bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of CARA Mandates on Nurse Practitioner Controlled Substance Prescribing in Oregon: A Cohort Study
Authors: Klein Tracy A , Hartung Daniel , Markwardt Sheila
Published: September 2021

Background: In 2017, the United States Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) expanded authorization to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder to nurse practitioners (NPs). In contrast to physicians, NPs were required to complete 16 additional hours of training on controlled substance prescribing before a buprenorphine waiver application. As this differential additional education mandate was seen as a potential barrier, we sought to evaluate the impact of this requirement on both waiver acquisition and prescribing of controlled substances, comparing NPs who obtained waivers to those who had not.Methods: Through 2016-2018 Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and linked NP licensure data, we identify factors associated with waiver acquisition at baseline (2016), and evaluated changes in controlled substance prescribing before (2016) and after waiver acquisition (2018). Using chi-square and Mann-Whitny U testing, we calculated and described controlled substance prescribing types, rates, and patient level quantities including co-prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids by NPs. Multivariable linear regression compared prescribing by waivered and non-waivered NPs for significant changes in non-buprenorphine controlled substance prescribing.Results: Waivered NPs were more likely to have a psychiatric certification, have prior disciplinary action, and have generally higher levels of non-buprenorphine controlled substance prescribing than their non-waivered counterparts.. While there was a significant increase in opioid prescriptions per patient among waivered NPs, following CARA implementation, co-prescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids significantly declined among waivered NPs relative to non-waivered NPsConclusions: Although educational requirements were rescinded in 2021 for most applicants, enhanced opioid prescribing training should be incorporated into professional educational offerings regardless of regulatory mandate. We recommended continued focus on education regarding avoidance of high risk prescribing such as co-prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines. NPs who acquire waivers may take on higher risk patients who are already using opioids and these findings may represent transitions in practice and patient setting.
Anti-dripping flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polylactide/ammonium polyphosphate/rayon fiber composites
Authors: Cheng Kuo-Chung , Wan Tsung-Chieh , Kang Chung-Yu , Tseng Sheng-Mao
Published: September 2021

Polylactide (PLA) composites containing a flame retadant, ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and short rayon fiber were prepared by direct melting compounding in a brabender. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the neat PLA sample was only 20.5%, which was increased to 29% by adding 15 wt% APP and 15% rayon to the PLA matrix (sample A15R15) as an example. During the UL-94 vertical flammability test, flame dripping was further avoided by adding the rayon fiber, and a V-0 rating was achieved. The char residue determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) increased with increasing APP content in the PLA composites. However, the PLA composite revealed a loss in mechanical tensile modulus and strength due to the APP addition, which was improved when rayon fiber was added to replace a portion of APP.
Multi-performance Target Collaborative Optimization Methods for Battery Electric Vehicle
Authors: Yawei Chen , Qian Chen , Jurui Liu , Xixiang Hao , Chenheng Yuan
Published: September 2021

The present studies on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has mainly focused on the single-objective or weighted multi-objective optimization based on energy management, which can not manifest the coupling relationship among the vehicle performance objectives essentially. To optimize the handling stability, ride comfort and economy of BEV, this paper built the stability dynamics analysis model, ride comfort simulation half-car model and power consumption calculation model of BEV, as well as two-point virtual random excitation model on Level B road and proposed related evaluation indexes, including vehicle handling stability factor, weighted acceleration root-mean-square (RMS) value of vertical vibration at the driver’s seat and power consumption per 100 m at a constant speed. The Pareto optimum principle–based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) of BEV was also designed, which was encoded with real numbers and obtained the target values of all optional schemes via MATLAB/Simulink simulation software. The merits and demerits of alternative schemes could be judged according to the Pareto dominance principle, so that alternative schemes obtained after optimization were realizable. The results of simulation experiment suggest that the proposed algorithm can perform the multi-objective optimization on BEV, and obtain a group of Pareto optimum solutions featured by high handling stability, favorable ride comfort and low energy consumption for the decision-makers.
Factors Associated with Social Avoidance of Recovered COVID-19 Patients in Iran: A National Study
Authors: Aghamolaei Teamur , Mohseni Shokrollah , alavi Azin , chalak mohammed hossein , Takhti Hesamaddin Kamalzadeh , Ranaei vahid , dadipoor sakineh
Published: September 2021

Background: Misconceptions about the infection and health consequences of recovered Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients often lead to a fear, social avoidance and discriminatory attitude. The present study explored the Factors associated with social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude against recovered COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional online study was conducted on 3,836 Iranian participants above 15 years old. The participant selected conveniently between February 19, 2021 and May 21, 2021. The data collected using a reliable and valid questionnaire that developed by research team. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify the impact of factors related to social discrimination and discriminatory attitudes towards improved COVID-19 patients. Results: The results shows 56.72 and 49.06% of the population had social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude respectively. Furthermore, age, gender, education level, marital status, employment, presence of a recovered COVID-19 patient in family and place of residence were significant factors influencing social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude. As an instance, those in the 45-64 age group showed 1.1 times more social avoidance than the 20-29 age group. Also, men showed 37% less social avoidance than women. Social avoidance was significantly higher and the discriminatory attitude was higher in participants of lower education level. Besides, the job-related discriminatory attitude was 1.2 times higher in the 45-64 than the 20-29 age group. The discriminatory attitude was 16% less in men, 39%, 25% and 49% less, respectively in participants with a secondary school, diploma or university degree.Conclusions: To reduce social avoidance and job-related discriminatory attitude we suggest that the medical sector and relevant organizations provide clear and comprehensive information about improved COVID-19 patients to their families and general public through direct communication and the mass media. Base on the study results they need more focus on urban residents, women and families with a recovered member
Squamous cell carcinoma transformed from the prostatic adenocarcinoma with endocrine therapy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Song Shizhang , Jiang Bo , Hou Sichuan , Huang Xingang , Li Chunmei , Liu Zhijun
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate is a very rare and highly aggressive tumor, which is insensitive to multiple treatments, prone to metastasis, and has a worse prognosis than adenocarcinoma of the prostate. However, a transformation of prostatic adenocarcinoma into squamous cell carcinoma is rarer and may occur after endocrine or radiotherapy. By now, there are few cases in the world about the transformation from adenocarcinoma into squamous cell carcinoma after treatment. To our knowledge, our case is the first reported in China.Case presentationA 67-year-old man with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate for 2 years, was not suitable for radical prostatectomy due to the disease classified T4N1M1. Endocrine therapy using Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) analog (leuprorelin) and antiandrogen agent (bicalutamide) was started, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level gradually decreased to a nadir of 0.04ng/ml. 2 years after treatment, he complained of worsening of lower urinary tract symptoms, and then he underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Histopathological examination confirmed most of the tissue areas were accompanied by poorly differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Now, the patient started docetaxel treatment. He has received 2 times of systemic chemotherapy. The patient's current general condition is fair.ConclusionsProstatic adenocarcinoma transformed into squamous cell carcinoma after endocrine therapy is very rare. However, the serum PSA of this tumor is probably normal, PSA and the Gleason grading system are of limited value in the diagnosis of SCC, histopathological can help its diagnosis. The transformation is silent and we cannot know it. The question of whether prostatic adenocarcinoma or SCC of the prostate requires more definitive research to answer.
Correlation Between SMADs and Colorectal Cancer Expression, Prognosis, and Immune Infiltrates
Authors: Ding Ning , Luo Hongbiao , Zhang Tao , Peng Tianshu , Yao Yanru , He Yongheng
Published: September 2021

Background: In current years, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are increasing, and the 5-year survival rate of advanced metastatic CRC is poor. The Small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) superfamily is an intracellular signal transduction protein associated with the development and prognosis of a variety of tumors. At present, no study has systematically analyzed the relationship between SMADs and CRC.Methods: Here, R3.6.3 was used to analyze the expression of SMADs in pan-cancer and CRC. Protein expression of SMADs were analyzed by HPA. GEPIA was used to evaluate the correlation between SMADs and tumor stage in CRC. The effect of R language and GEPIA on prognosis was analyzed. Mutation rates of SMADs in CRC were determined by c-BioPortal and potentially related genes were predicted using GeneMANIA. R analysis was used for correlation with immune cell infiltration in CRC.Results: Both SMAD1 and SMAD2 were found to be weak expression in CRC and correlated with immune invasion level. SMAD1 was correlated with patient prognosis, and SMAD2 was correlated with tumor stage. SMAD3, SMAD4 and SMAD7 were all low expressed in CRC and associated with a variety of immune cells. SMAD3 and SMAD4 proteins were also low expressed, and SMAD4 had the highest mutation rate. SMAD5 and SMAD6 were overexpressed in CRC, and SMAD6 was also associated with patient OS and CD8+ T cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Conclusions: Our results reveal innovative and strong evidence that SMADs can be used as biomarkers for the treatment and prognosis of CRC.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Shogi-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (S-CBT) Preventive Stress Management Program
Authors: Furukawa Hirokazu , NODA Shota , KITASHIMA Chiho , OMINE Manami , FUKUMOTO Takumi , ONO Hitomi , OHARA Aya , NAKAO Mutsuhiro
Published: September 2021

Background: Shogi is a traditional board game in Japan, and a preventative stress management program based on Shogi-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (S-CBT) has been applied in the Japanese municipality of Kakogawa City. The study aimed to develop an S-CBT preventive stress management program for the elderly and determine its efficacy.Methods: The participants were 67 elderly men with amateur-level Shogi skills. They were randomly assigned to either the S-CBT group (n = 33) or the waiting-list control group (n = 34). The S-CBT program was conducted over six 90-min sessions. The outcome measures were recorded using the K6 instrument, the Japanese version of the abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale, five items on cognitive behavioral functioning, and subjective well-being.Results and Conclusions: The dropout rates of the S-CBT group and waiting-list control groups were 36.4% and 44.1%, respectively. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each group. Domains that changed immediately after the S-CBT intervention were problem-solving skills, self-reinforcement, and negative automatic thoughts. Future research should promote mental and physical health through the design of intervention programs using familiar materials.Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000036003.
Hierarchical Model of Multi-level Index to Assess Local Resilience Capability in COVID-19
Authors: Deng Qing , Luo Li , Zhang Hui , Chen Tianmu , Wang Yeping , Wang Xiaoye , Wang Wei , Li Qun , NIU Yan
Published: September 2021

Background Globally, there have been 212,544,565 confirmed cases of Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including 4,441,428 deaths by 24 August 2021, reported to WHO. Facing the global pandemic of COVID-19, countries and regions have implemented different policies and taken different non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) according to their own circumstances. However, the quantitative assessment of national policies and local resilience capabilities is a huge challenge.MethodsIn order to assess interventions and improve local resilience from a comprehensive perspective, this study aims to establish a multi-dimensional and dynamic prevention and control system. The main body of the system is an index system. To make our evaluation system more scientific and useful, the comparative study with several widely used tools or lessons is conducted to report what they have done. Then analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to set up the framework under the concept of a multi-level strategy of public health management. Indicators in the system are determined by literature research and expert interviews.ResultsEmergency capability assessment includes building a well-established system, execution of the system, and measurement. The well-established system exhibits several characteristics: 1) considering indicators about whole-of-society involvement, including country-, city-, local community- and individual-level; 2) improving capability at multi-phases, from the preparedness ability to response ability; 3) at both policy level and implementation level. Categories of containment and closure, response in economic system, and response in public health system constitute the main body of the framework. The well-established system does not necessarily apply to all scenarios, and the actual situation should be taken into consideration in the process of implementation/execution. At the stage of measurement, the case of Wuhan/Hubei response is introduced to implement and test our system. Empirical researches will be conducted to verify the index system quantitatively in our future research. ConclusionsOur index system can assess national policies and capabilities quantitatively. When enough data are available, it will become a tool to assess the local resilience capability for countries or regions.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Origin Recognition Complex Family in Breast Cancer
Authors: chen shaohua , Jin Ziyao , Xin Linfeng , Lv Lv , Zhang Xuemei , Gong Yizhen , Liu Jianlun
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the potential clinical and prognostic value, role and driving molecular mechanisms of the origin recognition complex family in breast cancer.Resultsata from Oncomine, TCGA, GEO and ULCAN showed that ORC1L and ORC6L were highly expressed in breast cancer tissues, while the expression of ORC5L was inconsistent and there was no significant difference in the expression of ORC2L, ORC3L and ORC4L. High expression of ORC1L and ORC6L were mainly Her2 overexpressed subtype, and their expression were negatively correlated with patient age and positively correlated with tumor size, but not with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, or tumor stage. Expression of ORC5L was also negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, but not with breast cancer molecular subtype and tumor size. Expression of ORC1L and ORC5L had high diagnostic value, and ORC6L had the highest diagnostic value in breast cancer. ORC6L was an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival of breast cancer patients. It was involved in cell cycle progression, cell senescence, epigenetic regulation and other biological functions, and may regulate signaling pathways such as NF-KB, TP53 and WNT in breast cancer. We also found that the expression of ORC6L was related to the increased infiltration of Th1/2 cell and Treg cell, and decreased infiltration of Mast cell and NK cell.ConclusionsORC1L and ORC6L are highly expressed in breast cancer tissues, of which ORC6L has high diagnostic value and is an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival of breast cancer patients. ORC6L may be involved in the occurrence and progression of breast cancer by regulating cell cycle progression, promoting the activation of cancer signaling pathways, and influencing tumor immune cells infiltration.
GIS-based Analytical Modeling on Evaluating Impacts of Urbanization in Amman Water Resources, Jordan
Authors: Odeh Taleb , Mohammad Alsharifa Hind , Pradhanang Soni M , Ismail Mamoon , Rödiger Tino
Published: September 2021

Amman governorate is the largest governorate in term of population and urbanization in Jordan that is the third most water-scarce country worldwide. It has also limited water resources that were rapidly decreasing as results of groundwater over-pumping and climate changes that generates a serious water crisis. However, the population and urbanization focused on the Northwest of the governorate. The surface water and groundwater resources are available in the Northwest area as well. The overlaying between urbanization and population on one-hand and water resources on the other hand resulted in different environmental, hydrological, and hydrogeological problems. Our research investigated these problems using an integrated approach of remotes sensing and geographic information systems. Furthermore, our research suggested a spatial plan that would solve the conflict of urbanization impact on water resources in Amman. Accordingly, the catchment areas that span on the study area and their drainage network were defined.
Association of Intraoperative Cerebral and Somatic Tissue Oxygen Saturation with Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction After Spine Open Surgery in Patients with Hypertension: An Observational Study
Authors: Guo Fei , Jia Shuaiying , Wang Qiyan , Liu Qinyu , Hu Mingquan , Wang Wenzhang , Liu Shijian , Li Qiang , Lu Bin , Zheng Yeying
Published: September 2021

Background: Intraoperative cerebral desaturations have been associated with worse neurological outcomes after supine surgery. However, it is not clear whether intraoperative somatic tissue oxygenation is more associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) than cerebral oxygenation in patients with hypertension after prone spine surgery.Methods: Patients with hypertension scheduled for spine open surgery were included from 2020 to 2021 in a single-center, prospective, observational study. Baseline both cerebral and somatic tissue oxygen saturation were measured in operating room before surgery. Cerebral and somatic tissue oxygen saturations were monitored continuously throughout surgery. The presence of POCD was assessed using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Association with POCD was evaluated with unadjusted analyses and multivariable logistic regression.Results: One hundred and one of 112 patients were included, and 28 (27.8%) developed POCD. None of the investigated SctO2 variables was predictive of POCD. On the contrary, the patients with POCD had a higher decrease in intraoperative absolute SstO2 decrease and relative SstO2 decrease compared with the patients without POCD (4.9%±3.8% vs. 3.6%±2.6%, P=0.037; 7.4%±5.6% vs. 5.3%±3.8%, P=0.036; respectively). Finally, three SstO2 parameters respectively were associated with POCD, including a higher absolute SstO2 decrease (OR, 1.223; 95%CI, 1.031-1.451; P=0.021), a higher absolute SstO2 decrease (OR, 1.138; 95%CI, 1.011-1.281; P=0.032) and falling below 90% of baseline SstO2 (OR, 11.388; 95%CI, 2.367-54.785; P=0.002), independent of ASA III, preoperative platelet and postoperative sepsis. Conclusions: Twenty-eight (27.8%) of 101patients developed POCD. Somatic tissue oxygenation has a stronger association with POCD than cerebral tissue oxygenation after spine open surgery in patients with hypertension.Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR1900028392. Registered 20 December 2019.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries in Japanese Collegiate Men’s Basketball: 2013/2014 to 2019/2020
Authors: Sekine Yuta , Kamada Kotaro , Koyama Takeshi , Hoshikawa Seigo , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: September 2021

Background
Basketball is one of the most played sports in the world. However, only a few studies have examined the epidemiology of Japanese collegiate men’s basketball injuries. This study investigated the incidence of injury among Japanese collegiate men’s basketball from the 2013/2014 to the 2019/2020 seasons and identified unique patterns by comparing our data with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball data.
Methods
Data from Japanese collegiate basketball teams of the Kanto Collegiate Basketball Federation Division I League during the 2013/2014 to 2019/2020 academic years (23 team seasons) were used in this study. Injury rates per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs) and injury proportions were calculated according to events, injury types, body parts, and common injury mechanisms. The injury rate ratio (IRR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was compared with that from the time-loss injury data from the NCAA’s previous reports.
Results
In total, 480 injuries during 97,515 AEs were reported, leading to an injury rate of 4.92 per 1,000 AEs (95% CI = 4.48–5.36). The overall injury rate was higher in Japan than in the NCAA (IRR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.39–1.73). Lower extremity injuries occurred most frequently (73.5%). Ankle sprain was the most common injury in Japan, with higher injury rates than in the NCAA (IRR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.72–2.57). The injury rate of concussion was lower in Japan than in the NCAA (IRR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.14–0.55).
Conclusions
The rates of overall injury and ankle sprain were higher and that of concussion was lower in Japan than in the NCAA. These results might have been influenced by the environment and level of medical support surrounding Japanese basketball players and indicate an urgent need to improve the medical support systems to protect basketball players from injury.
Diagnose and Prediction of Different Machine Learning methods for Knee Osteoarthritis: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: zhou yu , Mu Tong , Kong Xiaochuan , Zhang Le
Published: September 2021

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and progressive joint disease with a higher contributor to global disability, mainly in the elderly and particularly in women. The available diagnostic approaches such as X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have large precision errors and low sensitivity. Machine learning (ML) is the application of probabilistic algorithms to train a computational model to make predictions, it has great potential to become a valuable clinical diagnostic tool. This review aims to determine the diagnosis and prediction accuracy of different machine learning methods for Knee Osteoarthritis Methods: Two reviewers systematically searched Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science (last updated in June 2020) for eligible articles. To identify potentially missed publications, the reference lists of the final included studies were manually screened. Outcomes assessed were test characteristics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). We will use the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool to assess the risk of bias and applicability. Two independent reviewers will conduct all procedures of study selection, data extraction, and methodological assessment. Any disagreements will be consulted with a third reviewer. RevMan 5.3 software and Stata V15.0 will be used to pool data and to carry out the meta-analysis if it is possible. Results: This systematic review will provide a high-quality synthesis of machine learning for diagnose of knee Osteoarthritis from various evaluation aspects including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUC.Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review will provide latest evidence of diagnosis and prediction of different machine learning for patients with knee Osteoarthritis.Ethics and dissemination: No individual patient data will be used in this study; thus, no ethics approval is needed.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD: 42019133305
A New Bioreactor to Promote Follicular Growth With or Without Activin A
Authors: Jovet Cynthia , Fraison Eloise , Lornage Jacqueline , Morel-journel Nicolas , Gavoille Antoine , Laurent David , Montembault Alexandra , Fournier Cyrielle , Salle Bruno , Labrune Elsa
Published: September 2021

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Activin A on the activation of in vitro folliculogenesis of human ovarian tissues with or without our new three-dimensional structure (3D-structure). Methods: Five fresh ovarian human tissues were cultured in vitro in 4 groups with 100ng/mL Activin A or without Activine A and within or without a 3D-structure for 20 or 22 days of in vitro culture. Follicular density and quality were evaluated, and follicular diameters were measured. Estradiol secretion was quantified. Proliferation and apoptosis through immunostaining were performed.Results: The proportion of primordial follicles was significantly reduced, and the proportion of primary and secondary follicles was significantly increased in all four groups (p<0.001). Antral cavities were observed in the four culture groups. Activin A supplementation did not significantly affect the follicular density, follicular quality, follicular growth, or estradiol secretion (p>0.05). The 3D-structure increased the density of primary follicles and decreased the estradiol secretion (p<0.001). Tissular proliferation was significantly lower in the 3D-structure group compared to the non-3D-structure group (p=0.008). Regarding tissular apoptosis, it was significantly higher in the Activin group compared to the non-Activin group (0.006). Conclusion: The presence of Activin A did not seem to play a key role in in vitro folliculogenesis activation. However, the results may indicate that the 3D-structure could be more physiological and could prevent a pejorative in vitro folliculogenesis flare-up.
The genetic basis of tail-loss evolution in humans and apes
Authors: Yanai Itai , Xia Bo , Zhang Weimin , Wudzinska Aleksandra , Huang Emily , Brosh Ran , Pour Maayan , Miller Alexander , Dasen Jeremy , Maurano Matthew , Kim Sang , Boeke Jef
Published: September 2021

The loss of the tail is one of the main anatomical evolutionary changes to have occurred along the lineage leading to humans and to the “anthropomorphous apes”1,2. This morphological reprogramming in the ancestral hominoids has been long considered to have accommodated a characteristic style of locomotion and contributed to the evolution of bipedalism in humans3–5. Yet, the precise genetic mechanism that facilitated tail-loss evolution in hominoids remains unknown. Primate genome sequencing projects have made possible the identification of causal links between genotypic and phenotypic changes6–8, and enable the search for hominoid-specific genetic elements controlling tail development9. Here, we present evidence that tail-loss evolution was mediated by the insertion of an individual Alu element into the genome of the hominoid ancestor. We demonstrate that this Alu element – inserted into an intron of the TBXT gene (also called T or Brachyury10–12) – pairs with a neighboring ancestral Alu element encoded in the reverse genomic orientation and leads to a hominoid-specific alternative splicing event. To study the effect of this splicing event, we generated a mouse model that mimics the expression of human TBXT products by expressing both full-length and exon-skipped isoforms of the mouse TBXT ortholog. We found that mice with this genotype exhibit the complete absence of a tail or a shortened tail, supporting the notion that the exon-skipped transcript is sufficient to induce a tail-loss phenotype, albeit with incomplete penetrance. We further noted that mice homozygous for the exon-skipped isoforms exhibited embryonic spinal cord malformations, resembling a neural tube defect condition, which affects ~1/1000 human neonates13. We propose that selection for the loss of the tail along the hominoid lineage was associated with an adaptive cost of potential neural tube defects and that this ancient evolutionary trade-off may thus continue to affect human health today.
Trait Impulsivity and Choice Impulsivity in Young Adults with Probable Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Yan Wan-Sen , Zheng Dan-Hui , Liu Meng-Meng
Published: September 2021

Background

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) as a public health problem has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Akin to addictive disorders, impulsivity-related neuropsychological constructs might be potentially involved in the onset and development of BED. However, it remains unclear which facets of impulsivity are connected to overeating and binge eating behaviors among non-clinical populations. The present study aimed to detect the relationship between impulsivity and BED both on the personality-trait and behavioral-choice levels in undiagnosed young adults.
Methods

Fifty-eight individuals with probable BED and 60 healthy controls, matched on age, gender, and educational level, were assessed by using a series of self-report measurements, including the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), UPPSP Impulsive Behaviors Scale (UPPSP), Delay Discounting Test (DDT), and Probability Discounting Test (PDT).
Results

Multivariate analysis of variance models revealed that compared with healthy controls, the BED group showed elevated scores on the BIS-11 Attentional and Motor impulsiveness, and on the UPPSP Negative Urgency, Positive Urgency, and Lack of Perseverance. However, BED subjects had similar discounting rates on the DDT and PDT with healthy controls. Regression models found that Negative Urgency was the only positive predictor of BED.
Conclusions

These findings suggested that typical facets of trait impulsivity, which have been recognized in addictive disorders, were associated with BED in young adults, whereas choice impulsivity was not aberrantly seen in BED. This study might promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of BED.
Identification, Functional Analysis and Preliminary Validation of Differentially Expressed Genes in Hyperacute Cerebral Infarction Patients
Authors: Li Qi , Li Lei , Yang Jia-Nan , Wei Qi
Published: September 2021

Background/AimsAt present, most studies on ischemic stroke and micro RNA are focused on 24h after stroke. Therefore, our experiment intends to analyze the differentially expressed genes in hyperacute cerebral infarction patients, and to analyze the relationship between the most significantly differentially expressed miRNA and clinical characteristics. MethodsDownload miRNA expression microarray and gene expression microarray from GEO database, screen differentially expressed genes and miRNA by bioinformatics method, and analyze their biological functions. The peripheral plasma of patients with hyperacute stroke was collected, the related miRNAs were extracted, and the relationship between them and clinical characteristics was analyzed. ResultsThe microarray included 39 hyperacute cerebral infarction patients patients and 33 healthy volunteers and 5 differentially expressed miRNAs and 1107 differentially expressed genes were obtained by analysis. MiR-3156-5p was selected to further analyze and verify the correlation with the clinical characteristics of patients. The results showed that the expression level of miR-3156-5p was significantly positively correlated with triglyceride level, and had a significant negative impact on stroke. The low level of miR-3156-5p in hyperacute cerebral infarction patients may be one of the initiating factors of neuroinflammation induced by ischemic stroke, and functional analysis and some existing experimental results also support this view. ConclusionsIn our study, a series of differentially expressed genes and differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by analyzing GEO data sets. In addition, the low expression of miR-3156-5p in hyperacute cerebral infarction patients may be one of the initiating factors of neuroinflammation induced by ischemic stroke.
First Comprehensive Report of Conventional Insecticide Resistance Status of the Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hafez Abdulwahab M.
Published: September 2021

Background

The mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say is a vector of various fatal diseases including West Nile fever, filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis. The major approach in controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus to prevent associated disease transmission has focused on insecticides. However, because of overreliance on such measures, Cx. quinquefasciatus has developed resistance to these insecticides including organophosphates and pyrethroids.
Methods

We evaluated 10 commonly used conventional insecticides (five OPs and five pyrethroids) for toxicity/resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus in adults and larvae in eight populations collected from the environs around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Results

The LC50 values for the tested insecticides in adults did not differ significantly from those of a susceptible strain, except for bifenthrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, and fenitrothion against populations from Al-Nakhil, Al-Suwaidi, Al-Ghanemiya, Al-Masfa, and Al-Masanie regions. All Cx. quinquefasciatus adult populations exhibited susceptibility/low resistance to the tested organophosphates with resistance ratios of 0.23–0.80 for chlorpyrifos, 0.44–1.97 for malathion, 0.09–3.62 for fenitrothion, 0.05–2.10 for pirimiphos-methyl, and 0.11–0.93 for diazinon. The Cx. quinquefasciatus adult populations exhibited susceptibility/moderate resistance to the tested pyrethroids with resistance ratios of 0.59–2.56 for alpha-cypermethrin, 0.59–2.19 for bifenthrin, 0.60–7.07 for deltamethrin, 0.60–2.66 for cypermethrin, and 0.58–2.39 for cyfluthrin. In Cx. quinquefasciatus larva populations, susceptibility/low resistance to the tested organophosphates was observed with resistance ratios of 0.03–1.75 for chlorpyrifos, 0.19–3.42 for malathion, 0.11–2.78 for fenitrothion, and 0.08–1.15 for pirimiphos-methyl.
Conclusions

The susceptibility/low resistance of Cx. quinquefasciatus adults to OP and pyrethroid insecticides suggests that they still have good potency against the adults of this species in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These results provide a baseline for decision-making in integrated vector management programs for Cx. quinquefasciatus.
Application of right bronchial blocker under artificial pneumothorax in thoracoscopic enucleation of oesophageal leiomyoma
Authors: Zhao Luo , Gao Chao , He Jia , Han Zhijun , Li Li
Published: September 2021

Background

Oesophageal leiomyomas are one of the most common benign oesophageal tumours. This study summarized and analysed the clinical experience of thoracoscopic enucleation of oesophageal leiomyoma.
Methods

A total of 36 patients who underwent thoracoscopic enucleation of oesophageal leiomyoma at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Fifteen patients received single-lumen endotracheal intubation combined with a right bronchial blocker (SLET-B group), and twenty-one patients received double-lumen endotracheal intubation (DLET group). Clinical data, surgical variables, and postoperative complications were analysed and compared.
Results

The average tumour size in all patients was 4.31 ± 1.96 cm. The average tumour size among symptomatic patients was significantly larger than that among asymptomatic patients (5.08 ± 2.02 vs 3.71 ± 1.72, P < 0.05). Patients in the SLET-B group had a significantly larger average tumour size than patients in the DLET group (5.39 ± 2.13 vs 3.54 ± 1.42, P < 0.05). The SLET-B group had a significantly shorter operation time and shorter total hospital stay than the DLET group. No mucosal injury, conversion to thoracotomy, or other operative complications occurred in the SLET-B group. In the follow-up, no recurrence, dysphagia, or regurgitation was found in any of the patients.
Conclusions

Compared with traditional double-lumen intubation, artificial pneumothorax-assisted single-lumen endotracheal intubation combined with a bronchial blocker for thoracoscopic oesophageal leiomyoma enucleation can achieve complete removal of larger tumours, with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.
Eating disorders as a repercussion of sexual assault, a consequence to consider
Authors: Malet-Karas Aurore , Bernard-Wallendorf Delphine , Piet Emmanuelle , Bertin Eric
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims at clarifying the links between sexual violence and eating disorders (EDs).

Methods

In a sample of 12638 victims of sexual violence, we analyzed the situation of 546 victims that declared having developed ED. We assessed the characteristics of the assault (age, type of aggression) and the medical consequences (PTSD, depression, suicide attempts, anxiety disorders …).

Results

ED prevalence was 4.3% in the victim sample. The age of the first assault in ED victims was significantly lower than that of the whole population (12y vs 16 y for median; p<0.001). A much higher prevalence of sexual assault consequences was present in victims developing ED with odd ratios (OR) for: self-mutilation (OR = 11.5 [8.29-15.95], p<0.001); depression (OR=5.7 [4.81-6.86], p<0.001); self-medication (OR = 5.3 [3.86-7.19], p<0.001); suicide attempts (OR =4.5 [3.59-5.67], p<0.001); Post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 3.8 [2.99-4.78], p<0.001) ; anxiety troubles (OR = 5.2 [4.11-6.47], p<0.001); alcoholism (OR =4.0 [2.81-5.58], p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study confirms the link between ED and sexual violence, especially in childhood, leading to severe psychological consequences. In this context, ED should be envisaged as a coping strategy accompanying emotional dysregulation due to traumatic events, and be treated as such.
Identification and Testing of Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Analysis During Pear Fruit Development
Authors: Wang Guoming , Guo Zhihua , Wang Xueping , Gao Hongru , Qi Kaijie , Gu Chao , Zhang Shaoling
Published: September 2021

Background: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is currently one of the most reliable and improved tools for analyzing gene expression. Various studies have shown that housekeeping genes was varied with cultivars, tissues and treatment. The reliable and stable reference genes were necessarily identified and evaluated according to different experimental requirements. Result: In this study, 10 candidate reference genes were initially screened based on the transcriptome sequencing data of four pear fruit development stages of three different pear cultivars, including a candidate housekeeping gene PbrTUB. Furthermore, we ranked the expression stability of 10 candidate reference genes using algorithms GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and ReFinder. Finally, the result showed that Pbr028511, Pbr038418 and Pbr041114 were the most stable reference gene in Cuiguan, Housui and Xueqing fruit, respectively. Concludion: Thee results provide a valuable resource that serve as significant reference for gene function explorations and molecular mechanism studies in fruit development and ripening of different pear cultivars.
Combined effects of ENSO and PDO on Activity of Major Hurricanes in Eastern North Pacific
Authors: Huang Chaoming , Liu Hailong , Wang Xidong , Zuo Juncheng , Wang Ruyun
Published: September 2021

Major hurricanes (MHs) in the eastern North Pacific (ENP) in 1970-2018 were clustered into 3 categories with different quantity, intensity, lifetime, translation speed, track and large-scale environmental fields. MHs in all three clusters are more active in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) warm phase than cold phase period. There are two clusters that their relationship with El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) were modulated by PDO. The first cluster generates and develops in the open ocean and has an increasing trend of annual frequency, which is more active during El Niño years than during La Niña years in the PDO cold phase, but equally active in the PDO warm phase. The second cluster generates in the nearshore and translate rapidly into the ocean, which is more active during La Niña years than during El Niño years in the PDO warm phase, but equally active in the PDO cold phase. The PDO modulation mainly result from that MHs are obviously active during La Niña years in the PDO warm phase, which can be explained by local warming sea surface temperature, lower vertical wind shear, increasing vorticity and weakening sinking branch of circulation like Hadley cell. Therefore, PDO modulation cannot be ignored when predict the activity of tropical cyclone in ENP, especially for MHs that enters the open ocean and threat the islands such as the Hawaiian Islands.
Title: Bacteriophage Φ6 (Phi6) as a Surrogate for Enveloped Viral pathogens in Standard and Long-lasting Virucidal Efficacy Tests
Authors: Hutchison Jaime B. , Plummer Chris , Garner Gareth , Sehgal Amit , Purevdorj-Gage Laura B. , Ramdani Kamel
Published: September 2021

Development of novel antimicrobials capable of providing long-lasting disinfection on surfaces requires the implementation of new standardized methods to support claims recognized by regulatory authorities. Surrogates for viral pathogens are often desired in order for BSL-2 labs to conduct these new efficacy tests safely and efficiently, however, the knowledge of surrogate suitability for these tests is limited. Here, for the first time, we determine the resistance profile of the bacteriophage Phi6 to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in a variety of test conditions. Additionally, we show that Phi6 can be used to demonstrate the long-lasting virucidal efficacy of a novel antimicrobial, Actizone™ F5, and that the Phi6 is more resistant to QACs following the UK standard long-lasting disinfection test BSI PAS2424:2014 than Vaccinia virus, which is the marker strain for claims of activity against enveloped viruses in Europe. Surface stability as well as benefits and limitations of Phi6 use relative to other enveloped viruses for antimicrobial testing is also discussed.
Normal and Tangential Forces Combine to Convey Contact Pressure during Dynamic Tactile Stimulation
Authors: Gueorguiev David , Lambert Julien , Thonnard Jean-Louis , Kuchenbecker Katherine J.
Published: September 2021

Humans need to accurately process the contact forces that arise as they perform everyday haptic interactions, but the mechanisms by which the forces on the skin are represented and integrated remain little understood. In this study, we used a force-controlled robotic platform and simultaneous ultrasonic modulation of the finger-surface friction to briefly and independently manipulate the normal and tangential forces during passive haptic stimulation by a flat surface. When participants were asked whether the contact pressure on their finger had briefly increased or decreased, they could not distinguish the normal force from the tangential force. Instead, they integrated the normal and tangential components of the force vector into a multidimensional computation of the contact force. We additionally investigated whether participants relied on three common contact-force metrics. Interestingly, the change in the amplitude of the force vector predicted participants’ responses better than the change of the coefficient of dynamic friction and the change of the angle of the contact force vector. Thus, intensive cues related to the amplitude of the applied force may be meaningful for the sensing of contact pressure during haptic stimulation by a moving surface.
The neuroprotection effects of exosome in central nervous system injuries: A new target for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Zhang Li , Mao Lei , Wang Handong
Published: September 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), are the most common cause of death and disability around the world. As a key subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes have recently attracted great attentions due to their functions in remodeling extracellular matrix, and transmitting signals and molecules. A large number of studies have suggested that exosomes played an important role in brain development and involved in many neurological disorders, particularly in CNS injuries. It has been proposed that exosomes could improve cognition function, inhibit apoptosis, suppress inflammation, regulate autophagy and protect blood brain barrier (BBB) in CNS injuries via different molecules and pathways including microRNA (miRNA), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), ph1osphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Notch1 and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK). Therefore, exosomes showed great promise as potential targets in CNS injuries. In this article, we present a review highlighting the applications of exosomes in CNS injuries. Hence, on the basis of these properties and effects, exosomes may be developed as therapeutic agents for CNS injury patients.