by tracking trait size-based changes. We collected worker specimens from infected and uninfected colonies from the same population in order to: (i) compare body size in response to parasitism, (ii) assess the extent to which possible changes in size are associated with the severity of infection, and (iii) investigate shifts in body size in response to infection over time by testing correlation of workers’ ages and sizes. We found that workers from infected colonies were significantly smaller than their healthy congeners, but neither infection level nor the age of the workers showed significant correlation with the size in infected colonies. Decreasing body sizes in infected colonies can be ascribed to workers’ mediated stress toward developing larvae, which are unable to attain the average body size before they pupate.
Population Based Cohort Study of Fetal Deaths, and Neonatal and Perinatal Mortality at Term Within a Somali Diaspora
Authors: Contag Stephen , Nardos Rahel , Buhimschi Irina , Almanza Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Background: Delivery among Somali women occurs later, we have no information on the associated perinatal mortality. Our objective is to compare perinatal mortality among Somali women with the population rates.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study 2011-2017. Information was obtained from certificates of birth, neonatal and fetal death through data use agreement signed between the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota. Data derived from 470,550 non-anomalous births >20 weeks of gestation in Minnesota 2011-2017. We included all U.S. born White, U.S. born Black, women born in Somalia or self-identified as Somali, and women who identified as Hispanic regardless of place of birth (377,426), and excluded births <37 weeks and >42 weeks, > 1 fetus, age <18 or >45 years, or women of other ethnicities. The exposure was documented ethnicity or place of birth, and the outcomes were live birth, fetal death, neonatal death prior to 28 days, and perinatal mortality rates. These were calculated using binomial proportions with 95% confidence intervals and compared using odds ratios (aOR) adjusted for diabetes, hypertension and maternal body mass index.Results: The aOR for fetal and neonatal death in the Somali cohort was greater than for U.S. born White (aOR, 2.05 [95%CI: 1.49 - 2.83], aOR 1.84 [95%CI: 1.36 - 2.48]) and Hispanic women (aOR, 1.90 [95%CI: 1.30 - 2.79] and 1.47 [95%CI: 1.05 - 2.06] respectively). Limiting the analysis to those with spontaneous onset of labor (SOL) did not modify the results. This effect persisted up to 41 weeks after which the risk was similar to that of U.S. born White women but lower than for U.S. born Black women and Hispanic women.Conclusions: Despite greater mean gestational age, Somali fetal death rates are similar to population rates. Neonatal mortality is increased compared with White women, but similar to that of other minorities in Minnesota. Somali neonatal mortality decreased and was comparable to that of the White population after 41 weeks.
Fear Inoculation Among Snake Experts
Authors: Coelho Carlos M. , Polák Jakub , Suttiwan Panrapee , Zsido Andras N.
Published: March 2021

Background: Fear acquisition of certain stimuli, such as snakes, is thought to be rapid, resistant to extinction, and easily transferable onto other similar objects. It has been hypothesized that due to increased survival chances, preparedness to instantly acquire fear towards evolutionary threats has been hardwired into neural pathways of the primate brain. Here, we compare participants’ fear of snakes according to experience; from those who often deal with snakes and even suffer snakebites to those unfamiliar with snakes. Methods: The Snake Questionnaire-12 (SNAQ-12) and Specific Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ) were administered to three groups of participants with a different level of experience with snakes and snakebites: 1) snake experts, 2) firefighters, and 3) college students. Results: This study shows that individuals more experienced with snakes demonstrate lower fear. Moreover, participants who have suffered a snakebite (either venomous or not) score lower on fear of snakes (SNAQ-12), but not of all other potentially phobic stimuli (SPQ). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a harmless benign exposure might immunize people to highly biologically prepared fears of evolutionary threats, such as snakes.