bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression Increases Hospital Costs and Length of Stay in Patients Recovering on the General Care Floor
Authors: Khanna Ashish , Saager Leif , Bergese Sergio , Jungquist Carla , Morimatsu Hiroshi , Uezono Shoichi , Ti Lian Kah , Soto Roy , Jiang Wei , Buhre Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

Background: Opioid-induced respiratory depression is common on the general care floor. However, the clinical and economic burden of respiratory depression is not well-described. The PRediction of Opioid-induced respiratory Depression In patients monitored by capnoGraphY (PRODIGY) trial created a prediction tool to identify patients at risk of respiratory depression. The purpose of this retrospective sub-analysis was to examine healthcare utilization and hospital cost associated with respiratory depression.Methods: 1,335 patients (N=769 United States patients) enrolled in the PRODIGY trial received parenteral opioids and underwent continuous capnography and pulse oximetry monitoring. Cost data was retrospectively collected for 420 United States patients. Differences in healthcare utilization and costs between patients with and without ≥1 respiratory depression episode were determined. The impact of respiratory depression on hospital cost per patient was evaluated using a propensity weighted generalized linear model.Results: Patients with ≥1 respiratory depression episode had a longer length of stay (6.4 ± 7.8 days vs 5.0 ± 4.3 days, p=0.009) and higher hospital cost ($21,892 ± $11,540 vs $18,206 ± $10,864, p=0.002) compared to patients without respiratory depression. Patients at high risk for respiratory depression, determined using the PRODIGY risk prediction tool, who had ≥1 respiratory depression episode had higher hospital costs compared to high risk patients without respiratory depression ($21,948 ± $9,128 vs $18,474 ± $9,767, p=0.0495). Propensity weighted analysis identified 17% higher costs for patients with ≥1 respiratory depression episode (p=0.007). Length of stay significantly increased total cost, with cost increasing exponentially for patients with ≥1 respiratory depression episode as length of stay increased.Conclusions: Respiratory depression on the general care floor is associated with a significantly longer length of stay and increased hospital costs. Early identification of patients at risk for respiratory depression may reduce the incidence of respiratory depression and its associated clinical and economic burden.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02811302
Eastern equatorial Pacific warming delayed by aerosols and thermostat response to CO2
Authors: Heede Ulla , Fedorov Alexey
Published: January 2021

Understanding the tropical Pacific response to global warming remains a challenging problem. Here, we assess the recent and future evolution of the equatorial Pacific east-west temperature gradient, and the Walker circulation, across a range of different greenhouse warming experiments within the CMIP6 dataset. In abrupt CO2-increase scenarios many models generate an initial strengthening of this gradient resembling an ocean thermostat (OT), followed by a small weakening; other models generate an immediate weakening that becomes progressively larger establishing a pronounced eastern equatorial Pacific (EP) warming pattern. The initial response in these experiments is a very good predictor for the future EP pattern simulated in both abrupt and realistic warming scenarios, but not in historical simulations showing no multi-model trend. The likely explanation is that recent CO2-driven changes in the tropical Pacific are masked by aerosol effects, and a potential OT delay, while the EP warming pattern will emerge as greenhouse gases overcome aerosol forcing.
Ameliorative effect of Ascorbic acid and biochar on Growth, and antioxidant enzymes on early Seedling of Sorghum under Salinity Conditions
Authors: Elsiddig Aboagla , Zhou Guisheng , Ahmed Nimir
Published: January 2021

Salt stress is one of the major environmental stresses that limits the growth, antioxidant defense and sustainable crop productivity. A controlled study was done to determine the ameliorative effects of ascorbic acid (ASA) (0, 568, and 850 μM) and biochar (BC) (0, 2 and 4% BC [w/w]) on emergence, growth, and physiological attributes of sorghum grown under three salinity levels (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). High salinity stress significantly reduced emergence percentage, emergence rate, shoot length, root length, specific root length, total fresh weight (T.F.W), total dry weight (T.D.W), the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), but increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. At the 200 mM NaCl level, 850 μM ASA with 4% BC enhanced most of the physiological attributes determined. At the 200 mM salinity level, total dry weight of sorghum seedling was increased by 42.7% and 23.1% at 2% and 4% BC levels, respectively as compared with non-BC control. The highest emergence rate at 200 mM NaCl was achieved at 4% BC and 850 μM ASA level. Our study suggested that the combined application of ASA and BC at appropriate amount and concentration on sorghum seedling may be helpful in salt tolerance and getting increase antioxidant enzymes that mitigate harms affected by saline problems worldwide.
A dynamic basal complex modulates mammalian sperm movement
Authors: Khanal Sushil , Leung Miguel Ricardo , Royfman Abigail , Fishman Emily L. , Saltzman Barbara , Hermes Bloomfield-Gadêlha  , Zeev-Ben-Mordehai Tzviya , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: January 2021

Reproductive success depends on efficient sperm movement driven by dynein-mediated microtubule sliding in the axoneme 1-3. Models predict sliding at the base of the tail – the centriole – but such sliding has never been observed 4,5. Centrioles are evolutionarily-ancient organelles with a conserved architecture 6-8, and their rigidity is thought to restrict microtubule sliding 1. Here, we show that, in mammalian sperm, the atypical distal centriole (DC) and its surrounding atypical pericentriolar matrix 9,10 form a dynamic basal complex (DBC) that facilitates a cascade of internal sliding deformations, coupling tail beating with asymmetric head kinking. During asymmetric tail beating, the DC’s right side and its surroundings slide ~300 nm rostrally relative to the left side. This deformation is transmitted through the DBC to the head-tail junction; as a result, the head tilts to the left, generating a kinking motion. These findings suggest that the DBC evolved to act as a mechanotransducer, coupling sperm head and tail into a single self-coordinated system. The DBC may act as a morphological computer 11, regulating tail beating from external feedback imparted to the head during sperm navigation. We anticipate our findings will enable studies of coordinated motion in sperm and cilia in many contexts.
Magnitude, Cause, and Factors Associated with Early Mortality in the Adult Emergency Department of Tikur Anbesa Specialized Tertiary Hospital, Ethiopia: A Two Years Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Yosha Hanna , Tadele Achamyelesh , Teklu Sisay , Melese Kidest
Published: January 2021

Background: Adult emergency department mortality remains high in resource-limited lower-income countries. The majority of deaths occur within the first 72 hours of admission to the emergency department which is termed as early emergency department mortality. Many of these mortality’s can be alleviated with appropriate intervention. Though the magnitude, cause, and the time interval of death after their admission to the department have a huge aspect for the clinical world, however, studies on this topic lack adequate data. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude, cause, and factors related to early mortality in patients presented to the emergency department of Tikure Anbesa Specialized Tertiary Hospital, Ethiopia from March 2018 to 2020. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted to address the study objectives. Retrospective data were collected from the patients’ records who died in the emergency department from March 2018 to 2020. Data entered using Epi data 4.2.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Using the Chi-square test, binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to measure the association of variables of interest and the outcome variable (early emergency mortality). P-value < 0.05, odds ratio with 95% CI were used to identify the significant factors. Results: From the total identified emergency department death records, 506 (59.8) were early mortality. Triage category red AOR 0.23 95% CI 0.1-0.55, co-morbid disease HIV AIDS AOR 2.72 95% CI 1.01-7.30, residence Addis Ababa 2.78 (1.36-5.68) and Oromia 3.23 95% CI 1.58-6.54 and duration of illness 4-24 hour AOR 0.47 95% CI 0.26-0.87 were found significantly associated with early emergency department mortality. Conclusions and recommendations: The magnitude of early mortality was significant. Residence Addis Ababa and Oromia, triage category red, co-morbid disease HIV AIDS, and duration of symptom 4-24 hours were significantly associated with early emergency department mortality. Early detection and intervention are required to minimize emergency mortality.
Efficacy of a second-line treatment and prognostic factors in patients with advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a retrospective study
Authors: Kitadai rui , Shimoi Tatsunori , Sudo Kazuki , Noguchi Emi , Nagata Yusuke , Sawada Ryoichi , Takashima Atsuo , Boku Narikazu , Yonemori Kan
Published: January 2021

Background
A standard treatment for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma has not been established, and systemic chemotherapy is administered according to malignant pleural mesothelioma. We previously reported the efficacy of cisplatin plus pemetrexed as first-line chemotherapy; however, the efficacy of second-line chemotherapy remains unknown.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma who started first-line systemic chemotherapy with platinum plus pemetrexed between March 2007 and February 2019 at the National Cancer Center Hospital. Patients who received second-line chemotherapy after failure of platinum plus pemetrexed were identified. We evaluated the efficacy of first- and second-line chemotherapy, and explored the prognostic factors. Survival outcomes were determined using Kaplan-Meier estimation, and between-group differences were assessed using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models.
Results
A total of 54 and 26 patients received platinum plus pemetrexed as first- and second-line chemotherapy, respectively (gemcitabine in 12 patients; taxane, 6; nivolumab, 3; and others, 5). In all patients, the median overall survival and progression-free survival after first-line chemotherapy were 16.6 and 7.3 months, respectively. Among patients who received second-line chemotherapy, the median overall survival, progression-free survival, and second-line overall survival were 16.9, 3.2, and 9.9 months, respectively. Patients who received 6 or more cycles of platinum plus pemetrexed as first-line chemotherapy had longer overall survival after second-line chemotherapy than those who did not (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.82; p = 0.02).
Conclusions
Second-line chemotherapy can be an option for refractory malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, especially for patients who have completed 6 cycles of platinum plus pemetrexed as a first-line chemotherapy.
Formation and Activity Enhancement of Surface Hydrides by the Metal-Oxide Interface
Authors: Wang Beibei , Zhang Lunjia , Cai Jun , Peng Zheng , Cheng Peihong , Li Xiaobao , Zhang Hui , Yang Fan , Liu Zhi
Published: January 2021

The observation of hydride species in reduced ceria has triggered recent interest, because the formation of hydrides in solid catalysts has been limited although hydrides are widely explored in homogeneous catalysis as active species for hydrogenation reactions. Here, we proposed a strategy to enhance the formation and activity of surface hydrides on oxide-based catalysts via the construction of metal-oxide interface. Specifically, during the reaction with H2, Cu supported on CeO2 nano-rods (NRs) were found to enhance the formation of hydride species, with the capacity more than an order of magnitude higher than that of CeO2 NRs. Moreover, sub-nanometer clusters (sub-NCs) of Cu supported on CeO2 NRs could enhance the formation and activity of surface hydrides, much more superior than that of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) on CeO2 NRs. A combination of ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-PES) techniques has enabled in-situ measurements of hydrogen interaction and as such, to correlate directly the electronic structures of solid catalysts with their activity. A strong metal-support interaction between under-saturated Cu clusters with CeO2 was found to account for the enhanced stability and reactivity of surface hydrides at the (sub-NCs) Cu-CeO2 interface, which provides insight for the design of highly efficient catalysts for catalytic hydrogenation reactions.
Identification of NTRK3 as a potential prognostic biomarker associated with tumor mutation burden and immune infiltration in bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Yu Yongbo , Zhang Pengfei , Ma Guofeng , Zhang Mingxin , Liang Ye , Jiao Wei , Niu Haitao
Published: January 2021

Background
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a common malignant tumor of urinary system with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, immunotherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of BLCA. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) has been reported to be a powerful biomarker to predict tumor prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between TMB, prognosis and immune infiltration to excavate the key genes in BLCA.
Methods
Clinical information, somatic mutation and gene expression data of BLCA patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. According to the calculated TMB scores, patients were divided into high and low TMB groups. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to screen significantly enriched pathways. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups were identified. Univariate cox analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were applied for screening key genes. Immune infiltration was performed for TMB groups and NTRK3.
Results
Higher TMB scores were related with poor survival in BLCA. After filtering, 36 DEGs were identified. NTRK3 had the highest hazard ratio and significant prognostic value. Co-expressed genes of NTRK3 were mainly involved in several pathways, including DNA replication, basal transcription factors, complement and coagulation cascades, and ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes. There was a significant correlation among TMB scores, NTRK3 expression and immune infiltration.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that NTRK3 is a TMB-related prognostic biomarker, which lays the foundation for further research on the immunomodulatory effect of NTRK3 in BLCA.
SFRP2 Promotes Peritoneal Metastasis of Ovarian Cancer within Phosphorylation of GSK3β
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Qin Shimin Chen , Yuan Jianrong , Zhao Jianlong , Wang Yutong , Jin Jianqiang , Guo Xiaping
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe aim was to study further the molecular mechanism of ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis and the corresponding prognostic markers.MaterialsWe analysed the sequencing data of 10 pairs of primary ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastasis from GSE98281 to determine SFRP2 through GO, KEGG and GSEA analysis. Western blot, invasion and migration experiments were used to detect the biological effects of SFRP2 on ovarian cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect ovarian cancer in tissue samples from a TCGA-Ovarian Cancer cohort, and the survival analysis of SFRP2 was then performed.ResultsSFRP2 affected the phosphorylation level of GSK3β and upregulated the expression level of β-catenin. The high expression of SFRP2 in ovarian cancer cells improves cell invasion and migration capabilities. In histology studies, high expression of SFRP2 has increased the positive expression of β-catenin in the nucleus, and patients with high expression of SFRP2 had a worse prognosis. Similar results also appeared in ovarian cancer cases with high expression of SFRP2 mRNA in the TCGA data set.ConclusionSFRP2 activates the β-Catenin/Wnt signalling pathway through phosphorylation of GSK3β, which promotes the metastasis of ovarian cancer that leads to poor prognosis.
The Associations of Serum S100A9 with the Severity and Prognosis In Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Hong-Yan , Xiang Hui-Xian , Xiang Ying , Xu Zheng , Feng Chun-Mei , Fei Jun , Fu Lin , Zhao Hui
Published: January 2021

Background: Previous studies found that S100A9 may involve in the pathophysiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, the role of S100A9 in the CAP was unclear. The goal was to explore the correlations of serum S100A9 with the severity and prognosis of CAP patients based on a retrospective cohort study.Methods: A total of 220 CAP patients and 110 control subjects were recruited. Demographic and clinical data were extracted. Serum S100A9 and inflammatory cytokines were measured.Results: Serum S100A9 was elevated in CAP patients on admission. Furthermore, serum S100A9 was gradually elevated parallelly with CAP severity scores. Inflammatory cytokines were increased and blood routine parameters were changed in CAP patients compared with control subjects. Correlation analysis found that serum S100A9 was positively associated with CAP severity scores, blood routine parameters (WBC, NLR and MON) and inflammatory cytokines. Furtherly, logistical regression demonstrated that there were positive associations between serum S100A9 and CAP severity scores. Besides, the prognosis of CAP was tracked. Serum higher S100A9 on the early stage was positively correlated with the death of risk and hospital stay among CAP patients. Conclusion: Serum S100A9 is positively correlated with the severity of CAP. On admission, serum higher S100A9 elevates the risk of death and hospital stay in CAP patients, suggesting that S100A9 may exert a certain function in the pathophysiology of CAP and regard as a serum diagnostic and managing biomarker for CAP.
USP9X promotes apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma by modulation expression of KIF1Bβ via deubiquitinating EGLN3
Authors: Chen Weiqian , Song Jingjing , Liu Siyu , Tang Bufu , Shen Lin , Zhu Jinyu , Fang Shiji , Wu Fazong , Zheng Liyun , Qiu Rongfang , Chen Chunmiao , Gao Yang , Tu Jianfei , Zhao Zhongwei , Ji Jiansong
Published: January 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma represents the second most common primary liver malignancy. The incidence rate has constantly increased over the last decades. Cholangiocarcinoma silent nature limits early diagnosis and prevents efficient treatment. Here we demonstrated that USP9X is downregulated in cholangiocarcinoma which contributes to tumorigenesis. The expression of USP9X in cholangiocarcinoma inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro as well as xenograft tumorigenicity in vivo. Clinical data demonstrated that expression levels of USP9X were positively correlated with favorable clinical outcomes. Mechanistic investigations further indicated that USP9X was involved in the deubiquitination of EGLN3, a member of 2-oxoglutarate and iron-dependent dioxygenases. USP9X elicited tumor suppressor role by preventing degradation of EGLN3. Importantly, knockdown of EGLN3 impaired USP9X-mediated suppression of proliferation. USP9X positively regulated the expression level of apoptosis pathway genes KIF1Bβ through EGLN3 thus involved in apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Together, these findings help to understand that USP9X alleviates the malignant potential of cholangiocarcinoma through upregulation of EGLN3. Consequently, we provided novel insight into that USP9X is a potential biomarker or serves as a therapeutic or diagnostic target for cholangiocarcinoma.
Functional Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Proteins in Drosophila Identifies Orf6-induced Pathogenicity Attenuated by Selinexor
Authors: Zhu Jun-yi , Lee Jin-Gu , de Leemput Joyce van , Lee Hangnoh , Han Zhe
Published: January 2021

Background: SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 with a widely diverse disease profile that affect many different tissues. The mechanisms underlying its pathogenicity in host organisms remain unclear. Animal models for study the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 proteins are lacking. Methods: Using bioinformatic analysis, we showed that the majority of the virus-host interacting proteins are conserved in Drosophila. Therefore, we generated a series of transgenic lines for individual SARS-CoV-2 genes and used the Gal4-UAS system to express them in various tissues to study their pathogenicity. Results: We found that the Nsp6, Orf6 and Orf7a transgenic flies displayed reduced trachea branching and muscle deficits resulting in “held-up” wing phenotype and poor climbing ability. Furthermore, muscle tissue in these flies showed dramatically reduced mitochondria. Since Orf6 was found to bind nucleopore proteins XPO1, we tested Selinexor, a drug that inhibits XPO1, and found that it could attenuated the Orf6-induced lethality and tissue-specific phenotypes in flies. Conclusions: Our studies here established new Drosophila models for studying the function of SARS-CoV2 genes, identified Orf6 as a highly pathogenic protein in various tissues, and demonstrated the effects of Selinexor for inhibiting Orf6 toxicity with an in vivo model system.
Family Doctor Contract Services and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Chronic Diseases in Rural China: What Is the Role of Socioeconomic Status?
Authors: Li Zhixian , Li Jie , Fu Peipei , Chen Yan , Jing Zhengyue , Yuan Yemin , Yang Shijun , Yan Chen , Li Wenjuan , Li Jie , Gui Zhen , Zhou Chengchao
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe relationship between family doctor contract services (FDCS) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with chronic diseases in rural China was unknown. This study aims to explore the relationship between status of signing on FDCS and HRQOL among patients with chronic diseases and examine whether there are differences in the relationship between different socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsA total of 1,210 respondents were included in this study. HRQOL was measured by EQ-5D-3L. The contracting status was divided into uncontracted and contracted. Tobit regression and Logistic regression were employed to explore the association between contracting status and HRQOL. The interaction terms were included to explore the differences in the association among different SES status.ResultsContracting with family doctors was associated with HRQOL (coefficient = 0.042; 95%CI 0.008 to 0.075). The association was different among different socioeconomic levels that the contracting status was only associated with HRQOL in low-income (P < 0.01) and highly educated patients (P < 0.05). Compared with uncontracted patients, contracted patients reported higher ED-5D-3L utility value in the low-income group (coefficient = 0.116; 95%CI 0.039 to 0.194) and high educational attainment (coefficient = 0.236; 95%CI 0.095 to 0.377).Conclusions﻿This study found a significant association between FDCS and HRQOL among chronic patients in rural Shandong, China. This relationship varied by income levels and educational attainment. The government should take efforts to formulate a variety of measures to encourage chronic patients to contract with family doctors, with special attention to people with low SES.
Barriers in Adult Vitamin D Service Provision by Health Care Workers: a Qualitative Study in Three Ecologies of Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Wubegzier , Feleke Yeweyenhareg , Asnake Wubetsh , Haidar Jemal , Lambisso Biruk , Zewdie Tewabech , Desalegn Yakob
Published: January 2021

Background: Adult vitamin D deficiency, a public health problem in low-income countries, is correlated with increased mortality. Although health care workers (HCWs) in Ethiopia are educated on minerals counseling on the benefits of vitamin D and its sources is not witnessed since their knowledge is low. The main aim of this study is to explore barriers to good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of health care providers on adult vitamin D.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study is done in three ecologies covering highland, midland, and lowland. The size of 27 participants was fixed by saturation of ideas. In-depth interviews were conducted among leaders and HCWs of different professional groups in health centers and hospitals. Moderators were Ph.D. holders. An interview guide was developed after reviewing research that was translated into the local language. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and, translated. Open Code software was used to code and categorize the data. Thematic analysis is presented using themes and sub-themes.Result: The main barriers are related to health systems, HCWs’ understandings, health facilities, and the educational system. Lack of attention by the health systems’ leadership, missing adult vitamin D as a priority in health programs, and the absence of adult vitamin D management and treatment guidelines are barriers related to the health system. On the other hand, health care professionals believed that the prevalence of adult vitamin D deficiency is insignificant and vitamin D deficiency is only an issue related to children. Besides, the inadequacy of laboratory investigation and limited in-service training are barriers related to health facilities while the absence of studies and the focus of the medical curriculum on child vitamin D are barriers related to the education system. Conclusion: Adult vitamin D deficiency is a neglected public health problem with many barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Barriers are related to the professionals themselves, their leadership, health facilities, and the education system. The government should give attention to adult vitamin D management and treatment, continuous on the job training, development of guidelines, purchase of laboratory equipment, the inclusion of adult vitamin D in pre-service and, in-service training curriculums.
Extrarenal Testicle Wilms Tumor Followed the Operation of Left Hernia Sac High Ligation and Right Cryptorchidism Descent Fixation: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Jinjing , Li Yao , Luo Shuai , Zheng Hong
Published: January 2021

Background:The extrarenal Wilms tumor is a rare malignancy in the pediatric population. So far, no extrarenal testicle Wilms tumor followed the operation of left hernia sac high ligation and right cryptorchidism descent fixation has been reported in the literature. Case presentation: We researched an exceptionally unheard case of the extrarenal testicular Wilms tumor after the surgery of left hernia sac high ligation and right cryptorchidism descent fixation in a 2.8 years old boy. The patient was admitted to a hospital due to the evidence of huge scrotum mass six months after the operation of left hernia sac high ligation and right cryptorchidism descent fixation. A huge tumor ascending from the right testicular was found. Conclusions: Histology examination revealed the typical triphasic Wilms tumor elements such as epithelial, mesenchymal, and blastemal areas. This study revealed histopathological, clinical, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic characteristics of this infrequent tumor.
Association of Empirically Derived Food-based Inflammatory Potential of the Diet and Breast Cancer: A Hospital Based Case-control Study
Authors: Ghanbari Mahtab , Imani Hossein , Shahinfar Hossein , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: January 2021

Background: Diet may be a modifiable factor in the prevention of breast cancer (BC) by modulating inflammation. We used a food-based empirical dietary inflammatory index (FDII) to evaluate the association between FDII and odds of breast cancer in Iranian women.Methods: The present case-control study carried out on 150 age-matched women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and controls. Data for dietary intake and anthropometric measures were collected. FDII score was developed according to participants dietary intakes of 21 pre-defined food groups. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to investigate the association of empirically derived food-based inflammatory potential of the diet and breast cancer. Results: Our finding indicated that participants in the top tertile of FDII score had a higher odds of breast cancer (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.14 - 2.53, P=0.01) compared with those in the first tertile. . After controlling confounders, multivariate logistic regressions showed in those at the third tertile of FDII chance of breast cancer was 1.7 times higher than those in the first terile (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.12- 2.58, P=0.01). Conclusions: The results of our study suggested that more pro-inflammatory diets (higher FDII scores) are associated with increased breast cancer risk. These findings suggest that developing an effective dietary modification based on FDII may reduce risk of breast cancer.
Attenuated Input to the Primary Somatosensory Cortex is Associated with the Occurrence of Rubber Hand Illusion
Authors: Sakamoto Masanori , Ifuku Hirotoshi
Published: January 2021

The neural representation of the body is easily altered by the integration of multiple sensory signals in the brain. The “rubber hand illusion” (RHI) is one of the most popular experimental paradigms to investigate this phenomenon. During this illusion, ownership of the rubber hand is created. Some studies have shown that somatosensory processing in the brain is attenuated when RHI occurs. However, it is unknown where attenuation of somatosensory inputs occurs. Here, we show that somatosensory input from the hand is attenuated at the primary somatosensory cortex. We found that the early response of somatosensory evoked potential, which is thought to originate from the primary somatosensory cortex, was attenuated during RHI. Furthermore, this attenuation was observed before the occurrence of the illusion. Our results suggest that attenuation of somatosensory inputs from the hand to the brain is one of the factors influencing the occurrence of the RHI.
Familial SYN1 Pathogenic Mutations Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Asian Pediatric Patients
Authors: Xiong Juan , Duan Haolin , Chen Shimeng , Kessi Miriam , He Fang , Deng Xiaolu , Zhang Ciliu , Yang Li , Peng Jing , Yin Fei
Published: January 2021

Background: SYN1 encodes synapsin I, which is a neuronal phosphoprotein in relation to the membranes of small synaptic vesicles. Pathogenic variants in the gene have been confirmed as genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: In our study, we collected clinical information of two male probands with intellectual disability, and performed whole exome sequencing on both patients and their parents. We also reviewed more SYN1 variant cases in pervious publications.Results: Two maternally inherited variants in SYN1 gene (NM_133499:c.C1076A (p.T359K) in proband A and NM_133499:c.C1444T (p. Q482X) in proband B) were found in our patients, which have never been described in detail before. After a literature review, we found that all probands have been reported so far were male, who inherited the significant SYN1 variants from their asymptomatic or mild affected mother. Although the disease encompasses three main clinical presentations: mental deficiency, easily controlled reflex seizure and behavior problems, the phenotypes of family members vary in gender.Conclusion: Here, we firstly report two familial SYN1-related neurodevelopmental disorders in Asian pediatric patients. Our results supported that gender and phenotype differences should be highly valued in this disorder.
Analysis of Risk Factors of Bladder Neck Contracture Following Transurethral Surgery of Prostate
Authors: Chen Yi Zhong , Lin Wun-Rong , Chow Yung-Chiong , Tsai Wei-Kung , Chiu Allen W. , Chen Marcelo
Published: January 2021

Backgrounds: The aim of the present study was to investigate the preoperative parameters associated with bladder neck contracture (BNC) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or Thulium vaporesection, vapoenucleation or enucleation of the prostate (ThuP) and to compare the incidence of BNC after TURP and ThuP. Methods: Between March 2008 and March 2020, 2,363 patients received TURP and 1,656 patients received ThuP at Mackay Memorial Hospital. A total of 62 patients developed BNC. These BNC patients were age-and operation-matched to 124 randomly sampled TURP/ThuP controls without BNC. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that when compared with patients without BNC, those with BNC had smaller prostates (43.0±18.95 ml vs 57.2±19.84 ml, p<0.001), lower resection weight (11.64±11.75 g vs 16.67±12.84 g, p=0.001), shorter operative times (43.0±30.9 min vs 57.2±34.5, p<0.001), and slower resection speed (0.124±0.081 g/min vs 0.151±0.952 g/min, p=0.041). A greater proportion of BNC patients had history of cerebrovascular accidents (11/62 vs 7/124, p=0.009), coronary artery disease(14/48 vs 16/108, p=0.03), chronic kidney disease (14/62 vs 11/124, p=0.01), and two or more comorbidities (29/62 vs 27/124, p=0.001). A ROC curve predicted that a prostate volume <42.9cm3 was associated with a notably higher rate of BNC. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that incidence of BNC was the same in TURP and ThuP and low prostate volume, low resection speed and ≥2 comorbidities were positively correlated with the development of BNC after TURP or ThuP.
A Network-Biology led Computational Drug repurposing Strategy to prioritize therapeutic options for COVID-19
Authors: Khurana Pankaj , Varshney Rajeev , gupta Aporv
Published: January 2021

The alarming pandemic situation of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (nSARS-CoV-2) infection, high drug development cost and slow process of drug discovery have made repositioning of existing drugs for therapeutics a popular alternative. It involves the repurposing of existing safe compounds which results in low overall development costs and shorter development timeline. In the present study, a computational network-biology approach has been used for comparing three candidate drugs i.e. quercetin, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and 2-deoxy-glucose (2-DG) to be effectively repurposed against COVID-19. For this, the associations between these drugs and genes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) diseases were retrieved and a directed drug-gene-gene-disease interaction network was constructed. Further, to quantify the associations between a target gene and a disease gene, the shortest paths from the target gene to the disease genes were identified. A vector DV was calculated to represent the extent to which a disease gene was influenced by these drugs. Quercetin was quantified as the best among the three drugs, suited for repurposing with DV of -70.19, followed by NAC with DV of -39.99 and 2-DG with DV of -13.71. The drugs were also assessed for their safety and efficacy balance (in terms of therapeutic index) using network properties. It was found that quercetin was a forerunner than other two drugs.
Impact of Device Scaling on the Electrical Properties of MoS2 Field-effect Transistors
Authors: Arutchelvan Goutham , Smets Quentin , Verreck Devin , Ahmed Zubair , Gaur Abhinav , Sutar Surajit , Jussot Julien , Groven Benjamin , Heyns Marc , Lin Dennis , Asselberghs Inge , Radu Iuliana
Published: January 2021

Two-dimensional semiconducting materials are considered as ideal candidates for ultimate device scaling. However, a systematic study on the performance and variability impact of scaling the different device dimensions is still lacking. Here we investigate the scaling behavior across 1300 devices fabricated on large-area grown MoS2 material with channel length down to 30 nm, contact length down to 13 nm and capacitive effective oxide thickness (CET) down to 1.9 nm. These devices show best-in-class performance with transconductance of 185 μS/μm and a minimum subthreshold swing (SS) of 86 mV/dec. We find that scaling the top-contact length has no impact on the contact resistance and electrostatics of three monolayers MoS2 transistors, because edge injection is dominant. Further, we identify that SS degradation occurs at short channel length and can be mitigated by reducing the CET and lowering the Schottky barrier height. Finally, using a power performance area (PPA) analysis, we present a roadmap of material improvements to make 2D devices competitive with Silicon gate-all-around devices.
Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Work and Private Life, Mental Well-Being and Self-Rated Health in German and Swiss Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tušl Martin , Brauchli Rebecca , Kerksieck Philipp , Bauer Georg
Published: January 2021

Background: The COVID-19 crisis has radically changed the way people live and work. While most studies have focused on prevailing negative consequences, potential positive shifts in everyday life have received less attention. Thus, we examined the actual and perceived overall impact of the COVID-19 crisis on work and private life, and the consequences for mental well-being (MWB), and self-rated health (SRH) in German and Swiss employees.Methods: Cross-sectional data from 2,118 German and Swiss employees (18–65 years) were collected. Using logistic regression, we analyzed how sociodemographic factors and the actual changes in work and private life routines were associated with participants’ perceived overall impact of the COVID-19 crisis on work and private life. Moreover, we explored how the perceived impact and the actual changes were associated with MWB and SRH.Results: About 30% of employees reported that their work and private life had worsened, whereas about 11% reported improvements in work and 14% in private life as a result of the crisis. Mandatory short-time work was strongly associated with perceived negative impact on work life, while work from home, particularly if experienced for the first time, was strongly associated with a perceived positive impact on work life. Concerning private life, younger age, living alone, reduction in leisure time, and changes in quantity of caring duties were strongly associated with perceived negative impact on private life. In contrast, living with a partner or family, short-time work, and increases in leisure time and caring duties were associated with perceived positive impact on private life. Perceived negative impact of the crisis on work and private life was associated with lower MWB and SRH. Moreover, perceived positive impact on private life was associated with higher MWB. Finally, mandatory short-time work was negatively associated with MWB and SRH, and an increase in leisure time was positively associated with MWB and SRH.Conclusion: The results of this study show the differential impact of the COVID-19 crisis on people’s work and private life as well as the consequences for MWB and SRH. This may inform target groups and situation-specific interventions to ameliorate the crisis.
Forests can help diminish the number of dengue cases in Costa Rica
Authors: Piaggio Matias , Pacay Eduardo , Robalino Juan , Ricketts Taylor
Published: January 2021

Approximately 3.9 billion people are at risk of infection with dengue fever, a group of viruses transmitted by mosquitos.1,2 In 2019 Central America has suffered a strong dengue epidemic.3 Costa Rica has almost doubled the number of dengue cases between in the first 24 epidemilogical weeks of 2019 regarding the same period in the previous year.4 In the Americas, forest cover is thought to diminish anthropogenic habitats for mosquito larvae, as well as increase the presence of their predators.5,6 Here we estimate the marginal effects of increasing forest cover on dengue prevalence, using econometric models to relate hospital admission records and forest cover maps from 2001 and 2011. We find that increasing the percentage of forest cover significantly decreased both the number of hospital admissions for dengue and the probability of an outbreak. Using the same models, we predict that increasing forest cover by one percentage point would have avoided between 85 to 103 dengue hospital admissions per year. This represents savings between USD 21,500 to 295,000 per year, depending on the severity of dengue cases. Our study shows that forest conservation can be a public health investment that increases welfare both by avoiding sickness and by reducing associated health care expenditures. Understanding the contribution of nature to diminish the risk of disease outbreaks turn even more urgent and important under the COVID-19 global pandemic the world has faced in 2020.7,8
Resting Energy Expenditure in Elite Athletes: Development of New Predictive Equations Based on Anthropometric Variables and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Derived Phase Angle
Authors: Marra Maurizio , Vincenzo Olivia Di , Cioffi Iolanda , Sammarco Rosa , Morlino Delia , Scalfi Luca
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAn accurate estimation of athletes’ energy needs is crucial in diet planning to improve sport performance and to maintain an appropriate body composition. This study aimed to develop and validate in elite athletes new equations for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) based on anthropometric parameters as well as bioimpedance analysis-(BIA) derived raw variables and to validate the accuracy of selected predictive equations.MethodsAdult elite athletes aged 18-40 years were studied. Anthropometry, indirect calorimetry and BIA were performed in all subjects. The new predictive equations were generated using different regression models. Prediction accuracy of the new equations was assessed and compared with the one of five equations for estimating REE in normal-weight subjects and three athletes-specific predictive formulas as suggested in the literature.ResultsOne-hundred and twenty-six male athletes from different sport specialties were randomly assigned to the calibration (n=75) or validation group (n=51). REE was directly correlated with individual characteristics, except for age, and raw BIA variables. Most of the equations from the literature were reasonably accurate at the population level (bias ±5%). The new equations showed a mean bias -0.3% (Equation A based on anthropometric parameters) and -0.6% (Equation B based on (BIA) derived raw variables). Individual accuracy was ~75% in six out of eight of the selected equations and was even higher for Equation A (82.4%) and equation B (92.2%).ConclusionIn elite athletes, BIA-derived phase angle is a significant predictor of REE. The new equations have a very good prediction accuracy at both group and individual levels. The use of PhA as predictor of REE requires further research with respect to different sport specialties, training programs and training level.
Determinants of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Breastfeeding Using Validated Instruments in Pregnant Women From a Rural Setting in Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Misra Abdulahi , Fretheim Atle , Argaw Alemayehu , Magnus Jeanette H.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundUnderstanding the important underlying determinants of maternal knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding guides the development of context-specific interventions aimed at increasing the rates of optimal breastfeeding practices. However, studies that used validated instruments to assess breastfeeding knowledge and attitude are nonexistent in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess the level and determinants of breastfeeding knowledge and attitude using validated instruments in pregnant women who participated in breastfeeding education and support intervention in a rural district in Ethiopia.Methods468 pregnant women in their second or third trimester were interviewed at baseline to assess their knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding practices using locally adapted and validated instruments. We used the Afan-Oromo versions of the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire (BFKQ-AO) and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS-AO). Breastfeeding knowledge and attitude scores were standardized based on the distribution of the population and multiple linear regression models were fitted to identify the independent determinants knowledge and attitude.Results52.4% of the mothers had a high level of knowledge while 60.9% of the women had a neutral attitude towards breastfeeding. In a multiple linear regression model, the maternal occupation was the only predictor of the overall BFKQ-AO score (0.56 SD; 95% CI, 1.28, 4.59 SD; P=0.009). Age (0.57 SD; 95% CI, 0.24, 0.90 SD; P=0.001), parity (-0.24 SD; 95%CI, -0.47, -0.02SD; P=0.034), antenatal care visits (0.41 SD; 95% CI, (0.07, 0.74 SD; P=0.017) and the BFKQ score (0.08 SD; 95% CI, 0.06, 0.09 SD; P<0.000) were predictors of the IIFAS-AO score.Conclusions﻿Although more than half of the respondents had adequate knowledge about breastfeeding, most women had a neutral attitude towards breastfeeding. Occupation of mothers was an independent predictor of breastfeeding knowledge, whereas age, parity, antenatal care visits, and breastfeeding knowledge score were predictors of breastfeeding attitude. Thus, policymakers and managers should address these factors when planning educational interventions on breastfeeding to improve knowledge and attitude thereby improving breastfeeding practices.
System Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate Core Component Group and Molecular Mechanisms of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in the Treatment of Gbm
Authors: Lin Zhiying , Wang Kexin , Yang Runwei , Li Zhiyong , Yi Guozhong , Lu Aiping , Pan Xinghua , Liu Yawei , Peng Junxiang , Zhang Zhu , Guan Daogang , Huang Guanglong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundXuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYD) is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula that has many pharmacological effects, including enhancing immune function, improving hemorheology and regulating blood vessels bidirectionally. Modern pharmacological and clinical studies showed that XFZYD could ameliorate curative effect of glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of this study was to interpret core components and the hidden molecular mechanisms of XFZYD on GBM. MethodsHere, a novel network pharmacology strategy, which combined pharmacological data, next generation sequencing data, pharmacokinetic parameters and a novel node importance calculation method was designed to decipher the potential therapeutic mechanism of XFZYD on GBM. The partial components in core component group (CCG) were evaluated by in vitro expriments. We identified 117 chemical components analysis through ADME screening, then component-target network and GBM related genes were integrated as the component-target-pathogenic gene (C-T-P) network. ResultsThe results show that the enriched pathways of targets in the key functional network could cover 77.92% of the enriched pathways of pathogenic genes. A novel cumulative contribution rate (CCR) calculation model was designed and captured CCG with 21 components. The statistics results indicate that 15 enriched pathways of the targets of CCG were overlap with pathogenic genes enriched pathways. Finally, some core components in CCG were validated by in vitro experiments. Conclusion﻿The results show that our proposed stategy for decoding CCG and infering the underlying mechanism with good reliability and accuracy. The validation results indicate that the CCG play a therapeutic role on GBM by targeting to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Our strategy provides methodological reference for the optimization and secondary development of TCM formula.