bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effect of Sesamol Against Aluminum Nanoparticles induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Abou-Zeid Shimaa , Elkhadrawey Basma , Anis Anis , AbuBakr Huda , El-Bialy Badr , Elsabbagh Hesham , El-Borai Nermeen
Published: April 2021

Alumina nanoparticles (AlNPs) are widely used causing neurobehavioral impairment in intoxicated animals and human. Sesamol (SML) emerged as a natural phytochemical with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, no study has directly tested the potential of SML to protect against AlNPs induced detrimental effects on the brain. AlNPs (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to `rats by gavage with or without oral sesamol (100 mg/kg) for 28 days. In AlNPs-intoxicated group, brain AChE activity was elevated. The concentrations of MDA and 8-OHdG were increased suggesting lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. GSH depletion with inhibited activities of CAT and SOD were demonstrated. Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were elevated. The expressions of GST, TNF-α and caspase-3 genes in brain were upregulated. Histopathologically, AlNPs induced hemorrhages, edema, neuronal necrosis and/ or apoptosis in medulla oblongata. The cerebellum showed loss of Purkinje cells and the cerebrum showed perivascular edema, neuronal degeneration, necrosis, and neuronal apoptosis. However, concomitant administration of SML with AlNPs significantly ameliorated the toxic effects on the brain, reflecting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of SML. Considering these results, sesamol could be promising phytochemical with neuroprotective activity against AlNPs-induced neurotoxicity.
Processing Rusty Metals into Versatile Prussian Blue for Sustainable Energy Storage
Authors: Peng Jian , Zhang Wang , Wang Jinsong , Li Lin , Lai Weihong , Yang Qiuran , Zhang Bin-Wei , Li Xiaoning , Du Yumeng , Liu Hanwen , Wang Jianli , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wang Lizhen , Wang Shiwen , Wang Jiazhao , Chou Shulei , Liu Huakun , Dou Shi Xue
Published: April 2021

To reach a closed-loop material system and meet the urgent requirement of sustainable energy storage technologies, it is essential to incorporate efficient waste management into designing new energy storage materials. Here, we reported a “two birds with one stone” strategy to transform rusty iron products into Prussian blue as high-performance cathode materials and recover the rusty iron products to their original status. Owing to the high crystalline and Na+ content, the rusty iron derived Prussian blue shows a high specific capacity of 145 mAh g− 1 and excellent cycling stability over 3500 cycles. Through the in situ X-ray diffraction and in situ Raman spectra, it is found that the impressive ion storage capability and stability are greatly related to the suppressed structure distortion during the charge/discharge process. The ions migration mechanism and possibility as universal host of other kinds of ions are further illuminated by density functional theory calculations. This work provides a new strategy for recycling wasted materials into high value-added materials for sustainable battery systems, and is adaptable in the nanomedicine, catalysis, sensors, and gas storage applications.
Bioaccumulation of Trace Metals and Genotoxicity Responses in Liza aurata as an Indicator of Industrial Pollution
Authors: Turan Funda , Yilmaz M. Bertan , Yola M. Lutfi , Eregenler Aysegul , Ilgaz Seda , Oksuk Hale
Published: April 2021

Heavy metal contamination in the coastal and marine ecosystems is becoming a progressively serious risk to aquatic organisms and humans. This study reports the genetic damage and the accumulations of trace metals of L. aurata as a bioindicator species in the Payas coast of Iskenderun Bay, North-Eastern Mediterranean by COMET Assay. Fish were seasonally collected from a sampling site and a reference site for one year. Physicochemical parameters in water and trace metals in the tissues of fish collected from these sites were determined by electrochemical techniques. The high DNA damage frequency at the L. aurata was observed in the Payas coast of Iskenderun bay compared to the reference site because of pollutants that the detected high levels of Cd, Pb, Fe and Cu accumulation in L. aurata were exceed the maximum levels allowed by the national and international limit values. A significant positive correlation between Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Fe, Zn and Cu accumulations and DNA damage parameters was reported in the present study. Besides, we reported firstly, that it can be used successfully the electrochemical technique in the determination of trace metal concentrations in mullet. Consequently, obtained data indicate that L. aurata constitutes a useful tool as a sentinel organism for biomonitoring of the coastal ecosystem.
Assessment of the Appropriateness of the i-CONSENT Guideline Recommendations for Improving Understanding of the Informed Consent Process in Clinical Studies
Authors: Fons-Martínez Jaime , Ferrer-Albero Cristina , Diez-Domingo Javier
Published: April 2021

Background: The H2020 i-CONSENT project has developed a set of guidelines that offer ethical recommendations and practical tools aimed at making the informed consent process in clinical studies more comprehensive, tailored, and inclusive. An analysis of the appropriateness of some of its novel recommendations was carried out by a group of experts representing different stakeholders.Methods: An adaptation of the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used to assess the level of agreement on the recommendations among 14 representatives of different stakeholders, including patients, regulators, investigators, ethics experts, and the pharmaceutical industry. The process included two rounds of rating and a virtual meeting.Results: Fifty-three recommendations were evaluated. After the first round, 34 recommendations were judged appropriate; 19 were judged uncertain; and none was judged inappropriate. After the second round, 9 uncertains changed to appropriate. All recommendations rated medians of 6.5-9 on a 1-9 scale (1 = extremely inappropriate, 5 = uncertain, 9 = extremely appropriate).The sections “General recommendations” and “Gender perspective during the consent process for clinical studies” showed the highest uncertainty rating. The four keys to improving the understanding of the ICP in clinical studies are to: (1) consider consent a two-way continuous interaction that begins at the first contact with the potential participant and continues until the end of the study; (2) improve investigators’ communication skills; (3) co-create the information; and (4) use a layered approach, including information to compensate for the potential participant’s possible lack of health literacy and a glossary of terms.Conclusions: The RAND/UCLA method has demonstrated validity for assessing the appropriateness of recommendations in ethical guidelines. The recommendations of the i-CONSENT guidelines were mostly judged appropriate by all stakeholders involved in the informed consent process.
Extra plasticity governed by shear band deflection in gradient metallic glasses
Authors: Tang Yao , Zhou Haofei , Wang Xiaodong , Cao Qingping , Zhang Dongxian , Yang Wei , Jiang Jian-Zhong
Published: April 2021

Inspired by gradient materials in nature, advanced engineering components with controlled structural gradients have attracted significant research interest due to their exceptional combinations of properties. However, it remains challenging to generate structural gradients that penetrate through bulk materials, which is essential for achieving enhanced mechanical properties in metallic materials. Here, we propose a heat treatment engineering protocol to realize a controllable structural gradient in bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). By adjusting the holding time of cryogenic thermal cycling, a series of BMGs with gradient-distributed free volume contents from internal to external can be synthesized. Both mechanical testing and atomistic simulations demonstrate that the spatial gradient can endow BMGs with extra plasticity without sacrificing their ultrahigh strength. Such an enhanced mechanical property is governed by the gradient-induced deflection of shear deformation that fundamentally suppresses the unlimited shear localization on a straight plane that would be expected in BMGs without such a gradient.
Variants in PAX6, PITX3 and HSF4 Causing Autosomal Dominant Congenital Cataract
Authors: Berry Vanita , Ionides Alex , Pontikos Nikolas , Moore Anthony T , Quinlan Roy A , Michaelides Michel
Published: April 2021

Background: Lens development is orchestrated by transcription factors. Disease-causing variants in transcription factors and their developmental target genes are associated with congenital cataracts and other eye anomalies.Methods: Using whole exome sequencing, we identified disease-causing variants in two large British families and one isolated case with autosomal dominant congenital cataract. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed these disease-causing mutations as rare or novel variants, with a moderate to damaging pathogenicity score, with testing for segregation within the families using direct Sanger sequencing. Results: Family A had a missense variant (c.184G>A; p.V62M) in PAX6 and affected individuals presented with nuclear cataract. Family B had a frameshift variant (c.470-477dup; p.A160R*) in PITX3 that was also associated with nuclear cataract. A recurrent missense variant in HSF4 (c.341T>C; p.L114P) was associated with congenital cataract in a single isolated case. Conclusions: We have therefore identified novel variants in PAX6 and PITX3 that cause autosomal dominant congenital cataract.
Association of Gastric Residual Volumes With Necrotising Enterocolitis in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: purohit gajanan , Puja Mehkarkar , Gayatri Athalye-Jape , Elizabeth Nathan , Sanjay Patole
Published: April 2021

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a potentially serious illness with significant mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Previous studies have reported association of volume and colour (bile and blood stained) of gastric residuals (GR) with NEC. We aimed to study this association in our cohort of extremely preterm (EP) infants. In a case-control study using retrospective data (January 2006-December 2011), EP (Gestation <28 weeks) infants with confirmed NEC ≥ Stage II (Cases) were compared with infants without NEC (Controls) matched for birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA). Forty cases of NEC ≥ Stage II diagnosed at a median (IQR) age of 16.5 (10.3-23) days were compared with 40 controls matched for gestation (±3 days), and birth weight (±680 g). Median maximum GR volume (GRV) from birth to the day of occurrence of NEC was significantly higher in cases vs. controls (5.9 vs.3.7 ml; p<0.001). Increased maximum GRV was associated with NEC ≥ Stage II in adjusted analysis (aOR 1.36, 95%CI 1.06-1.75, p=0.017). There was no significant difference in GRV between cases and controls throughout the clinical course, including 72, 48 and 24 hours before the onset of NEC. However, green (65.0% vs. 27.5%, p=0.001) and haemorrhagic GRs (45.0% vs. 27.5%, p=0.092) were higher 24 hours before the diagnosis of NEC.Conclusion: GRV was not associated with NEC ≥ Stage II. However, green and haemorrhagic GRs were significantly higher 24 hours before the diagnosis of the illness. Adequately powered prospective studies are needed to confirm the significance of our findings.
Study on Recast Layer Thickness of Microstructures Machined in micro-EDM with Different Electrodes
Authors: Chen Shenggui , Lian Man-qun , Wu Xiao-yu , Lei Jian-guo , Zhao Hang , Peng Tai-jiang , Luo Feng , Yang Jun , Xu Bin
Published: April 2021

Functional-surface microstructures are widely used in industrial practice. During the fabrication of microstructures in micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM), the thermal and physical characteristics of both workpieces and electrode materials at room temperature and high temperatures have an important influence on surface quality and distribution of recast layer. In order to study the influence of different electrode material characteristics on the surface integrity of microstructures machined using micro-EDM, red copper, brass, copper-tungsten and tungsten electrode were used to perform micro-EDM on both Ti-6Al-4V alloy and 304 stainless steel. In the experiment, electrode with groove arrays featuring high copying accuracy and surface quality was designed to carry out powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) on Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and the machining results were evaluated based on four indicators: microstructure morphology, tool electrode wear (TEW), material removal rate (MRR), and recast layer thickness (RLT). Simultaneously, the surface morphology and recast layer thickness changes of 304 stainless steel workpieces machined using the above four types of electrodes, using both normal polarity and negative polarity micro-EDM were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that copper-tungsten electrode is recommended to machine Ti-6Al-4V alloy because it has a smaller TEW (139 µm), the highest MRR (255.39 mm3/min), and a thinner recast layer thickness (3.35 µm). This was followed by copper electrode, which featured good machining performance and machinability. When machining 304 stainless steel with negative polarity, the TEW of copper electrode and tungsten electrode was the smallest, and the thickness of recast layer was able to be effectively reduced to about 3 µm.
Trends of HIV/AIDS Highlighted the Progresses and Challenges in Prevention and Control From 1990 to 2019
Authors: Ou Zejin , He Huan , Yu Danfeng , Li Yongzhi , Liang Yuanhao , He Wenqiao , Gao Yuhan , Wu Fei , Chen Qing
Published: April 2021

Background HIV/AIDS is a critical public health concern worldwide. This article aimed to demonstrate th trends of HIV/AIDS burden from 1990 to 2019.Methods Data was extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBDs) 2019. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and age-standardized rate (ASR) were estimated to quantify the trends at global, regional and national levels.Results During the period 1990-2004, the trend in incidence of HIV/AIDS was stable globally. Whereas the trends in prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) had pronounced increasing trends, with the respective EAPCs were 7.47 (95%confidence interval [CI]: 5.84 to 9.12), 10.85(95%CI: 8.90 to 12.84), and 10.40(95%CI: 8.47 to 12.36). Meanwhile, the pronounced increasing trends were seen in low-resource settings, particularly that of death in Oceania and South Asia, in which the respective EAPCs were 44.76 (95%CI: 40.81 to 48.82) and 40.82 (95%CI: 34.31 to 47.64). However, the global trends in incidence, death and DALYs of HIV/AIDS pronouncedly decreased from 2005 to 2019, with the respective EAPCs were −2.68(95%CI: −2.82 to −2.53), −6.73(95%CI: −6.98 to −6.47) and −6.75(95%CI: −6.95 to −6.54). Whereas prevalence showed increasing trend (EAPC: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.54 to 0.87). Decreasing trends of HIV/AIDS were observed in most regions and countries, particularly that of death and DALYs in Burundi respectively were −15.28 (95%CI: −16.08 to −14.47) and −15.07 (95%CI: −15.79 to −14.33). Conclusions Decreasing trends of HIV/AIDS were observed worldwide over the past 15 years. However, HIV/AIDS remains one of the most critical causes of health loss worldwide, which emphasized the effective prevention and control strategies.
An Integrated Deep Learning Based Model of Hippocampal Spatial Cells That Combines Self-motion With Sensory Information
Authors: Aziz Azra , Peesap S S Sree Harsha , Rohan N , Chakravar V Srinivasa
Published: April 2021

A special class of hippocampal neurons broadly known as the spatial cells, whose subcategories include place cells, grid cells and head direction cells, are considered to be the building blocks of the brain’s map of the spatial world. We present a general, deep learning-based modeling framework that describes the emergence of the spatial cell responses and can also explain behavioral responses that involve a combination of path integration and vision. The first layer of the model consists of Head Direction (HD) cells that code for preferred direction of the agent. The second layer is the path integration (PI) layer with oscillatory neurons: displacement of the agent in a given direction modulates the frequency of these oscillators. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the PI cell responses showed emergence of cells with grid-like spatial periodicity. We show that the response of these cells could be described by Bessel functions. The output of PI layer is used to train stack of autoencoders. Neurons of both the layers exhibit responses resembling grid cells and place cells. The paper concludes by suggesting a wider applicability of the proposed modeling framework beyond the two simulated behavioral studies.
Applying The Spatial Transmission Network to the Prediction of Infectious Diseases Across Multiple Regions
Authors: Wang Huimin , Qiu Jianqing , Li Cheng , Wan Hongli , Yang Changhong , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2021

Background: Timely and accurately forecasting of the infectious diseases is essentially important for achieving precise prevention and control. A good forecasting method of infectious diseases should have the advantages of interpretability, feasibility and forecasting performance. Since our previous research had illustrated that the spatial transmission network showed good interpretability and feasibility, this study further explored its forecasting performance for the infectious diseases across multiple regions.Methods: Under the topological framework of spatial transmission network, the vector autoregressive moving average (VARMA) model was built in a systematic way for parameter learning. Moreover, we utilized the prediction function of the VARMA model to further explore the forecasting performance of the spatial transmission network. The fitting and forecasting performance of the spatial transmission network were subsequently evaluated by comparing the accuracy and precision with the classical autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. The influenza-like illness (ILI) data in Chengdu, Deyang and Mianyang of Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2017 were used as an example for illustration. Results: ① The estimated spatial transmission network revealed that the influenza may probably spread from Chengdu to Deyang during the study period. ② For fitting accuracy, the spatial transmission network had different fitting performance for each city. The spatial transmission network performed slightly worse than the ARMA model in Deyang, but had better fitting performance in the other two cities. ③ For forecasting accuracy, the spatial transmission network outperformed the ARMA model by at least 1% for both mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). ④ The forecasting standard errors of the spatial transmission network were smaller than those of the ARMA model.Conclusions: This study applied the spatial transmission network to the prediction of infectious diseases across multiple regions. The results illustrated that the spatial transmission network not only had good accuracy and precision in forecasting performance, but also could indicate the spreading directions of infectious diseases among multiple regions to a certain extent. Therefore, the spatial transmission network is a promising candidate to improve the surveillance work.
Anticancer Effects of Auranofin in Human Lung Cancer Cells Through Increasing Intracellular ROS Levels and GSH Depletion
Authors: Park Sun Hyang , Cui Xia Ying , Park Woo Hyun
Published: April 2021

Purpose Auranofin is known to inhibit thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and has promising anticancer activity in several cancer types. However, at present, there is no clear explanation for the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of Auranofin on lung cancer cell growth. In this study, we evaluated the antigrowth effects of Auranofin in cells from various lung cancer cell lines with regard to cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) levels.Methods Cell proliferation was assessed using the trypan blue staining cell counting. ROS levels including O2·-, GSH levels, and MMP (∆Ψm) loss were measured using a flow cytometry. Apoptosis was determined with annexin V-PI staining assay and the change of apoptosis-related protein level was detected by western blotting. TrxR activity was evaluated using a thioredoxin reductase colorimetric assay kit.Results Treatment with Auranofin inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death based on cell number at 24 h in Calu-6, A549, SK-LU-1, NCI-H460, and NCI-H1299 cells. In addition, Auranofin led to increased ROS levels including O2·- and GSH depletion in these cells. Treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) attenuated the growth inhibition, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ∆Ψm) loss, and increased ROS levels and GSH depletion in Auranofin-treated Calu-6 and A549 cells. By contrast, L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) enhanced cell death, MMP (∆Ψm) loss, ROS production, and GSH depletion. Furthermore, the western blot analysis indicated that Auranofin-induced caspase-3 activation and poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, both of which were prevented by pretreatment with NAC but enhanced by pretreatment with BSO in Calu-6 and A549 cells. Consistent with these changes, the decrease in TrxR activity caused by Auranofin was enhanced by preincubation with BSO and restored in response to the preincubation with NAC in both Calu-6 and A549 cells.Conclusion Our present findings demonstrate that Auranofin-induced cell death is tightly related to oxidative stress in lung cancer cells.
Production of Multiple triterpenes Including Taraxasterol in Transgenic Tobacco Overexpressing Multifunctional Oxidosqualene Cyclase (TcOSC1) of Taraxacum Coreanum
Authors: Han Jyng Yeon , Choi Han Suk , Jo Hye-Jeong , Jung Kyong Mi , Choi Yong Eui
Published: April 2021

Taraxasterol and ψ-taraxasterol are pentacyclic triterpenoids, they are commonly found in the family Asteraceae. These two compounds are useful candidates for pharmacologically active triterpenes in dandelion. A multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclase (TcOSC1) of Taraxacum coreanum catalyzes the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene into various triterpenes (taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, α-amyrin, and dammarendiol-II). Here, we established the production of taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin in transgenic tobacco overexpressing TcOSC1 gene of T. coreanum. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing TcOSC1 gene was induced via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and four transgenic lines were selected. Introduction and expression of transgenic genes in tobacco was confirmed by genomic PCR, and qRT-PCR, respectively. All the four transgenic lines of tobacco produced obviously the five triterpenes, namely taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin. Organ-specific triterpene accumulation occurred in transgenic tobacco plants (leaf > stem > root). The amount of taraxasterol was found the highest among the five triterpenes produced in tobacco. The total amount of triterpenes in transgenic line 3 (Tr3) exhibiting the highest amount of triterpenes that was 598 µg g− 1 dry weight. Production of phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) was reduced in transgenic tobacco compared to those of wild-type control. Conclusively, we successfully established the production of taraxasterol and ψ-taraxasterol triterpenes in transgenic tobacco, which can be applied to the cost-effective production for the utilization and as a source of pharmacologically active materials.
Generation of Custom Acoustic Harmonic Bursts from Spherical Helmholtz Resonators Using Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Induced Plasma
Authors: Ayoub H , El-Sherif Ashraf , Ibrahim Diaa , ElTahlawy M , Gomaa Walid , Nada Y , Maize Sana , Elbashar Yahia
Published: April 2021

We reported a new method for generating a 4 to 25 ms high power acoustic harmonic bursts, reaching more than 110 dB Sound Pressure Level (SPL), from the spherical Helmholtz resonators. The method uses Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses (wavelength = 1064 nm, pulse width = 6 ns, and energy = 450 mJ) to induce plasma shocks inside an AISI 316L stainless steel cavity. The confined plasma shock produces an acoustic burst of temporal standing waves which are characterized by a wide harmonic bandwidth. The frequency response of the system depends on the geometry of the used Helmholtz resonator as well as the laser wavelength (with constant laser pulse duration and fluence). The experiments reveal the dependence of the odd/even harmonic on laser wavelength. This method is a prospective alternative for the dodecahedron loudspeakers, other sources in ISO and standard audio tests.
Differential gene sets profiling in gram-negative and gram-positive sepsis
Authors: Wang Qingliang , Li Xiaojie , Tang Wenting , Guan Xiaoling , Xiong Zhiyong , Zhu Yong , Gong Jiao , Hu Bo
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The host response to bacterial sepsis is reported to be nonspecific regardless of the causative pathogen. However, newer paradigms indicated that host response of Gram-negative sepsis may be different from Gram-positive sepsis and the difference has not been clearly clarified. The current study aimed to explore the difference by identifying the differential gene sets using genome-wide technique.Methods: The training dataset GSE6535 and the validation dataset GSE13015 were used for bioinformatics analysis. The distinct gene sets of sepsis with different infections were screened using Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The intersection gene sets based on the two algorithms were confirmed through Venn analysis. Finally, the common gene sets between GSE6535 and GSE13015 were determined by GSVA.Results: Two immunologic gene sets in GSE6535 were identified based on GSVA, which could be used to discriminate sepsis caused by Gram-positive, Gram-negative or mixed infection. A total of 19 gene sets were obtained in GSE6535 through Venn analysis, revealed the heterogeneity of sepsis between gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria at the molecular level. The result was also verified by analysis the validation set GSE13015, 31 gene sets were identified by GSVA and GSEA. Furthermore, 10 common differential gene sets were finally confirmed based on GSVA for dataset GSE6535 and GSE13015.Conclusions: Our data indicated that host response may differ dramatically depending on the inciting organism. The findings offer new insight to investigate the pathophysiology of bacterial sepsis.
Engineering students’ readiness for online learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Scale validation and lessons learned from a developing country
Authors: Mamun Md. Abdullah Al , Hossain Md. Akbar , Salehin Sayedus , Khan Md. Shahadat Hossain , Hasan Mahbub
Published: April 2021

Background - Engineering education utilizes a face-to-face model for delivery of course materials and workshops. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed a countrywide lockdown and forced education institutes to shift to an internet-based online delivery mode. Purpose/Hypothesis - This study developed an instrument to meticulously measure the students’ readiness for online learning in a pandemic situation. A situation like COVID-19 accelerates a long-standing issue of digital inequality among the students in education. The study proposed a reconceptualised model for students’ online readiness for emergencies like COVID-19. The proposed model consists of (a) motivation, (b) self-efficacy, and (c) situational factors.Design/Method - The proposed model was validated with the engineering students (for pilot study N = 68 and main study N = 988) from several universities in Bangladesh. To validate the underlying relationships between the latent constructs, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed followed by structural equation modelling (SEM) for the construct validity of the measurement model and to assess the model fit. Results - The findings showed that besides motivation and self-efficacy, the situational factors describing the contextual dynamics emerging from the COVID-19 significantly influenced the student's online readiness.Conclusions - The impact of situational factors on student readiness for online learning is complex, specially during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing the collected data, it is evident that current practices of teaching should be blended with face-to-face, synchronous and asynchronous internet-based learning. We argue that digital inequality is an important factor influencing student readiness for online learning.
Teaching Patient-Centred Communication Skills During Clinical Procedural Skill Training - A Pre-Post Study Comparing International and Local Medical Students
Authors: Nagy Ede , Luta Gloria Matondo Miguel , Huhn Daniel , Cranz Anna , Schultz Jobst-Hendrik , Herrmann-Werner Anne , Bugaj Till Johannes , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Nikendei Christoph
Published: April 2021

Background: International medical students are frequently confronted with intercultural, psychosocial, and language barriers and often receive lower marks in written, oral, and clinical-practical examinations than fellow local students. Training communication competence in procedural skills, such as blood sampling, is further challenge in this particular group of medical students. This pre-post comparative intervention study aimed to investigate the effects of training communication skills during the performance of procedural skills (taking blood samples from a silicone model) in international and local students as part of their clinical practical medical training.Methods: Study participants performed blood sampling on an arm prosthesis model (part-task trainer) before and after the communication skills training, focusing on accompanying communication with a simulation patient sitting next to the arm model. The pre and post-evaluation video was assessed by two independent evaluators using a binary checklist, the Integrated Procedural Performance Instrument (IPPI) and global assessments of clinical professionalism in terms of procedural and communication performance. Linear models with mixed effects were used. Group differences regarding global competence levels were analysed with χ²-tests. Results: International medical students did not perform as well as their local counterparts in the pre- and post-examinations. Both groups improved their performance significantly, whereby the international students improved more than their local counterparts in terms of their communication performance, assessed via binary checklist. Clinical professionalism evaluated via global assessments of procedural and communication performance highlights the intervention's impact insofar as no international student was assessed as clinically not competent after the training. Conclusions: Our results suggest that already a low-dose intervention can lead to improved communication skills in medical students performing procedural tasks and significantly increase their confidence in patient interaction.
Association between Living Conditions and Admission to an Inappropriate Ward in Elderly Patients
Authors: Naouri Diane , Panjo Henri , Moïsi Laura , Khoury Carlos El , Serre Patrice , Schmidt Jeannot , Yordanov Youri , Pelletier-Fleury Nathalie
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION. Half of elderly patient hospitalizations are preceded by an emergency department (ED) visit, and a higher proportion is observed among those living in institutions. These patients are more often exposed to problems related to hospital occupancy and overcrowding, which may lead to hospitalization in inappropriate wards (IWs) and increased morbidity and health care costs. At the same time, elderly individuals living in institutions, due to their high vulnerability, are the most exposed to these negative health care outcomes and might have priority in geriatric beds. The aim of this study was to explore whether living conditions were associated with admission to an IW after visiting an ED. METHOD. The French Emergency Survey was a one-day, nationwide, cross-sectional survey in 2013 in all EDs in France. We focused on patients ≥ 75 years old who had been hospitalized. Descriptive analysis and multilevel logistic regression were used. RESULTS. Among the 3,285 patients, 16.5% were admitted to an IW: 15.7% among those living in institutions and 16.6% among those living at home. ED visits during peak periods and reaching the ED by her/his own means were the only factors associated with an increased likelihood of admission to an IW. There was no association with living conditions. CONCLUSION. Living conditions were not observed to be associated with the likelihood of being hospitalized in an IW after an ED visit. Given the limited bed resources and the greater vulnerability of elderly individuals living in institutions (compared with those living at home), progress can be made in the coordination of acute geriatric care.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Cerebral Infarction - A Case Report
Authors: Jiang Huajun , Wei Qu , Zhanhua Liang , Jingjing Yang
Published: April 2021

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia has various presentations mostly including early-onset cardiovascular diseases, remarkable skin and tendon xanthomas. By comparison, Cerebral Infarction due to familial hypercholesterolemia is extremely rare. Case presentation: We present a 41-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with dizziness, vertigo, slurred speech, weakness in his left limbs. He had family history of Hyperlipidemia in older sister . Head CT scan demonstrated multiple acute cerebral infarction in the right frontal and parietal lobes, and arterial plaques was found in the bifurcation of common carotid artery. The severe carotid stenosis was located in the initial segment of the right internal carotid artery. Histopathologic findings were consistent with xanthoma. Especially, molecular analysis of the LDLR gene was made, which identified heterozygous missense mutation in exon 12 of the LDLR gene. The final diagnosis of cerebral infarction associated with familial hypercholesterolemia was made. The patient was referred to a nutritionist for dietary advice, and was treated with Tab. Finally, the patient recovered well. The symptoms of brain infarct vanished and no recurrence occurred during follow-up.Conclusions: In the present case, the acute cerebral infarction is most likely due to hypercholesterolemia, as his family history of hypercholesterolemia, and arterial plaques and severe carotid stenosis was found by CTA. This case highlights the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of hypercholesterolemia, which may help in preventing the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Understanding Electromagnetics from the Perspective of Mechanics
Authors: Fan Wei
Published: April 2021

This article attempts to provide a feasible understanding of electromagnetics from the perspective of mechanics. Among them, from the perspective of mechanics, charge can be understood as a form of electron momentum; electric current can be understood as a momentum flow; resistance can be understood as a momentum resistance of electrons; voltage can be interpreted as the potential pressure or energy level difference of the electron orbital potential; the electric field can be understood as a manifestation of the magnetic field of the current element. Finally, this article proposes a new understanding of some basic concepts of electromagnetics from the perspective of mechanics.
High Expression of CTSV in Bladder Cancer as a Predictor of Poor Prognosis: A Study Based on TCGA and GEO Database
Authors: Yao Zhiqiang , Zhang Jiajia , Chen Chaohu , Li Pan , Cao Jinlong , Han Dali , Li Jianpeng , Ying Lijun , Tian Junqiang
Published: April 2021

Background: Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most common malignancy of urinary system with a high recurrence rate. We aimed to explore the relationship between cathepsin V (CTSV) expression and prognosis in patients with bladder cancer.Methods: The RNA-Seq gene expression data and corresponding clinical information with BLCA were downloaded from TCGA database. The gene expression profiles of GSE13507 and GSE133624 were downloaded from GEO database. BLCA patients were divided into high and low expression group according to the cutoff value of CTSV expression. The relationship between clinicopathologic characteristics and CTSV expression was analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to analyze the relationship between overall survival and clinicopathologic characteristics. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to identify enriched KEGG pathway.Results: High expression of CTSV was significantly correlated with pathological grade (OR = 1.662 for low vs. high), clinical stage (OR = 1.589 for I-II vs. III-IV), status (OR = 1.435 for normal vs. tumor), T stage (OR = 1.589 for T1-2 vs. T3-4), and M stage (OR = 4.499 for M0 vs M1). The expression of CTSV was significantly increased in BLCA compared with normal tissue (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that BLCA patients with high expression of CTSV had a poorer prognosis than low expression of CTSV patients (P = 0.0016). Univariate Cox analysis showed that high expression of CTSV was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (HR:1.662, 95%CI:1.209-2.286, P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox regression showed that high expression of CTSV was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in BLCA patients (HR: 1.495, 95%CI: 1.069-2.089, P = 0.019). We also used the GSE13507 and GSE133624 to verify whether CTSV was differently expressed in bladder cancer tissues and normal tissues. The results showed that CTSV expression was significantly increased in BLCA patients (P < 0.05). Finally, GSEA was used to show 22 enriched signaling pathways in a high phenotype.Conclusion: High expression of CTSV in bladder cancer is associated with poor prognosis and may serve as a new biomarker. In addition, the chemokine signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, tight Junction and cell adhesion molecules may be the key pathway regulated by CTSV in BLCA.
Hemimegalencephaly with Seizure: A Rare Congenital Malformation in a 22 months Old Boy
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Ruxmohan Samir , Hanif Muhammad , Naz Sidra , Mukherjee Dattatreya , Dy Inna Celina Apostol , Jaiswal Akash
Published: April 2021

Isolated hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare congenital malformation of brain development, remarkable for its extreme asymmetry, and is characterized by the overgrowth of part or whole hemisphere. The enlarged hemisphere is manifested by hamartomatous characteristics with a dysplastic cell array of atypical morphology. Traditionally the genetic theories regarding the pathogenesis of HME are considered due to disturbance in cell signaling during neuroblast migration, cell differentiation, and proliferation, pattering, and symmetry. HME can present as isolated or associated with several neurocutaneous syndromes. The clinical picture varies depending on the severity of the malformation; however, HME patients typically exhibit refractory epilepsy, macrocephaly, colpocephaly, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, hemibody hypertrophy, and hemiparesis. Early diagnosis is crucial because despite neuroimaging and pathologic evidence, hemimegalencephaly sometimes still is unrecognized. Also, misdiagnosed as obstructive hydrocephalus or cerebral neoplasm can lead to unnecessary surgical procedures. Although hemispherectomy has high morbidity, it is recommended early for patients with severe, intractable epilepsy. We report a diagnosed case of a 22-month-old boy hemimegalencephaly who presented with seizures attack and was successfully treated with antiepileptic medications.
Ethanol susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped viruses
Authors: Nomura Toshihito , Nazmul Tanuza , Yoshimoto Reiko , Higashiura Akifumi , Oda Kosuke , Sakaguchi Takemasa
Published: April 2021

Ethanol is an effective disinfectant against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. However, its effective concentration has not been shown, and we therefore analyzed the effects of different concentrations of ethanol on SARS-CoV-2. When SARS-CoV-2 was treated with varying ethanol concentrations and examined for changes in infectivity, the ethanol concentration at which 99% of the infectious titers were reduced was 24.3%(w/w) [30.0%(v/v)]. For reference, ethanol susceptibility was also examined with other envelope viruses, including influenza virus, vesicular stomatitis virus in the family Rhabdoviridae, and Newcastle disease virus in the family Paramyxoviridae, and the 99% inhibitory concentrations were found to be 28.8%(w/w) [34.8%(v/v)], 24.0%(w/w) [29.2%(v/v)], and 13.3%(w/w) [16.5%(v/v)], respectively. Some differences from SARS-CoV-2 were observed, but the differences were not significant. It was concluded that ethanol at a concentration of 30%(w/w) [36.2%(v/v)] almost completely inactivates SARS-CoV-2.
Mining TCGA Database to Construct a RNA Binding Proteins-Related Prognostic Model for GBM
Authors: GUO Wenjing , Chen Rui , Deng Hui , Zhang Mengxian
Published: April 2021

Background: Glioblastoma(GBM) is a common primary malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis, and currently effective therapeutic strategies are still limited. RNA binding proteins(RBPs) dysregulation has been reported in various cancers and is closely related to tumor initiation and progression. However, little is known about the role of RBPs in GBM.Methods: We downloaded RNA-seq transcriptome from TCGA database and differently expressed RBPs were screened between tumor and normal tissues. Then we performed functional enrichment analysis of these RBPs and based on univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis, hub RBPs were identified. Furthermore, we constructed a risk model based on hub RBPs and divided patients into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. To validate the model, CGGA database were conducted as a training set and then both survival analysis and ROC curve were conducted. We also developed a nomogram based on five RBPs, which made more convenient to observe each patient’s prognosis and validated the connection between patients survival and each hub RBP . Finally, we used GEPIA website to further explore the value of these hub RBPs. Results: A total 309 differently expressed RBPs were identified, including 145 downregulated and 164 upregulated RBPs. and the result indicated that they were mainly enriched in mRNA processing, RNA splicing, RNA catabolic process, RNA transport, spliceosome, ribosome and mRNA surveillance pathway. Five hub RBPs were identified and we observed that patients with high risk score were related to poor overall survival and the AUC of ROC curve was 0.752 in TCGA. The result was subsequently proved by CGGA, showing the good prediction function of the model. Then GEPIA website suggested that MRPL41, MRPL36 and FBXO17 were closely associate with OS in GBM. Conclusion: Our result may provide novel insights into pathogenesis of GBM and development of new therapeutic targets. However, further experiments in vitro and in vivo will be warranted.
Development of Weight and Age-based Dosing of Daily Primaquine for Radical Cure of Vivax Malaria
Authors: Taylor Walter Robert , Hoglund Richard , Peerawaranun Pimnara , Nguyen Thuy , Hien Tran , Tarantola Arnaud , Seidlein Lorenz von , Tripura Rupam , Peto Thomas , Dondorp Arjen , Landier Jordi , Nosten Francois , Smithuis Frank , Phommasone Koukeo , Mayxay Mayfong , Kheang Soy Ty , Say Chy , Neeraj Kak , Leang Rithea , Dysoley Lek , Kheng Sim , Muth Sinoun , Roca-Feltrer Arantxa , Debackere Mark , Fairhurst Rick , Song Ngak , Buchy Philippe , Menard Didier , White Nicholas , Tarning Joel , Mukaka Mavuto
Published: April 2021

Background In many endemic areas, Plasmodium vivax malaria is predominantly a disease of young adults and children. International recommendations for radical cure recommend fixed target doses of 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg/day of primaquine for 14 days in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase normal patients. As for many antimalarial drugs there is evidence that children have lower exposures than adults for the same weight adjusted dose. We, therefore, aimed to develop 14-day weight-based and age-based primaquine regimens against high-frequency relapsing tropical P. vivax. Methods The recommended adult target dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day (30 mg in a 60 kg patient) is highly efficacious against tropical P. vivax and was assumed to produce optimal drug exposure. Primaquine doses were calculated using allometric scaling to derive a weight-based primaquine regimen over a weight range from 5 to 100 kg. Growth curves were constructed from an anthropometric database of 53,467 individuals from the Greater Mekong Subregion to define weight-for-age relationships. The median age associated with each weight was used to derive an age-based dosing regimen from the weight-based regimen.Results The proposed weight-based regimen had 5 dosing bands: (i) 5 – 7 kg, 5 mg, resulting in 0.71 – 1.0 mg/kg/day; (ii) 8 – 16 kg, 7.5 mg, 0.47 – 0.94 mg/kg/day; (iii) 17 – 40 kg, 15 mg, 0.38 – 0.88 mg/kg/day; (iv) 41 – 80 kg, 30 mg, 0.37 – 0.73 mg/kg/day; and (v) 81 – 100 kg, 45 mg, 0.45 – 0.56 mg/kg/day. The age-based regimen had 4 dosing bands: 6 – 11 months, 5 mg, 0.43 – 1.0 mg/kg/day; (ii) 1 – 5 years, 7.5 mg, 0.35 – 1.25 mg/kg/day; (iii) 6 – 14 years, 15 mg, 0.30 – 1.36 mg/kg/day; and (iv) ≥ 15 years, 30 mg, 0.35 – 1.07 mg/kg/day.Conclusion The proposed weight-based regimens showed less variability around the optimal dose within each dosing band compared to the age-based regimen and is preferred. Increased dose accuracy could be achieved by additional dosing bands. Pharmacokinetic data in small children are needed urgently to inform the proposed regimen.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ramanathan Kollengode , Shekar Kiran , Ling Ryan Ruiyang , Barbaro Ryan , Wong Suei Nee , Tan Chuen Seng , Rochwerg Bram , Fernando Shannon , Takeda Shinhiro , MacLaren Graeme , Fan Eddy , Brodie Daniel
Published: April 2021

Background: There are several reports of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to guide clinical decision-making and future research.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases from 1st December 2019 to 10th January 2021 for observational studies or randomized clinical trials examining ECMO in adults with COVID-19 ARDS. We performed random-effects meta-analyses and metaregression, assessed risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and rated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Survival outcomes were presented as pooled proportions while continuous outcomes were presented as pooled means, both with corresponding 95% confidence intervals [CIs]. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were duration of ECMO therapy and mechanical ventilation, weaning rate from ECMO and complications during ECMO.Results: We included twenty-two observational studies with 1896 patients in the meta-analysis. Venovenous ECMO was the predominant mode used (98.6%). The pooled in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients (22 studies, 1896 patients) supported with ECMO was 37.1% (95% CI: 32.3%-42.0%, high certainty). Pooled mortality in the venovenous ECMO group was 35.7% (95% CI: 30.7%-40.7%, high certainty). Duration of ECMO support (18 studies, 1844 patients) was 15.1 days (95% CI: 13.4-18.7). Weaning from ECMO (17 studies, 1412 patients) was accomplished in 67.6% (95% CI:50.5%-82.7%) of patients. There were a total of 1583 ECMO complications reported (18 studies, 1721 patients) and renal complications were the most common.Conclusion: Majority of patients received ECMO support for COVID-19-related ARDS. In-hospital mortality in patients receiving ECMO support for COVID-19 was 37.1%, similar to those with non-COVID-19-related ARDS. Increasing age was a risk factor for death. Venovenous ECMO appears to be an effective intervention in selected patients with COVID-19-related ARDS.PROSPERO CRD42020192627