bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System for Quantitative Diagnosis of COVID-19-Associated Pneumonia Based on Superpixels With Deep Learning and Chest CT
Authors: Tetila Everton , Bressem Keno , Astolfi Gilberto , Sant'Ana Diego André , Pache Marcio Carneiro , Pistori Hemerson
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that can lead to complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute heart injury and secondary infections in a relatively high proportion of patients and, consequently, significant mortality. The definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 is performed by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). However, as the result of RT-PCR, at least for now, has been made available within a longer period of time than the computed tomography (CT) report, this has taken on an important role in the detection of patients infected with COVID-19. A rough estimate of the extent of lung involvement by the disease is also important and considered an additional criterion for deciding on discharge or hospitalization. Recent research has adopted deep neural networks and other machine learning approaches to detect the presence of lung infection caused by COVID-19. However, the extent of lung involvement (volume) caused by the disease has been little investigated. In this work, we created an end-to-end computer vision system to automatically quantify the Percentage Of Infection (POI) in chest CT images of COVID-19 cases confirmed by the laboratory. Trying to obtain high accuracy, we evaluated the performance of three deep neural networks well known in the literature, trained with three different training strategies: (1) no transfer learning with randomly initialized weights; (2) transfer learning without fine-tuning with ImageNet weights; and (3) transfer learning with 100% fine-tuning. Data augmentation and dropout were used during networks training to reduce overfitting and increase the generalization capacity of the models. Our approach consists of segmenting a chest CT with the SLIC Superpixels method and classifying each segment (superpixel) into a specific class (COVID or non-COVID). We used the weights of the deep neural network best evaluated for accuracy in our computer vision system in order to classify the superpixels in the image and quantify the regions of COVID-19 infection, thus calculating the POI on chest CT. The results indicate that deep learning models can be successfully used to support radiologists in the quantitative diagnosis of lung infection caused by COVID-19, reaching an accuracy of up to 98.4% with Inception-Resnet-v2 architecture.
Clinical and laboratory data-based nomograms for neurosyphilis diagnosis in non-HIV syphilis patients: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Ge Wenjing , Zhang Yang , Peng Chao , Li Dongdong , Gao Lijie , Bao Jiajia , Li Changling , Chen Ning , Zhou Dong , He Li
Published: December 2020

Background: The diagnosis of neurosyphilis (NS) is challenging due to the requirement of lumbar puncture and time-consuming cerebrospinal fluid tests. Therefore, a convenient high-accuracy diagnostic nomogram for NS is warranted. Methods: This cross-sectional study (108 patients) aimed to construct diagnostic models for diagnosing NS with data gathered between September 2015 and January 2020 at Western China Hospital of Sichuan University. We constructed two types of diagnostic models using 108 training samples: 1) symptoms and toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) (basic model) and 2) the combined model of symptoms, serum TRUST, and findings of CSF routine tests including CSF protein concentration and CSF glucose concentration (combined model). The clinical usefulness of the diagnostic models was assessed through the comparison of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA), which adopted bootstrap resampling 500 times. Results: A total of 108 patients were analysed (82% males, mean age: 46 years). Of those, 76 were diagnosed as having reactive neurosyphilis under the criteria of positive results in both CSF treponemal and non-treponemal tests. Psychiatric symptoms and serum TRUST were the strongest diagnostic indicators in serum. A diagnostic model was constructed to readily provide the probability of diagnosis at point of care and presented as two nomograms. The basic model reached 79% specificity, 74% sensitivity and 0.82 Area Under the Curves (AUC) (95% CI, 0.72-091), while the combined model showed 82% specificity, 90% sensitivity and 0.88 AUC (95% CI, 0.80-0.94). The integrated discrimination improvement(IDI) index was 0.05 in comparison of two models. Conclusions: A convenient model using serum TRUST titre and presence of psychiatric symptoms was developed to indicate diagnostic results in patients suspected of NS. Two simple nomograms can be offered to clinicians to facilitate their assessment of patient diagnosis, strengthen the diagnostic decision making, enhance patient stratification, and inform patients in the clinic. Trial registration: This research was retrospectively registered in Ethics committee on biomedical research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
Indicators of the molecular pathogenesis of virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in chickens revealed by transcriptomic profiling of spleen
Authors: Rabiei Mohammad , Low Wai Yee , McAllister Milton , Ren Yan , Cahyono Mohamad , Doan Phuong , Dharmayanti Indi , Grande Eleonora , Hemmatzadeh Farhid
Published: December 2020

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has caused significant outbreaks in South-East Asia, particularly in Indonesia in recent years. Recently emerged genotype VII NDVs (NDV-GVII) have shifted their tropism from gastrointestinal/respiratory tropism to a lymphotropic virus, invading lymphoid organs including spleen and bursa of Fabricius to cause profound lymphoid depletion. In this study, we aimed to identify candidate genes and biological pathways that contribute to the disease caused by this neurotropic velogenic NDV-GVII. A transcriptomic analysis based on RNA-Seq of spleen was performed in chickens challenged with NDV-GVII and a control group. In total, 6361 genes were differentially expressed that included 3506 up-regulated genes and 2855 down-regulated genes. Real-Time PCR of ten selected genes validated the RNA-Seq results as the correlation between them is 0.98. Functional and network analysis of DEGs showed altered regulation of ElF2 signalling, mTOR signalling, proliferation of lymphatic system cells, signalling by Rho family GTPases and synaptogenesis signalling in spleen. We have also identified modified expression of IFIT5, PI3K, AGT and PLP1 genes in NDV-GVII infected chickens. Our findings in activation of autophagy-mediated cell death, lymphotropic and synaptogenesis signalling pathways provide new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of this newly emerged NDV-GVII.
Vaccine preferences driving vaccine-decision making of different target groups: A systematic review of choice-based experiments
Authors: Diks Marilyn , Putten Ingeborg van der , Hiligsmann Mickael
Published: December 2020

Background: Choice-based experiments have been increasingly used to elicit preferences for vaccines and vaccination programs. This study aims to systematically identify and examine choice-based experiments assessing (differences in) vaccine preferences of vaccinees, representatives and health advisors.Methods: Five electronic databases were searched on choice-based conjoint analysis studies or discrete choice experiments capturing vaccine preferences of children, adolescents, parents, adults and healthcare professionals for attributes of vaccines or vaccine settings up to September 2020. Data was extracted using a standardized form covering all important aspects of choice experiments. A quality assessment was used to assess the validity of studies. Attributes were categorized into outcome, process, cost and other attributes. The importance of attributes was assessed by the frequency of reporting and statistical significance. Results were compared between high-quality studies and lower-quality studies.Results: A total of 42 studies were included, with the majority conducted in high-income countries after 2010 (resp. n=34 and n=37). Preferences of representatives were studied in nearly half of the studies (47.6%), followed by vaccinees (35.7%) and health advisors (9.5%). Sixteen high-quality studies passed the quality assessment. Outcome- and cost- related attributes such as vaccine effectiveness, vaccine risk, cost and protection duration were most often statistically significant across both target groups, with vaccine effectiveness being the most important. Risks associated with vaccination, such as side effects, were more often statistically significant in studies targeting vaccinees, while cost-related attributes were more often statistically significant in studies of representatives. Process-related attributes such as vaccine accessibility and time were least important across both target groups.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review in which vaccine preferences of different target groups were assessed and compared. The same attributes were most important for vaccine decisions of vaccinees and representatives, with only minor differences in level of evidence for vaccine risk and cost. Future research on vaccine preferences of health advisors and/or among target groups in low-resource settings would give insight into the generalizability of current findings.
Identification of SARS-CoV2 Main Protease Coldspots Suitable for Drug Targeting
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Navaneethakrishnan , Fakhro Khalid
Published: December 2020

Most attempts to target the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 are focusing on the main protease (Mpro) 1,2. We already have access to high resolution 3D-structures of the SARS-CoV2 Mpro, which were developed with inhibitors as co-crystals using X-ray crystallography 3-9. However, >19,000 missense mutations in the Mpro have already been reported 10. The mutations encompassing 282 amino acid positions and these “hotspots” might change the Mpro structure and activity, potentially rendering novel antivirals and vaccines ineffective. Here we identified 24 mutational “coldspots” that have resisted mutation since the virus was first detected. We compared the structure-function relationship of these coldspots with several SARS-CoV2 Mpro X-ray crystal structures. We found that three coldspot residues (Leu141, Phe185 and Gln192) help to form the active site, while six (Gly2, Arg4, Tyr126, Lys137, Leu141 and Leu286) contribute to dimer formation that is required for Mpro activity. Importantly, seven coldpots are conserved among other coronaviruses and available on the surface of the active site and at the dimer interface for targeting. The identification and short list of these coldspots offers a new perspective to target the SARS-CoV2 Mpro while avoiding mutation-based drug resistance.
A Novel lncRNA ARST Represses Glioma Progression by Inhibiting ALDOA-mediated Actin Cytoskeleton Integrity
Authors: Sun Jun , He Dong , Fu Yibing , Zhang Rui , Guo Hua , Wang Zhaojuan , Wang Yanan , Gao Taihong , Wei Yanbang , Guo Yuji , Pang Qi , Liu Qian
Published: December 2020

Background: Glioma is one of the most aggressive malignant brain tumors that is characterized with highly infiltrative growth and poor prognosis. ARST is a novel lncRNA which expression is significantly decreased in the patients with glioblastoma multiforme. However, the exact mechanisms of ARST in gliomagenesis are largely unknown. Methods: The expressions of ARST in the glioma samples and cell lines were analyzed by qRT-PCR. FISH was utilized to detect the distribution of ARST in the glioma cells. CCK-8, EdU and flow cytometry were used to examine cellular viability, proliferation and apoptosis. Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to determine the migratory and invasive abilities of the cells. Intracranial tumorigenesis models were established to explore the roles of ARST in vivo. RNA pulldown assay was used to examine proteins that bound to ARST. The activities of key enzymes in the glycolysis and production of lactate acid were measured by colorimetry. In addition, RIP, Co-IP, western blot, immunofluorescence were used to investigate the interaction and regulation between ARST, F-actin, ALDOA and cofilin.Results: In this study, we reported that ARST was downregulated in the gliomas. Overexpression of ARST in the glioma cells significantly suppressed various cellular vital abilities such as cell growth, proliferation, migration and invasion. The tumorigenic capacity of these cells in vivo was reduced as well. We further demonstrated that the tumor suppressive effects of ARST could be mediated by a direct binding to a glycolytic enzyme aldolase A (ALDOA), which together with cofilin, keeps the polymerization and depolymerization of actin filaments in an orderly dynamic equilibrium. Upregulation of ARST interrupted the interaction of ALDOA and actin cytoskeleton, which led to a rapid cofilin-dependent loss of F-actin stress fibers. Conclusions: Taken together, it is concluded that ARST performs its function via a non-metabolic pathway associated with ALDOA, which otherwise modifies the morphology and invasive properties of the glioma cells. This has added new perspective to its role in tumorigenesis, thus providing potential target for glioma diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis.
Why does mode of conception affect early breast-feeding outcomes? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Weng Shiue-Shan , Chien Li-Yin , Chang Min
Published: December 2020

Background: Women who conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) may experience poorer breast-feeding outcomes compared to women who conceived naturally; nevertheless, the mechanism of this relationship has not been explored. This study aimed to examine the effect of mode of conception on breast-feeding outcomes during the first two months postpartum and identify the potential pathways for this relationship.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a sample of 5,474 women with live births using hospital administrative data from January 2014 through December 2018. Participants were classified by mode of conception as follows: fertile women who conceived naturally (fertile women; n=4,363), women with infertility who conceived naturally (sub-fertile women; n=706), and women with infertility who conceived through ART (women with infertility; n=405). The patterns of infant feeding were acquired at hospital discharge, the first week, the first month, and the second month postpartum. Binary and multinomial logistic regression and causal mediation analyses were performed.Results: Infertile and sub-fertile women had 34% (95% CI 1.03, 1.73) and 60% (95% CI 1.11, 2.31) increased risks of introducing formula prior to the first week postpartum, respectively, and 31% (95% CI 1.01, 1.70) and 59% (95% CI 1.10, 2.31) higher risks of exclusive breastfeeding for less than one week during the first two months postpartum, respectively, compared to fertile women. The relationships were mediated through delivery complications, multiple gestations, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and admission to neonatal/paediatric intensive care units (NICU/PICU). The path with the highest proportion mediated was through multiple gestations (60.47% for infertile women) and admission to NICU/PICU (68.60-72.61%). The effect of mode of conception on breastfeeding outcomes was not significant in cases of no maternal and infant morbidities. Conclusions: During the first two months postpartum, infertile and sub-fertile women both had short duration (<7 days) of exclusive breastfeeding and introduction of formula prior to the first week postpartum. The relationships were mainly mediated through multiple gestations and admission to NICU/PICU. Designing programmes to reduce adverse maternal and infant health events, like a single embryo transfer policy, is suggested to improve perinatal outcomes, together with the following breast-feeding outcomes.
The Protect Role of Serum Uric Acid to Premature Rupture of Membranes in Gestational Diabetes: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Guo Meixiang , Lu Jun , Hu Xiaowen , Hou Wenjing , Yu Xuemei , Pang Shuguang
Published: December 2020

Background: Uric acid has strong antioxidant activity whereas its oxidative damage is closely related to many diseases. We assessed the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in pregnant women with Gestational diabetes (GDM) in china. Method: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 456 pregnant women were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters for pregnant women were collected within 12 weeks of gestation. Weight gain during pregnancy was obtained from patients’ record. GDM was diagnosed according to 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests at 24-28th week’s gestation, and SUA was determined simultaneously. PROM was identified as the natural rupture of fetal membranes before the first stage of labor. Logistic models were fitted to identify the presence of PROM using clinical characteristics with (Model 1) or without serum uric acid (Model 2).Results: There exist differences in BMI, haemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, 1-hour postprandial glucose, 2h PG, insulin levels, weight gain during pregnancy, the rate of macrosomia, PROM between women with and without GDM (all P<0.05). Furthermore, individuals with PROM had lower level of SUA than those without PROM in GDM women (P=0.030). The odds ratio of PROM decreases with the increase of SUA level. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for PROM based on Model 1 was larger than that in Model 2 (0.86 versus 0.71, p<0.05).Conclusion: Elevated relatively SUA levels at the 24-28th weeks of gestation were associated with a lower risk of PROM in women with GDM. SUA may be a protective factor for PROM in GDM patient. The optimal concentration of uric acid in different diseases and different populations needs to be further studied.
Myogenic Progenitor Cell Transplantation for Muscle Regeneration Following Hindlimb Ischemia and Reperfusion 
Authors: Messner Franka , Thurner Marco , Müller Jule , Blumer Michael , Hofmann Julia , Marksteiner Rainer , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Troppmair Jakob , Öfner Dietmar , Schneeberger Stefan , Hautz Theresa
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMuscle is severely affected by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Quiescent satellite cells differentiating into myogenic progenitor cells (MPC) possess a remarkable regenerative potential. We herein established a model of local application of MPC in murine hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion to study cell engraftment and differentiation required for muscle regeneration.MethodsA clamping model of murine (C57b/6J) hindlimb ischemia was established to induce IRI in skeletal muscle. After 2 hours (h) warm ischemic time (WIT) and reperfusion, reporter protein expressing MPC (TdTomato or Luci-GFP, 1x106 cells) obtained from isolated satellite cells were injected intramuscularly. Surface marker expression and differentiation potential of MPC were analyzed in vitro by flow cytometry and differentiation assay. In vivo bioluminescence imaging and histopathologic evaluation of biopsies were performed to quantify cell fate, engraftment and regeneration.Results 2h WIT induced severe IRI on muscle, and muscle fiber regeneration as per histopathology within 14 days after injury. Bioluminescence in vivo imaging demonstrated reporter protein signals of MPC in 2h WIT animals and controls over the study period (75 days). Bioluminescence signals were detected at the injection site and increased over time. TdTomato expressing MPC and myofibers were visible in host tissue on postoperative days 2 and 14, respectively, suggesting that injected MPC differentiated into muscle fibers. Higher reporter protein signals were found after 2h WIT compared to controls without ischemia, indicative for enhanced growth and/or engraftment of MPC injected into IRI-affected muscle antagonizing muscle damage caused by IRI.ConclusionWIT-induced IRI in muscle requests increased numbers of injected MPC to engraft and persist, suggesting a possible rational for cell therapy to antagonize IRI. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the regenerative capacity and therapeutic advantage of MPC in the setting of ischemic limb injury.
Methane Emissions Against the Background of Natural and Mining Conditions in the Budryk and Pniówek Mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland)
Authors: Dreger Marcin , Kędzior Sławomir
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the variability of hard coal output, methane content and methane emissions into coal workings and into the atmosphere from the two most methane-gassy coal mines in Poland, Budryk and Pniówek, which are both incorporated in the Jastrzębie Coal Company. The Budryk mine is one of the youngest mines in Poland, but it is the most methane-gassy as well. In 2016, the total CH4 emissions exceed 140 million of m3. This large increase in methane emissions to mine workings is primarily related to the increase in the depth of coal extraction (up to 1290 m) and, consequently, the rapid increase in the methane content in coal seams (up to 10-12 m3 / Mg coaldaf). On the other hand, in the Pniówek mine, methane emission was the highest at the beginning of the study period (1986-1991). During the following years emission decreased to the values of less than 140 million of m3, which were still one of the largest amounts of emitted methane in the entire Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The vertical distribution of methane content, different than in the Budryk mine, and the presence of a secondary high methane zone at the Carboniferous top, seem to be decisive for the long-term distribution of methane emissions in the Pniówek mine. The coexistence of natural factors, such as the geological structure and gas distribution, as well as mining-related factors, i.e. the depth of mining, the concentration of coal extraction determines the temporal variability of methane emissions in the studied mines.
Determination and Application of the Unsupported Roof Distance in Coal Roadway Driving With the Thick and Hard Main Roof
Authors: Sen Yang , Zhu Hua Xin , Peng Yang , Xiao Liu , Chen Li , Qian Wang En
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Health-related Quality of Life in Medical Personnel on the Peace Ark Hospital Ship During a Long Voyage: A Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Xu , Tang Bihan , Han Yingnan , Zhang Hailing , Hu Chaoqun , Zhao Fangjie , zhang lulu
Published: December 2020

Background The Chinese hospital ship “Peace Ark” has conducted nine overseas humanitarian missions. Methods Research indicated long-distance voyages significantly impact seafarers’ physical and mental health. This study investigated changes in and influencing factors for medical professionals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during a 2017 humanitarian mission (8 countries, 155 days). Using a cohort study design, 90 medical professionals’ HRQoL was assessed (via the SF-12) pre-voyage and after 5 months at sea. Results Pre-voyage, mean physical component scale (PCS) and mental component scale (MCS) scores were 52.34 (SD 5.07) and 53.03 (SD 6.40), respectively—significantly higher than in the general Chinese population (p < 0.0001). Afterwards, PCS and MCS scores declined by 3.9867 (SD 6.03) and 5.70 (SD 7.03), respectively. PCS scores were negatively associated with female gender (p = 0.004). Compared to administrative staff, doctors (p < 0.001) and nurses (p < 0.001) showed less deviation in PCS scores. Lower MSC scores were associated with older age (p = 0.011) and less family support (p = 0.0165). Conclusions Long-term voyages negatively impacted HRQoL in medical personnel. Thus, prior to similar future humanitarian missions, selection criteria and training procedures for medical personnel should be optimized, thereby increasing their confidence and social support.
Reference Range of Fetal thorax using Two-dimensional and Three-dimensional Ultrasound VOCAL Technique and Application in Fetal Thoracic Malformations
Authors: Lian Xihua , Xu Zhenhong , Zheng Liping , Zhu Zhixing , Ejiwale Tofunmi , Kumar Ayush , Cai Peiya , He Shaozheng , Liu Shunlan , Zhang Ying , Lyu Guorong
Published: December 2020

Background: To establish the normal reference range of fetal thorax by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound VOCAL technique and evaluate the application in diagnosing fetal thoracic malformations. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 1077 women who have a normal singleton pregnancy at 13-40 weeks gestational age (GA). 2D ultrasound and 3D ultrasound VOCAL technique were utilized to assess fetal thoracic transverse diameter, thoracic anteroposterior diameter, thoracic circumference, thoracic area, lung volume, thoracic volume and lung-to-thoracic volume ratio. The nomograms of 2D and 3D fetal thoracic measurements were created to GA. 50 cases were randomly selected to calculate intra- and inter-observer reliability and agreement. In addition, the case groups including congenital skeletal dysplasia (SD) (15), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) (30), pulmonary sequestration (PS) (25) and congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) (36) were assessed by the nomograms and followed up subsequently.Results: Both 2D and 3D fetal thoracic parameters increased with GA using a quadratic regression equation. The intra- and inter-observer reliability and agreement of each thoracic parameter were excellent. 2D fetal thoracic parameters can initially evaluate the fetal thoracic development and diagnose the skeletal thoracic deformity, and lung volume, thoracic volume and lung-to-thorax volume ratio are practical to diagnose and differentiate CDH, PS and CCAM.Conclusion: We have established the normal fetal thoracic reference range at 13-40 weeks, which has a high value in diagnosing congenital thoracic malformations.
Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Acute Lung Injury Caused by Severe Burn via Secreting TSG-6 and Inhibiting Inflammatory Response
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Liu Lingying , Wang Yu , Li Zhongyuan , Yu Yonghui , Chai Jiake , Liu Yanan
Published: December 2020

Objectives To investigate whether hUC-MSCs attenuated severe burn-induced ALI and the effects were based on TSG-6 secreted from hUC-MSCs.Method Rat model was established and evaluated as follows：Anires2005 animal pulmonary function tester for pulmonary function; micro-CT scanner for lung imaging manifestations; Cytokine expression was measured by ELISA assay, both inflammatory cells infiltration and lung injury were assessed by immunohistochemistry assay.Results In vitro, TSG-6 levels in serum from burn group were significantly increased than that of the sham group. In vivo, TSG-6 levels of lung tissues and serum in burn+ hUC-MSCs group were significantly increased than that of in the burn group. Higher parameters of the airway resistance（Ri, Re, etc）were markedly decreased and the disordered lung texture and funicular density shadows were significantly improved after hUC-MSCs administration. Both in lung tissues and serum, increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines（TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6）were remarkably decreased but anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased after hUC-MSCs administrations (p<0.05). These significant positive effects after hUC-MSCs transplantation did not occur in the Burn+siTSG-6 group.Conclusions Intra-tracheal implantation of hUC-MSCs had been an effective treatment for severe burn-induced ALI via promoting TSG-6 secretion and inhibiting inflammatory reaction in lung tissue.
Ultra-Broadband, Lithography-Free, Omnidirectional, and Polarization-Insensitive Perfect Absorber
Authors: Chen Tse-An , Yub Meng-Ju , Lu Yu-Jung , Yen Ta-Jen
Published: December 2020

Perfect absorbers (PAs) at near infrared allow various applications such as biosensors, nonlinear optics, color filters, thermal emitters and so on. These PAs, enabled by plasmonic resonance, are typically powerful and compact, but confront inherent challenges of narrow bandwidth, polarization dependence, and limited incident angles as well as requires using expensive lithographic process, which limit their practical applications and mass production. In this work, we demonstrate a non-resonant PA that is comprised of six continuous layers of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) and chromium (Cr) in turns. Our device absorbs more than 90% of light in a broad range of 900-1900 nm. In addition, such a planar design is lithography-free, certainly independent with polarization, and presents a further advantage of wide incidence up to 70°. The measured performance of our optimized PA agrees well with analytical calculations of transfer matrix method (TMM) and numerical simulations of finite element method, and can be readily implemented for practical applications.
Disparities in Characteristics, Symptoms and mtDNA Influence on Ovarian Cancer Patients From South Indian Population
Authors: Iyer Mahalaxmi , Venkatesan Dhivya , Jayaramayya Kaavya , Subramaniam Mohana Devi , Sennimalai Ramya , Giridharan Bupesh , Nachimuthu Senthil Kumar , Vellingiri Balachandar , Sivanandan Santhy Kumaran , Narayanasamy Arul
Published: December 2020

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a complex multifactorial malignancy, ranking as second most common reproductive cancer in India. The purpose of this study was to compare whether different characteristics combined with hormonal and genetic influence among the urban, rural and tribal populations affected with OC would have a significant impact on OC incidence. To address this challenge, we designed a statistical approach that combines individual-level epidemiological data from both OC patients and controls from designed study populations using questionnaires. A total of (n=72) OC patients were obtained from several oncological clinics, hospitals and population-based surveys from various districts of South Indian population. Using validated hormonal biomarkers, we estimated hormonal profiles in both OC subjects and controls to measure the role of hormones in OC severity and incidence. Further we conducted mitochondrial gene sequencing, we found 5 nucleotide changes among which MT9140 C>T) was the predominant in OC subjects. In conclusion, this kind of study would be the first of its kind, where population-based epidemiological surveys serve as keys for comparing the characteristic factors and genetic influence associated with OC incidence. Hence, we strongly recommend that frequent conduction of epidemiological studies and health awareness camps would be beneficial to overcome such lethal conditions.
Human Herpes Virus Type 6 is Associated with CNS Infections in Children in Sudan
Authors: Abdelrahim Nada Abdelghani , Mohammed Nahla , Evander Magnus , Ahlm Clas , Fadl-Elmula Imad Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Objective HHV-6 is increasingly recognized as febrile agent in children, however, less is known in sub-Saharan African countries. In here, we aimed to investigate the involvement of HHV-6 in pediatric CNS infections in Khartoum, Sudan. This report is part of a larger study on the microbial aetiologies of CNS infections in this population. Results Out of 503, 13 (2.6%) CSF specimens were positive for HHV-6 DNA which constituted 33% (13/40) of cases with proven infectious meningitis. Median Ct for all HHV-6 positive specimens was 38 with range of 31.9 to 40.8. Median virus copy was 281.3/PCR run (1x105 virus copies/ml CSF) with range of 30 to 44x103 copies/PCR run (12x103 and 18x106 virus copies/ml CSF). All positive patients presented with fever, vomiting and 86% with seizures. Male to female ratio was 1:1; 50% were toddlers, 42% infants and 8% teenagers. Most (83%) were admitted in the dry season and 17% in the rainy season. CSF leukocytosis was seen in 33%. Normal and low CSF glucose levels were seen in 86% and 14%, respectively. CSF proteins levels were low in 14% and high in 43%. In conclusion, HHV-6 is common in CNS infections in children in Sudan.
The Kebab Technique: Using a Bipolar Pencil to Retrieve a Dropped Nucleus via a Small Incision
Authors: Aso Hiroshi , Yokota Harumasa , Hanasaki Hirotsugu , Yamagami Satoru , Nagaoka Taiji
Published: December 2020

We developed a new method to retrieve a dropped nucleus via a small incision using bipolar pencils, the kebab technique, to solve the lack of small-gauge fragmatomes, and the expense and toxicity of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL). A total of 8 eyes in 6 patients underwent this technique and were reviewed. After vitrectomy, the dropped nucleus was lifted from the retina by adhesion with a bipolar pencil, and phacoemulsification was performed while rotating the lens. The outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal endothelial cell density before and after surgery. Surgical indications included zonular weakness, trauma, acute angle closure attack, and phacolytic glaucoma. At 1 month, BCVA improved from a mean ± SD 1.67 logMAR (± 0.90) to 1.14 logMAR (± 1.01). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 24.5 (± 16.8) mmHg and postoperative IOP was 11.0 (± 2.8) mmHg. The mean preoperative corneal endothelial cell count was 2600 (322) cells/mm2 (one eye was unmeasurable) and postoperative corneal endothelial cell count was 2387 (± 431) cells/ mm2. There were no postoperative complications. The retrieval of a dropped nucleus using a bipolar pencil enables small incisions without using PFCL.
Illicit Drug Use among Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Ogu Udochukwu , Ezumah Nkoli , Odii Aloysius , Uguru Nkolika
Published: December 2020

Background: Illicit drug use among adolescents has become a public health concern which cuts across all social strata. This study explored the public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods and was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. The target population comprised adults 18 years and above residing in the area of interest at the time of the study. For the qualitative method, a total of 10 communities were selected randomly by balloting and availability sampling was employed in the selection of respondents. Respondents for the qualitative method were purposively selected.Results: Our quantitative study found that 50.7% of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, unique experience such as the death of a loved one, affliction or misfortune as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with a higher level of education are more likely than those with a lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents. Conclusions: Peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems and the influence of media (especially the social media), among several other identified reasons, are perceived by the public as factors that influence adolescents’ use of illicit drugs. As a means to curb some of these factors, the communities, schools and universities should formulate contextual policies to prevent drug use and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug use in their children.
An Unusual Immunohistochemical “Null” Pattern of Four MMRs Proteins of Gastric Cancer and Literature Review
Authors: Yue Meng , Liu Junying , Liu Qingwei , Liu Yueping
Published: December 2020

Background: Immunohistochemical (IHC) stainings for the mismatch repair (MMR) proteins are useful methods for the treatment and prognosis in gastric cancer. Different IHC staining patterns reflect the complex biological phenomena underlying MMR deficiency. We herein report a rare IHC staining pattern of four MMR-related proteins in gastric cancer.Case presentation: An “null” IHC staining pattern of four MMR-related proteins in a 67–year-old man with gastric cancer, including MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6. The results remained unchanged after repeated tests. We find the promoter hypermethylation of MLH1 subsequently. Moreover, next-generation sequencing showed that the four genes exhibited changes. One of these was the somatic mutation of the missing copy number in exon 14 of MSH2. Mutation analysis using peripheral blood showed no germline mutation in the these four genes. The patient had no personal or family tumor history. After finishing the above work, we classified this case as sporadic case. The patient returned to normal after the operation. 9 months after operation, patients were admitted to hospital and no signs of tumor metastasis and recurrence were found. After 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, the patients and was discharged home in a stable condition.Conclusions: It is greatly important for the patient and their relatives to improve the understanding of abnormal IHC findings and the biological significance by clinicians. This observation revealed a rare but potential phenomenon in assessing MMR proteins, and explained this was a sporadic case that needed no clinical management implications for his family.
WITHDRAWN: Prognostic Value of Heterotypic Neutrophil-in-Tumor Structure in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Fan Jie , Yang Yang , Fang Qigen , Cui Meng , Du Wei , Liu Shanting , Luo Ruihua
Published: December 2020

Objective: To analyze the prognostic value of frequency of heterotypic neutrophil-in-tumor structure(FNiT) in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC).Methods: In vitro, we cocultured TSCC cell line-CAL33 with neutrophils to form heterotypic neutrophil-in-tumor structures, which were then subject to fluorescence staining. Clinically, 197 patients were enrolled. Information including age, sex, FNiT, ECOG PS(Performance Status), FH (family history) of cancer, complications, and pathological characteristics such as tumor stage, node stage, metastasis, disease stage, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor grade, and follow-up results was extracted and analyzed.Results: Fluorescent staining results of typical heterotypic neutrophil-in-tumor structure showed that well-differentiated CAL-33-2 had stronger ability to internalize more neutrophils than poorly-differentiated CAL-33-1 did, the latter often internalizing only one neutrophil. The mean FNiT was 4.8‰,with a range from 2.1‰ to 8.9‰. The FNiT was significantly associated with tumor stage, disease stage and tumor grade. A total of 119 patients died of the disease, and the 5-year disease-specific survival(DSS) rate was 36%. The median survival time was 52.6 months. In patients with an FNiT<4.8‰, the 5-year DSS rate was 40%; in patients with an FNiT>=4.8‰, the 5-year DSS was 28%, and the difference was significant(P=0.001). Cox model analysis showed that FNiT along with disease stage, lymphovascular invasion and tumor grade was an independent prognostic factor for DSS.Conclusion: The FNiT as a novel predictor is positively correlated with adverse prognosis of patients with TSCC.
Activated Carbon Preparation from Eucalyptus Wood Chips using Continuous Carbonization - Steam Activation Process in a Batch Intermittent Rotary Kiln
Authors: Mopoung Sumrit , Dejang Nuchjira
Published: December 2020

The production of activated carbon from eucalyptus wood chips by steam activation in a 2000 kg batch intermittent rotary kiln with continuous carbonization - steam activation process at 500°C to 700 °C was studied. The activated carbon products were characterized by FTIR, SEM-EDS, Raman spectroscopy, and BET analyzer. Percent yields, iodine number, and methylene number of the produced activated carbon materials were also measured. It was shown that the percent yield of the activated carbon materials made in the temperatures range of 500°C to 700 °C are 21.63 ± 1.52% − 31.79 ± 0.70% with capacities of 518–737 mg I2/g and 70.11–96.93 mg methylene blue /g. The BET surface area and micropore volume of the activated carbons are 426.8125-870.4732 m2/g and 0.102390–0.215473 cm3/g, respectively. The steam used in the process could create various oxygen containing surface functional groups such as –CO and –COC groups. In addition, it could also increase the amorphous nature of the activated carbon product. These properties of the activated carbon products are increased with increasing steam activation temperature from 500°C to 700°C. As a result, the activated carbon materials produced at activation temperatures of 600 °C and 700 °C have higher adsorption
Naltrexone Treatment for Prolonged Grief Disorder: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Gang James , Kocsis James , Avery Jonathan , Maciejewski Paul , Prigerson Holly
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUNDThere is a lack of effective pharmacotherapy for prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Evidence suggests that the neurobiology of PGD involves the same circuitry as the reward pathway. Based upon this evidence, we hypothesize that PGD can be conceptualized as a disorder of addiction, and therefore could benefit from being treated with medications that are currently used to treat such disorders. One such medication is naltrexone, which is currently used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. Oral naltrexone was chosen for its mechanism of action, safety, and convenience. The primary aim of this study is to establish the efficacy of using oral naltrexone as a pharmacological treatment for PGD. Specifically, we hypothesize that participants receiving naltrexone will demonstrate reduced PGD symptoms when compared to placebo.METHODS/DESIGNThis is a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded (to healthcare professionals, participants, and data analysts) in which we propose to enroll 46 participants who meet criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). Participants will be randomly assigned to the naltrexone 50 mg oral arm or placebo arm; medications will be over-encapsulated to appear identical. Participants will take their assigned medication for 8 weeks, with monthly clinic visits to assess symptom severity, social closeness, and adverse reactions. Weekly surveys of Prolonged Grief-13-Revised (PG-13-R) will be used to relate naltrexone use to changes in PGD symptom severity. Follow-up 4 weeks after their last visit will assess the longevity of treatment, as well as any lingering adverse reactions.DISCUSSIONThis study is the first to investigate the use of oral naltrexone as pharmacological treatment for PGD. The acute and debilitating nature of the disorder, in addition to the evidence demonstrating the increased risk of comorbidities, highlights the need for pharmacological treatment like naltrexone that can act more rapidly, may help those for whom psychotherapy may not be effective, and/or may augment psychotherapy to promote PGD symptom grief resolution.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04547985. Registered on 8/31/2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04547985.
Gut and oral bacterial diversity of the lizard Diploderma splendidum investigated using metagenomic analysis
Authors: Tian Zhige , hu xiaoliang , Gou Dandan , Wu Yayong , Guo Peng
Published: December 2020

Background

Gut and oral microbial communities are complex and play a key role in their co-evolution with their hosts. However, little is understood about the bacterial community in lizards. In this study, we first investigated the gut and oral bacterial community in Diploderma splendidum from Sichuan Province, China. Metagenomic analysis of feces and oral cavity samples showed distinct differences between Diploderma splendidum and Liolaemus parvus, and L. ruibali and Phymaturus williamsi species.
Results

Bacteridetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria were the most abundant phyla in fecal samples. However, the composition of the gut bacterial community of insectivorous lizards (Diploderma splendidum) exhibited unique abundance of phyla Proteobacteria and Chlamydiae when compared with L. parvus, L. ruibali and P. williamsi. Furthermore, Proteobacteria were abundant in oral cavity samples, followed by Actinobacteria, Chlamydiae and Firmicutes. Most striking was that the phylum Chlamydiae was most common in the oral cavity of Diploderma splendidum, when compared with a carnivorous lizard (Varanus komodoensis). In addition, more than 26 bacterial species were detected in the gut and/or oral cavity that were identified as potential human pathogens.
Conclusions

In this study, metagenomic analysis was carried out to reveal the gut and oral microbiomes, which brought new insight into the complex bacterial community and ecology in Diploderma splendidum.
Using OSCE for Capacity Building Program Outcome Evaluation: A First SP-based OSCE in Laos
Authors: Park Kye-Yeung , Park Hoon-Ki , Shin Jwa-Seop , Jung Youngjoo , Seo Min Young , Kim Taejong , Bouphavanh Ketsomsouk , Sengchanh Sourideth , Inthachack Ketmany
Published: December 2020

Background: This study examines the educational effects of a Korean capacity-building study-abroad project, the Dr. Lee Jong Wook-Seoul Project (DLSP), on the clinical performance of Laotian doctors using a standardized patient–based (SP-based) objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), which was the first OSCE conducted in Laos. Methods: An on-site seminar and workshop for the OSCE were held as an implementation strategy prior to the examination. For the outcome evaluation, a six-station SP-based OSCE was implemented among 90 examinees, who comprised two case–control groups: 17 DLSP-experienced doctors and 17 control doctors to evaluate the direct educational effect as learning, 28 mentees of the DLSP-experienced doctors and 28 control doctors to evaluate the indirect educational effects as transfer. Written questionnaire and interview data were also collected from the 90 examinees. Results: No comparisons within the first and second case–control groups showed significant differences in the OSCE overall or subcomponent scores. The same results were found in subgroup analyses by sex, major, and profession. The interview data indicated that the project improved participants’ medical knowledge, skills, and self-confidence, but its effects on clinical ability seemed questionable due to limited opportunities to see patients within the learning environment. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the process for introducing an SP-based OSCE in Laos and successfully completing the testing. Discrepancy in the goals of the OSCE and DLSP, the educational and technological gap between the two countries, and the short period of project implementation are possible explanations for the lack of significant differences in the OSCE results.