bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Self-reported Health-related Problems in Home-based Rehabilitation of Older Patients after Hip Replacement in China: A Machine Learning Study based on Omaha System Theory
Authors: Chen Jing , He Fan , Wu Qian , Wang Li , Zhu Xiaoxia , Qi Yan , Shi Yan
Published: February 2021

Background: With the aging of the population, the number of total hip replacement surgeries is increasing globally. Hip replacement has undergone revolutionary advancements in surgical methods and materials. Due to the short length of hospitalization, rehabilitation care is mainly home-based. The needs and concerns about such home-based rehabilitation are constantly changing, requiring continuous attention. Objective: To explore effective methods for comprehensively identifying older patients’ self-reported outcomes after home-based rehabilitation for hip replacement, in order to develop appropriate intervention strategies for patient rehabilitation care in the future. Methods: This study constructed a corpus of patients’ self-reported rehabilitation care problems after hip replacement, based on the Omaha classification system. This study used the Python development language and implemented artificial intelligence to match the corpus data on the cooperation platform, to identify the main health-related problems reported by the patients, and to perform statistical analyses. Results: Most patients had physical health-related problems. More than 80% of these problems were related to neuromusculoskeletal function, interpersonal relationships, pain, health care supervision, physical activity, vision, nutrition, and residential environment. The most common period in which patients' self-reported problems arose was 6 months post-surgery. The relevant labels that were moderately related to these problems were: Physiology—Speech and Language and Physiology—Mind (r = 0.45), Health-Related Behaviors—Nutrition and Health-Related Behaviors—Compliance with Doctors' Prescription (r = 0.40). Conclusion: Physiological issues remain the main health-related issues for home-based rehabilitation after hip replacement in older patients. Precision care has become an important principle of rehabilitation care. This study used big data law to obtain the largest quantitative network data possible. The artificial intelligence capture was fully automated, which greatly improved efficiency, as compared to manual data entering.
The FCGR3A 158 V/V-Genotype is Associated With Decreased Survival of Renal Allografts With Chronic Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Authors: Litjens Nicolle , Peeters Annemiek , Gestel Judith Kal-van , Klepper Mariska , Betjes Michiel
Published: February 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells express the Fc-receptor CD16 (FCGR3A) and could therefore mediate renal endothelial cell damage in cases of chronic-active antibody mediated rejection (c-aABMR). The V/V-genotype of the FCGR3A 158 F/V polymorphism is associated with increased CD16 expression and cytotoxicity by NK cells. This study evaluated whether this genotype is associated with the diagnosis of c-aABMR and renal allograft loss.The distribution of the FGCR3A 158 F/V-genotypes was not different for c-aABMR cases (N=133) compared to control kidney transplant recipients (N=116, p=0.65). The V-allele was associated with increased median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD16 by NK cells (MFI 3.5x104 versus 1.3x104 for V/V and F/F-genotype, P<0.001). Increased expression of CD16 correlated with CD16-dependent degranulation of NK cells (R=0.4; P=0.02). Moreover, the V/V-genotype was significantly associated with a higher glomerulitis score and an independent risk factor (HR 1.98; P=0.04) for decreased allograft survival. Death-censored graft survival in c-aABMR cases at 3 years follow-up was 33% for the FCGR3A 158 V/V-genotype versus 62% for the F/F-genotype. In conclusion, the FCGR3A V/V-genotype increases CD16-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity and is associated with a higher glomerulitis score and decreased graft survival in cases with c-aABMR.
Agricultural Irrigation Area Prediction Based on Improved Random Forest Model
Authors: Gao Guangda , Wang Maofa , Huang Hongliang , Tang Weiyu
Published: February 2021

The food problem is a major problem of common concern in the world, and the prediction of irrigation area can promote the solution of food and agricultural problems. In this paper, the data of grain production and irrigation area in the world are analyzed. An improved Random Forest Regression model is proposed and applied to the prediction of irrigation area. Based on ordinary Random Forest and Limit Tree Regression algorithm, an improved random forest prediction model for irrigation area in China is proposed. Firstly, the arithmetic mean value (AMM) of mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) was used as the evaluation index of the improved impure function and irrigation area prediction effect. Then, the grid search method is used to determine the optimal number of decision trees (70 trees and 30 trees respectively) in ordinary random forest and limit tree regression, and a new improved random forest model is established. After following, the model is compared with other prediction models, and 10 fold cross validation shows the rationality of the model. Finally, the error analysis of the improved Random Forest model shows that the prediction error is small. It is expected to be applied in the annual analysis of irrigation area in China.﻿
Early Detection of Exacerbation of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection using Fitbit (DEXTERITY Pilot Study)
Authors: Yamagami Kan , Nomura Akihiro , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Shimojima Masaya , Sakata Kenji , Usui Soichiro , Furukawa Kenji , Takamura Masayuki , Okajima Masaki , Watanabe Kazuyoshi , Yoneda Takashi
Published: February 2021

Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experienced sudden death because of sudden symptom deterioration. Thus, an alarm system that could detect early signs of COVID-19 exacerbation beforehand, to prevent serious illness or death of patients while receiving outpatient treatment at home or in hotels is necessary. Here, we tested whether estimated oxygen variations (EOV), a relative physiological scale that represents users’ blood oxygen saturation level during sleep measured by Fitbit, predicted COVID-19 symptom exacerbation. Study period was from August to November 2020. We enrolled 23 COVID-19 patients diagnosed by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction-positive (mean age ± standard deviation, 50.9 ± 20 years; 70% female), let each patient wore the Fitbit for 30 days; COVID-19 symptoms were exacerbated in 6 (26%). High EOV signal (a patient’s oxygen level exhibits significant dip and recovery within the index period) had 80% sensitivity before symptom exacerbations, whereas resting heart rate signal only had 50% sensitivity. Coincidental obstructive sleep apnea syndrome confirmed by polysomnography was detected in a patient by consistently high EOV signals. This pilot study successfully detected early COVID-19 symptoms exacerbation by measuring EOV and may help to identify early signs of COVID-19 exacerbation.
Impact of Imprecise Household Location on Effective Coverage Estimates Generated through Linking Household and Health Provider Data by Geographic Proximity
Authors: Carter Emily D , Munos Melinda K
Published: February 2021

Background: Combining household and health provider data can be used to estimate coverage of interventions and identify barriers to use. Without data on specific sources of care utilized by individuals, researchers often assign individuals to healthcare providers based on geographic proximity. The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), a common source of population health data, does not collect data on the location of participant households. They present displaced data on the central point within household clusters. This may introduce error into analyses based on the distance between households and providers. Methods: We assessed the effect of imprecise household location on quality-adjusted effective coverage of child curative services estimated by linking sick children to providers based on geographic proximity. We used data on care-seeking for child illness and health provider quality in Southern Province, Zambia. The dataset included the location of respondent households, a census of providers, and data on the exact outlets utilized by sick children included in the study. We displaced the central point of each household cluster point five times. We calculated quality-adjusted coverage by assigning each sick child to a provider’s care based on three measures of geographic proximity (absolute distance, travel time, and geographic radius) from the household location, cluster point, and displaced cluster locations. We compared the estimates of quality-adjusted coverage to each other and estimates calculated using each sick child’s true source of care. Results: Fewer children were linked to their true source of care using cluster locations than household locations. Estimates of coverage were not statistically different using different measures of geographic proximity or household location. Estimates did not vary significantly from estimates produced using each sick child’s true source of care. Conclusions: Use of original or displaced cluster location did not produce statistically different coverage estimates than using household location. However, it did reduce the proportion of children that linked to their true source of care. The limited effect of household location imprecision on quality-adjusted coverage estimates could be due to a lack of variability in provider quality. These findings may not hold in a setting with more considerable variation in provider quality. This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number INV-006966
Comparison of the influence of silica-rich supplementary cementitious materials on cement mortar composites: Mechanical and microstructural assessment
Authors: Sevim Ozer , Sengul Cagrı Goktug
Published: February 2021

The silica-rich supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are the key components of mechanical and microstructural properties. The use of SCMs results in improving the mechanical and microstructural properties and decreasing the environmental burden caused by cement production. In this regard, this paper reports a study to compare the influence of silica-rich supplementary cementitious materials (slag, fly ash, and bottom ash) having similar Blaine fineness on cement mortar composites in terms of mechanical and microstructural properties. First, supplementary cementitious materials (slag, fly ash, and bottom ash) were ground at similar cement Blaine fineness (~ 3300 cm2/g) and then by replacing 5% and 20% with cement, the 7-, 28-, 90-day mechanical and microstructural properties of cement mortar composites incorporating SCMs were examined. As a result, it was observed that the compressive strength and microstructural properties of cement mortar composites incorporating slag gave maximum strength and microstructural properties according to samples with fly ash and bottom ash having similar fineness and this will decrease the required amount of cement for the target properties by using slag, thus the number of CO2 emitted to nature will also decrease.
Yeasts with Fermentative Potential Associated with Fruits of Camu-Camu (Myrciaria Dubia, Kunth) from North of Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Matos Italo Thiago Silveira Rocha , de Souza Vanderly Andrade , D'Ângelo Giovana do Rosário , Astolfi-Filho Spartaco , Vital Marcos José Salgado
Published: February 2021

PurposeConsidering the high biotechnological potential of yeasts associated to edible fruits, a screening for these microbes able to alcoholic fermentation was performed in ripe fruits of camu-camu.MethodsFruits of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia, Kunth) were collected in north of brazilian Amazon, in floodplain of Cauamé river. Yeasts were isolated, and fermentation capability was evaluated using Durham tubes. Quantitative assays were performed to calculate ethanol yield (g.g–1), specific growth rate (h–1) and ethanol productivity (g.L–1.h–1). Taxonomic identification was performed by ribosomal genes nucleotides sequences analysis by alignment using BLASTn.ResultsA total of fifteen yeasts colonies were isolated, and eight of them presented the ability to ferment glucose to ethanol. Six of them were identified as three different species: Candida orthopsilosis, Pichia kudriavzevii and Meyerozyma caribbica. When cultured in broth containing 180 g.L–1 of glucose, M. caribbica reaches 91.7 percent of the maximum theoretical ethanol concentration (84.4 g.L–1), presenting ethanol yield and productivity of 0.4688 g.g–1 and 0.781 g.L–1.h–1, respectively.Conclusions﻿The endophytic microbiota of camu-camu includes C. orthopsilosis, P. kudriavzevii and M. caribbica. This paper is a rare report of C. orthopsilosis with endophytic habit, because most of the references indicate it as human pathogenic. Besides this, M. caribbica is a promising fermenter for alcoholic beverages, due to its osmotolerance and high ethanol yield. This is the first paper reporting endophytic yeasts associated with fruits of Myrciaria dubia.
Hexavalent chromium reduction by ZnO, SnO2 and ZnO-SnO2 synthesized using biosurfactants from extract of Solanum macrocarpon
Authors: Onwudiwe Damian , Oyewo Opeyemi , Ogunjinmi Oluwasayo Esther , Ojelere Olusola
Published: February 2021

In this study, ZnO, SnO2 and their composite (ZnO-SnO2) were synthesized by green route using aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon fruit and were used for the photo-reduction of hexavalent chromium. The synthetic route involved a two-step procedure, induced by temperature via calcination at 350 and 600 ºC. The composite was prepared by the treatment of a mixture of the precursor compounds to a temperature up to 800 ºC, and the extension of the temperature to 1000 ºC, resulted in the emergence of ZnO-SnO2-ZTO. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The XRD studies of the binary oxides confirmed a hexagonal wurtzite structure for the ZnO and a cubic structure for the SnO2, without any change in the diffraction patterns or supplementary diffraction peaks. The morphology of the nanoparticles indicated fairly spherical shapes for the ZnO, that tend to agglomerate with increase in temperature. The SnO2 showed rectangular shapes at both temperatures of reaction, while the ZnO-SnO2 composite showed the presence of both morphologies of the component binary oxides. In the photo-enhanced degradation study, under ultra-violet light, the effect of pH (2–8), concentration of chromium(VI) (2–8 ppm), and photocatalyst dosage (25–150 mg/L) on the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) were investigated. The reduction showed higher efficiency in acidic environment than in the alkaline environment, and also with increase in photocatalyst dosage. The composite exhibited the highest photoreduction efficiency, above 90%, at the optimum condition of pH 2, 150 mg/L photocatalyst, 2 ppm chromium solution after 90 min. These low-cost and non-toxic metal oxide and their green synthesized composite have great potentials for Cr(VI) pollution clean-up from waste water.
Resource Allocation Among Cladodes of Opuntia Robusta From East-central Mexico
Authors: León-Solano Héctor Javier , Janczur Mariusz Krzysztof , González-Camarena Emilio , Czarnoleski Marcin , Jenner Bartosz , Sandoval-Molina Mario Alberto
Published: February 2021

The Optimal Defense Hypothesis (ODH) predicts that younger, more valuable plant organs should be better defended. We tested this hypothesis in Opuntia robusta Wendl. since its sequential, hierarchical and segmented architecture permits the consideration of a possible reallocation of secondary metabolites among cladodes with different age. We performed a field study taking samples of vegetative tissues from cladodes of different orders during eight months, and a field experiment, by covering either apical or basal cladodes with a fabric. We determined the content of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), chlorogenic acid (CGA), quercetin (QUE) and salicylic acid (SA). 4-HBA and CGA followed the predictions of ODH. QUE followed an inverse tendency. SA did not show any tendency related either with the position of the cladode or the treatment (light vs. shade) however, its concentration was positively correlated with the concentration of 4-HBA. As we detected SA only in a low proportion of cladodes and 4-HBA in all cladodes, we hypothesize the conversion of the latter metabolite to the former one. Contrary to ODH, CGA presented lower concentrations in apical than in basal cladodes when co-occurred with SAL, and QUE was transferred from apical (younger) to basal (older) cladodes. In this study, we found contradictions in the premises and outcomes of both the Resource Availability Hypothesis (RAH) and the ODH, suggesting that a new hypothesis concerning the plant defense against stress factors should be proposed.
Serum IgG Level Is A Predicting Factor for the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy In Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nakaya Seiichi , Ogawa Ryo , Hayakawa Shunsuke , Fujihata Shiro , Okubo Tomotaka , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tatsuya , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDespite the established oncological benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell cancer, not all cases demonstrate benefit. Hence, predicting the response to chemotherapy before treatment is desirable. Some reports have shown that immune factors are related to the chemotherapy response. This study aimed to investigate the utility of serum IgG levels for predicting chemotherapy response.MethodsResponse to chemotherapy and pretreatment serum IgG levels were examined in 77 cases who underwent esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell cancer.ResultsThe effective response group had significantly lower serum IgG levels than the ineffective response group (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed serum IgG level to be an independent predictor for response to chemotherapy (p = 0.001). Furthermore, cases with effective pathological response had significantly lower pretreatment serum IgG levels than those who did not (p = 0.006).ConclusionsOur finding showed that serum IgG levels can be a predictor of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Trial registrationThis retrospective study was approved by the review board of Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences (reception number: 60-18-0008).
A small dose of dexmedetomidine decreased the postoperative bleeding by reducing cough and emergence agitation after thyroidectomy – A randomized, double-blind, controlled study
Authors: Kim Sang Hun , Kim Yoo Seok , Kim Seongcheol , Jung Ki Tae
Published: February 2021

Background: Bleeding after a thyroidectomy occurs due to violent cough during the emergence. Dexmedetomidine is helpful for smooth emergence and suppressing the cough. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative bleeding after thyroidectomy.
Methods: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in female patients (ASA I–II, aged 20 to 60 years) were conducted. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. About fifteen minutes before the end of the surgery, dexmedetomidine was administered (0.6 μg/kg/hr) without a loading dose in group D (n=69), and normal saline was administered in group S (n=70) at the same infusion rate. Hemodynamic data, coughing reflex, extubation time, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS), recovery time were assessed during the administration of study drugs and recovery from anesthesia. Amounts of postoperative hemorrhage were measured for 3 days.
Results: A total of 139 patients were analyzed. The incidence of severe cough was significantly decreased in group D compared to group S (4.3% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.022). Emergence agitation in the postanesthetic care unit was significantly decreased in group D compared to group S (P = 0.01). Postoperative bleeding showed a significant decrease in group D compared to group S until the second postoperative day (P = 0.015).
Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine can decrease postoperative bleeding by reducing coughing and emergence agitation after thyroidectomy.
Trial registration: This study was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT02412150, 09/04/2015).
Occurrence and Distribution of Technology-critical Elements (TCE) in Recent Freshwater and Marine Pristine Lake Sediments in Croatia: a Case Study
Authors: Bačić N. , Mikac Nevenka , Lučić Mavro , Sondi Ivan
Published: February 2021

The appearance and vertical distribution of technology-critical elements (TCE) such as Li, Nb, Sc, Ga, Y, La, Sb, Ge, Te, and W were investigated in sediment cores taken in pristine freshwater and marine lakes located within protected areas of Croatia (Plitvice Lakes, Visovac Lake, and Mir Lake). These lake systems are isolated from the direct impact of human activities, and accordingly, the geochemical research in such environments may help to assess temporal trends in historical deposition of anthropogenic TCE. The analytical method of choice in determining the concentration of TCEs was High resolution inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS). The results obtained have shown that the measured TCE spanned with wide ranges of concentrations, as a result of the different input of terrigenous material into the investigated lake systems which is further diluted by the formation of authigenic and biogenic carbonates. Evaluation of the anthropogenic impact on TCE levels showed low enrichment of Sb and Te in the upper sediment layers of the Mir Lake and the Plitvice Lakes. Despite that, concentrations of investigated TCE were low, compared to results described in the literature, indicating that the investigated remote lakes can be considered uncontaminated with these elements.
Comparative Methylation and RNA-Seq Expression Analysis in CpG Context to Identify Genes Involved in Backfat vs Liver Diversification in Nanchukmacdon Pig
Authors: Arora Devender , Park Jong-Eun , Lim Dajeong , Choi Bong-Hwan , Cho In-Cheol , Srika Krishnamoorthy , Kim Jaebum , Park Woncheoul
Published: February 2021

Background: DNA methylation and demethylation at CpG island is one of the main regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level that give cells the possibility to respond to different stimuli. These regulatory mechanisms help in developing tissue without affecting the genomic composition or undergone selection. Liver and Backfat play important role in regulating lipid metabolism and control various pathways involved in reproductive performance, meat quality, and immunity. Genes inside these tissue stores plethora of information and their understanding are required to enhance tissue characteristics in the future generation. Results: In this study, to understand the differentiation mechanism we have performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-seq analysis and identified 16 CpG islands were involved in differentially methylation regions (DMRs) as well differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between liver and backfat. Among the identified differentially-methylated genes (C7orf50, ACTB, MLC1) in backfat and (TNNT3, SIX2, SDK1, CLSTN3, LTBP4, CFAP74, SLC22A23, FOXC1, GMDS, GSC, GATA4, SEMA5A, HOXA5) in the liver were identified. Motif analysis for DMRs was also performed to understand the major role of methylated motif for tissue-specific differentiation. Gene ontology studies revealed the association with collagen fibril organization, BMP signaling pathway in backfat and Cholesterol biosynthesis, bile acid and bile salt transport, immunity-related pathways in methylated genes expressed in the liver. Conclusion: Our finding could help in understanding how methylation on certain genes plays an important role and can be used as biomarkers to study tissue specific characteristics.
Effects of the Transcription Factor Ace2 from Trichoderma Reesei on Cellulase and Hemicellulase Expression in Trichoderma Orientalis EU7-22
Authors: Li Yuyu , Xue Yong , Liu Jian , Gan Lihui , Long Minnan
Published: February 2021

Trichoderma orientalis (T. orientalis) EU7-22 has a complete cellulase system and shows a remarkable enzyme activity with high potential in the industry. Ace2 is an important transcriptional factor for cellulase and hemicellulase expression in Trichoderma reesei (T. reesei). However, the ace2 gene can not be found in the genome of T. orientalis. Researches show that the mechanism of cellulase transcriptional regulation in T. orientalis keeps high similarity with T. reesei up till now. So, in this study, the ace2 of Trichoderma reesei QM9414 was heterologous expressed in T. orientalis EU7-22. As a result, xylanase activity and β-glucosidase activity of ace2 heterogeneous expression strains are improved and total cellulase activity is decreased. The result of qPCR is in accordance with enzyme activities. This study provides a reference for an in-depth study on transcriptional regulation mechanisms of T. orientalis.
Identification and Characterization of Rice Circular RNAs Responding to Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. Oryzae Invasion
Authors: Wang Peihong , Wang Sai , Wu Yan , Nie Wenhan , Yiming Ayizekeranmu , Liang Jingling , Ahmad Iftikhar , Fu Luoyi , Guo Longbiao , Zhu Bo , Chen Gongyou
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe emerging role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in various biological processes have advanced our knowledge of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. The number and expression of plant circRNAs vary with species and treatments. However, the expression profile and the potential role of circRNAs during plant response to pathogen invasion are still elusive. ResultsIn this study, we identified 3517 circRNAs from PXO99A-infected rice leaves using the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depleted RNA-Sequencing technique coupled with the CIRI2 and CIRCexplorer2 pipeline. Among them, 2994 (85.13%) circRNAs arised from the exons of their parent genes, 1214 circRNAs were previously unknown and 276 circRNAs exhibited differential expression profiles upon PXO99A infection over time. In addition, 31 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were predicted as the corresponding 121 miRNAs sponges. Functional analysis of both host genes and target mRNAs suggested that these identified circRNAs might play an important role in reprogramming rice responses to PXO99A invasion, mainly by mediating photorespiration, chloroplast, peroxisome and diterpenoid biosynthesis associated pathways.Conclusion﻿These results inferred a potential functional role of circRNAs in the regulation of rice immunity and provide novel clues for revealing the molecular mechanisms of rice-PXO99A interaction.
The Effect of the COVID Pandemic Lockdown Measures on Surgical Emergencies: Experience and Lessons Learned from A Greek Tertiary Hospital.
Authors: Pikoulis Emmanouil , Koliakos Nikolaos , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Pararas Nikolaos , Pikoulis Andreas , Fotios-Christos Stavratis , Nastos Constantinos , Bagias Georgios , Boutati Eleni , Coccolini Federico , Catena Fausto
Published: February 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rise in healthcare demands and has necessitated a significant restructuring of hospital Emergency Departments.The present study aims to determine the pandemic lockdown's impact on the number of patients seeking assessment in the Surgical Emergency Department (SED) with General Surgery emergencies. Methods: Since the start of the Covid pandemic in Greece (1 March, 2020) and up to 15 December 2020, the charts of all patients arriving at the SED of the third surgical department of the “Attikon” University Hospital (a tertiary referral center for surgical and COVID-19 cases) were retrospectively reviewed and broken down in four periods reflecting two nationwide lockdown (period A; 1/3/2020 to 30/4/2020 and period D; 16/10/2020 to 15/12/2020) and two interim (period B; 1/5/2020 to 15/6/2020 and period C; 15/9/2020 to 30/10/2020) periods. Demographic and clinical data were compared to those obtained from the same time periods of the year 2019.Results:The total number of patients attending the SED decreased by 35.9% during the pandemic (from 2839 total patients in 2020 to 1819 in 2019). During the first lockdown, there was a statistically significant reduction of motor vehicle accidents (p=0.04) and torso injuries (p=0.01). A rise in the rate of traumatic brain injuries (p<0.001), abdominal pain (p=0.04) and hospital admissions (p=0.002) was also evident. During the second lockdown, there was a reduction in the number of perianal abscess cases (p=0.04) and hernia-related problems (p=0.001). An increase in the rate of fall injuries was also demonstrable (p=0.02).Conclusion: The burden of the new COVID-19 disease has left a noticeable imprint in the function of emergency departments worldwide. In Greece, implemented lockdown measures significantly impacted the SED attendance rates, the clinical characteristics of the attending patients and the overall hospital admission rate. The long-term effects on national health systems remain to be seen.
Abdominal Obesity Phenotype Predicts COVID-19 Chest X-Ray Severity Score better than General Obesity
Authors: Malavazos Alexis Elias , Secchi Francesco , Basilico Sara , Capitanio Gloria , Boveri Sara , Milani Valentina , Dubini Carola , Schiaffino Simone , Morricone Lelio , Foschini Chiara , Gobbo Giulia , Piccinni Rosangela , Saibene Alessandro , Sardanelli Francesco , Menicanti Lorenzo , Guazzi Marco , Dong Chuanhui , Romanelli Massimiliano Marco Corsi , Carruba Michele , Iacobellis Gianluca
Published: February 2021

PurposeChest x-ray (CXR) severity score and general obesity are predictive risk factors for COVID-19 hospital admission. However, the relationship between abdominal obesity and CXR severity score has not yet been fully explored.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed the association of different adiposity indexes, including waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), with CXR severity score in 215 hospitalized patients with COVID-19.ResultsPatients with abdominal obesity had significantly higher CXR severity scores and higher rates of these scores than those without abdominal obesity (P<0.001; P=0.001, respectively). While, there were no significant differences between BMI classes (P=0.104; P=0.271, respectively). Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) correlated more closely with CXR severity score than BMI (r=0.43, P<0.001; r=0.41, P<0.001; r=0.17, P=0.012, respectively). The area under the curves (AUCs) for waist circumference and WHtR were significantly higher than those for BMI for distinguishing a high CXR severity score (≥8) (0.68 [0.60-0.75] and 0.67 [0.60-0.74] vs 0.58 [0.51-0.66], P=0.001). Multivariable analysis indicated abdominal obesity (risk ratio: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25-2.45, P<0.001), bronchial asthma (risk ratio: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07-2.81, P=0.026) and oxygen saturation at admission (risk ratio: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.97, P<0.001) as the only independent predictors of a high CXR severity score. ConclusionAbdominal obesity might predict a high CXR severity score better than general obesity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Therefore, when performing clinical hospital practices, waist circumference should be assessed, and patients with abdominal obesity should be monitored closely when hospitalized.
Relationship Between Glycemic Intraday Variations Evaluated in Continuous Glucose Monitoring and HbA1c Variability in Type 2 Diabetes: Pilot Study
Authors: Tokutsu Akemi , Okada Yosuke , Torimoto Keiichi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: February 2021

Background: HbA1c variability is independent of mean HbA1c, and associated with mortality due to vascular complications. However, the significance of HbA1c variability is unknown at present. In this study, we used flash glucose monitoring (FGM) and evaluated glycemic intraday variations, and then examined the association with HbA1c variability.Methods: We conducted a retrospective pilot study of 26 patients treated at the Outpatient department for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and evaluated the following items associated with blood glucose levels and their changes/variations using FGM. The primary endpoint was factor(s) associated with Standard deviation (SD) HbA1c over a six-month period. Results: There were significant correlations between mean HbA1c and each of glucose management indicator, maximum, percent time at glucose >180 mg/d, mean of daily difference of blood glucose, and high blood glucose index. SD HbA1c correlated significantly with percent time at glucose <70 mg/dL and low blood glucose index. We estimated the regression coefficient of SD HbA1c using multivariate linear regression analysis, and noted that the presence of hypoglycemia affected SD HbA1c (β=0.132, SE=0.055, P=0.026). Hypoglycemia was noted in 17 patients, and SD HbA1c was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the hypoglycemic group (0.24±0.13%), compared with the non-hypoglycemic group (0.09±0.06%). The cut-off value of SD HbA1c was 0.126% in the hypoglycemic group.Conclusions: The results showed that HbA1c variability is associated with hypoglycemia. HbA1c variability reflects the risk of hypoglycemia, suggesting a possible association with the risk of cardiovascular mortality. For patients with high HbA1c variability, we recommend evaluation for the presence of hypoglycemia and reconsideration of their treatment regimen including their glucose-lowering medications.Trial registration: The study protocol and opt-out method of informed consent were approved by the ethics committees of the University of Occupational and Environmental Health (Trial registration: H27-186, Registered 25 Dec 2015).
Risk Factors of Symptomatic Anastomotic Leakage and its Impacts on Long Term Survival after Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Single Center Study
Authors: Qi Xinyu , Liu Maoxing , Xu Kai , Gao Pin , Tan Fei , Yao Zhendan , Zhang Nan , Yang Hong , Zhang Chenghai , Xing Jiadi , Cui Ming , Su Xiangqian
Published: February 2021

Background: Postoperative symptomatic anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. AL can potentially affect short-term patient outcomes and long-term prognosis. This study aimed to explore the risk factors and long-term survival of symptomatic AL after laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer.Methods: From May 2009 to May 2015, 298 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer with or without a defunctioning stoma were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore independent risk factors for symptomatic AL. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier curves, and log-rank tests were used for group comparisons.Results: Among the 298 patients enrolled in this study, symptomatic AL occurred in eight patients (2.7%). The univariate analyses showed that the age≤65 (P = 0.048), neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.095), distance from the anal verge (P = 0.078), duration of operation (P = 0.001), and pathological tumor (T) category (P = 0.004) were associated with symptomatic AL. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the duration of operation (P = 0.010) was an independent risk factor for symptomatic AL after laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer. In the survival analysis, no statistically significant differences in the 3-year (P = 0.785) and 5-year (P = 0.979) overall survival rates were observed.Conclusions: A prolonged duration of operation increased the risk of symptomatic AL after laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer. An impact of symptomatic AL on long-term survival was not observed in this study, but it needs to be studied more.Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000033413).
Microorganisms Photocatalytic Inactivation on Ag3PO4 Sub-microcrystals Under WLEDs Light Source
Authors: Cruz-Filho João F , Costa Tadeu M.S. , Lima Maciel S , Nolêto Luis F.G. , Bandeira Carla C. S. , Lima Francisca L , Júnior Geraldo Eduardo da Luz
Published: February 2021

In this article, we report the silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4) photocatalytic inactivation properties on strains Gram-positive Saprophyte B. subtilis, a diploid fungus Candida albicans and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using as irradiation source white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) with luminous flux (Φ v) of 1.3 x 103 Lumens and relative power density of 15 mW m− 2. Microorganisms death curves and the kinetic constants (Kd) indicated that the inhibitory effect of the Ag3PO4 under WLEDs irradiation is well pronounced to C. albicans (6.6 x 10− 2 min− 1) in relation to P. augenosas (4.6 x 10− 2 min− 1) and B. subitilis (2.5 x 10− 2 min− 1). Decimal reduction time (Dt) were 34.4 min to C. albicans, 50.1 min P. augenosas and 92.1 min to B.subitilis The micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun (SEM-FEG) demonstrated that there was cell wall permeability and consequently total rupture in the C. albicans, suggesting the lipid peroxidation phenomenon and protein oxidation promoted by the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, it was observed the Ag3PO4 when irradiated by WLEDs demonstrates important sporicidal activity in related to B. subtilis, promoting the endospore wall rupture.
How Home Anterior Self-collected Nasal Swab Simplifies SARS-CoV2 Testing: New Surveillance Horizons in Public Health and Beyond.
Authors: Ricci Silvia , Lodi Lorenzo , Citera Francesco , Nieddu Francesco , Moriondo Maria , Guarnieri Valentina , Giovannini Mattia , Indolfi Giuseppe , Resti Massimo , Zanobini Alberto , Azzari Chiara
Published: February 2021

The sample collection procedure for SARS-Co-V2 identification has a strong impact on diagnostic capability, contact tracing approach, ultimately affecting the infection containment performance. This study demonstrates that self-collected nasal-swab has shown to be a valid and well tolerated procedure to Sars-CoV-2 surveillance in a healthcare system. More significantly, no performance adequacy difference was detected in self-administered swabs between HCW and non-HCW which allows to speculate that this procedure could be successfully extended to the entire population for mass screening.
High Efficiency Electrochemiluminescence for Copper(II) and Cadmium(II) Pyrazolate Polymers
Authors: Hua Feng-Zhen , Feng Chao , Xie Wei-Nan , Luo Yi-Ni , Zhang Ling-Mei , Zhao Hong
Published: February 2021

Two new coordination polymers, namely, [Cu2(L)2(4,4′-bpy)]n (1) and [Cd(HL)Cl(1,10′-phen)]n (2) (H2L = 1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 1,10′-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized via solvothermal method and were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, elemental analysis and PXRD. The two complexes are both infinite 1D chain structures, in complex 1 the H2L ligands are completely deprotonated and chelating the metal centers, while in complex 2, H2L ligands play a role in chelating-bridging the metal centers. What’s more, the two complexes further extended to 3D supramolecular networks by hydrogen bonds and weak C–H⋯π interactions. The weak intermolecular interactions existed in the complexes structures were further studied by Hirshfeld surface analysis and 2D fingerprint plots. In addition, these two transition mental complexes exhibit high intense electrochemiluminescence (ECL) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and after ten circulations the ECL intensity still remains stable, which can be a useful guide for the construct of new polymers ECL materials.
Investigation on the Drag Coefficient of the Steady and Unsteady Flow Conditions in Coarse Porous Media
Authors: Norouzi Hadi , Bazargan Jalal , Azhang Faezah , Nasiri Rana
Published: February 2021

The study of the steady and unsteady flow through porous media and the interactions between fluids and particles is of utmost importance. In the present study, binomial and trinomial equations to calculate the changes in hydraulic gradient (i) in terms of flow velocity (V) were studied in the steady and unsteady flow conditions, respectively. According to previous studies, the calculation of drag coefficient (Cd) and consequently, drag force (Fd) is a function of coefficient of friction (f). Using Darcy-Weisbach equations in pipes, the hydraulic gradient equations in terms of flow velocity in the steady and unsteady flow conditions, and the analytical equations proposed by Ahmed and Sunada in calculation of the coefficients a and b of the binomial equation and the friction coefficient (f) equation in terms of the Reynolds number (Re) in the porous media, equations were presented for calculation of the friction coefficient in terms of the Reynolds number in the steady and unsteady flow conditions in 1D (one-dimensional) confined porous media. Comparison of experimental results with the results of the proposed equation in estimation of the drag coefficient in the present study confirmed the high accuracy and efficiency of the equations. The mean relative error (MRE) between the computational (using the proposed equations in the present study) and observational (direct use of experimental data) friction coefficient for small, medium and large grading in the steady flow conditions was equal to 1.913, 3.614 and 3.322%, respectively. In the unsteady flow condition, the corresponding values of 7.806, 14.106 and 10.506 % were obtained, respectively.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals genetic mechanisms of phenotypic differences between Landsberg erecta-0 and Columbia-0 ecotypes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wu Zhenjiang , Liu Yaqiong , Li Bingbing , Xie Chaohui , Zhu Tao , Li Wenjian , Feng Ruliang , Han Shiming
Published: February 2021

As common ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana, obvious phenotypic differences have been observed between Landsberg erecta-0 (Ler-0) and Columbia-0 (Col-0). However, it is unlikely to explain a phenotypic trait from each single-gene mutant. In this study, a genotype to phenotype prediction using comparative transcriptome analysis was established to study multigene regulation in biological processes. Analyses of RNA sequencing data of Ler-0 and Col-0 revealed that the differences on gene expression in different organs were larger than those in different ecotypes. Among the 671 differential expressed genes between Ler-0 and Col-0, 273 genes were up-regulated and 398 genes were down-regulated in Ler-0. Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were performed by using these genes, and 43, 31 and 58 genes were enriched in response to cold, response to cold and response to hormone stimulus respectively. Due to these datas, we then tested the sensitivity of Col-0 and Ler-0 to cold and abscisic acid (ABA) stress, and Col-0 ecotype exhibited more tolerance to cold stress and ABA. We also quantified the cell and leaf length of Col-0 and Ler-0, and these different growth phenotypes may be partly caused by the genes which enriched in response to hormone stimulus. The differential expressed genes identified through the mRNA transcriptome provide a revealing insight into guiding phenotyping of organisms and providing genotype to phenotype relations for better understanding of plant growth, development and response to environments. This approach could also be applied to genetic mutants for discovery of novel phenotypes thus better understanding of the mutant gene functions.
Impact of Frailty On 5-Year Survival In Patients Older Than 70 Years Undergoing Colorectal Surgery for Cancer
Authors: Artiles-Armas Manuel , Roque-Castellano Cristina , Fariña-Castro Roberto , Conde-Martel Alicia , Acosta-Mérida María Asunción , Marchena-Gomez Joaquin
Published: February 2021

Background: Frailty has been shown to be a good predictor of post-operative complications and death in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was to analyse the differences between frail and non-frail patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, as well as the impact of frailty on long-term survival in these patients.Methods: A cohort of 149 patients aged 70 years and older who underwent elective surgery for colorectal cancer was followed-up for at least 5 years. The sample was divided into two groups: frail and non-frail patients. The Canadian Study of Health and Aging-Clinical Frailty Scale (CSHA-CSF) was used to detect frailty. The two groups were compared with regard to demographic data, comorbidities, functional and cognitive statuses, surgical risk, surgical variables, tumour extent, and post-operative outcomes, which were mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year after the procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed to determine which of the predictive variables were related to 5-year survival.Results: Out of the 149 patients, 96 (64.4%) were men and 53 (35.6) were women, with a median age of 75 years (IQR: 72-80). According to the CSHA-CSF scale, 59 patients (39.6%) were frail, and 90 patients (60.4%) were not frail. Frail patients were significantly older and had more impaired cognitive status, worse functional status, more comorbidities, more operative mortality, and more serious complications than non-frail patients. Comorbidities, as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (p=0.001); the Lawton-Brody Index (p=0.011); failure to perform an anastomosis (p=0.024); nodal involvement (p=0.005); distant metastases (p<0.001); high TNM stage (p=0.004); and anastomosis dehiscence (p=0.013) were significant univariate predictors of a poor prognosis in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis (Cox regression) of long-term survival, with adjustment for age, frailty, comorbidities and TNM stage, showed that comorbidities (p=0.002; HR:1.30; 95% CI:1.10–1.54) and TNM stage (p=0.014; HR:2.06; 95% CI:1.16-3.67) were the only independent risk factors for survival at five years.Conclusions: Frailty is associated with poor short-term post-operative outcomes, but it does not seem to affect long-term survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Instead, comorbidities and tumour stage are good predictors of long-term survival.
Epistemic uncertainty of probabilistic building exposure compositions in scenario-based earthquake loss models
Authors: Gomez-Zapata Juan Camilo , Pittore Massimiliano , Cotton Fabrice , Lilienkamp Henning , Shinde Simantini , Aguirre Paula , Maria Hernan Santa
Published: February 2021

In seismic risk assessment the sources of uncertainty associated to building exposure modelling have not received as much attention as other components related to hazard and vulnerability. We are introducing that the degree of knowledge of a building portfolio can be described within a Bayesian probabilistic approach to acknowledge the epistemic uncertainty of its composition (i.e. proportions per building class). We are investigating the impact of such uncertainty on earthquake loss models through a novel approach based on an exposure-oriented logic tree arrangement and scenario-based seismic risk simulations. We have found that the building class reconnaissance either from prior assumptions by desktop studies with aggregated data (top-down approach) or from building-by-building data collection (bottom-up approach), plays a fundamental role in statistical modelling of exposure. We successively show that the selection of the basic set of building classes is a major contribution to the uncertainties in the loss estimations given their dependence on specific fragility functions. If the set of fragility functions handle multiple spectral periods, cross-correlated ground motion fields are required for the vulnerability assessment which ultimately control the variability of the losses. When the exposure composition is poorly known due to, for instance, simplifications and assumptions over aggregated data, its absolute contribution to the loss uncertainties has been found to be larger than the one imposed by the spatially distributed cross-correlated ground motion fields. This work invites to redesign desktop exposure studies, while it also highlights the importance of a standardized iterative approach to exposure data collection and modelling.