bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital Admissions From Care Homes in England During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Analysis Using Linked Administrative Data
Authors: Grimm Fiona , Hodgson Karen , Brine Richard , Deeny Sarah R
Published: February 2021

Background: Care home residents have complex healthcare needs but may have faced barriers to accessing hospital treatment during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To examine trends in the number of hospital admissions for care home residents during the first months of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a national linked dataset on hospital admissions for residential and nursing home residents in England between 20 January 2020 and 28 June 2020, compared to the corresponding period in 2019. Elective and emergency admission rates, normalised to the time spent in care homes across all residents, were derived across the first three months of the pandemic between 1 March and 31 May and primary admissions reasons for this period were compared across years. Results: Hospital admission rates rapidly declined during early March 2020 and remained substantially lower than in 2019 until the end of June. Between March and May, 2,960 admissions from residential homes (16.2%) and 3,295 admissions from nursing homes (23.7%) were for suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Rates of other emergency admissions decreased by 36% for residential and by 38% for nursing home residents. Emergency admissions for acute coronary syndromes fell by 42% and 28% and emergency admissions for stroke fell by 16% and 24% for residential and nursing home residents, respectively. Elective admission rates declined by 64% for residential and by 61% for nursing home residents. Conclusions: This is the first study showing that care home residents’ hospital use declined during the first wave of COVID-19, potentially resulting in substantial unmet health need that will need to be addressed alongside ongoing pressures from COVID-19.
Adaptive Volt-VAr Control Algorithm to Grid Strength and PV Inverter Characteristics
Authors: Cantero Gubert Toni , Colet Alba , Canals Casals Lluc , Corchero Cristina , Domínguez-García Jose Luís , Alvarez de Sotomayor Amelia , Martin William , Stauffer Yves , Alet Pierre-Jean
Published: February 2021

High-penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in low voltage distribution grids, mainly photovoltaics (PV), might lead to overvoltage in the point of common coupling. Volt-VAr is one of the common control functions for DER power converters used to enhance the stability and the reliability of the voltage in the distribution system and, thus, fulfilling the network operator requirements. In this study, a centralized algorithm will provide local Volt-VAr control parameters to each PV inverter, based on the electrical grid characteristics where each equipment is installed. Since accurate information of grid characteristics is typically not available, the parametrization of the electrical grid is done using power meter data in DER location and a voltage sensitivity matrix. The algorithm has different optimization modes to both minimize voltage deviation and line current. In order to validate the effectiveness of the algorithm and its deployment in real infrastructure, it has been tested in an experimental setup with PV emulators in a set of 5-day tests. Volt-VAr control algorithm successfully adapted its parameters based on grid topology and PV inverter characteristics, achieving a voltage reduction up to 25% of the allowed voltage deviation.
The Challenge of Controlling Urban Mosquito-Borne Diseases in a Changing Urban Climate
Authors: Ligsay Antonio , Telle Olivier , Paul Richard
Published: February 2021

Cities worldwide are facing ever-increasing pressure to develop mitigation strategies for all sectors to deal with the impacts of climate change. Cities are expected to house 70% of the world’s population by 2050 and developing related resilient health systems is a significant challenge. Because of their physical nature, cities’ surface temperatures are often substantially higher than that of the surrounding rural areas, generating the so-called Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Whilst considerable emphasis has been placed on strategies to mitigate against the UHI-associated negative health effects of heat and pollution, the World Health Organization estimates that one of the main consequences of global warming will be an increased burden of such vector-borne diseases. Many of the major mosquito-borne diseases are urban and thus the global population exposed to these pathogens will steadily increase. Mitigation strategies beneficial for one sector may, however, be detrimental for another. Implementation of inter-sectoral strategies that can benefit many sectors (such as water, labour and health) do exist and would enable optimal use of the meagre resources available. Discussion among inter-sectoral stakeholders should be actively encouraged.
Development of the Survey of the Concept of Pain: A Measure to Study How Children Conceptualize Pain
Authors: Salvat Isabel , Adillón Cristina , Andrés Eva Maria , Monterde Sonia , Miró Jordi
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: Research has shown that thoughts about pain are important for the management of chronic pain in children. In order to monitor changes in thoughts about pain over time and evaluate the efficacy of treatments, we need valid and reliable measures. The aims of this study were to develop a questionnaire to assess a child’s concept of pain and to evaluate its psychometric properties; (2) Methods: This is a cross-sectional, two-phase, mixed-method study. A total of 324 individuals aged 8 to 17 years old responded to the newly created questionnaire. The Survey of the Concept of Pain (SOCOPA) was calibrated using the Rasch model. The chi-square test was used for the fit statistics. Underfit and overfit of the model were determined and a descriptive analysis of infit and outfit was conducted to identify who responded erratically. Internal consistency was measured using the Person Separation Index (PSI); (3) Results: Fit to the Rasch model was good. Suitable targeting indicated which items were simple to answer; Person Fit identified 9.56% children who responded erratically; PSI=0.814; (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that SOCOPA is a measure of a child’s concept of pain that is easy to administer and respond to. It has a good fit and a good internal consistency.
MiR-27b-3p Targeting BDNF Inhibits TrkB / CREB Signaling Pathway and Improves IL-1 β Induced Chondrocytic Inflammation
Authors: Ruan Cailian , Cong Rui jun , Wang Miao , Wang Lijun , Yu Yong , Li XiaoJi , Lv HaiXia
Published: February 2021

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic disease characterized by progressive disability and joint pain. Meniscus chondrocytes apoptosis is the main cause of reduced chondrocyte number and self-repair function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-27b-3p in KOA.In this study, we found that the expression of miR-27b-3p was downregulated in cultured IL-1β treated chondrocyte and cartilage tissues in KOA. KOA overexpression evidently reduced IL-1β induced chondrocyte apoptosis and caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression.The upregulated iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and proteins expression was also inhibited by miR-27b-3p mimics. The expression of nitric oxide, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 was also inhibited by miR-27b-3p mimics. The target gene of miR-27b-3p was confirmed to be BDNF. TrkB/CREB pathway was proved to be the downstream pathway of miR-27b-3p/BDNF axis.The apoptotic cell percentage and nitric oxide, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 expression was induced by BDNF+IL-1β. This induction was inhibited by miR-27b-3p mimics. The cartilage tissues stained with safranin O results showed miR-27b-3p greatly decreased KOA induced cartilage degradation. The expression of BDNF、TrkB and p-CREB was inhibited by len-miR-27b-3p. MiR-27b-3p also reduced the expression of TNF-α、IL-6 and Bax, and increased Bcl-2 expression. These results indicated miR-27b-3p could applied to inhibit the development of KOA and miR-27b-3p/BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway could serve as novel treatment target to handle KOA.
Analysis of Default Mode Network in Social Anxiety Disorder: EEG Resting-State Effective Connectivity Study
Authors: Al-Ezzi Abdulhakim , Kamel Nidal , Faye Ibrahima , Gunaseli Esther
Published: February 2021

Several neuroimaging findings by using different modalities (e.g., fMRI and PET) have suggested that social anxiety disorder (SAD) is correlated with alterations in regional or network-level brain function. However, these modalities do not quantify the fast dynamic connectivity of causal information networks due to their poor temporal resolution. In this study, SAD-related changes in brain connections within the default mode network (DMN) was investigated using Electroencephalogram (EEG). Partial directed coherence (PDC) was used to assess the causal influences of DMN regions on each other and indicate the changes in the DMN effective network related to SAD severity. The EEG data were collected from 88 subjects (control, mild, moderate, severe) and used to estimate the effective connectivity between DMN regions at different frequency bands. Among the healthy control (HC) and the three considered levels of severity of SAD, the results indicated a higher level of causal interactions for the mild and moderate SAD groups than for the severe and HC groups. Between the control and the severe SAD groups, the results indicated a higher level of causal connections for the control throughout all the DMN regions. We found significant increases in the mean PDC in the delta and alpha bands between the SAD groups. Among the DMN regions, the precuneus exhibited a higher level of causal influence than other regions. Therefore, it was suggested to be a major source hub that contributes to the mental exploration and emotional content of SAD. In contrast to the severe group, the HC exhibited higher resting-state connectivity at the mesial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), providing evidence for mPFC dysfunction in the severe SAD group. Furthermore, the total Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) was positively correlated with the mean values of the PDC of the severe SAD group and negatively correlated with those of the HC group. The reported results may facilitate greater comprehension of the underlying potential SAD neural biomarkers and can be used to characterize possible targets for further medication.
STRATEGI ANTI KORUPSI MELALUI PENDEKATAN PENDIDIKAN FORMAL DAN KPK (KOMISI PEMBERANTASAN KORUPSI)
Authors: Zuber Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Abstract: This article aims to discuss anti-corruption strategies through formal education and the Corruption Eradication Commission (CEC) approaches. Writing method uses literature study, and documents. Anti-corruption strategy with formal education approach can be done through anti-corruption curriculum applied in formal schools from elementary school to university. Then the anti-corruption strategy with the CEC (Corruption Eradication Commission) approach can be seen from the success of CEC in preventing and cracking down on corruptors in Indonesian territory.
Keywords: anti-corruption strategies, formal education approache, CEC (Corruption Eradication Commission) approach

Abstrak. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk membahas strategi anti korupsi melalui pendekatan pendidikan formal, dan KPK (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi). Metode penulisan dengan mendasarkan studi literatur, dan dokumen. Strategi anti korupsi dengan pendekatan pendidikan formal dapat dilakukan melalui kurikulum anti korupsi yang diterapkan di sekolah-sekolah formal mulai dari sekolah dasar hingga perguruan tinggi. Kemudian Strategi anti korupsi dengan pendekatan KPK (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi) dapat dilihat dari keberhasilan KPK dalam mencegah dan menindak para koruptor yang ada di wilayah negara Indonesia.
Kata Kunci: strategi anti korupsi, pendekatan pendidikan formal, pendekatan KPK (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi)
Proceedings of the ENTER21 Ph.D. Workshop
Authors: Liang Sai , Dayour Frederick
Published: February 2021

The ENTER Ph.D. Workshop is the pre-conference event for the annual ENTER International eTourism Conference organised by the International Federation for Information Technology and Travel & Tourism (IFITT). Each year the ENTER Ph.D. Workshop provides the unique opportunity for doctoral students to interactively present and discuss their research with peers and leading scholars in the field. Doctoral students at all stages (i.e., beginning as well as nearly completed) are encouraged to participate. Importantly, this full-day workshop gives participants the opportunity to improve their research ideas and the structure of their work in a critical but supportive environment by receiving feedback from mentors, experts, and senior researchers within the global IT and Tourism research community. The Workshop also represents a fascinating glimpse into the future agenda of eTourism research.
Application of a Halo Fixator for the Treatment of Pediatric Spinal Deformity
Authors: Shaw K. Aaron , Griffith Matthew , Schmitz Michael L. , Brahma Barunashish , Fletcher Nicholas D. , Murphy Joshua S.
Published: February 2021

Background:

In spine surgery, the halo fixator was initially utilized to stabilize cervical fusions in patients with poliomyelitis. More recently, the indications for halo fixation have evolved to include stabilization and definitive treatment for upper cervical spine injuries (Jefferson fractures, atlanto-occipital dissociations, odontoid fractures, etc.), treatment of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation, stabilization of long cervical fusions, and preoperative traction. In the realm of pediatric spinal deformity, halo fixation has proved to be a valuable resource for severe or neglected spinal deformities. In this video article, we demonstrate the application of a halo fixator in a pediatric patient with severe scoliosis.

Description:

The procedure includes appropriate pin placement in the safe zones of the skull performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Pins are secured to a halo frame that is sized to be 2 cm larger than the circumference of the skull and are tightened according to age-specific torque guidelines.

Alternatives:

Alternative treatments vary from cervical spine immobilization to definitive surgical treatment in the spine, or even spinal osteotomies, depending on the underlying spinal pathology.

Rationale:

The halo fixator works by limiting motion of the cervical spine in flexion, extension, and axial rotation. The halo is also able to control and correct translational injuries of the cervical spine. In the setting of spinal deformity, the halo fixator can also be utilized to overcome the effects of gravity and lengthen the spine.

Expected Outcomes:

For spinal deformities, the halo fixator can be expected to lengthen the spine and increase deformity flexibility prior to definitive surgical treatment in the spine or growth-friendly spinal instrumentation.

Important Tips:

Correct identification of safe zones for pin placement is vital to correct pin placement.

For pediatric patients, it is important to obtain fixation with a minimum of 6 to 8 pins.

Pins should be tightened with use of a torque-limiting wrench, up to no more than 1 in/lb (55.9 mm/kg) per year of age, up to a maximum of 8 in/lb (447.9 mm/kg).

Applied traction should be a maximum of 50% of the body weight of the patient.

Neurovascular examination is vital following application of weight.
The Joint Force Maritime Component Command and the Marine Corps: Integrate to Win the Black Sea Fight
Authors: Kohler Michael
Published: February 2021

Marine integration with the Navy contributes to meeting vital U.S. naval operational requirements, especially when organized as a Joint Force Maritime Component Command (JFMCC) in the Black Sea against Russian threats. The global operating model addresses integration across escalating levels of competition and conflict called contact, blunt, and surge layers. In the contact layer, Marine integration allows the JFMCC to maintain regional access, assure allies, and counter expanding Russian influence. In the blunt layer, Marine integration supports the JFMCC’s operational objectives of denying Russian sea control and freedom of movement. Finally, in the surge layer, a Navy and Marine integrated JFMCC gains a greater ability to project power against a robust antiaccess and area-denial network and decisively defeat Russian aggression. This article contends that naval integration is also an important component of defense against Russian expansion in the Black Sea region.
Magnitude of Undernutrition and associated factors among children with cardiac disease in University of Gondar hospital, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asrade Mulat , Shehibo Abdulkadir , Tigabu Zemene
Published: February 2021

Background: Undernutrition and cardiac disease are interconnected in a vicious cycle. Children with cardiac disease suffer with different degree of undernutrition resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study aimed to assess magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among children with cardiac disease in University of Gondar hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Method: Hospital based quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 269 children with cardiac disease visiting University of Gondar specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Data was collected by using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire and medical records of the patients. All participants who fulfill the inclusion criteria were included. The data analysed by using binary logistic regression model. Variables with p-value ≤ 0.2 in bivariate analysis were fitted to the final multivariable analysis and those variables with p-value ≤ 0.05 were considered as having statistically significant association to the outcome variable. AOR and 95% confidence interval was calculated to assess the strength of association between the variables. Result: Of the 269 study participants, 177(65.7%) of them were having undernutrition. 54.5% were underweight, 39.7% were stunted, and 53.9 % were wasted. The result showed that having pulmonary hypertension[AOR =3.82, (95%CI 1.80, 8.10)], NYHA/modified Ross class III and IV heart failure[AOR=4.64(1.69, 12.72)] and cardiac chamber enlargement [ AOR=2.91(1.45, 5.66)] were significantly associated with undernutrition. Conclusion: There is high burden of undernutrition among children with cardiac diseases in the study area. Nutritional management and dietary counseling besides early detection and treatment of the underlying heart disease improves the nutritional status of children with cardiac diseases.
Entropic repulsion of cholesterol-containing lipid layers counteracts bioadhesion
Authors: Werner Carsten , Friedrichs Jens , Helbig Ralf , Hilsenbeck Julia , Sommer Jens-Uwe , Pompe Tilo , Renner Lars
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Definition and Validation of a Risk-Stratification Model for Probable or Proven COVID-19 Patients in Emergency Departments: The Revised HOME-CoV Score.
Authors: Delphine Douillet , Jérémie Riou , Francois Morin , Rafaël Mahieu , Anthony Chauvin , Stéphane Gennai , Lionel Ferrant , Raphaëlle Lopez , Mustapha Sebbane , Gaëtan Plantefeve , Christian Brice , Coralie Cayeux , Thomas Moumneh , Dominique Savary , Andrea Penaloza , Pierre-Marie Roy
Published: February 2021

The HOME-CoV rule is a list of clinical criteria defined by experts’ consensus, qualifying patients with probable or proven COVID-19 for home treatment when negative. The aims were to define and validate a revised HOME-CoV score, optimizing the original rule. Definition of the revised HOME-CoV score using logistic regression in a prospective multicenter cohort and validation in another cohort of patients who presented to the emergency department with proven or probable COVID-19. The main outcome was non-invasive or invasive ventilation or all-cause death within the 7 days following inclusion. Two threshold values were defined using a sensitivity of > 0.9 and a specificity of > 0.9 to identify low-risk patients and high-risk patients, respectively. The revised HOME-CoV score included seven clinical criteria. In the definition cohort (n=1696), the AUC was 87.6 (95% CI 84.7 to 90.6). The cutoffs to define low-risk and high-risk patients were <2 and >3, respectively. In the validation cohort (n=1304), the AUC was 85.8 (95% CI 80.6 to 91.0) and 85.5 (95% CI 76.8 to 94.1) in the subgroup of patients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV2. A score of < 2 qualified 73% of patients as low risk with a sensitivity of 0.84 (0.66-0.95) and a negative predictive value of 0.99 (0.99-1.00). The revised HOME-CoV score compared favorably with the original rule and other models. The revised HOME-CoV score may allow accurate risk stratification and safely qualify for home treatment, a significant proportion of patients with probable or proven COVID-19.
Factors Influencing International and Domestic Dentists’ Interest in Advanced Periodontal Education
Authors: Silva Andre Paes Batista da , Saqqal Hazem , Guirguis Andrew
Published: February 2021

Background: The enrollment of international periodontal students in U.S. dental schools has been increasing in recent years. Interest in applying to a periodontics specialty program may differ between U.S and international dental school graduates. The purpose of this study is to assess, from the perspective of periodontal residents, (1) factors that interest dental students to apply to periodontics programs and (2) differences in background and interest between U.S and international graduates. Methods: A 20-question survey was sent out electronically to periodontics residents. The survey questions were designed to obtain information on the participants’ backgrounds, factors that influenced them to specialize in periodontics, and their preferred features of graduate periodontics programs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for socio-demographic variables, a Wilcoxon two sample test to compare mean Likert scale scores, and Fisher’s exact test for associations between comparison groups. Results: Of the 200 hundred residents invited to participate, 28% responded. The majority of the respondents stated that interest in implantology, previous exposure to periodontal procedures, interest in improving periodontal surgery skills, a good relationship with periodontics faculty, the residency curriculum, advanced program and faculty reputation as influencing factors in selecting periodontics as specialization. The majority of international graduates have up to $50,000 dollars in student debt; by comparison, half of the domestic graduates have a debt of over $250,000 dollars (p ≤ 0.05). Working experience as a dentist was significantly greater among international residents (73%) in comparison to U.S graduates (32%). In contrast with international graduates, U.S graduates more frequent reported that good relationships with the periodontics predoctoral faculty contributed to their interest in periodontics (p ≤ 0.05). Program cost and location had a greater impact on the decision of U.S. graduates than international graduates (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusions: Overall, factors associated with personal finance and predoctoral education have a greater impact on the decision of American graduates than international graduates to pursue an advanced education in periodontics, which may influence the increased enrollment of international students.
Accelerated clearing and molecular labeling of biological tissues using magnetohydrodynamic force
Authors: Dwyer Joseph , Ramirez M. Desmond , Katz Paul S. , Karlstrom Rolf O. , Bergan Joseph F.
Published: February 2021

Techniques used to clear biological tissue for fluorescence microscopy are essential to connect anatomical principles at levels ranging from subcellular to the whole animal. Here we report a simple and straightforward approach to efficiently render opaque tissue samples transparent and show that this approach can be modified to rapidly label intact tissue samples with antibodies for large volume fluorescence microscopy. This strategy applies a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) force to accelerate the removal of lipids from tissue samples at least as large as an intact adult mouse brain. We also show that MHD force can be used to accelerate antibody penetration into tissue samples. This strategy complements a growing array of tools that enable high-resolution 3-dimensional anatomical analyses in intact tissues using fluorescence microscopy. MHD-accelerated clearing is simple, fast, reliable, inexpensive, provides thermal regulation, and is compatible with existing strategies for high-quality fluorescence microscopy of intact tissues.
Rotation as a Source of Accelerating Expansion of the Universe
Authors: Szummer Andrzej
Published: February 2021

Assuming a hypothesis, that the universe is rotating from the very beginning – as soon as it appeared- creates new possibilities to explain accelerating expansion of the universe. A spinning universe is under the action of two enormous forces: gravitational force and centrifugal force. The difference between the two forces has been shown to give the resultant force that causes the expansion of the universe to accelerate. Applying classical mechanics as a method, I calculated the magnitude of this acceleration, the time when it appeared and how it changes over time. By applying only recognized cosmological parameters, interesting results were obtained that can be checked with astronomical observations. The presence of acceleration of expansion causes the rate of expansion of the universe to continue to increase, which is consistent with astronomical observations. However, the speed of this increase in the rate of expansion becomes slower over time.
Preparation and electrochemical properties of lead-steel layered composite electrode materials for adiponitrile production
Authors: Xu Yang , Han Zhaohui , Zhu Peixian , Zhou Shenggang
Published: February 2021

In this paper, Pb-63%Sn alloy was selected as an intermediate layer to plate on Q235 steel by the hot dipping method, and then the hot-dipped steel and the lead plate were welded by roll-bonding technology to prepare the lead-steel layered composite electrode materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the interface morphology and phase composition of samples, and the interface formation mechanism was also discussed. The electrochemical properties of the lead-steel layered composite electrode under different rolling reduction ratio were studied by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), Tafel polarization curves (Tafel) and weight-loss method. Subsequently, the prepared lead-steel layered composite electrodes were applied to the industrial production experiment for adiponitrile. The results indicated that lead-steel layered composite electrodes with excellent electrochemical properties were successfully prepared by hot dipping and roll-bonding technology. Analysis of microstructure and phase composition showed that the metallurgical bond of hot-dipped steel and lead plate could be achieved by the process of rolling, and the fracture feature was ductile fracture. And the conductivity, electrocatalytic activity and corrosion resistant of lead-steel layered composite electrode material were improved with the increase of rolling reduction ratio. The industrial production results showed that, compared with the traditional Pb-0.6%Ag electrode, the prepared lead-steel layered composite electrode at the rolling reduction ratio of 40% exhibited the best industrial performance, the current efficiency was increased by 4.94%, the average cell voltage was reduced by 19.4%, and the adiponectin yield was increased by 4.86%.
Retrograde intrarenal surgery or percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of impacted proximal ureteric calculi
Authors: zhang Lvwen , Fei Xiang , Song Yan
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of impacted proximal ureteric calculi. This was a retrospective study on surgical outcomes of 202 patients with impacted proximal ureteric calculi. Overall, 140 and 62 were treated with RIRS and PCNL, respectively. The effects of the choice of the surgical method on the surgical outcomes were evaluated by preoperatively scoring patients with high-risk factors related to stone characteristics and analyzing these scores. Compared to the RIRS group, the surgical duration of the PCNL group was significantly shorter (51.69 ± 25.07 min vs. 67.46 ± 27.12 min, p < 0.05), stone-free rate (SFR) was significantly increased (98.4% vs. 72.10%, p < 0.05), and total treatment cost was lower (US $1678.61 ± 714.86 vs. US $3901.45 ± 1069.46, p < 0.05). Preoperatively, the efficacy of PCNL was higher than that of RIRS based on the higher scores observed. The results indicated PCNL had a better SFR and higher surgical efficacy, whereas RIRS had higher surgical safety parameters, a shorter perioperative period, but a lower initial SFR. PCNL is often more advantageous for complicated impacted proximal ureter stone.
Feasibility, acceptability and challenges of phone reminder system implementation for tuberculosis pill refilling and medication in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gashu Kassahun Dessie , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Tilahun Binyam
Published: February 2021

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies showed a promising effect on improving adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, its implementation was not well studied specifically in low-income settings. This study aimed to fill this evidence gap by exploring the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of phone-based TB medication and pill refilling reminder system implementation during continuation phase. Methods: The study used phenomenological study design to explore participants’ lived experiences on feasibility, acceptability and implementation challenges of the reminder system. This study was part of the Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) that deployed the reminder system in Northwest Ethiopia. We purposively selected 15 TB patients from eight districts in Central Gondar Zone and Gondar Town Administration who were enrolled in the interventional group of the RCT. The study was guided by the simplified Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data was collected using an in-depth interview and also captured events by observation throughout the intervention period. Message delivery reports generated from Ethio-telecom database. Interpretation and analysis were conducted using thematic analysis. Results: This study has shown that the local telecommunication infrastructure has supported the deployment of the new intervention and more than eight of ten reminder messages were delivered to the participants. All participants that received the reminder messages replied as the system was useful and many of them suggested for wider scale-up. We identified challenges related to the inner and outer setting, implementation process and characteristics of the intervention. Conclusion: Phone-based reminder systems could have promising feasibility and acceptability to support TB treatment and care in low-income settings with modifiable challenges throughout the implementation process. More implementation science studies are required to improve its effectiveness in more complex contexts.
Relaxing the import proportionality assumption in multi-regional input-output modelling
Authors: Schulte Simon , Jakobs Arthur , Pauliuk Stefan
Published: February 2021

In the absence of data on the destination industry of international trade flows most multi-regional input-output (MRIO) tables are based on the import proportionality assumption. Under this assumption imported commodities are proportionally distributed over the target sectors (individual industries and final demand categories) of an importing region.
Here, we quantify the uncertainty arising from the import proportionality assumption on the four major environmental footprints of the different regions and industries represented in the MRIO database EXIOBASE. We randomise the global import flows by applying an algorithm that randomly assigns imported commodities block-wise to the target sectors of an importing region, while maintaining the trade balance.
We find the variability of the national footprints in general below a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4\%, except for the material, water and land footprints of highly trade-dependent and small economies. At the industry level the variability is higher with 25\% of the footprints having a CV above 10\% (carbon footprint), and above 30\% (land, material and water footprint), respectively, with maximum CVs up to 394\%.
We provide a list of the variability of the national and industry environmental footprints in the online SI so that MRIO scholars can check if a industry/region that is important in their study ranks high, so that either the database can be improved through adding more details on bilateral trade, or the uncertainty can be calculated and reported.
CTCF zinc finger mutations produce cellular phenotypes explained by structure-function relationships
Authors: Bailey Charles , Gupta Shailendra , Metierre Cynthia , Amarasekara Punkaja , O'Young Patrick , Kyaw Wunna , Laletin Tatyana , Francis Habib , Semaan Crystal , Singh Krishna , Mullighan Charles , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Schmitz Ulf , Rasko John
Published: February 2021

CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) plays fundamental roles in transcriptional regulation and chromatin architecture maintenance. CTCF is also a tumour suppressor frequently mutated in cancer, however the structural and functional impact of mutations have not been examined. We performed molecular and structural characterisation of 5 CTCF missense zinc finger (ZF) mutations occurring within key intra- and inter-ZF residues. Functional characterisation of CTCF ZF mutations revealed a complete (L309P, R339W, R377H) or intermediate (R339Q) abrogation as well as an enhancement (G420D) of the anti-proliferative effects of CTCF. DNA binding at select sites was disrupted and transcriptional regulatory activities abrogated. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics confirmed that mutations in residues specifically contacting DNA bases or backbone exhibited loss of DNA binding. However, R339Q and G420D were stabilised by the formation of new primary DNA bonds, contributing to gain-of-function. Our data confirm a spectrum of loss-, change- and gain-of-function impacts in CTCF zinc fingers are observed in cell growth regulation and gene regulatory activities. We have established that these diverse cellular phenotypes in CTCF are explained by examining structure-function relationships.
Narciclasine Induces Autophagy-Mediated Gastric Cancer Cell Apoptosis Through The Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yuan Yunfeng , He Xue , Li Xiang , Liu Yan , Tang Yueliang , Deng Huiming
Published: February 2021

Background: Gastric cancer is a common gastrointestinal cancer and currently has the third highest mortality rate. According to research, the natural compound narciclasine has a variety of biological activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of narciclasine on gastric cancer cells and its molecular mechanisms, to determine whether this compound could be a novel therapy to treat gastric cancer.Methods: MTT and clone assays were employed to detect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. The formation of autophagosomes and autophagosomal lysosomes was observed by transmission electron microscopy and laser confocal scanning microscopy. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of apoptosis, autophagy and Akt/mTOR pathway related proteins. Results: In this study, we found that narciclasine could inhibit the proliferation of the gastric cancer cells , and promote gastric cancer cells apoptosis. Further experiments showed that narciclasine promoted the expression of autophagy proteins LC3-II, Atg-5, Beclin-1, reduced the expression of the autophagy transporter p62, and increased autophagic fux. By using the autophagy inhibitors 3-MA and CQ, it was shown that narciclasine can induces autophagy-mediated apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Finally, we found that narciclasine had no significant effects on the total Akt and mTOR contents of gastric cancer cells, it involved autophagy in gastric cancer cells by reduce the phosphorylation levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR. Conclusions: Taken together, narciclasine can induce autophagy-dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation level of Akt/mTOR and thus reducing gastric cancer cell proliferation.
Look What It Can Do: Tool Heads Prime Saccades
Authors: Pilacinski Artur , DeHaan Stella , Donato Rita , Almeida Jorge
Published: February 2021

Tools are wielded by their handles, but a lot of information about their function comes from their heads (the action-ends). While hand motor responses are affected by the position of a tool’s handle, not much is known about what parts of a tool might affect eye gaze. Here weinvestigated whether eye saccadic movements are primed by tool handles, similar to handactions, or whether they are primed by tool heads (action-ends). We measured human saccadic reaction times while subjects were performing an attentional task. We found that saccadic reaction times were faster when performed to the side congruent with the tool head, even though “toolness” was irrelevant for the task. Our results show that heads are automatically processed by the visual system to orient eye movements, showing that eyes and hands are driven by distinct parts of manipulable objects and by the kinds of information these parts afford.
Research on data correction method of micro air quality detector based on combination of partial least squares and random forest regression
Authors: Liu Bing , Yu Wangwang , Wang Yishu , Lv Qibao , Li Chaoyang
Published: February 2021

The issue of air quality has attracted more and more attention. The main methods for monitoring the concentration of pollutants in the air include national monitoring station monitoring and micro air quality detector testing. Since the electrochemical sensor of the micro air quality detector is susceptible to interference, the monitored data has a certain deviation. In this paper, the combined model of partial least square regression and random forest regression (PLS-RFR) is used to correct the detection data of the micro air quality detector. First, correlation analysis is used to find out the factors that affect the concentration of pollutants. Second, partial least squares regression is used to give the quantitative relationship of the influence of each influencing factor on the concentration of pollutants. Finally, the predicted value of partial least squares regression and various influencing factors are used as independent variables, and the pollutant concentration monitored by the national monitoring station is used as the dependent variable, and the PLS-RFR model is obtained with the help of random forest software package. Relative Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), goodness of fit (R2), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are used as evaluation indicators to compare PLS-RFR model, support vector machine model and multilayer perceptron neural network. The results show that no matter which evaluation index, the prediction effect of the PLS-RFR model is the best, and the model has a good prediction effect in the training set or the test set, indicating that the model has good generalization ability. This model can play an active role in the promotion and deployment of micro air quality detectors.
Validation of the mean systemic filling pressure assessment with preserved arterial blood flow by comparing two methods of calculation
Authors: De Blasi Roberto Alberto , Finazzi Stefano
Published: February 2021

Significance: We developed a method for measuring in vivo venular volumes and pressures in the limbs using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).Aim: 36 We aimed to validate the NIRS methodology by comparing two independent methods of calculation based on different physiological approaches.Approach: Pressure-volumes curves were recorded following graded venous occlusion on the forearm. Values from a multi-phase model (method 1) were compared with data derived from a resistor-capacitance calculation model (method 2) based on arterial pressure and venous compliance. We tested these methods on 10 healthy participants at rest and during exercise and on 6 severely ill patients.Results: Pressure-volume curves measured by method 1 were comparable with those calculated by method 2. Venular volumes calculated using method 1 correlated linearly with those calculated using method 2 both in participants (R2 = 0.98, p < 0.001) and in patients (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman test showed a good agreement between methods with few values out of the range of ± 1.96 SD.Conclusions: Our findings showed that the NIRS methodology may be valid for the assessment of venular bed with no flow interruption. Further research will be required to confirm the relevance of methodology in the clinical setting.
Disordered eating in college women: Associations with the mother-daughter relationship
Authors: Posluszny Hannah , Quick Virginia , Worobey John
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Extensive work in the field has found multiple risk factors of disordered eating among women; however, there is limited research surrounding the mother-daughter relationship. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore how the mother-daughter relationship may be either protective or detrimental to the development of disordered eating in college-aged women.
Methods
A diverse sample of college-aged women (N = 528; mean age 20.15 ± 1.3SD years; 38.6% White) completed an online survey with reliable and valid instruments that assessed disordered eating behaviors (dependent variable) with the following independent variables: aspects of the mother-daughter relationship (maternal regard and responsibility), emphasis on maternal weight and weight control, parent weight talk, eating disorder history, and body mass index. To determine predictors of disordered eating behaviors, four separate multiple linear regression models were conducted.
Results
The multiple linear regression model predicting disordered eating behaviors revealed that the overall the model accounted for 36.3%% of the variance (F(7,520) = 43.93, p < 0.001). Maternal responsibility, appearance weight control, parent weight talk, and emphasis on maternal weight were the only independent variables significantly (p < 0.05) associated with disordered eating behaviors in the model. That is, conversations surrounding weight and appearance, negative weight talk from mothers, and increased feelings of responsibility for mother’s happiness was associated with increased disordered eating behaviors.
Conclusions
Findings illustrate the important role mothers have in shaping their daughters eating attitudes and behaviors. Future disordered eating prevention programs and interventions may want to consider developing strategies in helping to improve mother-daughter relationships.
Detection of Cognitive Decline using a Single-Channel EEG with an Interactive Assessment Tool
Authors: Molcho Lior , Maimon Neta Batya , Pressburger Narkiss , Regev-Plotnik Noa , Rabinowicz Sarit , Intrator Nathan , Sasson Ady
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCognitive decline remains highly underdiagnosed despite efforts to find novel biomarkers for detection. EEG biomarkers based on machine learning may offer a noninvasive low-coast approach for identifying cognitive decline. However, most studies use multi-electrode systems which are less accessible. This study aims to evaluate the ability to extract cognitive decline biomarkers using a wearable single-channel EEG system with an interactive assessment tool.MethodsThis pilot study included data collection from 82 participants who performed a cognitive assessment while being recorded with a single-channel EEG system. Seniors in different clinical stages of cognitive decline (healthy to mild dementia) and young healthy participants were included. Seniors’ MMSE scores were used to allocate groups with cutoff scores of 24 and 27. Data analysis included correlation analysis as well as linear mixed model analysis with several EEG variables including frequency bands and three novel cognitive biomarkers previously extracted from a different dataset. ResultsMMSE scores correlated significantly with reaction times, as well as two EEG biomarkers: A0 and ST4. Both biomarkers showed significant separation between study groups: ST4 separated between the healthy senior group and the low-MMSE group. A0 differentiated between the healthy senior group and the other three groups, showing different cognitive patterns between different stages of cognitive decline as well as different patterns between young and senior healthy participants. In the healthy young group, activity of Theta, Delta, A0 and VC9 biomarkers significantly separated between high and low levels of cognitive load, consistent with previous reports. VC9 and Theta showed a finer separation between low cognitive load levels and resting state.ConclusionsThis study successfully demonstrated the ability to assess cognitive states with an easy-to-use portable single-channel EEG device with an interactive cognitive assessment. The short set-up time and novel biomarkers enable objective and easy assessment of cognitive decline. Future studies should explore potential usefulness of this tool in characterizing changes in EEG patterns of cognitive decline over time, for detection of cognitive decline on a large scale in every clinic to potentially allow early intervention.Trial registrationTrial was retrospectively registered in both: NIH Clinical Trials Registry, number NCT04386902, first posted on May 13, 2020 ; Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) registry number MOH_2019-10-07_007352, first posted on Oct 07, 2019.
Conserved residues in the extracellular loop 2 regulate Stachel-mediated activation of ADGRG2
Authors: Gad Abanoub A. , Azimzadeh Pedram , Balenga Nariman
Published: February 2021

Cleavage and dissociation of a large N-terminal fragment and the consequent unmasking of a short sequence (Stachel) remaining on the N-terminus have been proposed as mechanisms of activation of some members of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (aGPCR) family. However, the identity of residues that play a role in the activation of aGPCRs by the cognate Stachel remains largely unknown. Protein sequence alignments revealed a conserved stretch of residues in the extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) of all 33 members of the aGPCR family. ADGRG2, an orphan aGPCR, plays a major role in male fertility, Ewing sarcoma cell proliferation, and parathyroid cell function. We used ADGRG2 as a model aGPCR and generated mutants of the conserved residues in the ECL2 via site-directed mutagenesis. We show that tryptophan and isoleucine in the ECL2 are required for receptor stability and surface expression in the HEK293 cells. By adjusting the receptor surface expression levels, we show that the ECL2 mutation ablates the Stachel-mediated activation of multiple signaling pathways of ADGRG2. This study provides a novel understanding of the role of the ECL2 in Stachel-mediated signaling and degradation of ADGRG2, which may lay the foundation for the rational design of therapeutics to target aGPCRs.