bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Craniofacial Syndrome Identification Using Convolutional Mesh Autoencoders
Authors: Lande Lara S. van de , O'Sullivan Eimear , Papaioannou Athanasios , Breakey Richard W. , Jeelani N. Owase , Ponniah Allan , Duncan Christian , Schievano Silvia , Khonsari Roman H. , Zafeiriou Stefanos , Dunaway David J.
Published: April 2021

Clinical diagnosis of craniofacial anomalies requires expert knowledge. Recent studies have shown that artificial intelligence (AI) based facial analysis can match the diagnostic capabilities of expert clinicians in syndrome identification. In general, these systems use 2D images and analyse texture and colour. They are powerful tools for photographic analysis but are not suitable for use with medical imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI or CT, and are unable to take shape information into consideration when making a diagnostic prediction. 3D morphable models (3DMMs), and their recently proposed successors, mesh autoencoders, analyse surface topography rather than texture enabling analysis from photography and all common medical imaging modalities and present an alternative to image-based analysis.We present a craniofacial analysis framework for syndrome identification using Convolutional Mesh Autoencoders (CMAs). The models were trained using 3D photographs of the general population (LSFM and LYHM), computed tomography data (CT) scans from healthy infants and patients with 3 genetically distinct craniofacial syndromes (Muenke, Crouzon, Apert).Machine diagnosis outperformed expert clinical diagnosis with an accuracy of 99.98%, sensitivity of 99.95% and specificity of 100%. The diagnostic precision of this technique supports its potential inclusion in clinical decision support systems. Its reliance on 3D topography characterisation make it suitable for AI assisted diagnosis in medical imaging as well as photographic analysis in the clinical setting.
Knowledge translation strategies for sharing evidence-based health information with older adults and their caregivers: Findings from a co-design study
Authors: Lokker Cynthia , Ganann Rebecca , Gentles Stephen J. , Jezrawi Rita , Tahir Irtaza , Okelana Opeyemi , Yousif Claudia , Iorio Alfonso , Valaitis Ruta
Published: April 2021

Background By understanding the information seeking behaviors of older adults, we can better develop or iterate effective information technologies, such as the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, that provide evidence-based health information to the public. This paper reports health-related information seeking and searching behaviours and provides strategies for effective knowledge translation (KT) to increase awareness and use of reliable health information.Methods We conducted a qualitative study with eighteen older adults using a design-thinking approach whereby participants created personas and scenarios describing older adults seeking health information. Scenarios were analyzed using a two-phase inductive qualitative approach, with the personas as context. From the findings related to pathways of engaging with health information, we identified targeted KT strategies to raise awareness and uptake of evidence-based information resources.Results Twelve women and six men, 60 to 81 years of age, participated. In pairs, they created twelve personas that captured rural and urban, male and female, and immigrant perspectives. Some scenarios described older adults who did not engage directly with technology, but rather accessed information indirectly through other sources or preferred nondigital modes of delivery. Two major themes regarding KT considerations were identified: connecting to information via other people and personal venues (people included healthcare professionals, librarians, and personal networks; personal venues included clinics, libraries, pharmacies, and community gatherings); and health information delivery formats, (e.g., printed and multimedia formats for web-based resources). For each theme, and any identified subthemes, corresponding sets of suggested KT strategies are presented.Conclusion Our findings underline the importance of people, venues, and formats in the actions of older adults seeking trusted health information and highlight the need for enhanced KT strategies to share information across personal and professional networks of older adults. KT strategies that could be employed by organizations or communities sharing evidence-based, reliable health information include combinations of educational outreach and materials, decision support tools, small group sessions, publicity campaigns, champions/opinion leaders, and conferences.
Age of the oldest Homo sapiens from eastern Africa
Authors: Vidal Céline , Lane Christine , Asrat Asfawossen , Barfod Dan , Tomlinson Emma , Tadesse Amdemichael Zafu , Yirgu Gezahegn , Deino Alan , Hutchison William , Mounier Aurélien , Oppenheimer Clive
Published: April 2021

Efforts to date the oldest modern human fossils in East Africa, from Omo-Kibish and Herto in Ethiopia, have drawn on a variety of chronometric evidence, including 40Ar/39Ar ages of stratigraphically-associated tuffs. The generally-accepted ages for these fossils are ca. 196 thousand years (ka) for the Kibish Omo I and ca. 160-155 ka for the Herto hominins. However, stratigraphic relationships and tephra correlations that underpin these estimates have been challenged. Here, we report new geochemical analyses that link the Kamoya Hominin Site (KHS) Tuff, which conclusively overlies the Kibish Formation member containing Omo I, with a major explosive eruption of Shala volcano in the Main Ethiopian Rift. By dating the proximal deposits of this eruption, we obtain a new minimum age for the Omo fossils of 212±16 ka. Contrary to previous arguments, we also show that the KHS Tuff does not correlate with another widespread tephra layer, the Wadaido Vitric Tuff (WAVT), and therefore cannot anchor a minimum age for the Herto fossils. Shifting the age of the oldest known Homo sapiens fossils in eastern Africa to before ~200 ka is consistent with several independent lines of evidence for greater antiquity to the modern human lineage.
Characterization of Interannual and Seasonal Variability of Hydro-Climatic Trends in the Upper Indus Basin
Authors: Liaqat Muhammad Usman , Grossi Giovanna , Hasson Shabeh ul , Ranzi Roberto
Published: April 2021

A high resolution seasonal and annual precipitation climatology of the Upper Indus Basin was developed, based on 1995-2017 precipitation normals obtained from four different gridded datasets (Aphrodite, CHIRPS, PERSIANN-CDR and ERA5) and quality-controlled high and mid elevation ground observations. Monthly precipitation values were estimated through the anomaly method at the catchment scale and compared with runoff data (1975-2017) for verification and detection of changes in the hydrological cycle. The gridded dataset is then analysed using running trends and spectral analysis and the Mann–Kendall test was employed to detect significant trends. The nonparametric Pettitt test was also used to identify the change point in precipitation and runoff time series. The results indicated that bias corrected CHIRPS precipitation dataset, followed by ERA5, performed better in terms of RMSE, MAE, MAPE and BIAS in simulating rain gauge-observed precipitation. The running trend analysis of annual precipitation exhibited a very slight increase whereas a more significant increase was found in the winter season (DJF). A runoff coefficient value greater than one, especially in glacierized catchments (Shigar, Shyok and Gilgit) indicate that precipitation was likely underestimated and glacial melt in a warming climate provides excess runoff volumes. As far as the streamflow is concerned, variabilities are more pronounced at the seasonal rather than at the annual scale. At the annual scale, trend analysis of discharge shows slightly significant increasing trend for the Indus River at the downstream Kachura, Shyok and Gilgit stations. Seasonal flow analysis reveals more complex regimes and its comparison with the variability of precipitation favours a deeper understanding of precipitation, snow- and ice-melt runoff dynamics, addressing the hydroclimatic behaviour of the Karakoram region.
Synthesis and Characterizations of Doped Barium Zirconate – Alkali Carbonate Composite Electrolytes
Authors: Taillades Gilles , Hachemi Ismahan , Marrony Mathieu , Dailly Julian
Published: April 2021

Composite materials based on yttrium-doped zirconate (BaZr0.9Y0.1 O2.95, BZY) and eutectic compositions of alkali carbonates (Li2CO3, Na2CO3 and K2CO3) are investigated. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. This study evidences that the combination of BZY with carbonate promotes the densification and enhances the ionic conductivity which reaches 87 mS.cm-1 at 400°C for the BZY – LNK40 composite. In addition, the increase of the conductivity as a function of pH2 suggests that protons are the main charge carriers. The obtained results are interpreted by the transfer of protons from the ceramic to the carbonate phase in the interfacial region.
On the Use of Surfactant for Precursor Solution Processing and Influence on the Properties of Tin Dioxide Thin Films
Authors: Fonseca Lucas P. , Pedrini Luiz F. K. , Lima João V. M. , Escaliante Lucas C. , Santos Stevan B. O. , Scalvi Luis Vicente de Andrade
Published: April 2021

Tin dioxide (SnO2) thin films have several sorts of applications, including as gas sensors and in photocatalysis, where the surface area plays a relevant role. The use of the Triton X-100 non-ionic surfactant in the precursor solution processing has revealed as a fundamental aid to increase adhesion of the SnO2 film on the substrate. Moreover, the surfactant presence leads to a significant increase in the surface area of deposited thin films, and the roughness (rms) increases from 57.6 nm to 275 nm. The influence can also be observed in the XRD profiles, with a higher degree of crystallinity for Triton deposited films. It also increases the defect density and the electron scattering, leading to rather resistive films which are thermally excited only above room temperature. The activation energy for the defect ionization is rather high, 800 meV, but the thermal excitation takes place at a lower temperature range, compared to films prepared without Triton in the solution processing. The performance on photocatalysis is improved for films prepared with Triton X-100, since most of the methylene blue dye is degraded in the first 90 minutes when interacting with the sample.
Mechanical Properties and Tribological Characteristics of B4C-SiC Ceramic Composite in Artificial Seawater
Authors: chen wei , Wenhui Hao , Ziqiang Zhao , Nairu He , Xiuqing Li , Huaqiang Li
Published: April 2021

To improve the mechanical properties and tribological characteristics of boron carbide (SiC) ceramic, silicon carbide as incorporation phase was added into boron carbide (B4C) matrix. The results showed that the incorporation of SiC phase led to denser microstructure and lower porosity. When the content of SiC was 20 wt.%, the composite presented higher bending strength of 447.6MPa and fracture toughness of 7.21 MPa·m1/2. Meanwhile, when the composite slid against PEEK in seawater, lower friction coefficient of 0.052 and wear rate were obtained. The excellent tribological performance would be attributed to the denser ceramic structure, weakened abrasive wear and tribo-chemical removal.
Comparison On The Immersion Corrosion and Electrochemical Performance of WC-Al2O3 Composites and WC-Co Hard Metal in NaCl Solution
Authors: Han Bin , Dong Weiwei , Fan Bowen , Zhu Shigen
Published: April 2021

WC-15wt.%Al2O3 composites was prepared via hot pressing sintering technology. The corrosion behaviors of WC-Al2O3 composites and traditional WC-Co hard alloy in NaCl solution were studied by immersion corrosion and electrochemical technique. The impedance value of WC-Al2O3 composite increased more rapidly than WC-Co hard metal during the 24 hours, which indicated that WC-Al2O3 composites has more compact passivation film than WC-Co hard metal. The results confirmed that the corrosion performance of WC-Al2O3 composites was higher than WC-Co cemented carbide in NaCl solution. The corrosion mechanism of WC-Al2O3 composites and WC-Co hard alloy in NaCl solution were also revealed by SEM, EDS, XPS and Raman. The corrosion products of WC-Al2O3 composites mainly contain WO3, while for WC-Co hard alloy are Co (OH)2, Co3O4 and WO3. The different corrosion mechanism of the two materials is attributed to the Al2O3 phase instead of the Co binder, which avoids the galvanic corrosion between WC phase and Co binder.
Doped Metasurfaces: Optical Metasurfaces without Etched Structure based on Regular Spatially-doped Semiconductor and Compatible with General Functional Optical Films
Authors: Jin Ke , Ding Ying , Cheng Lu , Zheng Wei
Published: April 2021

As a new-type artificial two-dimensional planar array structure, metasurfaces can achieve the modulation of light field through a reasonable design and arrangement of sub-wavelength nano-structure units, which is expected to surpass conventional optical components theoretically. However, the metal or dielectric metasurfaces fabricated by etching process are often trapped in the problems including low focusing efficiency and difficult preparation, which greatly hinders their practical implementation. Here, an idea of “Doped metasurfaces” based on a spatial and regular doping of semiconductor thin films is proposed for the first time. This kind of metasurfaces without etched structure owns smooth and flat surface, allowing the addition of optical functional films like anti-reflection film, which thus gets their optical properties greatly improved and enriched on the basis of meta-structured focusing characteristics. In order to verify the effectiveness of this strategy, we simulate a doped metalens suitable for wide mid-infrared (MIR) range and design an anti-reflection film on it. It is shown that this designed MIR metalens possesses wide operating range, high transmittance and high focusing efficiency. The method proposed here provides a new idea or perspective for constructing metasurfaces devices compatible with traditional optical thin films.
Universal scaling of the critical temperature and the strange-metal scattering rate in unconventional superconductors
Authors: Jin Kui , Yuan Jie , Chen Qihong , Jiang Kun , Feng Zhongpei , Lin Zefeng , Yu Heshan , He Ge , Zhang Jingsong , Jiang Xingyu , Zhang Xu , Shi Yujun , Zhang Yanmin , Qin Mingyang , Cheng Zhi Gang , Tamura Nobumichi , Yang Yi-feng , Xiang Tao , Hu Jiangping , Takeuchi Ichiro , Zhao Zhongxian
Published: April 2021

Dramatic evolution of properties with minute change in the doping level is a hallmark of the complex chemistry which governs copper oxide superconductivity as manifested in the celebrated superconducting domes as well as quantum criticality taking place at precise compositions. The strange metal state, where the resistivity varies linearly with temperature, has emerged as a central feature in the normal state of copper oxide superconductors. The ubiquity of this behavior signals an intimate link between the scattering mechanism and superconductivity. However, a clear quantitative picture of the correlation has been lacking. Here, we report the observation of quantitative scaling laws between the superconducting transition temperature Tc and the scattering rate associated with the strange metal state in electron-doped copper oxide La2-xCexCuO4 (LCCO) as a precise function of the doping level (x). High-resolution characterization of epitaxial composition-spread films, which encompass the entire overdoped range of LCCO has allowed us to systematically map its structural and transport properties with unprecedented accuracy and increment of Δx = 0.0015. We have uncovered the relations Tc ~ (xc-x)0.5 ~ (A1)0.5, where xc is the critical doping where superconductivity disappears on the overdoped side and A1 is the scattering rate of perfect T-linear resistivity per CuO2 plane. We argue that the striking similarity of the Tc vs A1 relation among copper oxides, iron-based and organic superconductors is an indication of a common mechanism of the strange metal behavior and unconventional superconductivity in these systems.
Toll/interleukin-1 Receptor Domain-Only Protein of Arabidopsis Thaliana AtTX14 2IR, Produced By Alternative Splicing, Can Induce Defense Responses
Authors: Lim Jaebeom , Yeon Jinouk , Song Sang-Kee , Yi Hankuil
Published: April 2021

Toll/interleukin -1 receptor (TIR) domains, which have NAD+ cleavage activity, are used as signaling modules in NOD-like receptors for defense responses. It has been shown that TIR domains not only form homo- or heterodimers with TIR domain-containing proteins but also interact with various proteins. A previous study showed that overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) AtTX14, encoding an N-terminal TIR domain and a C-terminal domain with unknown function, resulted in dwarfism and constitutive defense signaling or autoimmunity. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing AtTX14 displays enhanced defense responses and associated dwarf phenotypes at 28 °C compared with those at 22 °C, which differs from other mutant or transgenic Arabidopsis with constitutive defense responses. We found that AtTX14 is alternatively spliced to encode three different proteins, and the TIR domain itself can induce autoimmunity and elevated defense responses to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. In addition, we revealed that the transcription of AtTX14 is regulated by a positive feedback mechanism. With transient overexpression of three AtTX14 protein forms in tobacco leaves, providing a heterologous system free from the positive feedback of AtTX14 in Arabidopsis, we demonstrated that expression of a splicing variant encoding the TIR domain-only protein is sufficient to activate defense signaling. A deeper understanding of interaction networks involving AtTX14 will broaden our knowledge on how plant defense signaling is regulated in response to pathogen infection and ambient temperature changes.
Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Stomach Cancer Survivors: Exploring Socio-Demographic, Physical, Psychological and Quality of Life-Related Factors
Authors: Shin Jinyoung , Shin Dong Wook , Lee Jungkwon , Hwang JiHye , Lee Ji Eun , Cho BeLong , Song Yun-Mi
Published: April 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate factors related to the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in stomach cancer survivors.Methods: A total of 363 stomach cancer survivors were divided into three groups according to the Korean version of the FCR Index (FCRI). We compared the socio-demographic and cancer-related factors, communication within the medical team during treatment, care coordination, social support, physical symptoms, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and health promotion and disease prevention activity, which was defined as second primary cancer screening, osteoporosis evaluation, supplementary drug intake, dietary pattern, regular exercise, and smoking cessation, according to the levels of FCRI using the linear regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex, stage, time since diagnosis, family cancer diagnosis, and comorbidities.Results: An average of 7.3 years have passed since diagnosis. The highest FCRI group was younger or had a high percentage of family cancer diagnosis. Satisfaction for communication and care coordination, social support, HRQoL, and physical symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and insomnia, were negatively associated with the FCR of stomach cancer survivors. Anxiety and depression were positively associated with the FCR. However, FCR was not associated with sex, time since diagnosis, cancer stage, treatment modality, socioeconomic status, or health promotion and disease prevention activity.Conclusions: FCR in stomach cancer survivors was associated with physical, psychological, and HRQoL factors rather than socio-demographic or cancer–related factors. Understanding the association between HRQoL, physical and psychosocial factors, and FCR may advance survivorship care for stomach cancer survivors.
Phospho-Proteomic Analysis of The Effect of Merecidin Inhibiting the Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: wang xiuqing , Jia Qinqin , Zhang Qiannan , Yang Tingting , Song Jinxuan , Wang Yarong
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Merecidin induced A549 cells apoptosis. The present study aimed to assess the differentially phosphorylated proteins in lung cancer A549 cells treated with antibacterial peptide merecidin. Methods: TMT/iTRAQ labeling, LC-MS/MS analysis, HPLC grading, IMAC modification and enrichment, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of peptide. The data of proteins were filtered according to the localization probability >0.75 standard. The phosphorylated proteomics data were analyzed using GO, KEGG, and STRING databases. Western blots examined the changes in phosphorylated protein expression. Results: Protein function enrichment showed significant changes in the phosphorylation level with respect to protein binding, metabolic activity, molecular function regulation, cell process, and biological function regulation. Integrated pathway bioinformatics results showed that differential proteins are associated with several pathways, including mTOR and AMPK etc. Screening of the COG database revealed differentiated phosphorylated proteins in cell signal transduction, RNA transcription, translation processing and modification, ribosome synthesis of proteins, cytoskeleton protein formation, intracellular material transport, secretion, and vesicle transport. Protein interaction level analysis identified an interaction network with HDAC1, RPL23A, SRSF3H, and NCBP1.etc. The phosphorylated proteomics data and showed that after merecidin treatment, ATG2B and ULK1s were significantly upregulated, while MAPK1 and AKT were significantly downregulated. In addition, Western blot also showed the upregulated level of ATG13,ULK1;MAPK1 downregulated. Conclusion: The results verified the feasibility of phosphorylated proteomics analysis, confirmed the signaling pathways, and suggested that merecidin may induce autophagy of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.
Natural History and Prognostic Implications of Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure in Reperfused ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction – An Analysis of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) II Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Khan Arshad A , Al-Omary Mohammed S , Collins Nicholas J , Attia John , Boyle Andrew
Published: April 2021

Background

The aim of the current study is to assess the natural history and prognostic value of elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after reperfusion with thrombolysis; we utilize data from the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction II study.
Methods

A total of 3,339 patients were randomized to either an invasive (n = 1,681) or a conservative (n = 1,658) strategy in the TIMI II study following thrombolysis. To make the current cohort as relevant as possible to modern pharmaco-invasively managed cohorts, patients in the invasive arm with TIMI flow grade ≥ 2 (N = 1201) at initial catheterization are included in the analysis. Of these, 259 patients had a second catheterization prior to hospital discharge, and these were used to define the natural history of LVEDP in reperfused STEMI.
Results

The median LVEDP for the whole cohort was 18 mmHg (IQR: 12–23). Patients were divided into quartiles by LVEDP measured during the first cardiac catheterization. During a median follow up of 3 (IQR: 2.1–3.2) years, quartile 4 (highest LVEDP) had the highest incidence of mortality and heart failure admissions. In the cohort with paired catheterization data, the LVEDP dropped slightly from 18 mmHg (1QR: 12–22) to 15 mmHg (IQR: 10–20) [p = 0.01] from the first to the pre-hospital discharge catheterization.
Conclusions

LVEDP remains largely stable during hospitalisation post-STEMI. Elevated LVEDP is a predictor of death and heart failure hospitalization in STEMI patients undergoing successful thrombolysis.
Thalidomide for the treatment of severe Covid-19: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Amra Babak , Ashrafi Farzaneh , Soltaninejad Forogh , Feizi Awat , Salmasi Mehrzad
Published: April 2021

Background Covid-19 pneumonia is the leading cause of death in severe hospitalized patients. Thalidomide has an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect and thereby decrease lung damage.Methods This study was a randomized clinical trial that was performed from April 2020 until August 2020 on 60 severe hospitalized Covid-19 pneumonia patients. All patients received the usual care for Covid-19 pneumonia based on our hospital protocols. Patients in the intervention group received thalidomide tablets 100 mg daily for 14 days added to the usual treatment. The primary outcome was the ICU admission rate.Results Thirty patients were assigned to receive thalidomide and 30 patients usual treatment. Five patients (17.9%) in the thalidomide group required ICU admission and 12 patients (52.2%) in the usual care group (P-value = 0.01). ICU admission hazard ratio was 3.3 higher in the usual care group than the thalidomide group (HR: 3.31 [95% CI: 1.16–9.45]). Hospitalization duration, intubation and mortality showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all items). No serious and major adverse effects were reported during the trial.Conclusion The use of thalidomide was associated with a decreased rate of ICU admission in severe hospitalized covid-19 patients.
Premature deindustrialization and development without factories. Are services sectors a new path for the development of sub-Saharan African countries?
Authors: Chenaf-Nicet Dalila , Asse Betty
Published: April 2021

For some authors (Rodrik, 2015 and 2017) deindustrialization process is premature in sub-Saharan countries. This means that the period of industrialization has been too short, with too little job creation and growth to guarantee a development trajectory. For these authors, the consequences for development are necessarily negative. However, in this work, the economic causes are: the global demand for services is growing faster than the demand for manufactured goods. This growth would leave too few development opportunities for industries in these countries that suffer from narrow domestic markets. Global demand for services and weak domestic demand are the causes of this deindustrialization. However, according to other authors (Loungani et al. 2017), if sub-Saharan African countries (SSA) deindustrialize, they should still be able to benefit from development opportunities through the services sector, which will be a new development path without factories (Ghani and O’Connel, 2014; Dihel and Grover, 2016). This article is part of the controversy. It tests the impacts of different sectors on growth, for a sample of 57 developing countries (Asia, SSA, and Latin America) in a panel data model over the period from 1984 to 2017. Our work shows that the services sector generates few spill-over effects on the income of SSA, which remains highly specialized in low-knowledge-intensive services.
Racially Diverse US Young Adults’ Experience of COVID-19-related anti-Asian Discrimination: Types and Emotional Reactions
Authors: Hahm Hyeouk Chris , Hall Casey Xavier , Garcia Kana Tsurudome , Cavallino Anna , Ha Yoonsook , Cozier Yvette C. , Liu Cindy
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Little is known about both Asian and Asian American (A/AA) and non-Asian young adults’ experiences and emotional reactions regarding COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination. This is the first study to explore the nature and impact of COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination through a racially diverse sample. Design: This study uses open-ended qualitative free-text responses from Wave I of the COVID-19 Adult Resilience Experiences Study (CARES) data collected between March to September 2020. Thematic analysis was used to explore two open-ended questions: “Are there experiences we missed in the survey so far that you wish to describe?” and “What are your thoughts about the current social climate?” The data analysis for this study focused on 113 discrimination or racism-related comments. Results: A total of 1,331 young adults completed an online survey of which 611 provided comments; a total of 95 racially diverse individuals (65.3% non-Asians) contributed 113 COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination or racism-related comments. Two overarching themes were: types of discrimination (societal, interpersonal, intrapersonal), and emotional reactions to discrimination (fear, anxiety/distress, hopeless/depression, and avoidance). Not only did both A/AA and non-Asian participants report witnessing or hearing reports of anti-Asian discrimination, but both groups reported experiencing negative emotional reactions to anti-Asian discrimination. Conclusion: Anti-Asian discrimination in the face of COVID may be more widespread than initial reports indicate. Our finding suggests that anti-Asian discrimination is a societal illness that impacts all populations in the U.S. This calls for cross-racial coalitions and solidarity in the fight against discrimination and racism.
Exploring the Impact of Enterprise Social Media Affordances on Work Performance and Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Andrianina Ravoniarivelo Ravaka , Okle Richmond Afotey Nii
Published: April 2021

Knowledge is the result of collective work. As an important component of human capital and intangible assets of the company, when properly processed, knowledge transfer can foster work performance. For a decade, enterprise social media affordances have been studied based on surveys of different platforms users, not allowing to submit the users to the same conditions, therefore, ignoring the effects of platform design on enterprise social media. To address this gap, this empirical research studies the effect of enterprise social media affordances on employee performance from the perspective of knowledge transfer, using a single platform. The analysis of survey data collected from 317 Malagasy employees using the company’s own intranet has shown that association, visibility, persistence and editability affordances of ESM foster knowledge acquisition and knowledge provision, which in turn promote employee performance. Findings show that the relationship between ESM affordances and work performance are essentially mediated by knowledge provision. This study provides the key variables for a sustainable performance of the co-creation of value in the knowledge transfer process of the technological innovation process, and the levers for action on these variables. These variables are identified from the intersection of the technological (ESM affordances), social (knowledge provision and knowledge acquisition) and organizational (task performance and contextual performance) dimensions of the knowledge transfer process.
Dementia Management Act and Death Toll by Dementia Drug
Authors: Lee Jong-hoon
Published: April 2021

The Dementia Management Act (DMA) came into effect on August 04 2011, South Korea. Medical data on the correlation between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and anti-AD drugs (AAD) groups were observed from 2010 to 2019. This study investigated the increase and decrease of deaths and AAD used to treat AD. It is known that psychotropic medicines should not be administered for dementia patients because they increase all-cause mortality. This study demonstrated that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors also increase the death toll when used to treat dementia.
Inter-hospital and intra-hospital transfer of critically ill patients: results of a questionnaire survey
Authors: Shustrov Vyacheslav V. , Shchegolev A. V. , Zabolotskikh Igor B. , Kuzin A. A. , Gritsaj A. N. , Lakhin R. E. , Levshankov A. I. , Skopets A. A.
Published: April 2021

Transfer of critically ill patients is often a forced but necessary measure. The article presents data from a multicenter study of the Russian Federation of anaesthesiologists and reanimatologists (RFAR), on the current state of problems in intra-hospital and inter-hospital transportation of critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to interview physicians in the intensive care and intensive care units about the problems that arise during the transfer of intensive care patients.
To identify problematic issues that arose among doctors of specialists in the process of in-hospital transportation and inter-hospital transportation, a survey was conducted in medical centers from four federal districts of the Russian Federation. The data is presented in the form of relative frequencies and graphical visualization (histograms and diagrams).
The study involved 538 doctors of specialists of the intensive care unit and intensive care unit. As a result, it was revealed that 88 % of the respondents faced complications during the transportation of patients in their practical work. The most common causes of complications are associated with medical aspects in 38.6 % of cases and technical reasons (equipment failure, etc.) in 35.1 % of cases, to the least extent these are organizational problems (26.3 %). The main problems with in-hospital transportation and inter-hospital transportation: insufficient provision of modern transport equipment, as well as the lack of medical transport boxes. There are cases of discrepancy between preliminary and real information about the patient’s condition. The absence of regulatory documents, standardized protocols and algorithms for the transportation of resuscitation patients was stated by 27 % of the surveyed doctors. Most of the surveyed doctors of specialists (61 %) do not use in their practice any assessment of the risks and portability of patients. 90 % of the respondents answered that they do not consider themselves legally protected in the event of adverse events during transportation.
Inadequate equipment with transport equipment, lack of regulatory documents, as well as inconsistencies in medical information about the patient’s condition create a risk for the safe and efficient transportation of resuscitation patients, and medical personnel cannot consider themselves legally protected. These areas are important targets for investigation and the development of interventions to improve patient safety.
On the complications and consequences of intensive care
Authors: Belkin Andrey A. , Belkina A. A.
Published: April 2021

On the complications and consequences of intensive care
Russian multicenter observational clinical study “Register of respiratory therapy for patients with stroke (RETAS)”: a comparative analysis of the outcomes of stroke during mechanical ventilation
Authors: Ershov Vadim I. , Belkin A. A. , Zabolotskikh Igor B. , Gorbachev V. I. , Gritsan A. I. , Lebedinskii K. M. , Protsenko D. N. , Leiderman I. N. , Shchegolev A. V. , Petrikov S. S. , Solodov A. A. , Gazenkampf A. A. , Chirkov A. N. , Silkin V. V. , Sukhotin S. K. , Shamaev S. Yu. , Gorbachev S. V. , Fisher V. V. , Balaev I. V. , Sadriev R. R. , Miroshnichenko I. V. , Karpets A. V. , Redyukov A. V. , Sultanova I. V. , Zybin K. D. , Tikhomirova A. A. , Konareva T. I. , Khodchenko V. V. , Zaripov R. Sh. , Bortsov N. A. , Golubkina A. A. , Gorbunov D. A. , Tukhanov V. V. , Ershova S. V. , Meshcheryakov A. O. , Kuzmichev D. A. , Bolodurin K. S. , Bragina N. V. , Stadler V. V. , Katasonov A. G.
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Stroke has a high prevalence and mortality rate. Examining the impact of patient treatment on disease outcomes is particularly important for decision making in clinical practice.
Objectives. To analyze the treatment of patients with severe stroke requiring respiratory support, and identify predictors of death.
Materials and methods. A multicenter observational clinical study “REspiratory Therapy for Acute Stroke” (RETAS) was conducted under the aegis of the “Federation of Anaesthesiologists and Reanimatologists” (FAR). The study involved 14 clinical centers and included 1289 stroke patients with respiratory support.
Results. We found that initial hypoxemia in the 28-day period was associated with high mortality (in patients with 20 or more NIH scores) (p = 0.004). Risk factors for lethal outcome: hyperventilation used to relieve intracranial hypertension (in patients with 20 or more NIH scores) (p = 0.0336); volume-controlled ventilation (VC) versus pressure-controlled ventilation (PC) (in patients with 20 or more NIH scores) (p < 0.001); use of clinical methods for monitoring ICP in comparison with instrumental ones (p < 0.001). We found that the use of standard respiratory status monitoring scales (CPIS, LIS, etc.) was associated with a decrease in mortality (p < 0.001).
Conclusions. We identified risk factors that increase mortality in patients with acute stroke with respiratory support: initial hypoxemia, lack of instrumental monitoring of ICP and monitoring of respiratory status according to standard scales, the use of hyperventilation, as well as volume-controlled ventilation.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of Xenon in cancer pain therapy
Authors: Abuzarova G. R. , Khoronenko V. E. , Sarmanayeva Regina R. , Kuznetcov S. V.
Published: April 2021

Objectives. To evaluate safety and efficacy of administering a 50/50 mixture of xenon and oxygen gases to patients with moderate-to-severe cancer pain.
Materials and methods. The study included 131 patients with moderate-to-severe cancer pain, who had been randomized into two groups: patients to receive inhalation of a mixture of xenon and oxygen in a volume ratio of 50/50, and those to receive inhalation of a mixture of oxygen and air. Efficacy was evaluated based on the following measurements: intensity of pain by NRS 30 minutes after each procedure; at the end of treatment; 2 weeks after treatment. Safety was assessed by dynamics of hemodynamic and laboratory parameters; incidence of adverse events in each group.
Results. The study results showed that the median decrease in pain intensity measured by NRS 30 minutes after inhalation of xenon-oxygen mixture was –19.00 (–24.50 to 13.25) against –4.00 (–6.00 to 2.00) in the placebo group: the results attested to statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) and a superior analgesic efficacy of xenon-oxygen mixture over placebo. Following the course of treatment, a significant NRS-measured decrease from 50.00 (40.00–60.00) to 30.00 (20.00–41.25) mm was registered in the active treatment group compared to an unverifiable decrease in NRS from 60.00 (35,00–70.00) to 55.0 (35.00–60.00) mm in the placebo group. The course of xenon inhalations made it possible to significantly reduce average daily doses of tramadol from 210.9 ± 31.3 mg to 150.1 ± 28.3, and also significantly reduce NSAID intake. AEs (n = 8) were observed only in 7 patients in the group receiving xenon therapy. Аll AEs were mild.
Conclusions. Xenon-oxygen mixture was safe and performed better than placebo for analgesia in cancer pain treatment.
EV/1-Positive Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Theoretical and Clinical Aspects (Literature Review)
Authors: Mamaev N.N. , Shakirova A.I. , Morozova E.V. , Gindina T.L.
Published: April 2021

The present review provides the analysis of theoretical background and therapy of prognostically poorest EV/1-positive myeloid leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes which is performed at the RM Gorbacheva Scientific Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation. The focus is on the evidence of the dominating role of EV/1 gene in impaired epigenetic regulation of hematopoiesis and, thus, on the feasibility of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with hypomethylating agents and/ or trans-retinoic acid used for these diseases treatment.
Opportunities of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment with Reduced Doses of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Gurianova Margarita Anatolevna , Chelysheva E.Yu. , Turkina A.G.
Published: April 2021

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy results in deep molecular response (MR) in 60-70 % of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. However, despite high efficacy of TKIs, many patients experience drug toxicity during the treatment. According to clinical studies, the probability of sustaining off-treatment remission in CML patients with deep MR is about 40-60 %. Great attention has recently been paid to personalized therapy of chronic phase CML. It consists in TKI dose modification to reduce or prevent adverse events. Major retrospective studies proved that in patients with optimal response TKI reduced doses can be considered safe from the point of view of sustaining major and deep MRs achieved with standard TKI doses. Also, prospective clinical trials deal with the follow-up using TKI reduced doses as pre-withdrawal period. But up to now, the results of only 4 of such studies have been available. To take a closer look at long-term follow-up of CML patients receiving reduced doses of TKIs, prospective clinical trials need to be carried out. The present article reviews the results of main studies dealing with management of CML patients treated with TKI reduced doses.
Current View on Diagnosis and Treatment of Classical Ph-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Melikyan Anait Levonovna , Subortseva I.N. , Shuvaev V.A. , Lomaia E.G. , Morozova E.V. , Kuzmina L.A. , Vinogradova O.Yu. , Zaritskey A.Yu.
Published: April 2021

Classical Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) constitute a group of diseases including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. Over the past decade, the approaches to understanding of MPN pathogenesis and therapy have considerably changed. At the same time, etiological factors and pathophysiological mechanisms of disease progress are being thoroughly studied. The improvement of diagnosis methods and new approaches to therapy can reduce complications and mortality risks. The review outlines the current diagnosis methods, such as the molecular genetic one, and provides prognostic scores. Different methods of conservative therapy are assessed. Special attention is paid to quality of life measurement and targeted treatment of patients.
Identification of Mutations in IDH1/2, DNMT3A, ASXL1 Genes of Genome Epigenetic Regulation and Their Co-Occurrence with FLT3, NPM1, RUNX1 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Belotserkovskaya Ekaterina Vasilevna , Zaikova E.K. , Petukhov A.V. , Demidov O.N. , Levchuk K.A. , Budaeva I.G. , Zaitsev D.V. , Rogovaya Yu.D. , Shatilova A.A. , Bogdanov K.V. , Mirolyubova Yu.V. , Nikulina T.S. , Zaritskey A.Yu. , Girshova L.L.
Published: April 2021

Aim. To identify mutations in IDH1/IDH2, DNMT3A, and ASXL1 genes responsible for genome epigenetic regulation and their co-occurrence with FLT3, NPM1, and RUNX1 mutations in newly diagnosed adult acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Materials & Methods. The study included 56 patients with newly diagnosed AML treated at the VA Almazov National Medical Research Center. Among them there were 34 men and и 22 women aged 18-76 years (median 46 years). Mutation status of IDH1, IDH2, DNMT3A, and ASXL1 genes of epigenetic regulation was assessed by Sanger sequencing method. Molecular genetic analysis of FLT3, NPM1, and RUNX1-RUNX1T1 genes was performed using commercial kits. Results. Mutations in epigenetic regulation genes were detected in 14 (25 %) out of 56 patients. Mutation prevalence was not associated with risk groups (p = 0.072). IDH1/2 mutations were identified in 15.6 % of patients and were significantly oftener observed concurrent with NPM1 mutations (62.5 %; p = 0.01) compared to patients with wild-type IDH1/2. In most patients IDH1/2 mutations were associated with normal karyotype (p = 0.002). The DNMT3A (R882) mutation was identified in 4 (7.1 %) out of 56 patients within the analyzed group. In 6 patients (11.1 %) ASXL1 mutations were detected co-occurring with RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and FLT3-ITD mutations. Conclusion. Mutations in epigenetic regulation genes are often identified in AML patients and can be concurrent with abnormalities in NPM1, FLT3 и RUNX1 genes.
CAR T-Cell Therapy with NKG2D Chimeric Antigen Receptor in Relapsed/ Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Levchuk Kseniya Aleksandrovna , Belotserkovskaya E.V. , Pozdnyakov D.Yu. , Girshova L.L. , Zaritskey A.Yu. , Petukhov A.V.
Published: April 2021

NK-cells as innate immunity elements manifest key reactions of antitumor immune response. NKG2D is an activating transmembrane receptor of NK-cells which is responsible for cytotoxicity initiation in response to the binding of specific ligands of genetically modified cells. Selective expression of NKG2D ligands provides a unique perspective on the therapy of wide variety of tumors. Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are malignant hematological tumors with a high relapse risk. Due to the complexity of AML treatment strategy it is necessary to develop new approaches to tumor elimination using novel genetic constructs. Currently available CAR T-cell drugs with NKG2D receptor are successfully subjected to clinical studies in AML patients and prove their high therapeutic potential.
CAR-T Technology and New Opportunities for Tumor Treatment
Authors: Pavlova Vera Yurevna , Livadnyi E.S.
Published: April 2021

As a cause of death malignant neoplasms come in at the second place after cardiovascular disorders. CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor of T-cells) therapy is an advanced malignant tumor treatment method. The use of CAR-T lymphocytes refers to adoptive immunotherapy. CAR-T technology is based on “extracting” immune cells (T-lymphocytes) and their genetic modification aimed at acquiring antitumor properties and followed by reinfusion. The advantage of CAR-T therapy in comparison to other treatment methods is that for target cell recognition T-lymphocytes are not dependent on major histocompatibility complex class 1 (MHC-I) molecules. The literature data we collected and analyzed show that this is a fundamentally new and effective treatment method of oncohematological diseases including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Clinical trials proved the advantage of CAR-T therapy in comparison to other treatment methods applied in this field. The analysis of literature showed that CAR-T therapy can be reasonably regarded as one of the advanced opportunities for malignant tumor treatment.