bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Residents’ Evacuation Behavior in the Torrential Rain in Western Japan in 2018: Examination of Survey Data of Victims in Okayama Prefecture
Authors: Ohtomo Shoji , Kimura Reo , Kawata Yoshiaki , Tamura Keiko ,   Konan Women’s University 6-2-23 Morikita-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0001, Japan,   School of Human and Environment, University of Hyogo, Hyogo, Japan,   Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences, Kansai University, Osaka, Japan,   Risk Management Office, Headquarters for Risk Management, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
Published: November 2020

The torrential rain (named “the July 2018 heavy rain”) from June 28 to July 8 in 2018 resulted in tremendous human and property damage. There were 237 deaths and 7,173 cases of flooding above the floor level. During the torrential rain, the low rate of evacuation behavior of residents in the affected area was also a problem. The Okayama prefecture conducted a mail survey with residents that suffered housing damage caused by the torrential rain (valid sample n = 3,765). The survey measured what residents’ awareness and knowledge were of flooding before the torrential rain, residents’ prediction of flooding and choice and reason of evacuation behavior during the emergency heavy rain warning and the evacuation order (emergency). This study analyzed the determinants of residents’ evacuation behaviors during the torrential rain with the survey data. The results indicated that, although most residents were aware of hazard maps before the torrential rain, few predicted flooding. Most residents were aware of the evacuation shelters and had a prior evacuation plan. However, some residents made no attempt to evacuate, even when their houses were damaged. During the emergency heavy rain warning, feeling a sense of crisis was an important factor to promote evacuation behavior. And, during the evacuation order (emergency), the majority of those who took actual evacuation behaviors was those who were approached by public sectors such as the fire department and the police. Moreover, residents’ judgment based on scientific information such as hazard maps and prediction of flooding before the torrential rain had little effect on evacuation behavior during the emergency heavy rain warning and the evacuation order (emergency). Therefore, the study indicates the importance of approaching residents’ affective decision-making, instead of relying on rational decision-making, to promote evacuation behavior when people are in unusual situations.
La inmediatez comunicativa frente a la autonomía literaria: un debate de la lengua nacional en Argentina
Authors: Davis González Ana
Published: November 2020

En 1997, Wulf Oesterreicher reemplaza la tradicional antítesis oralidad/escritura por inmediatez comunicativa/distancia comunicativa respectivamente. El fin del presente trabajo es poner en relación tal dicotomía con la autonomía/dependencia de los textos literarios con respecto a su nacionalismo cultural; es decir, cómo afecta el grado de imitación o alejamiento del habla oral en la posición que ocupa el texto dentro de su campo literario. Para examinar nuestra hipótesis, nos serviremos de las polémicas acerca de la oralidad en la literatura argentina. Tras un breve resumen diacrónico, nos centramos en el período de los años cuarenta y en el modo en que los escritores vinculan la inmediatez comunicativa con la cultura nacional mientras que otros, como Borges, se oponen a esa asimilación.
La representación de lo fantástico en Poe: de lo irreal vivido a lo real imaginado
Authors: Antúnez Arce Rafael
Published: November 2020

Con el Romanticismo se rompe la visión mimética del arte y comienza a concebirse la literatura como la plasmación del espíritu del artista en su obra, lo que cuestiona los modos de representación tradicionales, no solo desde el punto de vista del autor, sino también del receptor. Esto es especialmente visible en el ámbito de lo fantástico, donde una vez rotas las fronteras entre lo racional y lo irracional, el receptor se convierte en imprescindible para constatar la credibilidad del relato, el cual puede ser completado con las zonas más ocultas de su inconsciente. Además, a veces el relato fantástico puede leerse como enfoque metaficcional que expone los mecanismos por los que se rige la representación literaria. Ateniéndonos a estos parámetros, hemos analizado e interpretado el relato «El corazón delator» de Edgar Allan Poe.
Recurrence of turbidity currents on glaciated continental margins: A conceptual model from eastern Canada
Authors: Normandeau Alexandre , Campbell D. Calvin
Published: November 2020

Turbidity currents in submarine canyons transport large volumes of sediment and carbon to the deep sea and are known to present a major risk to submarine infrastructure. Understanding the origin, the triggers, the recurrence, and the timing of these events is important for predicting future events and mitigating their impact. Depending on the morphological and latitudinal setting of submarine canyons, different external controls will govern the recurrence of turbidity currents. Here, we assess the recurrence of turbidity currents in shelf-incising submarine canyons off eastern Canada in order to examine the effects of external forcings such as glacier retreat and sea level on the deep-water sedimentary record. We used multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiles, and the analysis of turbidites in sediment cores to infer the triggers of turbidity currents over time and propose a conceptual model for the activity of turbidity currents during glacial retreat. The chronostratigraphy of turbidites shows that turbidity current activity in the glaciated The Gully submarine canyon (eastern Canada) was highest between 24 ka cal BP (LGM) and 17 ka cal BP, with > 100 turbidites per 1,000 yr, when the ice sheet was directly delivering sediment to submarine canyons. As the ice margin retreated, the dominant sediment supply switched to glaciofluvial and then to longshore drift, while RSL remained low. The recurrence of turbidity currents nonetheless decreased drastically to < 10 per 1000 yr during that time, pre-dating the rise in RSL. This timing suggests that the reduction of turbidity-current activity is closely linked to retreating glaciers rather than to sea-level rise, which occurred later. Following the retreat of the ice sheet, sea level rose progressively to drown the shallow banks on the continental shelf, and turbidity currents ceased being active after 13 ka cal BP. In the late Holocene, landslide and concomitant turbidity-current recurrence increased to 1 per 1,000 yrs, with at least four new events recorded in deep water. This study shows that glacial sediment supply and sea level controlled the type of sediment supply to the continental slope, which in turn controlled the triggers of turbidity currents over time and the flushing of sediment to the deep water. By comparing with other glaciated margins, we propose a conceptual model explaining the recurrence of turbidity currents, taking into account RSL change and the position of the ice margin relative to the shelf edge. This conceptual model can help predict turbidity-current activity and offshore geohazards on other ancient and modern glaciated continental margins.
Comparison of Vegan and Non-Vegan Diets on Memory and Sleep Quality
Authors: Sengul Pinar
Published: November 2020

It is widely acknowledged that the quality of nutrition affects many aspects of physical and mental performance. A vegan diet is associated with superior cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. Mediterranean diets (high fruit and vegetable content) are linked with reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases and improved performance on cognitive tests. In the present study, verbal memory and sleep quality were assessed in a cohort of 62 adults aged 40 and above. Using a modified Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, the participants were divided into the categories of vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, omnivores with low meat/fish consumption, and omnivores with high meat/fish consumption. The California Verbal Learning Test was used to assess verbal learning memory, and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep quality. Diet was found to have a significant effect on memory but no significant effect on sleep quality. The sample size may have been insufficient to capture the effects of diet on sleep. To definitively establish the relationships between diet patterns and quality of cognitive functioning and sleep, further research is required. The results of this study cast doubt on the hypothesis that the consumption of animal products boosts memory performance.
How Mathematical Modeling Could Contribute to the Quantification of Metastatic Tumor Burden Under Therapy: Insights in Immunotherapeutic Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Schlicke Pirmin , Kuttler Christina , Schumann Christian
Published: November 2020

Background: Cancer is one of the leading death causes globally with about 8.2 million deaths per year and an increase in numbers in recent years. About 90% of cancer deaths do not occur due to primary tumors but due to metastases, of which most are not clinically identifiable because of their relatively small size at primary diagnosis and limited technical possibilities. However, therapeutic decisions are formed depending on the existence of metastases and their properties. Therefore non-identified metastases might have huge influence in the treatment outcome. The quantification of clinically visible and invisible metastases is important for the choice of an optimal treatment of the individual patient as it could clarify the burden of non identifiable tumors as well as the future behavior of the cancerous disease. Results: The mathematical model presented in this study gives insights in how this could be achieved, taking into account different treatment possibilities and therefore being able to compare therapy schedules for individual patients with different clinical parameters. The framework was tested on three patients with non-small cell lung cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer worldwide, and clinical history including platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy. Results yield promising insights into the framework to establish methods to quantify effects of different therapy methods and prognostic features for individual patients already at stage of primary diagnosis.
Association Between Parents’ Smoking Status and Tobacco Exposure in School-Age Children: Assessment Using Major Urine Biomarkers
Authors: Jeong Sung Hoon , Jang Bich Na , Kang Soo Hyun , Joo Jae Hong , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: November 2020

Children are at risk of exposure to secondhand smoke. We aimed to evaluate the extent of their exposure to it in relation to their parents’ smoking status by using biomarkers relevant to smoking. We evaluated 847 school-age children (6–12 years) who lived with their parents, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2018. Secondhand smoke exposure in children of non-smoking and smoking parents was assessed by measuring urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and cotinine concentrations. Overall, the parents of 482 (55.1%) children smoked and those of 392 (44.9%) children did not smoke. After adjusting for covariates, significantly higher concentrations of NNAL (β=0.482, standard error [S.E.]=0.065, P<0.001) and cotinine (β=0.472, S.E.=0.06, P<0.001) were found in children of smoking parents than in children of non-smoking parents. Children of parents who smoked a higher number of cigarettes showed higher NNAL and cotinine concentrations than children of non-smoking parents. Children with both parents who smoked showed the highest NNAL and cotinine concentrations. Children of smoking parents are at a higher risk of exposure to secondhand smoke. A smoke-free environment must be maintained to protect children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Therefore, comprehensive national anti-smoking policies are required.
Physical Exercise and Economic Burden Associated With Anxiety Symptoms in Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Deng Jie , Hu Chun Hui , Ning Yu Xin , Xu Ping , Lu Chen , Wang Jia Qi , Sun Jun yi , Shou Shi cong , Chen Min , Duan Peng
Published: November 2020

Background: COVID-19 with high infectivity and high concealment has been widely spread around the world. This major public health event has caused anxiety among the public, including pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of anxiety symptoms in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influencing factors.Methods: Using an ongoing prospective pregnancy registry, we performed a single center cross-sectional analysis to investigate the overall prevalence of anxiety symptoms among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online questionnaires were used to collect information including sociodemographic data, physical activity and economic situations. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to assess anxiety symptoms. The univariate regression analysis was performed to detect factors potentially influencing anxiety symptoms among pregnant women. The multivariate regression analysis was also conducted to analyze the association of physical exercise and economic burden with anxiety symptoms by adjusting for other variables.Results: A total of 1,517 pregnant women entered the analysis. The study reported that 31.64% of the respondents had anxiety symptoms. Those with bank loans were at higher odds of suffering from anxiety symptoms compared to those without bank loans [(adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.494, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.181~1.889]. Those who took 2,000~5,000 steps/day (aOR 0.825, 95% CI 0.603~0.875) and >5,000 steps/day (aOR 0.924, 95% CI 0.439~0.945) were at lower odds of suffering from anxiety symptoms compared to those who took <500 steps/day. Similarly, the adjusted odds ratios for anxiety symptoms was 0.750 (95% CI 0.663~0.790) and 0.800 (95% CI 0.226~0.889) lower in participants with exercise frequencies of 4-6, and ≥7 times/week, compared to those with a frequency of <2 times/week.Conclusions: Three in ten pregnant women experienced anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and anxiety symptoms showed association with bank loans and physical exercise. To prevent anxiety of pregnant women, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, improvement of mental health services, and expansion of social support should be implemented during epidemics. In parallel, the integration of psycho-educational interventions with mental health services among public health centers is required to minimize anxiety symptoms in pregnancy women.
Systematic Differences in Effect Estimates Between Observational Studies and Randomized Control Trials in Meta-Analyses Combining Both Study Designs in Nephrology
Authors: Kimachi Miho , Onishi Akira , Tajika Aran , Kimachi Kimihiko , Furukawa Toshi
Published: November 2020

The limited availability of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in nephrology undermines causal inferences in meta-analyses. Systematic reviews of observational studies have grown more common under such circumstances. We conducted systematic reviews of all comparative observational studies in nephrology from 2006 to 2016 to assess the trends in the past decade. We then focused on the meta-analyses combining observational studies and RCTs to evaluate the systematic differences in effect estimates between study designs using two statistical methods: by estimating the ratio of odds ratios (ROR) of the pooled OR obtained from observational studies versus those from RCTs and by examining the discrepancies in their statistical significance. The number of systematic reviews of observational studies in nephrology had grown by 11.7-fold in the past decade. Among 56 records combining observational studies and RCTs, ROR suggested that the estimates between study designs agreed well (ROR: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.90-1.23). However, almost half of the reviews led to discrepant interpretations in terms of statistical significance. In conclusion, the findings based on ROR might encourage researchers to justify the inclusion of observational studies in meta-analyses. However, caution is needed as the interpretations based on statistical significance were less concordant than those based on ROR.
The Influence of Pelvic Tilt on Stress Distribution in the Acetabulum: Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Kabata Tamon , Kajino Yoshitomo , Inoue Daisuke , Sakamoto Jiro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: November 2020

Background Finite element analysis (FEA) has been previously applied for the biomechanical analysis of acetabular dysplasia and osteotomy. However, until now, there have been little reports on the use of FEA to evaluate the effects of pelvic tilt on stress distribution in the acetabulum. Methods We used the Mechanical Finder Ver. 7.0 (RCCM, Inc., Japan) to construct finite element models based on 3D-CT data of patients, and designed dysplasia, borderline, and normal pelvic models. For analysis, body weight was placed on the sacrum and the load of the flexor muscles of the hip joint was placed on the ilium. The pelvic tilt was based on the anterior pelvic plane, and the pelvic tilt angles were -20°, 0°, and 20°. The load of the flexor muscle of the hip joint was calculated using the moment arm equation.Results All three models showed the highest values of von Mises stress in the -20° pelvic tilt angle, and the lowest in the 20° angle. Stress distribution concentrated in the load-bearing area. The maximum values of von Mises stress in the borderline at pelvic tilt angles of -20° was 3.5Mpa, and in the dysplasia at pelvic tilt angles of 0° was 3.1Mpa. Conclusions The pelvic tilt angle of -20° of the borderline model showed equal maximum values of von Mises stress than the dysplasia model of pelvic tilt angle of 0°, indicating that pelvic retroversion of -20° in borderline is a risk factor for osteoarthritis of the hip joints, similar to dysplasia.
The Impact of Reputation, Costs, and Interactive Care on Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Lu Wu , Al-Hakim Latif
Published: November 2020

Background. This research empirically tested the impact of hospital reputation and its cost system on the relationship between hospital’s interactive care and patient satisfaction. Methods. An anonymous, self-administrated questionnaire was distributed randomly among outpatients in five large hospitals located at Zhejiang Province, China. Controlled common method bias test was conducted to ensure that the common variance is not a major concern in data analysis. One-factor congeneric measurement was employed to test fitness of factors assigned to variables. Data were further tested for convergence validity, and internal and item reliability. SPSS v.25 software with PROCESS v.3.3 model in a bootstrap approach were used to test the mediation and moderation effects. Results. We received 1441 valid responses (valid response rate 66.6%). A total of 22 questionnaire items out of 25 items survived the factor analysis and common method bias tests. Results show significant positive correlation (ρ < 0.01) between the model’s variables, with correlation between interactive care and reputation (0.732) is the highest. The analysis indicates the hospital reputation moderates the relationship between hospital’s reputation and patient satisfaction. It also illustrates that poor payment administration may affect the patient satisfaction, but its effect is much less on the hospital’s reputation.Conclusion: This research validates two assertions of other research works. First, hospital reputation is more important factor than costs in the selection of the hospital, and second, the perception that healthcare providers with higher expenses provide better care are not true always. Further, our research gives a reason as why many patients from rural area usually manage appointments with doctors in hospitals in urban area rather than having appointment with doctor in the Rural Community hospitals, which have lower reputation.
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Orbital Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Authors: Ren Mingyu , Wu Yixiang , Li Ruimiao , Li Jing , Wang Jingjing , Liu Limin , Gao Yu
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSolitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon spindle-cell tumor of mesenchymal origin, it commonly occurs within pleura, the occurrence of SFT in the orbit is very rare. The diagnosis of orbital SFT is challenging in clinical, and requires an integrated approach that includes specific clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and even molecular findings.MethodsIn our retrospective study, we collected 13 patients with orbital SFT. All patients were diagnosed with orbital SFT by postoperative histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Patient charts and medical records were reviewed for demographic information, relevant medical and family history, clinical presentation, radiological examination, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, the treatment and prognosis.ResultsThis study included 7 males and 6 females. The age ranged from 11 to 78 years. 7 patients presented with predominant features of exophthalmos. 7 patients showed eyeball dislocation. 6 patients with motility disturbances. 9 patients had the palpable masses. 6 patients had the secondary lesions. On CT scan, there were 6 patients were located in the superomedial quadrant of the orbit, 3 patients were located in the inferomedial quadrant of the orbit. The morphology of lesions was solitary ovoid mass in 10 patients, and irregular mass in 3 patients. The CT value of the tumor was 22.8-64.4Hu, with the median of 45.9Hu. On MRI, 3 patients showed hypointense mixed signals on T1WI, 10 patients showed isointense mixed signal on T1WI. 3 patients showed hypointense mixed signals, 4 patients showed isointense mixed signals, 6 patients showed hyperintense signals on T2WI. There were 12 patients showed obviously enhancement, and we found patchy lesions which were no enhancement in the tumor. All patients were treated by surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor cells exhibited diffuse immunoreactivity for CD34 and CD99 in all the patients. The lesions were positive for Bcl-2 in 11 patients. The lesions were positivity for Ki-67 <5% in one patient, 5%-10% in 10 patients, >10% in 2 patients. ConclusionsThe lesions are often outside the muscular cone, most commonly located at superomedial quadrant and inferomeddial quadrant of the orbit. The density of the lesions is uneven in most cases, the mean CT values of the tumors on CT scans are variable. The signal of lesions on orbital MRI is uncertainty, it is inheterogeneous enhancement, and the lamellar unenhanced regions can also be found in the lesion. The complete gross resection, and even more aggressive wide excision is preferred. Although the Ki-67 labelling index is very low, malignant forms with an increased propensity for local recurrence have been found. A longer follow-up is needed to determine the recurrence rate of the disease, and to identify the causes of recurrence.
Urban -Rural Differential in the Association Between Household Wealth Index and Anemia Among Women in Reproductive Age in Ethiopia, 2016.
Authors: Assefa Sefealem , Demeke Dessalegn , Mesfine Mekuriaw , Getahun Biruk , Alemu Adela , Mengiste Yirga , Aknaw Getasew , Abie Dagninet , Abate Teshager
Published: November 2020

Background: Anemia is more prevalent among women, and it is a moderate public health problem in Ethiopia. The wealth status and place of residence of a woman have implications on the intervention of anemia. Studies that examined the relationship between women’s wealth index status and place of residency in Ethiopia are scarce. We aimed to identify the urban-rural differential in the association between household wealth index and anemia among women of childbearing age in Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional design was employed with nationally representative sample of 14100 women aged 15–49-year-old from the Ethiopian demographic and health survey conducted in 2016. Samples were selected by the two-stage clustering sampling method. The primary outcome was anemia in women of childbearing age. A hemoglobin level of below 11 g/dl for pregnant women and 12 g/dl for non-pregnant women was used as the indicator of anemia. Using a three-level random intercept model to explored associated factors at individual and household levels quantified the observed and unobserved variations between households’ wealth index and place of residence. Results: Women of low household wealth index category were anemic (29.6%) than those middle and rich wealth index categories. Women who live in rural areas were (25.5%) were anemic than those who live in urban. The odds of anemia were significantly higher in women of low household wealth category, compared to women of high household wealth category (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.14–1.65, P < 0.001). This is not true for women to live in urban residency. Conclusion: Since the driver of anemia in this study is the palace of residency affecting women of reproductive age groups, novel public health interventions should consider urban residency those women with the lowest household wealth status.
High-efficiency Wavelength Tunable Monolayer LED with Hybrid Continuous-pulsed Injection
Authors: Zhu Yi , Wang Bowen , Li Ziyuan , Zhang Jian , Tang Yilin , Torres Juan F , Lipiński Wojciech , Fu Lan , Lu Yuerui
Published: November 2020

High-efficiency and wavelength-tunable light emitting diode (LED) devices will play an important role in future advanced optoelectronic systems. Traditional semiconductor LED devices typically have a fixed emission wavelength that is determined by the energy of the emission states. Here, we developed a novel high-efficiency and wavelength-tunable monolayer WS2 LED device, which operates in the hybrid mode of continuous-pulsed injection. This hybrid injection enables highly enhanced emission efficiency (> 20 times) and the effective size of emission area (> 5 times) at room temperature. The emission wavelength of WS2 monolayer LED device can be tuned over more than 40 nm by driving AC voltages, from exciton emission to trion emission, and further to defect emissions. The quantum efficiency of defect electroluminescence (EL) emission is measured to be more than 24.5 times larger than that from free exciton and trion EL emissions. The separate carrier injection in our LED also demonstrate advantage in allowing to visualize and distinguish defect species in real space. Those defects are assigned to be negatively charged defects. Our results open a new route to develop high-performance and wavelength-tunable LED devices for future advanced optoelectronic applications.
Babao dan promotes apoptosis of cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901/DDP by inducing autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway modulation
Authors: Zhao Jinyan , Lan Weilan , Peng Jun , Guan Bin , Liu Jie , Zhang Min , Zhan Zhixue , Lin Jiumao
Published: November 2020

Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a critical reason of cancer chemotherapy failure. Babao dan (BBD) is a classical and famous traditional Chinese patent medicine, which has been reported to has anti-gastric cancer activity. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of the reversal of MDR of gastric cancer by BBD have not been well described until now. Methods: SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/DDP cells were used in this study, and drug resistance and evaluation of the reversal effect of BBD was determined using MTT assays in SGC7901/DDP cells. Doxorubicin (DOX) and Rhodamin123 (Rho123) staining was performed to assess BBD effects on drug accumulation and efflux of drug-resistant gastric cancer cells. Cell apoptosis was directly assessed using DAPI staining. Apoptotic and dead cells were detected by flow cytometry after staining with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI). Cyto-ID assays were performed to examine cellular autophagy. Changes in cell protein expression of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, LC3, p62, Beclin1 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were detected by Western blot. Inhibition of autophagy with 3-MA, chloroquine (CQ) and PI3K antagonist (LY294002) or agonist (740Y-P) , uncovered a role for the potentially downregulated signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT/mTOR.Results: The SGC7901/DDP cell line exhibited multi-drug resistance to DDP, DOX and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the drug resistant index (RI) of DDP, DOX and 5-FU were 1.86, 1.50 and 47.70, respectively. BBD reversed the MDR of SGC7901/DDP cells by increasingDOX accumulation, reducing Rh123 efflux and down-regulating the expression of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2. Furthermore, BBD induced apoptosis in SGC7901/DDP cells through regulating caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2. Moreover, BBD induced autophagy in DDP-resistant gastric cancer cells via regulating p62, LC3 and Beclin1. Pathway analyses suggested BBD may inhibit PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity and subsequent autophagy induction. Conclusions: BBD may reverse the MDR of gastric cancer cells, and promote autophagic death via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Validation of the Framingham Hypertension Risk Score in A Middle Eastern Population: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS)
Authors: Koohi Fatemeh , Steyerberg Ewout , Cheraghi Leila , Abdshah Alireza , Azizi Fereidoun , Khalili Davood
Published: November 2020

Background: The Framingham hypertension risk score is a well-known and simple model for predicting hypertension in adults. In the current study, we aimed to assess the predictive ability of this model in a Middle Eastern population. Methods: We studied 5,423 participants, aged 20-69 years, without hypertension, who participated in two consecutive examination cycles of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). We assessed discrimination based on Harrell’s concordance statistic (c-index) and calibration (graphical comparison of predicted vs. observed). We evaluated the original, recalibrated (for intercept and slope), and revised (for beta coefficients) models. Results: Over the 3-year follow-up period, 319 participants developed hypertension. The Framingham hypertension risk score performed well in discriminating between individuals who developed hypertension and those who did not (c-index=0.81, 95% CI: 0.79-0.83). Initially, there was a systematic underestimation of the original risk score (events predicted), which was readily corrected by a simple model revision. Conclusions: The revised Framingham hypertension risk score can be used as a screening tool in public health and clinical practice to facilitate the targeting of preventive interventions in high-risk Middle Eastern people.
Developing A Diagnostic Decision Support System (DDSS) to Reduce Time To Diagnosis in Paediatric Shoulder Instability
Authors: Philp Fraser , Faux-Nightingale Alice , Wooley Sandra , De Quincey Ed , Pandyan Anand
Published: November 2020

Background: Currently the diagnosis of shoulder instability, particularly in children, is difficult and can take time. These diagnostic delays can lead to poorer outcome and long-term complications. A Diagnostic Decision Support System (DDSS) has the potential to reduce time to diagnosis improve outcomes for patients. The aim of this study was to develop a concept map for a future DDSS in shoulder instability.Methods: A modified nominal focus group technique, involving three clinical vignettes was used to elicit information physiotherapists decision-making processes.Results: Twenty-five physiotherapists, (18F:7M) from four separate clinical sites participated. The themes identified related to ‘Variability in diagnostic processes and lack of standardised practice’ and ‘Knowledge and attitudes towards novel technologies for facilitating assessment and clinical decision making’. Conclusion: No common structured approach towards assessment and diagnosis was identified. Lack of knowledge, perceived usefulness, access and cost were identified as barriers to adoption of new technology. Based on the information elicited a conceptual design of a future DDSS has been proposed. Work to develop a systematic approach to assessment, classification and diagnosis is now proposed.Trial Registration: This was not a clinical trial and so no clinical trial registry is needed.
Targeting Aurora B kinase with Tanshinone IIA Suppresses Tumor Growth and Overcomes Radioresistance
Authors: Li Ming , Gao Feng , liu haidan , Zhao Qin , Han Shuangze , Zhou Li , Liu Wenbin , Li Wei
Published: November 2020

Background

Aurora B kinase is aberrantly overexpressed in various tumors and shown to be a promising target for anti-cancer therapy.
Methods

A customized natural product library was used for natural compound screening through Molecular modeling. The expression of Aurora B in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the inhibitory effect of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on OSCC were examined by MTS and colony formation assays, immunoblot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical staining, and in vivo xenograft experiment.
Results

Aurora B is overexpressed in OSCC tumor tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of Aurora B inhibited the malignant phenotypes of OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. With a molecular modeling screening of 74 commercially available natural products, we identified that Tan IIA, as a potential Aurora B kinase inhibitor. Tan IIA exhibited a significant anti-tumor effect on OSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo, including reduction of Aurora B and histone H3 phosphorylation, induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest, increase the population of polyploid cells, and promotion of apoptosis. The in vivo mouse model revealed that Tan IIA delayed tumor growth of OSCC cells. Tan IIA alone or in combination with radiation overcame radioresistance in OSCC xenograft tumors.
Conclusion

Our data indicates that targeting Aurora B kinase signaling is a promising anti-tumor strategy for OSCC treatment.
Associations between gut microbiota and hand grip strength: a polygenetic scoring analysis and genome-wide environmental interaction study
Authors: Liu Li , Cheng Bolun , Wen Yan , Jia Yumeng , Cheng Shiqiang , Liang Chujun , Chu Xiaomeng , Ye Jing , Yao Yao , Dai Xiaoxia , Guo Xiong , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2020

Background

We aim to explore the genetic association between hand grip strength (HGS) and gut microbiota (GM).
Methods

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of GM was obtained from a recently published study, involving 2,646 individuals. Phenotypic data of left HGS (n = 375,229) and right HGS (n = 375,279) were derived from the UK Biobank. Firstly, PLINK 2.0 was used to calculate 114 GM related polygenetic risk score (PRS) of each subject based on GWAS result. Regression analysis was then conducted to evaluate the possible association of GM-PRS and HGS. Then genome-wide by environment interaction study (GWEIS) of GM related traits was then performed using a regression model adjusted for age, gender, BMI and 10 principal components.
Results

For PRS analysis, 13 candidate GM were identified to be associated with left HGS (P < 0.05), including G_Bifidobacterium (P = 8.36 × 10− 4), G_Clostridium_sensu_stricto (P = 2.69 × 10− 3), and 10 significant GM for right HGS, such as G_Acidaminococcus (P = 1.29 × 10− 2), G_Streptococcus (P = 1.79 × 10− 2). In addition, 4 GM were found to be overlapped in association with both left and right HGS, including G_Bifidobacterium (P right HGS = 2.78 × 10− 2, P left HGS = 8.36 × 10− 4). Furthermore, several genome-wide significant GWEIS associations were detected for HGS, including 3 significant SNPs interacted with G_Butyricicoccus (P < 5 × 10− 8) for right HGS (rs41310432, P = 3.86 × 10− 8; closest gene: NASP; rs1053941, P = 4.71 × 10− 8; closest gene: NASP; rs6671239, P = 4.73 × 10− 8, closest gene: GPBP1L1), and 1 suggestive intronic SNP in CACNA1H on chromosome 16 interacted with G_Butyricicoccus (rs139206507, P = 8.68 × 10− 8 ) for left HGS.
Conclusions

Our study holds great potential gaining a better understanding of the relationship between GM and HGS.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Associated with COVID-19: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Ostovan Vahid Reza , Foroughi Razieh , Rostami Mahtab , Almasi-Dooghaee Mostafa , Esmaili Manouchehr , Bidaki Ali Akbar , Behzadi Zahra , Farzadfard Farzane , Marbooti Hoda , Rahimi-Jaberi Abbas , Poursadeghfard Maryam , Fadakar Nima , Bayat Mahnaz , Owjfard Maryam , Salehi Mohammad Saied , Zafarmand Seyedeh Shaghayegh , Mardi Farzad , Safari Anahid , Shahjouei Shima , Mowla Ashkan , Azarpazhooh M Reza , Zand Ramin , Hooshmandi Etrat , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin
Published: November 2020

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) have been reported in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. This study provides a series of patients with CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: Consecutive patients with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as clinical and radiological characteristics of CVST, were reported from three teaching hospitals in the South West, North West, and the center of Iran from June to July 2020. We also searched the abstract archives until the end of August 2020 and gathered 28 reported cases. The diagnostic criteria for SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined according to SARS-CoV-2 detection in oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal samples in clinically suspected patients. Demographics, main COVID-19 symptoms, confirmatory tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis, the interval between the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and CVST, clinical and radiological features of CVST, therapeutic strategies, CVST outcomes, rate of hemorrhagic transformation, and mortality rate were investigated.Results: Six patients (aged 31 to 62 years old) with confirmed CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to our centers. Four patients had no respiratory symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Five out of six patients developed the clinical manifestations of CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection simultaneously. Three patients had known predisposing factors for CVST. Despite receiving CVST and SARS-CoV-2 infection treatments, four out of six patients passed away.Conclusions: The role of SARS-CoV-2 as a “cause” versus an “additive contributor” remains to be elucidated. Practitioners should be aware of the possibility of CVST in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Clinical effect of minimally invasive surgery for inguinal cryptorchidism
Authors: Wang Yunjin , Chen Liu , Cui Xu , Zhou Chaoming , Zhou Qing , zhang zhengmian
Published: November 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of minimally invasive surgery for inguinal cryptorchidism.Methods: The patients were divided into the minimally invasive surgery group (n=100) and the traditional surgery group (n=58). In the minimally invasive surgery group, patients with low inguinal cryptorchidism (n=54) underwent surgery with a transscrotal incision, and patients with high inguinal cryptorchidism (n=46) underwent laparoscopic surgery. Results: There was no difference in the hospital stay duration or cost between the minimally invasive surgery group and the traditional surgery group (P>0.05). As for the operative time, minimally invasive surgery of low inguinal cryptorchidism was shorter than traditional surgery (P=0.033), while minimally invasive surgery of high inguinal cryptorchidism was comparable to traditional surgery (P=0.658). Additionally, there were no cases of testicular atrophy, testicular retraction, inguinal hernia or hydrocele in either group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of poor wound healing between the two groups (P>0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of scrotal hematoma between the two groups (P>0.05), the incidence in the minimally invasive surgery group was higher than that in the traditional surgery group. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery including a transscrotal incision for low inguinal cryptorchidism and laparoscopic surgery for high inguinal cryptorchidism is as safe and effective as traditional surgery, and could also provide a good cosmetic effect for children.
The association between self-management ability and malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome in peritoneal dialysis patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Zehui , Fang Junyan , Song Ahui , Tong Yan , Deng Hai , Wei Shan , Ji Ouyang , Hu Chun , Li Pu , Zhang Chunli , Liu Yingli
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe relationship between malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome (MIAS) and self-management ability has not been previously revealed even though both play an important role in the management of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.MethodsIn total, 93 patients were enrolled in this study. A self-management questionnaire was used for the evaluation of self-management ability. The identification of MIAS was based on one or more of the following three conditions: C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥10 mg/L, malnutrition–inflammation score (MIS) >7, and the presence of atherosclerosis-related medical records. The possible association between different self-management abilities and MIAS was analyzed with a Spearman correlation analysis.ResultsThere were 40 (43.0%) patients in the atherosclerosis group, and 38 (40.9%), 38 (40.9%), 10 (10.8%), and 7 (7.5%) patients in the MIAS0, MIAS1, MIAS2, and MIAS3 groups, respectively. The group with a score above the mean score of the Dialysis Effect Evaluation and Monitoring dimension had a fewer number of hospitalizations, higher albumin levels, lower MIS scores, a lower level of IL-6, and a lower number of MIAS factors. The Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses also revealed that this dimension was negatively correlated with the MIAS, MIS, IL-6, BNP, number of hospitalizations, and age and positively associated with albumin and prealbumin. ConclusionThe Dialysis Effect Evaluation and Monitoring dimension of the self-management scale for PD patients is closely linked to the MIAS, and a better dialysis effect evaluation and monitoring capacity results in a decreased likelihood of exposure to malnutrition and inflammation.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: SH9H-2020-T20-2, retrospectively registered January 15, 2020.
Chip-Less and Battery-Less Subharmonic Tags for Wireless Sensing with Parametrically Enhanced Sensitivities and Dynamic Ranges
Authors: Hussein Hussein , Rinaldi Matteo , Onabajo Marvin , Cassella Cristian
Published: November 2020

Massive deployments of wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) that continuously detect physical, biological or chemical parameters are needed to truly benefit from the unprecedented possibilities opened by the Internet-of-Things (IoT). Just recently, new sensors with higher sensitivities have been demonstrated by leveraging advanced on-chip designs and microfabrication processes. Yet, WSNs using such sensors require energy to transmit the sensed information. Consequently, they either contain batteries that need to be periodically replaced or energy harvesting circuits whose low efficiencies prevent a frequent and continuous sensing and impact the maximum range of communication. Here, we report a new chip-less and battery-less tag-based WSN that fundamentally breaks any previous paradigm. This WSN, formed by off-the-shelf lumped components on a printed substrate, can sense and transmit information without any need of supplied or harvested DC power, while enabling full-duplex transceiver designs for interrogating nodes rendering them immune to their own self-interference. Also, even though the reported WSN does not require any advanced and expensive manufacturing, its unique parametric dynamical behavior enables extraordinary sensitivities and dynamic ranges that can even surpass those achieved by on-chip sensors. The operation and performance of the first implementation of this new WSN are reported. This device operates in the Ultra-High-Frequency range and is capable to passively and continuously detect temperature changes remotely from an interrogating node.
Dynamic slab segmentation due to brittle-ductile damage interactions in the outer rise
Authors: Gerya Taras , Bercovici David , Becker Thorsten
Published: November 2020

The recycling of oceanic plates by means of subduction represents the major plate driving force and subducting plate strength controls many aspects of the thermo-chemical evolution of Earth. Regardless of its prior history, each subducting plate experiences intense normal faulting1-11 during bending that accommodates the transition from horizontal to downward motion at the outer rise at subduction trenches. Here, we investigate the consequences of this bending-induced plate damage using new numerical, thermomechanical subduction models in which both brittle and ductile deformation, as well as grain size evolution, are tracked and coupled self-consistently. Pervasive slab weakening and pronounced segmentation can occur at the outer rise region due to the strong feedback between brittle and ductile damage localization. The “memory” of bending varies from segmentation to broadly-distributed damage depending on the age of the subducting plate, mantle potential temperature, and the magnitude of strain-induced weakening of outer rise normal faults. This new slab damage phenomenon explains the development of large-offset normal faults8,9, the occurrence of deep compressional thrust-faulting earthquakes12, and the appearance of localized areas of reduced effective viscosity13 observed at subduction trenches. Furthermore, brittle-viscously damaged slabs show a strong tendency for slab breakoff at elevated mantle temperatures. Given Earth’s planetary cooling history14, this implies that intermittent subduction with frequent slab breakoff episodes15,16 may have been characteristic for terrestrial plate tectonics until more recent times than expected from memory-free rheologies17.
Job-Sharing Charge Storage in a Mixed Ion/Electron Conductor Electrode towards Ultrafast Na Storage
Authors: Wang Haihua , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jiliang , Lau Vincent Wing-hei , Lee Gi-Hyeok , Zhang Kai , Park Mihui , Fang Liang , Kang Yong-Mook
Published: November 2020

For the cathode materials potentially available for high power capability, reducing their particle size can improve the bulk ionic conductivity due to reduced ion diffusion length, and exploiting new reaction mechanism must be fundamentally advantageous. However, other issues such as synthesis difficulty, poor charge storage stability, and capacity decay can emerge. To simultaneously address these issues, in this work, we first find solid-solid interfacial storage for the ultrafine insertion cathode materials in the space-charge region of a mixed ion/electron conductor through the so-called “job-sharing” mechanism. This mechanism shows that electrons and ions can be stored in the different phases around the interface and transport only inside there, which looks thermodynamically distinct from most of conventional charge storage mechanisms in terms of the relationship between charge storage and cell voltage. The insertion cathodes governed by the “job-sharing” mechanism thus exhibit the outstanding performances with high capacity, fast kinetics, and stable cyclability. Herein, the inverse conceptual compositing between ionic conductor and electronic conductor to harness the size effect offers a potential research direction for not only electrode design in high-power batteries, but also other electrochemical potential applications such as solid-state electrolytes and so on.