bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Experiment Research on Failure Characteristics of Anchored Rock With Negative Poisson’s Ratio Bolt
Authors: Chen Feng , HE Man-chao , Yan-hong DU , Xiao-ming SUN , Tian-hui MA
Published: January 2021

With the continuous increase of mining depth and engineering burying depth, the nonlinear physical and mechanical phenomena exhibited by rock are also more complicated. The load value often exceeds the yield strength of the traditional Poisson's ratio supporting materials, causing the supporting body to fail. Therefore, the bolt still needs to further in-depth research on new materials. In this paper, the rock model with a negative Poisson’s ratio bolt had been established, the material properties of negative Poisson’s ratio and the working principle of RFPA software were introduced, and RFPA software was used to study the reinforcement effect of negative Poisson's ratio bolt on the rock. The numerical experiment results show that, compared with the positive Poisson's ratio bolt, the negative Poisson's ratio bolt can significantly increase the bearing capacity of anchored rock, enhance the friction between the bolt body and the surrounding rock, and limit the rock movement. The anchored rock with negative Poisson’s ratio bolt can absorb more energy. Negative Poisson's ratio material is one of the future development directions of bolt material.
Spatiotemporal distribution of potentially toxic elements in the lower Gangetic delta and their implications for non-carcinogenic health risk management
Authors: Ghosh Somdeep , Bakshi Madhurima , Mahanty Shouvik , Gaine Tanushree , Bhattacharyya Subarna , Biswas Jayanta Kumar , Chaudhuri Punarbasu
Published: January 2021

River Hooghly, an offshoot of river Ganges is one of the major rivers of Asia having traditional, social, economic, religious and spiritual values. Water samples were collected from eighteen sampling locations of river Hooghly during summer, monsoon, and winter season, and analysed for basic physico-chemical properties and selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Several PTEs such as Al, Fe, Ni and Pb were above the permissible limits, prescribed by national and international guidelines. The trend of variation in the mean PTE concentrations showed the following order: Cd < Pb < Co < Cr < Ni < Cu < Zn < Mn < Fe. Due to the presence of high total dissolve solid (TDS) and PTE contents, the water quality of river Hooghly is not suitable for direct human consumption. The evaluated Water Quality Index (WQI) value showed a distinct spatio-temporal variation indicating very severe condition of water quality, which is deteriorating gradually from upstream to downstream. In summer, monsoon and winter, the highest WQI values were observed in Maushuni Island (S15), Petuaghat (S18) and Tapoban (S17) respectively. However, the non-carcinogenic human health risk in terms of Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index values of PTEs indicates no immediate adverse impact on human health due to exposure of PTE contaminated water from river Hooghly through ingestion or dermal route. Though these risk values for children were higher than adults warranting the adoption of a long-term management plan to cope with potential human health risks. The result suggests implementation of a combination of stringent socio-legal regulations and software based models for sustainable water related health risk management in river Hooghly.
Perceptual Factors (Awareness, Attitude) and Positive, Indeterminate and Negative Nurturing Factors Affecting Physical Activity of Pregnant Women Visiting Health-care Centers in Tehran: Examination and Analyses
Authors: Kianfard Leila , SHokravi Farkhonde Amin , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Niknami Shamsaddin
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of perceptual factors (awareness, attitude) and positive, intermediate and negative nurturing factors on physical activity of pregnant women visiting health centers in Tehran. MethodsThe present research was an applied study in which a quasi-experimental research design (pre-test-post-test) with a control group was employed. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) and a questionnaire designed based on the results of needs assessment and dimensions of the PEN-3 model were used for the purposes of this study. This study is a randomized control trial (RCT). ResultsThe results indicated that the intervention based on E-learning has a statistically significant effect on perceptual factors (awareness, attitude) in increasing physical activity of pregnant women in the experimental group. Furthermore, E-learning-based intervention has a significant effect on increasing physical activity of pregnant women in the experimental group compared to the control group.ConclusionBased on the research results, it can be said that there is a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the scores obtained from perceptual factors (awareness, attitude) in the pre-test and the experimental group. Furthermore, it is safe to say that there is a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the scores obtained from physical activity in the pre-test and the experimental group.
Prevalence and Determinants of Diabetes and Prediabetes in Southwestern Iran: The Khuzestan Comprehensive Health Study (KCHS)
Authors: Hariri Sanam , Rahimi Zahra , Madani Nahid Hashemi , Mard Seyyed Ali , Hashemi Farnaz , Mohammadi Zahra , Danehchin Leila , Abolnezhadian Farhad , Valipour Aliasghar , Paridar Yousef , Mir-Nasseri Mohammad Mahdi , Khajavi Alireza , Masoudi Sahar , Alvand Saba , Cheraghian Bahman , Shayesteh Ali Akbar , Khamseh Mohammad E. , Poustchi Hossein
Published: January 2021

Background: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is postulated to have the highest increase in the prevalence of diabetes by 2030; however, studies on the epidemiology of diabetes are rather limited across the region, including in Iran.Methods: This study was conducted between 2016 and 2018 among Iranian adults aged 20 to 65 years residing in Khuzestan province, southwestern Iran. Diabetes was defined as fasting blood sugar (FBS) ≥ 126 mg/dl and/or taking oral anti-diabetic medications. Prediabetes was defined as FBS ≥ 100 but ≤ 125 mg/dl. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the association of multiple risk factors that attained significance on the outcome.Results: Overall, 30,500 participants were recruited; the mean (±SD) age was 41.6 (±11.9) years. The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes were 30.8% and 15.2%, respectively. We found a comparable prevalence of diabetes in both sexes, although it was higher among illiterates, urban residents, married people, and smokers. Participants aged ≥ 50 and those with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were more likely to be affected by diabetes [RR: 18.5 (16.4,21.0) and 3.2 (2.9,3.5)]. Hypertension [RR: 5.1 (4.7,5.4)], waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm [RR: 3.6 (3.3,3.9)], and family history [RR: 2.4 (2.2,2.6)] were also significantly associated with diabetes. For prediabetes, the main risk factors were age ≥ 50 [RR: 2.4 (2.3,2.6)], BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 [RR: 1.9 (1.7 ,2.0)], hypertension and WC ≥ 90 cm [RR: 1.7 (1.6 ,1.8)]. Conclusions: Prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent in southwestern Iran. The major determinants are older age, obesity, and the presence of hypertension. Further interventions are required to escalate diabetes prevention and diagnosis in high-risk areas across Iran.
Shuanghuanglian Injection for Viral Pneumonia: A Protocol for Meta-analysis
Authors: YUAN YANG , Zheng Quan , Hu Mingjun , Si Zhilin , Xie Shuncheng , Li Zhi , He Chengshi
Published: January 2021

Background:Viral pneumonia is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs due to infection with a virus. Rapidly progressing viral pneumonia is associated with considerable mortality, representing a severe threat and imparting a substantial financial burden worldwide.Specific treatments for the viral pneumonia were not yet determined. Recently, Shuanghuanglian injection of Traditional Chinese Medicine was used to treat viral pneumonia. However,there is no systematic reviews have evaluated its efficacy and safety for viral pneumonia.Methods:We search four English databases ( Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane library) and four Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database) for all randomized controlled trial of Shuanghuanglian injection for the treatment of viral pneumonia until 11st of December , 2020. Two reviewers individually extracted data from the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data will be synthesized by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test, Methodological quality assessment and risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane bias risk tool. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan5.3.5 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.Results: Viral pneumonia has become a disease with substantial mortality. A systematic review assessing the beneficial and harmful effects of Shuanghuanglian injection for viral pneumonia is needed. This study will compare the different outcome indicators of various studies directly and indirectly.This analysis will provide a high-quality synthesis of effectiveness and safety of Shuanghuanglian injection treatment for viral pneumonia.The main outcome indicators include: Outcomes will include mortality, cure rate, efficacy or adverse events confirmed by imaging diagnosis. Systematic review registration: INPLASY2020120047.
Change in Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients With Colorectal Cancer During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: a Single-institution Retrospective Analysis Based on Real-world Data
Authors: Yang Yu , Li Yuxuan , Li Songyan , Du Xiaohui
Published: January 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 is in the global epidemic, which seriously affects the normal medical order. How to effectively manage colorectal cancer under the background of regular epidemic prevention and control need to gather the experience and wisdom of countries all over the world to study together.Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed to compare colorectal cancer patients’ clinical characters between the severe epidemic group (SEG,January 20, 2020 to March 20, 2020) versus the epidemic remission group (ERG, April 20, 2019 to June 20, 2020). The demographic characteristics, surgical data, postoperative pathological features and postoperative clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared.Results: 112 patients were enrolled in the study, including 47 patients in SEG and 65 patients in ERG. There was no significant difference in age, sex, height, weight and body mass index between two groups. The proportion of local patients in SEG was significantly higher than that in ERG (P=0.001). More patients in ERG received preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Neo-CRT) (P=0.025). There was no significant difference in pT staging, pN staging and pM staging between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the overall pTNM staging was earlier in the SEG (P < 0.001). At the same time, the proportion of vascular invasion (P=0.004) and perineural invasion (P < 0.001) in SEG was higher than that in ERG. There were no postoperative complications in STG group, but 6 patients in ECG group had postoperative complications, including 4 cases of incision infection and 2 cases of anastomotic leakage. It should be noted that, 5 of these 6 patients received Neo-CRT before operation. Conclusion: our study shows that due to the interference of serious epidemic situation to medical activities and more patients choosing preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, some patients delayed operation to the period of the epidemic remission, which may lead to the progress of tumor staging and increase the risk of postoperative complications. In addition, we hope that our strategy for colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment during the epidemic will help other surgeons.
Prediction of Glass Forming Ability of Bulk Metallic Glasses-Machine-Learning
Authors: Gedi Jaideep Reddy , Saboo Tanay , AYYAGARI KAMESWARI PRASADA Rao
Published: January 2021

Bulk-Metallic-Glass has been a fascinating class of metallic systems with remarkable corrosion resistance, elastic modulus and wear resistance, while evaluating the glass forming ability has been a very interesting aspect for decades. Machine learning techniques viz., artificial neural networks and random-forest based models have been developed in this work to predict the glass forming ability, given the composition of the bulk metallic glassy alloy. A new criterion of classification of atoms present in a bulk metallic glassy alloy is proposed. Feature importance analysis confirmed that the accuracy of the prediction depends mainly on change in enthalpy of mixing and change in entropy of mixing. However, among the artificial neural network random forest models developed, the former showed a promising accuracy in prediction of the glass formation ability (critical thickness). It has been successfully demonstrated and validated with experimental critical thickness that the glass forming ability can be predicted using an artificial neural network given the elemental composition alone. A computational algorithm was also developed to classify the atoms as big/ small in a given alloy. The outcome of this algorithm was used by models developed by training with experimental data.
Meta Analysis of the Influence of Prone Ventilation Duration on the Mortality of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome at 28 Days and 3 Months
Authors: Ba Cuirong , Wang Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2021

Introduction: To evaluate the effect of prone ventilation duration on the mortality of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) at 28 days and 3 months.Materials and Methods: Use a computer to search of relevant studies published in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CnKI, VIP and Wanfang database on the influence of prone ventilation on the mortality rate of ARDS patients was conducted. Two personnel trained in evidence-based medicine collected literature and extracted data against inclusion and exclusion criteria, and Meta analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 29 randomized controlled trials were included, involving 3,617 patients. These studies were divided into the <8 hour group, the 8-16 hour group, and the >=16 hour group according to according to the duration of prone ventilation.Results: The total effect value of 28d fatality rate was [(OR=0.58, 95%CI(0.46, 0.73), P<0.00001]. All subgroups and the combined effect were statistically significant. Among the 3M fatality rates, only>= 16-hour prone ventilation was statistically significant, and the effect value was [(OR=0.59, 95%CI (0.46, 0.75), P<0.0001]. The 3M fatality rates of the 8-16 hour and <8 hour groups were not statistically significant. Since there was only one study on 8-16 hour ventilation, only subgroup analysis was performed without combining the statistical values of the three groups.Conclusion: Prone ventilation can reduce the short-term mortality of ARDS patients, but from a long time (>=3M), only prone ventilation time >=16 hours can significantly benefit patients. The registration number will be issued.
New Insights Into the Minimum Teeth Number and Modification Coefficient of Standard Involute Gears Without Undercutting
Authors: Zhang Hongshen , He Jianing
Published: January 2021

The calculation equations for the minimum teeth number and the minimum modification coefficient of standard involute gears without undercutting are inaccurately described and researched in many studies. These errors are knowledge blind spots in mechanical engineering that have been introduced into the design and manufacturing of standard involute gears. Furthermore, these errors are continually imparted to tens of thousands of students in colleges every yearly. Racks have been incorrectly regarded as the rack-shaped cutters in the derivation of the calculation equations. The theoretical research, numerical simulation and experiments of the undercutting phenomenon of standard involute gears manufactured using rack-shaped cutters are presented. Firstly, theoretical analysis and calculation of the minimum teeth number and the minimum modification coefficient of standard involute gears without undercutting are performed. Subsequently, the correct minimum teeth number and the minimum modification coefficient without undercutting are deduced. The computer simulations of the theoretical calculations are then examined considering the necessary cases. Experiments of standard involute spur gears with z = 10, 12, 17 and 22 are conducted, thereby validating the research. This study addresses the long-standing errors regarding the traditional undercutting phenomenon and provides an effective theoretical guide for gear design and manufacturing.
Cascading from SARS-CoV-2 to Parkinson's Disease through Protein-Protein Interactions
Authors: Estrada Ernesto
Published: January 2021

Background: Extensive extrapulmonary damages in a dozen of organs/systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), are reported in patients of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Three cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been reported as a direct consequence of COVID-19. In spite of the scarce data for establishing a definitive link between COVID-19 and PD some hypothesis have been proposed to explain the cases reported. They, however, do not fit well with the clinical findings reported for COVID-19 patients in general and for the PD cases reported in particular. Given the importance of this potential connection we present here a molecular-level mechanism that explain well these findings and will serve to explore the potential CNS damage in COVID-19 patients.Methods: A model explaining the cascade effects from COVID-19 to CNS is developed by using bioinformatic tools. It includes the post-translational modification of host proteins in the lungs by viral proteins, the transport of modified host proteins via exosomes out the lungs, and the disruption of protein-protein interaction in the CNS by these modified host proteins.Results: We found 44 proteins significantly expressed in the CNS which are associated with PD and whose interactions can be perturbed by 24 host proteins significantly expressed in the lungs. These 24 perturbators are found to interact with viral proteins and to form part of the cargoes of exosomes in human tissues. The joint set of perturbators and PD-vulnerable proteins form a tightly connected network with significantly more connections than expected by selecting a random cluster of proteins of similar size from the human proteome.Conclusions: The molecular-level mechanism presented here provides several routes for the cascading of effects from the lungs of COVID-19 patients to PD. In particular, the disruption of autophagy/ubiquitination processes appears as an important mechanism that triggers the generation of large amounts of exosomes containing perturbators in their cargo, which would insult several PD-vulnerable proteins, potentially triggering Parkinsonism in COVID-19 patients.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen: A Predictor of Inflammatory Condition in Patients with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis?
Authors: Ge Huan , Yin Feifei , Jiang Yuanyuan , Luo Lisha , Deng Shuanglinzi , Zhang Yingyu , Zhang Daimo , Yang Yifei , Tang Huan , Cai Runjin , Hu Xinyue , Wu Chendong , Li Xiaozhao , Feng Juntao
Published: January 2021

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillus (ABPA) is a complex non-infectious pulmonary benign disease caused by immune response against to aspergillus. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker but also elevated in some benign diseases. Few studies on ABPA with elevated serum CEA levels have been reported. Objects: This study aims to comb the clinical characters of ABPA with elevated serum CEA. Methods: 20 patients diagnosed as ABPA were divided into two groups (CEA normal and CEA elevated) for retrospective analysis. The eosinophil count and ratio, IgE level in the pretherapy and post-treatment were compared. Serum samples of patients with ABPA (n = 20) and asthma (n = 20), healthy controls (n=20) were collected. Levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, GM-CSF, IFN-γ) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: We found that in ABPA patients with normal serum CEA levels, eosinophil counts and IgE levels decreased more obviously after treatment. Besides, we established higher serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, GM-CSF and IFN-γ in ABPA patients with elevated serum CEA levels.Conclusion: For the ABPA patients with elevated serum CEA levels, CEA may serve as a monitoring indicator for severity and treatment efficacy of ABPA.
Trends and Contributing Factors of the Change of HIV Prevalence Over Time Among Reproductive Age Group Women in Ethiopia Evidenced by Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) Data: a Cross-sectional Study: Multivariate Decomposition Analysis.
Authors: Negesse Yilkal , Alemayehu Dereje , Setegn Melsew , Addisu Abebaw , Wondimu Wondimagegn , Gichew Smegnew , Bogale Biruk , Yosef Tewodros , Fetene Gossa
Published: January 2021

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. At the beginning of the epidemic, around 76.1 million people were infected and 32 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses in the world. Sub-Saharan Africa regions are the most affected regions and accounted for 67% of HIV infections worldwide, and 72% of the world’s AIDS-related deaths.Objective: To show trends and contributing factors for the change of HIV prevalence over time among reproductive age group women in Ethiopia.Methods: This study was conducted based on Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys data. A total of 10423 in 2005, 15153 in 2011, and 14159 in 2016 women were involved in the study. Multivariate decomposition analysis was performed using the mvdcmp Stata package to identify the contributing factors of change of HIV prevalence over time. The 95% confidence interval was used for the test of significance. Results: This study showed that 90.4 % of the change in HIV prevalence over time was attributable to behavioral change over time, particularly in women who were rural residents and not exposed to media. The behavioral change of women who live in rural areas was the major factor for the decline of HIV for the last ten years. The behavioral change of women who hadn’t exposure to media contributed 98.4% to the decline of HIV prevalence over the past ten years.Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV among reproductive age group women in Ethiopia was significantly declined over the last ten years and the decline was due to behavioral change over time. The major factor for the reduction of HIV prevalence overtime was the behavioral change of rural resident women. Therefore Ethiopian government should primarily focus on the strengthening and scaling up of behavioral change packages related to HIV prevention and control methods.
Making the case for strong health information systems during a pandemic and beyond
Authors: Schmidt A.E. , Abboud L.A. , Bogaert P.
Published: January 2021

Background: The Sars-CoV-2 pandemic exacerbates existing inequalities across health care systems globally, both within countries and between countries. It also highlights, like no other crisis before, existing weaknesses in health information systems (HIS). This article summarizes these key challenges for HIS in times of a pandemic and beyond, with a focus on European countries. It builds on the experiences of a large consortium representing HIS experts in key positions in national public health or similar institutes across Europe.Methods: Data were collected in bi-weekly conference calls organized by the InfAct project between February and June 2020. Emerging themes were clustered and analysed around a WHO framework for health information systems (HIS). We analyse strengths of HIS at two levels: (i) dealing with health information directly, and (ii) dealing with other parts of information systems that allow for a holistic assessment of the pandemic (including health-related aspects). Results: The analysis highlights the need for capacity-building in HIS before a pandemic hits, the relevance of going beyond health information only related to health care but taking a broader perspective (e.g. on vulnerable groups), the need for strong reporting systems on staffing numbers and in primary care. Further, data linkage emerges as a crucial precondition to identify unmet needs for essential health care services in a timely manner. Finally, room for innovation and digitalisation is key to be able to react flexibly in times of crisis. Trust for health information stakeholders is another important factor to create strong HIS.Conclusions: The strengths and shortcomings of European HIS that have been observed during the COVID-19 crisis highlight the need for strong HIS beyond the crisis. The experiences reported leave as a central message that successful reactions to the pandemic are (also) grounded in strong HIS that ultimately not only benefit the health of the population but also create a number of economic and psycho-social benefits. Strong data reporting schemes may also support fine-tuning of containment measures during a pandemic as well as transition phases.
Changes in COVID-19 Morbidity in an Ethnic Minority Between First and Second Pandemic Waves
Authors: Saban Mor , Myers Vicki , Peretz Gidi , Avni Shlomit , Luxenburg Osnat , Wilf-Miron Rachel
Published: January 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, ethnic minorities have been more susceptible to infection and demonstrated poorer outcomes. In the first wave of disease, Israel’s Arab minority exhibited far lower morbidity and mortality rates, compared with the general population. However, this trend reversed completely during the second wave. We describe the rates of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Arab and Jewish localities during the first and second peaks of the outbreak and address socio-cultural aspects of the pandemic.Methods: A retrospective national archive study was conducted in Israel. Data were obtained from the Ministry of Health's database, including daily information on Arab, Jewish or mixed localities, from February to September 2020. Results: In April 2020, positive test rate was 3 times lower and death rate 10.7 times lower in the Arab compared to the Jewish population. During the second wave, morbidity and mortality rose dramatically in the Arab population, with 12% positive test rate in the Arab compared to 9% in the Jewish population and similar death rates in both populations. Conclusions: Following a promising start in the first wave, a surge in infections occurred in the Arab population during the second wave. The huge burden on the health system resulting from high morbidity across all population groups contributed to the decision to implement a second national lockdown. This unique pattern highlights the changing experience of a minority group during the second wave and demonstrates how COVID-19 exacerbates existing disparities.
ASF1B May Regulate the Tumor Microenvironment and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Malignant Mesothelioma to Induce the Differentiation of Sarcomatoid Phenotype as a Prognosis Target
Authors: Chen Tianqi , Jia Yingjie , Li Xiaojiang , Kong Fanming , Yin Yafei , Guo Shanqi
Published: January 2021

IntroductionMalignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare malignant tumor with a poor survival. However, few markers are verified that related to sarcomatoid differentiation or further stratification of prognosis.MethodsWe analysis the significance of ASF1B expression in MM by analyzing the public dataset from TCGA, GEO and Oncomine database. Furthermore, we investigated the biological function of ASF1B in immune microenvironment and the effect of ASF1B in survival, gene ontology enrichment, GSEA enrichment and related microRNA.ResultsASF1B expression was significantly higher in MM by GEO data compared to normal lung tissue (p<0.0001). This study provides evidence that the increased expression of ASF1B is significantly associated with poor prognosis and inhibitory immune cell infiltration in patients with MM and highlight that ASF1B could be used as a novel predictive biomarker for the prognosis of MM which is related to the differentiation of sarcomatoid phenotype.ConclusionASF1B May Regulate the Tumor Microenvironment and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Malignant Mesothelioma to Induce the Differentiation of Sarcomatoid Phenotype as a Prognosis Target. Further researches need to be conducted to figure out how exactly the ASF1B affect the microenvironment.
Motion Style Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Lumbar Sprain: a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ju , Zhang Di , Zhao Tianyu , Ma Jiang , Liu Xiaoxiao , Shen Yinli , Luo Danqing , Guo Hong , Jin Song
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute lumbar sprain is a common cause of acute low back pain. Motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT; a combination of acupuncture and motion therapy) has been used for patients with acute lumbar sprain, but evidence of its efficacy is inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to determine the effectiveness and security of motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT) for acute lumbar sprain and to determine whether long-term effectiveness exists.Methods: Eight databases will be searched, including PubMed, SoniMed, Cochrane Library, EMBAS, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang date, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from inception to February 1, 2021, will be restricted to English and Chinese. Methodologic quality was independently screened and graded by two blind reviewers using the Cochrane Collaborative bias risk tool. Meta-analysis was performed in at least three studies, and sub-group and sensitivity analyses were conducted when I2>50%. When the quantitative evaluation is not available, we will provide a qualitative description of the results of the individual study.Discussion: The conclusion of this protocol will provide evidence to judge the potential benefits of motion style acupuncture and conduct clinical decision-making for acute lumbar sprain treatment.Systematic review registration: A protocol had been registered in PROSPERO CRD42020192876.
Detection of Intestinal Parasites With Automated Sedimax2®. A New Step in the Parasitological Diagnosis in High Throughput Laboratories.
Authors: Fernandez-Rivas Gema , Rivaya Belén , Romaní Nona , Wang Jun Hao Wang , Alcaide Mireya , Matas Lurdes
Published: January 2021

Despite the low prevalence of parasitic infections in Europe, the diagnosis of intestinal parasites is difficult and laborious for microbiology laboratories. Currently, the antigens detection kits and the molecular biology have allowed an easier diagnosis. But these techniques have also limitations due to the fact that they do not detect all possible parasites presents in the samples. The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and the usefulness of SediMAX2® (77 Elektronika, Budapest, Hungary) automated microscopy in the detection of parasitic structures from feces. A total of 197 formol-fixed stool samples were processed in parallel with wet mount examination and by SediMAX2®. Sensitivities, specificities and predictive values were analyzed, reaching sensitivity of 89.51% and specificity of 98.15%. Predictive values were also calculated with a very good positive predictive value (99.22%). SediMAX2® is a good tool for a reliable diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. The easiness of use, processing and the flexibility in the images analyse allows its incorporation in the day to day laboratory work as an extra step for the parasitologists workload.
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty versus Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Outcome Comparison in Osteoarthritis patients with or without Concurrent Rotator Cuff Deficiency
Authors: Long Zeling , Huang Tony Chieh-Ting , Yu Hanzhong , Wang Wanchun , Wang Yicun
Published: January 2021

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common shoulder disorder that impacts shoulder functions. Shoulder arthroplasty is often required to restore function and quality of life. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), which was originally designed mainly for irreparable rotator cuff damage, has gained popularity in recent years for the treatment of advanced shoulder OA instead of the clinically standard total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, this RSA has some nonnegligible flaws such as higher complications rate and economic cost, not mention the following problems caused by irreversible physical structural damage. Therefore, the employment of RSA needs to be carefully considered.PurposeThis study aimed to compare TSA and RSA in OA patients with or without rotator cuff damage to better guide clinical decision making. We believe the radical use of RSA in patients without rotator cuff deficiency may cause more harm than good.Study designCross-sectional studyMethodsWe queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2011 to 2014 to collect information on OA patients who received TSA and RSA. Patients were divided into 2 groups of comparison according to the presence of rotator cuff deficiency and matched with propensity score analysis.Results A total of 57,156 shoulder arthroplasties were identified. RSA patients in the rotator cuff deficiency group had significant higher transfusion rates and longer hospital stays. RSA patients without rotator cuff deficiency had a statistically significantly higher number of implant-related mechanical complications, acute upper respiratory infections and postoperative pain. Overall, RSA incurred higher costs in both groups.ConclusionFor OA patients with rotator cuff deficiencies, RSA has its benefits as complication rates were comparable to TSA. For those patients without rotator cuff deficiencies, the use of RSA should be reconsidered as there were more complications with higher severity.
Preclinical evidence to support repurposing Everolimus for craving reduction during protracted drug withdrawal  
Authors: Chiu Alvin S. , Kang Matthew C. , Sanchez Laura L. Huerta , Fabella Anne M. , Holder Kalysta N. , Barger Brooke D. , Elias Kristina N. , Shin Christina B. , Chavez C. Leonardo Jimenez , Kippin Tod E. , Szumlinski Karen K.
Published: January 2021

Cue-elicited drug-craving is a cardinal feature of addiction that intensifies (incubates) during protracted withdrawal. In a rat model, these addiction-related behavioral pathologies are mediated, respectively, by time-dependent increases in PI3K/Akt1 signaling and reduced Group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu) expression, within the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Herein, we examined the capacity of single oral dosing with Everolimus, an FDA-approved inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt effector mTOR, to reduce incubated cocaine-craving and reverse incubation-associated changes in vmPFC kinase activity and mGlu expression. Rats were trained to lever-press for intravenous infusions of cocaine or delivery of sucrose pellets and then subjected to tests for cue-reinforced responding during early (3 days) or late (30-46 days) withdrawal. Rats were gavage-infused with Everolimus (0-1.0 mg/kg), either prior to testing to examine for effects upon reinforcer-seeking behavior, or immediately following testing to probe effects upon the consolidation of extinction learning. Single oral dosing with Everolimus dose-dependently blocked cocaine-seeking during late withdrawal and the effect lasted at least 24 h. No Everolimus effects were observed for cue-elicited sucrose-seeking or cocaine-seeking in early withdrawal. Additionally, Everolimus treatment, following initial cue-testing, reduced subsequent cue hyper-responsivity exhibited observed during late withdrawal, arguing a facilitation of extinction memory consolidation. Everolimus’ “anti-incubation” effect was associated with a reversal of withdrawal-induced changes in indices of PI3K/Akt1/mTOR activity, as well as Homer protein and mGlu1/5 expression, within the prelimbic (PL) subregion of the prefrontal cortex. Our results indicate mTOR inhibition as a viable strategy for interrupting heightened cocaine-craving and facilitating addiction recovery during protracted withdrawal.
mGluR5-dependent acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine mediated modulation of synaptic eligibility traces into LTD in mice visual cortex
Authors: Khan Shumsuzzaman
Published: January 2021

In reward-based learning, synaptic eligibility traces are a well-defined theoretical solution for the conversion of initial co-activation of pre and postsynaptic neurons into long-term changes in synaptic strength by reward-linked neuromodulators. However, the types of neuromodulators involved in such a phenomenon in mouse visual cortex remain unknown. To characterize the Ex vivo condition, we used optogenetic stimulation of channelrhodopsin-(ChR2) expressing Cre/Ai32(ChR2-eYFP); Tph2-Cre/Ai32(ChR2-eYFP); Thi-Cre/Ai32(ChR2-eYFP) homozygous mice, which release acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, respectively. With these mice it is possible to measure the transformation of eligibility traces into long-term changes by endogenous neuromodulators. Here we delineated that layer 2/3 neurons in the visual cortex showed no LTD after conditioning with paired-pulse low-frequency stimulation (ppLFS; 2Hz, 15 min). However, if conditioning was paired with acetylcholine, serotonin, or norepinephrine release upon 473 nm optical stimulation in brain slices, LTD occurs in every case. Thus, our data suggests a new pathway to connect the gap between stimulus and reward. Moreover, we found that stimulation by theta-glass or metal stimulators evoked IPSC traces with the same amplitudes but differences in decay kinetics, further questioning the appropriate use of stimulators in brain slices for evoking an event.
The Mediating Effect of Cognitive Appraisal on the Relationship Between Sleep Habits and the Stress Response Among Japanese Female College Students
Authors: Aizawa Noriko , Omori Mika
Published: January 2021

Background: Undergraduate students tend to develop “evening-type” sleep patterns. However, recent research has reported that evening-type and irregular sleep habits are related to physical and mental stress responses, particularly in female students. Although the connection between sleep habits and the stress response has been well documented, the mechanism behind this relationship is currently unknown. Using the transactional model as a framework and female students as our target population, we examined whether sleep habits predict the stress response through the mediation of cognitive appraisals of one’s own sleep habits.Methods: Three hundred twenty-one Japanese female college students participated in this study. Participants completed measures of their sleep habits (sleep patterns and sleep irregularity), cognitive appraisals of their sleep habits (including four subscales: commitment, appraisal of influence, appraisal of threat, and controllability), stress responses (depression and anxiety), and control factors. The reliability and validity of the scales used in this study, except for sleep pattern and sleep irregularity, were confirmed in previous studies. Results: Multiple-mediation-model analysis indicated that commitment mediates the relationship between sleep pattern and anxiety. Meanwhile, cognitive appraisals, as a whole, were found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between sleep irregularity and depression. Conclusions: Our study revealed that cognitive appraisals mediated the relationship between sleep habits and the stress response. The findings also suggest that maintaining a low level of commitment might be effective for reducing anxiety, especially considering the difficulty associated with changing lifestyles. The findings of the present study should be useful for health education related to lifestyle.
Detection Of Hypermucoviscous Klebsiella Pneumoniae And Phenotypic Comparison Of Their Virulence Factors With Classical Strains Among Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Thapa Tika Bahadur , Maharjan Sujina , Giri Nisha , Sapkota Manisha , Shrestha Ojaswee , Khanal Puspa Raj , Joshi Govardhan
Published: January 2021

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae which are commonly recognized in laboratory are termed as classical K. pneumoniae (cKP). A new strain of K. pneumoniae named hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (hmvKP) emerging with a distinctive feature than classical strains. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae in our hospital and their phenotypic comparison with the classical strains.Methods : This laboratory-based cross-sectional study done from February to July 2018, in the Department of Microbiology, Manmohan Memorial Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. One hundred and five clinical non-duplicative isolates of K. pneumoniae proceeded for the study. Hypermucoviscosity of isolated K. pneumoniae were tested by standard String test. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Further β-lactamases (ESBL, MBL, and KPC) were detected by the phenotypic combination disk test method. Serum resistance and biofilm production were determined to assess their virulence.Results: A total of one hundred five non-repetitive pure and microbiologically identified K. pneumoniae were taken for study. Among the isolated K. pneumoniae, 29 (27.6%) were hypermucoviscous K. pneumoniae (hmvKP) and 76(72.4%) were classical K. pneumoniae (cKP) determined by string test. The majority of K. pneumoniae were resistant to ceftazidime (80%) and cefotaxime (78%) whereas all the isolates were found susceptible to polymyxin b and colistin. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBLs) production, Metallo-beta lactamase (MBL), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) production, biofilm, and serum resistance were compared among classical and hypermucoviscos strains and the hypermucoviscous strains revealed significantly higher expression of virulence than classical strainsConclusion: The expression of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance was found significantly higher among the hypermucoviscous strains when phenotypically compared. The prevalence of these hypermucoviscous strains in hospital settings may increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategies are crucial.
Modeling acute ethanol-induced impairment with gastric organoids
Authors: Wang Wanjuan , Zhao Ying , Su Zeqi , Chu Fuhao , Li Tao , Li Yuan , Song Xiaoyu , Liu Xu , Liu Xing , Ding Xia
Published: January 2021

Background: Ethanol has been linked to atrophic gastritis and gastric carcinoma. Although it is well known that ethanol can result in hypochlorhydria, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood.Results: Here we used gastric organoids to show that ethanol permeabilized the apical membrane of gastric parietal cells and induced ezrin hypochlorhydria. The functional consequences of ethanol on parietal cell physiology were studied using organoids. Gastric organoids were pre-incubated in the basic medium or with EGTA or E64 , and incubated at 37℃ in either medium alone, or medium containing 6% ethanol. We assessed ezrin proteolysis. Ethanol permeabilization induced activation of calpainⅠand subsequent proteolysis of ezrin, which resulted in the liberation of ezrin from the apical membrane of the parietal cells. Significantly, expression of calpain-resistant ezrin restored the functional activity of parietal cells in the presence of ethanol.Conclusion: Taken together, our data indicated that ethanol disrupted the apical membrane-cytoskeleton interactions in gastric parietal cells and thereby caused hypochlorhydria.
Factors Associated with Duration of Breastfeeding in Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014
Authors: Ayesha Ummay , Mamun ASMA , Sayem Md. Abu , Hossain Golam
Published: January 2021

Background: Breastfeeding for optimum duration is one of the most effective ways to reduce infant morbidity and mortality and confirm expected growth and development of children. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of socio-demo­graphic and anthropometric determinants on duration of breast­feeding among Bangladeshi mothers.Methods: The data was extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS)-2014. A total of 3541 married non–pregnant Bangladeshi mothers in reproductive age who had at least one child aged 6-36 months were included in this study. Independent sample t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to find the significance difference in duration of breastfeeding between two and more than two groups respectively. Multiple linear regression model was utilized to determine the effect of some quantitative variables on duration of breastfeeding. Results: This study raveled that the mean and median duration of breastfeeding among Bangladeshi mothers was 18.91 (95% CI: 18.65-19.17) and 19.00 months respectively. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA showed that duration of breastfeeding among Bangladeshi mothers was significantly influenced by (i) ANC service, (ii) religion, (iii) mode of delivery, (iv) parents’ education, (v) geographical location and (vi) household wealth quintile. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that mothers’ age, mothers’ body mass index, total number of children and mothers’ age at first birth were important predictors of duration of breastfeeding.Conclusions: Healthcare providers and decision makers can consider these findings to make plan for counseling of mothers and family members to promote optimum duration of breastfeeding practice in first two years of baby’s life.
The relationship between DBT network training and perceived criticism: a pre-post study
Authors: Leeuwen Hanneke van , Bosch Wies van den , Ossewaarde Lindsey , Egger Jos
Published: January 2021

Background: Emotional and behavioural dysregulation in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), such as repeated non-suicidal self-injury, are strongly affecting patients’ family members or partners. In addition, critical disapproval of this emotional and behavioural phenomena by family members and reconciling understanding, affects the patients’ sensitivity for rejection. As a result, scientific findings endorse that individuals with BPD appear to experience less satisfying social support and a stronger feeling of loneliness. This negative spiral possibly elicits further challenging behaviour. Therapy programs for BPD might therefore benefit from the inclusion of family members or partners in the treatment. One of the programs that includes family members is the network training of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This study examines the impact of the DBT network training on the perceived criticism of both patients and network members.Method: This study follows a pre-post design where a DBT network training is given to 33 patients (mean age 25 years) and 61 relatives during 8 group sessions. The degree of perceived criticism is measured by using a self-report questionnaire.Results: Results show that the overall scores of the perceived criticism scale decrease significantly for both patients and relatives after following the DBT network training. More specific, item scores of both patients and relatives concerning how critical they looked towards the other and how critical they thought the other looked at them also decreased significantly after following the DBT network training. Conclusion: Findings suggest that a DBT network training may be instrumental in decreasing levels of perceived criticism. Further research may focus on the putative mechanisms of behaviour such as improved perspective taking, behavioural change, and the evaluation of social cues.