bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Household Adoption of Solar Home System in Baso Liben District, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia
Authors: Zeru Asmare Mossie , Guta Dawit Diriba
Published: August 2020

Background: Although, solar energy is abundant, accessible, affordable, and ecologically and environmentally friendly, in rural Ethiopia the majority of households are still using pollutant kerosene for lightning. It is important to understand demand and supply-side factors affecting the adoption of the technology. For this purpose, this study investigates the factors influencing household adoption of solar home system (SHS). Methodology: The data used for the econometric model was collected from randomly selected 228 adopters and 143 non-adopter households in Baso Liben district, Amhara region of Ethiopia. The logistic regression model was applied to examine the factors affecting household adoption of solar home system. Results: The finding of this study shows significant variation in many socioeconomic and demographic characteristics between adopters and non-adopters of solar home system. The result of the binary logistic regression model indicated that as income of household increase, their propensity to adopt solar home system also increases. Likewise, participation in off-farm income activities, house type, educational status, training access, media access, and prior knowledge positively correlated with the adoption of SHS. On the other hand, gender and access to electricity are negatively associated with the adoption of SHS. Conclusion: Policy measures should create awareness through training, education, and information access or better media availability, and improving the economic status of households through creating lucrative off-farm income-earning opportunities to achieve enhanced adoption of the solar home system.
Twin Births In The Pelotas (Brazil) 2004 And 2015 Birth Cohorts 
Authors: Santos Ina , Valle Neiva C. J. , Silveira Mariangela F. , Matijasevich Alicia , Bertoldi Andréa D. , Domingues Marlos , Santana Gabriel , Kreutz Ivete M. , Barros Fernando C. F.
Published: August 2020

Background: In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of multiple pregnancies. Our aim was to describe the prevalence and duration of multiple pregnancies and compare first- and second-born twins to each other and to singletons, in terms of unfavorable perinatal outcomes and infant mortality rate (IMR). Methods: The 2004 and 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohorts are population-based studies that enrolled all newborns of mothers living in the urban area of Pelotas, South Brazil. All five maternity hospitals in Pelotas were visited daily by the research team, from January 1st to December 31st in 2004 and 2015. A monitoring system was assembled to detect all deaths of cohort participants in the years 2004, 2005, 2015, and 2016. Twinning rate was described according to maternal characteristics (family income, schooling, age, skin color, and morbidity) and parity. First- and second-born twins were compared to each other and to singletons, according to low birthweight (LBW), 5-minute Apgar <7, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and IMR:1000 live births (LB). Results: Among 4,187 pregnancies in 2004 and 4,220 in 2015, respectively, 42 (1.0%) and 56 (1.3%) were multiple. Eighty-four twins were born alive in 2004 and 111 in 2015. In the two cohorts, no maternal characteristics were associated with the occurrence of multiple pregnancies. Twin births <34 weeks gestational age more than doubled from 2004 (19.0%) to 2015 (42.1%) (p=0.03). In both cohorts, LBW and admission to the NICU were more frequent in twins than in singletons, with no difference between first- and second-born twins. There was no difference between first-born and second-born twins at the two cohorts nor between twins and single-born infant mortality at the 2004 cohort. Among second-born twins in 2015, the post-neonatal mortality rate was 8 times higher than in singletons (37.7:1,000 LB versus 4.8:1,000 LB), and infant mortality rate (IMR) was 6 times higher (75.4:1,000 LB versus 12.5:1,000 LB). Conclusion: More than one out of 50 births in Pelotas was a twin, generally born prematurely and with a risk six times higher than singletons of dying alongside the first year of life.
Leveraging hybrid biomarkers in clinical endpoint prediction
Authors: Saad Maliazurina , Lee Ik Hyun
Published: August 2020

Background
Clinical endpoint prediction remains challenging for health providers. Although predictors such as age, gender, and disease staging are of considerable predictive value, the accuracy often ranges between 60% and 80%. An accurate prognosis assessment is required for making effective clinical decisions.
Methods
We proposed an extended prognostic model based on clinical covariates with adjustment for additional variables that were radio-graphically induced, termed imaging biomarkers. Eight imaging biomarkers were introduced and investigated in a cohort of 68 non-small cell lung cancer subjects with tumor internal characteristic. The subjects comprised of 40 males and 28 females with mean age at 68.7 years. The imaging biomarkers used to quantify the solid component and non-solid component of a tumor. The extended model comprises of additional frameworks that correlate these markers to the survival ends through uni- and multi-variable analysis to determine the most informative predictors, before combining them with existing clinical predictors. Performance was compared between traditional and extended approaches using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, Area under the ROC curves (AUC), Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, Cox Proportional Hazard, and log-rank tests (p-value).
Results
The proposed hybrid model exhibited an impressive boosting pattern over the traditional approach of prognostic modelling in the survival prediction (AUC ranging from 77– 97%). Four developed imaging markers were found to be significant in distinguishing between subjects having more and less dense components: (P = 0.002–0.006). The correlation to survival analysis revealed that patients with denser composition of tumor (solid dominant) lived 1.6–2.2 years longer (mean survival) and 0.5–2.0 years longer (median survival), than those with less dense composition (non-solid dominant).
Conclusion
The present study provides crucial evidence that there is an added value for incorporating additional image-based predictors while predicting clinical endpoints. Though the hypotheses were confirmed in a customized case study, we believe the proposed model is easily adapted to various clinical cases, such as predictions of complications, treatment response, and disease evolution.
Identification microflora related to growth performance in pigs based on 16s rRNA sequence analyses
Authors: Li Xin-Jian , Wang Mingyu , Xue Yahui , Duan Dongdong , Li Cong , Han Xuelei , Wang Kejun , Qiao Ruimin , Li Xiu-Ling
Published: August 2020

Intestinal microorganisms have been shown to be important factors that affect the growth performance of pigs. Therefore, to investigate the effect of the intestinal microflora structure on the growth performance of pigs, samples from Duroc (n = 10), Landrace (n = 9) and Yorkshire (n = 21) pigs under the same diet and feeding conditions were collected. The fecal microbial composition was profiled via 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. And we also analyzed their growth performance. We found that Duroc and Landrace had significant differences in average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency ratio (FER), growth index (GI), and 100 kg daily age (P < 0.05). Moreover, through the analysis of the intestinal flora, we also identified that there were 18 species of intestinal flora with significant differences between Duroc and Landrace (P < 0.05). In order to eliminate the influence of genetic background, the intestinal differential flora of 21 Yorkshire pigs with different growth performance was analyzed. The results showed that there were significant correlations between Barnesiella, Dorea, Clostridium and Lactobacillus and pig growth performance. To explore the effect of intestinal flora on the growth performance of pigs at the molecular level, Lactobacillus, which has the highest content in the intestine, was selected for isolation and purification, and co-cultured with intestinal epithelial cells. The qPCR was used to determine the effect of Lactobacillus on MC4R gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results showed that Lactobacillus inhibited MC4R gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results provided useful reference for the further study on the relationship between intestinal flora and pig growth performance.
RNF185-AS1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through Targeting miR-221-5p/integrin β5 Axis
Authors: Huang Chunmei , Li Ke , Huang Rongfu , Zhu Jianhua , Yang Jiayao
Published: August 2020

Background: Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important role in pathogenesis of various cancers. However, the function of RNF185-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has not been well investigated. The present study aims to explore the role and mechanism of RNF185-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Methods: The RNF185-AS1 expression in HCC cells and tissues was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The functional effects of RNF185-AS1 on tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and Western blot. The luciferase reporters assay, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay, qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to explore and confirm the interaction between RNF185-AS1 and miR-221-5p and integrin β5. The role of RNF185-AS1 in tumor progression was explored through in vivo experiments.Results: RNF185-AS1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. High levels of RNF185-AS1 was correlated with advanced TNM stage, distant metastasis and a poorer overall survival rate. RNF185-AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Additionally, RNF185-AS1 acted as a sponge for miR-221-5p and integrin β5 was identified as a target gene of miR-221-5p. Rescue assays showed that miR-221-5p inhibitor or integrin β5 overexpression rescued the function of RNF185-AS1 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Moreover, we found that RNF185-AS1 knockdown inhibited tumor metastases in xenograft tumor mouse model. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that RNF185-AS1 promoted cell EMT and migration by regulating miR-221-5p/integrin β5 axis in HCC.
Setting of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Post Extubation based on Inspiratory Flow during a Spontaneous Breathing Trial
Authors: Butt Sophia , Pistidda Laura , Floris Leda , Liperi Corrado , Vasques Francesco , Glover Guy , Barrett Nicholas A. , Sanderson Barnaby , Grasso Salvatore , Shankar-Hari Manu , Camporota Luigi
Published: August 2020

Background: High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is commonly used post-extubation in intensive care (ICU). Patients’ comfort during HFNC is affected by flow rate: too low flow may limit the beneficial effects of HFNC on gas exchange and work of breathing; whilst excessive flow may reduce comfort and adherence to therapy. Currently, there is no consensus on how to set the flow rate of HFNC post-extubation. The study aims to describe the relationship between pre-extubation inspiratory flow requirements and the post-extubation flow rates on HFNC that maximises patient’s level of comfort.Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, single-site study conducted in a tertiary, university-affiliated ICU. We included all patients extubated following a successful, standardised spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) during a four-month study period. During a 30-minute SBT we recorded haemodynamic and respiratory variables including inspiratory flow, presence of any signs of respiratory distress and level of comfort using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients who passed the SBT were extubated onto HFNC – as per standard clinical practice. HFNC was titrated starting from a flow of 20 L/min and increased in steps of 10L/min, up to 60 L/min or maximum tolerated flow. At each step, patient’s level of comfort was assessed using a VAS. Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was titrated to maintain oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) 92-97%. Results: Nineteen participants were enrolled in the study with a mean (SD) age of 62.5 ± 13.1 years. There was a significant positive correlation between mean inspiratory flow pre-extubation and the flow setting on HFNC which achieved the best comfort post-extubation (r2 0.88; p <0.001). The greatest comfort was observed for HFNC flows between 30 and 40 L/min, while above 40 L/min patients’ comfort decreased. Conclusions: Measuring mean inspiratory flow during an SBT allows for individualised setting of HFNC flow rate immediately post-extubation and achieves the greatest comfort and interface tolerance.
Heart Rate at Discharge in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure is a Predictor of Mortality
Authors: Vollmert Thomas , Hellmich Martin , Gassanov Natig , Er Fikret , Yücel Seyrani , Erdmann Erland , Caglayan Evren
Published: August 2020

Aims Heart failure is a syndrome with increasing prevalence in concordance with the aging population and better survival rates from myocardial infarction. Morbidity and mortality are high in chronic heart failure patients, particularly in those with hospital admission for acute decompensation. Several risk stratification tools and score systems have been established to predict mortality in chronic heart failure patients. However, identification of patients at risk with easy obtainable clinical factors that can predict mortality in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are needed to optimize the care-path. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records of 78 patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF who were hospitalized with ADHF in the Heart Center of the University Hospital Cologne in the year 2011 and discharged from the ward after successful treatment. 37.6±16.4 months after index hospitalization 30 (38,5%) patients had died. This mortality rate correlated well with the calculated predicted survival with the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) for each individual patient. In our cohort, we identified elevated heart rate at discharge as an independent predictor for mortality (p=0.016). The mean heart rate at discharge was lower in survived patients compared to patients who died (72.5±11.9 bpm vs. 79.1±11.2 bpm. Heart rate of 77 bpm or higher was associated with an almost doubled mortality risk (p=0.015). Heart rate elevation of 5 bpm was associated with an increase of mortality of 25% (p=0.022).Conclusions Patients hospitalized for ADHF seem to have a better prognosis, when heart rate at discharge is <77 bpm. Heart rate at discharge is an easily obtainable biomarker for risk prediction of mortality in HFrEF and HFmrEF patients treated for acute cardiac decompensation. Taking into account this parameter could be useful for guiding treatment strategies in these high-risk patients. Prospective data for validation of this biomarker and specific intervention is needed.
AMBAR - Interactive Alteration Annotations for Molecular Tumor Boards
Authors: Fürstberger Axel , Ikonomi Nensi , Kestler Angelika M.R. , Marienfeld Ralf , Seufferlein Thomas , Kestler Hans A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Providing suitable treatments strategies that take into account cancer specific alterations is a crucial task for successful cancer treatment. To this end, molecular tumor boards (MTBs), that bring together clinicians as well as scientists with diverse expertise, are increasingly established in the clinical routine for therapeutic interventions. Molecular profiling from sequencing data is an integral part of the decision making process of an MTB. To debate variant calling results from next generation sequencing NGS analyses, detailed information about the detected mutations are mandatory. Further, these results need to be combined with knowledge and up to date evidence from databases. At the moment, few tools are available that aim at managing this amount of required information. As a result, the whole process of analysis and documentation of patients data becomes time consuming and difficult to manage for MTBs. Results: To overcome these limitations, we developed an interactive web application AMBAR (Alteration annotations for Molecular tumor BoARds) to visualize not only annotated mutations, but also evidence for possible therapeutic drug targets. Found mutations can be evaluated, discussed and exported to clinical information systems. The application is based on R shiny and allows customization, interactive filtering and visualization.Conclusion: AMBAR is an interactive application to not only support MTBs in decision making, but to act as interface between results of NGS analyses, result visualization and export into clinical information systems.
A Simulation Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Demographic Changes on Healthcare Demand
Authors: Mielczarek Bozena
Published: August 2020

Background: The world’s changing demographic trends inevitably lead to new challenges in the delivery of healthcare services. As the population ages, the consequent demand for various types of medical treatments changes as well, but the process is not uniform, neither for particular age–gender cohorts nor for different diagnoses’ groups. Medium and long-term forecasts of future healthcare needs, which are crucial at the level of regional health policy decision making, should therefore be built taking into account different scenarios that describe possible alternative changes in population structure.Methods: A discrete event simulation (DES) model was built to forecast future healthcare demand based on population projections for one Polish region. Demographic projections were formulated based on simulation experiments carried out in previous studies. Population forecasts were inputted into the DES model, together with patient data taken from the regional health fund. A simulation was run up to 2030 to predict future healthcare needs of older age–gender groups across different diagnosis categories. An additional experiment was performed with the hypothesis that admission rates for older cohorts will gradually increase starting from 2021.Results: Three scenarios involved different assumptions regarding forecasted population changes as published by the Polish Government Council. The fourth scenario assumed gradually increasing admission rates expressed by the older age–gender groups. The results indicate that the expected small increase in the region's overall population will translate into a bigger increase in the number of patients. The largest increase of hospitalisations is projected for the age groups 7579 and older. The number of patients in the oldest women’s group will be much higher than in the corresponding men’s group. Meanwhile, the forecasted changes for particular disease categories are characterised by a high degree of variation, both in terms of gender and age.Conclusions: A simulation provides wide possibilities for studying the impact of demographic trends in healthcare demand, as it allows conducting analyses in various cross sections. The results show that a change in the demographic structure and in particular, in the population’s ageing, will lead to significant shifts in the distribution of health needs for hospital treatment.
Does Hysteroscopy in Women with Persistent Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Reduce the Need for Chemotherapy? A Prospective, Single Arm, Clinical Trial Pilot Study
Authors: Tanha Fatemeh Davari , Sede Saghar Samimi , Yarandi Fariba , Shirali Elham , Fakehi Malihe , Shaker Zeinab , Ghajarzadeh Mahsa , ghaemi marjan
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to describe the efficacy of hysteroscopy in the management of women with persistent gestational trophoblastic disease to decrease the chemotherapy need.Materials and methods: This prospective, single-arm, clinical trial study was conducted at a tertiary educational referral hospital between September 2018 and September 2019. In the follow-up of the patients diagnosed with hydatidiform mole and managed by uterine evacuation, 30 cases developed low risk persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. Hysteroscopy was performed for removal of persisted trophoblastic tissue, before chemotherapy. Serum beta-hCG titer was measured before and 7 days after the procedure.Results: Mean±SD age of the participants was 31.4±4.6 years. There was a significantly difference (p=0.06) between that mean±SD of beta-hCG titer before (8168.4±1758) and after (2648.8±5888) treatment. Two (6.6%) cases needed chemotherapy due to no decrease in beta-hCG titer. Conclusion: Although, hysteroscopy may play a significant role in the management of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease but requires validation in larger prospective randomized studies and longer follow-up.
Laser Cladding and Anti-Laser Ablative Behaviour of Si-SiC-MoSi2-ZrB2 Composite Coatings on Carbon Surface
Authors: Wang Qixuan , Zhuo Yi , Wang Wenhao , Guo Litong , Tao Xueyu , Fan Heliang , Ren Xuanru , Liu Zhangsheng
Published: August 2020

A Si-SiC-MoSi2-ZrB2 antioxidation composite coating was fabricated by laser cladding technology on the graphite matrix surface, and laser ablation was carried out on the coating surface to evaluate the anti-ablation capability of the coating surface. The phase transformation, microstructure reconstruction and the change of binding strength between the coating and the matrix during the laser cladding and ablation were investigated. The coating of Si-SiC-MoSi2 series modified by 40wt% ZrB2 had the lowest weight loss rate and the highest coating bonding strength. The oxide mostly existed in amorphous form after laser cladding, and the semi-melting particles in laser path lap zone on the coating surface disappeared. The oxide layer peeled off and Mo-Zr-Si-O composite glass phase was formed on the coating surface. The internal microstructure of the coating co-existed with non-oriented fine needle-like dendrites and irregular particles, which improved the coating strength. After laser ablation, the coating modified by 40wt% ZrB2 had lower weight loss rate and higher scratch bonding strength compared with the unmodified coating of Si-SiC-MoSi2 series, which indicated that the ablation resistance of the coating was improved by the formation of continuous oxide layer on the surface.
Hand Grip Strength as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications Following Resection in Patients with Primary Liver Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort study
Authors: Li Chunlei , Wu Hongmei , Zeng Yaqi , Dong Jie , Chen Yajun , Wang Yujie , Song Tianqiang
Published: August 2020

Background: The incidence of complications after hepatectomy for primary liver cancer (PLC) remains high. In this regard, a rapid, simple and inexpensive method is needed to assess the nutritional status of patients before surgery. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of hand grip strength (HGS) for postoperative complications of PLC. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital. A total of 147 patients with PLC who underwent liver resection were enrolled. HGS was measured using an electronic hand dynamometer. According to Clavien–Dindo classification, grade 2 or higher was considered as postoperative complication. The correlations between HGS and age/nutritional assessment tools were analysed using Spearman correlation test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for complications. Results: About 25.2% of the patients had low HGS. The incidence rates of postoperative complications were 35.14% in the low-HGS group and 21.82% in the high-HGS group. HGS was negatively correlated with age (P < 0.05) in both sexes. Multivariate analysis showed that low HGS [odd ratio (OR) = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.07-8.25, P = 0.04] was related to postoperative complications in the total population. Conclusion: HGS is a risk factor for postoperative complications. Additional long-term studies are needed to confirm HGS as a valuable indicator before surgery.
Overcoming radiation resistance by iron-platinum metal alloy nanoparticles in human copper transport 1-overexpressing cancer cells via mitochondrial targeting
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Lin , Lai Yu-Hsuan , Chen Helen H. W. , Su Wu-Chou
Published: August 2020

Background Radiation therapy remains an important treatment modality in cancer therapy, however, resistance is a major problem for treatment failure. Elevated expression of glutathione (GSH) is known to associate with radiation resistance. We used GSH overexpressing small cell lung cancer cell lines, SR3A-13 and SR3A-14, established by transfection with γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) cDNA, as a model for investigating strategies of overcoming radiation resistance. These radiation-resistant cells exhibit upregulated human copper transporter 1 (hCtr1), which also transports cisplatin. This study was initiated to investigate the effect and the underlying mechanism of iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs) on radiation sensitization in cancer cells.Methods Uptakes of FePt NPs in these cells were studied by plasma optical emission spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. Effects of the combination of FePt NPs and ionizing radiation (IR) were investigated by colony formation assay and animal experiment. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by using fluorescent probes and imaged by a fluorescence-activated-cell-sorting caliber flow cytometer. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in mitochondria after FePt NP and IR treatment was investigated by a Seahoarse XF24 cell energy metabolism analyzer.Results These hCtr1-overexpressing cells exhibited elevated resistance to IR and the resistance could be overcome by FePt NPs via enhanced uptake of FePt NPs. Overexpression of hCtr1 was responsible for the increased uptake/transport of FePt NPs as demonstrated by using hCtr1-transfected parental SR3A (SR3A-hCtr1-WT) cells. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and drastic mitochondrial damages with substantial reduction of oxygen consumption rate were observed in FePt NPs and IR-treated cells, indicating that structural and functional insults of mitochondria is the lethal mechanism of FePt NPs. Furthermore, FePt NPs also increased the efficacy of radiotherapy in mice bearing SR3A-hCtr1-WT-xenograft tumors.Conclusion These results suggest that FePt NPs can potentially be a novel strategy to improve radiotherapeutic efficacy in hCtr1-overexpressing cancer cells via enhanced uptake and mitochondria targeting.
Down-regulation of tumor suppressor miR-34a contributes to head and neck cancer by up-regulating MET oncogene and modulating tumor immune evasion
Authors: Wu Xun , Cheng Yi-Shing Lisa , Matthen Mathew , Yoon Angela , Schwartz Gary K. , Bala Shashi , Taylor Alison M , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh
Published: August 2020

Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) have been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis, including in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The miR-34a family is thought to play a role in tumor suppression, but the exact mechanism of action in HNSCC is not well understood. In addition, miR-34a is generally down-regulated HNSCC, but the role of chromosomal changes and mutation status on miR-34a expression remain unknown. Methods: Differential expression of miR-34a-3p, MET, and genomic alterations were assessed in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets as well as primary HNSCC and adjacent normal tissue. The biological functions of miR-34a in HNSCC were investigated in samples derived from primary human tumors. The expression of MET was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and the molecular interaction of miR-34a and MET were demonstrated by RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation, and rescue experiments. Lastly, mouse xenograft and locked nucleic acid anti-miRs were used to evaluate the clinical relevance of miR-34a in HNSCC tumor growth and modulation of the tumor microenvironment in vivo.Results: Chromosome arm 1p loss and P53 mutations are both associated with lower levels of miR-34a. In HNSCC, miR-34a acts as a tumor suppressor and physically interacts with and functionally targets the proto-oncogene MET. We found that miR-34a suppresses HNSCC carcinogenesis, at least in part, by downregulating MET, consequently inhibiting HNSCC proliferation. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-34a reduces HNSCC cell proliferation and tumor burden in vitro and in vivo, represses expression of genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and negates the oncogenic effect of MET in mouse tumors. In HNSCC patient samples, higher levels of miR-34a are significantly associated with a higher frequency of Th1 cells, myeloid cells, and regulatory T cells. Consistent with these findings, inhibition of miR-34a in an in vivo model of HNSCC leads to an increased number of immunosuppressive PDL1-expressing tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that miR-34a directly targets MET and maintains anti-tumor immune activity, and could potentially represent a new therapeutic approach for HNSCC.
Role of Personal Protective Measures in Prevention of COVID-19 Spread among Physicians in Bangladesh: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Khalil Md. Musab , Alam Md Mashiul , Arefin Mostafa Kamal , Chowdhury Mamunur Rashid , Huq Muhammad Rezeul , Chowdhury Joybaer Anam , Khan Ahad Mahmud
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the role of personal protective measures in the prevention of COVID-19 spread among the physicians working at different health facilities in Bangladesh.MethodsThis hospital-based cross-sectional comparative was conducted from May to June 2020. A total of 98 COVID-19 positive physicians and 92 COVID-19 negative physicians (physicians having no symptoms of COVID-19 or tested negative), were enrolled. The questionnaire was adapted from a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for risk assessment and management of exposure of health care workers in the context of COVID-19. Data was collected from the respondents online using google forms.ResultsThere was no significant difference in baseline information between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative physicians. The physicians, who were unaware of direct participation in COVID-19 patient care, had higher odds of being COVID-19 positive (OR= 4.018; CI: 1.532-10.535). Also, the physicians, who were unaware of the COVID-19 status while performing aerosol generated procedure (AGP), had a higher chance of being COVID-19 positive, had a higher chance of being COVID-19 positive (OR= 2.522; CI: 1.020-6.233). Using face shields/goggles (OR=0.437; CI:0.228-0.837), regular decontamination of the patient’s surroundings (OR=0.392; CI:0.176-0.873) while usual take care of patients and use of N95 masks while performing AGP (OR=0.372; CI:0.159-0.873) had protective roles against COVID-19 among the physicians. The physicians who had reused the medical gown had two times more chance of being tested positive for COVID-19 than those who had not reused it (OR= 2.3; CI:1.251-4.259).ConclusionThe use of face shield/goggles and N95 masks and decontamination of the patient’s surroundings may give protection against COVID-19. Also, reusing medical gown should be avoided as much as possible.
The experience of Hamad General Hospital collaborative anticoagulation clinic in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abdallah Ibtihal , Eltahir Asma , Fernyhough Liam , El-Bardissy Ahmed , Ahmed Rana , Abdulgelil Mohamed , Elgaily Dina , Mohammed AbdulMoqeeth , Jassim Ameena , Barakat Loluwa , Al-Ansari Mazin , Javed Mehak , Alkhawaja Raja , Elzouki Abdel-nasser
Published: August 2020

Hamad General Hospital Anticoagulation Clinic is one of the largest collaborative-practice clinics of its type in Qatar. The patients being followed at this clinic are typically complex and vulnerable. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, measures were implemented at the clinic to minimize the exposure of patients and healthcare providers to the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and to promote social distancing. These measures included extending INR-recall period, switching to direct oral anticoagulant drugs whenever feasible, home visits to elderly and immunocompromised patients for INR testing, establishing an anticoagulation hotline, and relocation of warfarin dispensing from the main pharmacy to the anticoagulation clinic. In addition, the clinic shifted its multidisciplinary team meetings onto an online platform using Microsoft Teams. Telehealth consultations were extensively utilized to closely follow up with the patients and ensure that anticoagulation efficacy and safety remained optimal. The aim of this paper is to share our experience and describe the measures adopted by the clinic as part of the Hamad Medical Corporation response to the emerging situation.
Discovery of novel SSR markers from transcriptome data of Astronium fraxinifolium Schott, a threatened tree species in Brazil
Authors: Cornacini Maiara , Manoel Ricardo Oliveira , Alcantara Marcelo , Moraes Mário , Silva Edvaldo , Neto Leonel Pereira , Sebbenn Alexandre , Rossini Bruno , Marino Celso
Published: August 2020

Background

Astronium fraxinifolium is an endangered tree species from Brazil. Due to its high importance for environmental reforestation, as well as for the use of its wood, it is necessary to implement management programs for conservation of this species. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) or microsatellite markers have been widely used in population genetic studies across diverse organisms. In this study, we reported for the first time SSR markers for A. fraxinifolium as well as its frequency and distribution from transcriptome data.
Results

More than 125 thousand RNA-seq sequences derived microsatellites, with predominant distribution of trinucleotides repeats. From the initial screening, we selected 20 microsatellite loci, validated and evaluated genetic indexes in two natural populations. All loci were polymorphic, ranging from four to eleven alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 1.0 and from 0.533 to 1.0, respectively. Genetic differentiation between populations (= 0.363) showed higher diversity within than among populations.
Conclusions

The developed SSR loci from RNA-seq consists in a base for future studies of genetic diversity and population structure, mating system and gene flow in A. fraxinifolium populations as well as related species, aiming the conservation and management of the species.
Asymmetric butterfly velocities in 2-local Hamiltonians
Authors: Zhang Yong-Liang , Khemani Vedika
Published: August 2020

The speed of information propagation is finite in quantum systems with local interactions. In many such systems, local operators spread ballistically in time and can be characterized by a ``butterfly velocity", which can be measured via out-of-time-ordered correlation functions. In general, the butterfly velocity can depend asymmetrically on the direction of information propagation. In this work, we construct a family of simple 2-local Hamiltonians for understanding the asymmetric hydrodynamics of operator spreading. Our models live on a one dimensional lattice and exhibit asymmetric butterfly velocities between the left and right spatial directions. This asymmetry is transparently understood in a free (non-interacting) limit of our model Hamiltonians, where the butterfly speed can be understood in terms of quasiparticle velocities.
New insights towards disinfecting viruses – short notes
Authors: Ghernaout Djamel , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Al Arni Saleh
Published: August 2020

Water treatment specialists need more and more to understand how viruses behave in potable water pipes and wastewater setups. This work discusses the late advances in dealing with viruses present in water treatment processes. Activated carbon adsorption (ACA) remains one of the most efficient and credible physicochemical methods. Nanoparticles have been utilized to turn activated carbon into a more efficient sorbent. Membrane filtration could lead to total elimination of viruses and ensure the safety of drinking water plants. As a feasible utilization for disinfecting potable water, solar disinfection (SODIS) remains a green and cost-efficient technology with its optical and thermal pathways and deserves more interest in its large and industrial implementation. Identically, solar distillation remains a viable solution for disinfecting and treating water. The water treatment techniques that are currently utilized for surface water treatment are appropriate for eliminating viruses like influenza A viruses, as proved by the literature. More strict precautions have to be taken to secure viruses' total elimination from water and wastewater as for influenza A and H5N1 in terms of advanced oxidation processes, ACA, and membrane processes application. Before reaching surface water, pathogens have to be removed efficiently from hospital and municipal wastewaters.
Obesity and Insulin Resistance: Associations with Chronic Inflammation, Genetic and Epigenetic Factors
Authors: Gasmi Amin , Noor Sadaf , Menzel Alain , Doşa Alexandru , Pivina Lyudmila , Bjørklund Geir
Published: August 2020

Background:

Obesity is known to be a multifactorial disease. In its pathogenesis,
different factors such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, genetic factors,
environmental effects, vegetative disturbance, and unbalanced nutrition play a significant
role.

Methodology:

This study describes the association of obesity and insulin resistance with
chronic inflammation, genetic, and epigenetic factors. Previous literature has been reviewed
to explain the relation of obesity with those factors involved in chronic low-grade inflammation
and insulin.

Results:

Obesity is associated with a decrease in ghrelin secretion, elevated plasma leptin levels,
oxidative stress, increased macrophage phagocytic activity, and the induction of proinflammatory
synthesis of cytokines and interferon-gamma. Obesity is linked to decreased
levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and impaired detoxification processes. Deficiency
of vitamins and minerals can also play a significant role in the development of oxidative stress
and chronic inflammation in obesity. There is evidence of associations between a genetic predisposition
to obesity in children with elevated levels of certain miRNAs.

Conclusion:

The purpose of the present review is an analysis of the multiple factors associated
with obesity.
Effect of Capsinoids Supplementation on Fat Oxidation and Muscle Glycogen Restoration During Post-exercise Recovery in Humans
Authors: Liao Su-Fen , Korivi Mallikarjuna , Tsao Jung-Piao , Huang Chun-Ching , Chang Chia-Chen , Cheng I-Shiung
Published: August 2020

Background:

Capsinoids (CSN), the novel non-pungent capsaicin analogs have been reported to promote
metabolic health and exercise tolerance. However, the effect of CSN on fat oxidation and changes in skeletal
muscle glycogen levels during post-exercise recovery has not been investigated in humans.

Purpose:

We examined the effect of CSN supplementation on energy reliance, glycogen resynthesis and molecular
proteins in the skeletal muscle of young adults during post-exercise recovery.

Methods:

In this crossover-designed study, nine healthy adult male volunteers (aged 21.4±0.2 years, BMI
21.9±1.3 kg/m2) completed a 60-min cycling exercise at 70% VO2max. Participants consumed either CSN (12 mg,
single dosage) or placebo capsules with a high-carbohydrate meal (2 g carb/kg bodyweight) immediately after
exercise. Biopsied muscle samples (vastus lateralis), blood, and gaseous samples were obtained during 3h postexercise
recovery period.

Results:

We found that oral CSN supplementation right after exercise significantly altered the energy reliance on
fat oxidation during recovery. This was evidenced by lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and higher fat oxidation
rate in CSN trial. Despite this, acute CSN dosage does not contribute in enhancing the glycogen replenishment
in skeletal muscle during 3h recovery. We identified no significant differences in postprandial glucose
and insulin area under the curve in both trials. Western blot data showed an increased muscle GLUT4 expression,
but no significant response of p-Akt/Akt ratio with CSN during post-exercise recovery.

Conclusion:

Our findings conclude that acute CSN intake could change energy reliance on fat oxidation but is
unable to enhance muscle glycogen resynthesis during post-exercise recovery. Thus, ergogenic properties of CSN
in relevance to muscle glycogen restoration following exercise needs to be further investigated in young adults.
On the Cytotoxicity of Chiral Ruthenium Complexes Containing Sulfur Amino Acids against Breast Tumor Cells (MDA-231 and MCF-7)
Authors: Leite Celisnolia M. , de Araujo-Neto João Honorato , Corrêa Rodrigo S. , Colina-Vegas Legna , Martínez-Otero Diego , Martins Paulo R. , Silva Cristiane G. , Batista Alzir A.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Breast cancer is one of the most common types among women. Its incidence progressively
increases with age, especially after age 50. Platinum compounds are not efficient in the treatment of breast cancer,
highlighting the use of other metals for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents.

Objective:

This paper aims to obtain three new ruthenium compounds that incorporate sulfur amino acids in their
structures and to investigate their cytotoxic activity in breast tumor cell lines.

Methods:

Complexes with general formula [Ru(AA)(dppb)(bipy)] (complexes 1 and 2) or [Ru(AA)(dppb)
(bipy)]PF6 (complex 3), where AA = L-cysteinate (1), D-penicillaminate (2), and L-deoxyalliinate (3), dppb =
1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane and 2,2´-bipyridine, were obtained from the cis-[RuCl2(dppb)(bipy)] precursor.
The cytotoxicity of the complexes on MDA-MB-231 (triple negative human breast cancer); MCF-7 (double
positive human breast cancer) and V79 (hamster lung fibroblast) was performed by the MTT (4,5-
dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. The control agent was the cisplatin, which is a
commercially available drug for cancer treatment.

Results:

In complexes (1) and (2), the ligands are coordinated to the metal center by nitrogen and sulfur atoms, while in
complex (3) coordination is through the oxygen and nitrogen atoms. These suggestions are based on the infrared and
31P1H NMR data. For complexes (1) and (2), their X-ray structures were determined confirming this suggestion. The
three complexes are stable in a mixture of DMSO (80 %) and biological medium (20 %) for at least 48 h and presented
cytotoxicity against the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 tumor cells with reasonable selectivity indexes.

Conclusion:

Our work demonstrated that ruthenium complexes containing sulfur amino acids, bipyridines and
bisphosphines showed cytotoxicity against the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, in vitro, and that they interact
weakly with the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and the HSA (Human Serum Albumin) biomolecules.
Assessment of Male Students’ Basic Badminton Technique Development at High Schools
Authors: Chau Vinh Huy
Published: August 2020

Aim:

Assessment of male students’ basic badminton technique development at high schools

Objective:

Physical education is an integral part of high school curriculums, contributing to students’ comprehensive development, and badminton is a sport of special interest at this level.

Methods:

However, due to different starting points, academic pressure and lack of frequent practice, students’ badminton training and performance are affected more or less. From this situation, we recognize the need to assess student’s basic techniques in high school badminton teams.

Results:

The study results demonstrate that 3 out of 7 tests to assess male students’ techniques in high school badminton teams show obvious progress and statistical significance.

Conclusion:

In particular, the moving and making straight drop shots has the highest growth rate with W = 13.5%, tcalculated=3.53.
Personality, Leader-Member Exchanges, and Work Outcomes
Authors: Harris Kenneth J. , Harris Ranida B. , Eplion David M.
Published: August 2020

Cumulative research has found leader-member exchange (LMX), the quality of the relationships between supervisors and subordinates, to be a significant predictor of a number of important outcomes. However, relatively minimal work has been performed on variables that predict LMX, with even less attention paid to subordinate personality serving as an antecedent. This study tested the relationship between a number of personality variables and LMX. It further examined the potential for LMX to mediate the associations between different personality variables and organizational outcomes. We tested our hypotheses in a sample of 136 lottery workers and found support for the majority of our predictions.
The Role of Gender and Work Experience on Career and Work Force Diversity Expectations
Authors: Sallop Lori J. , Kirby Susan L.
Published: August 2020

Graduating business students at a large public university participated in a study designed to gain insight into the effects of gender and work experience on salary expectations, career characteristics, job search methods and intensity, internship participation, expected hours required and willingness to work, and sensitivity to gender issues. The study reveals that students with more work experience while in college place greater importance on higher compensation than students with less experience. The study finds that female students place greater importance on work life balance and cultural fit within the organization and are more aware of, and sensitive to, gender issues.