bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoral Swallow Pressure Profiles-General Features and Aids to Categorization
Authors: Casey Vincent , Perry Alison , Conway Richard
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The primary goal of this study was to establish a normative data set representing intraoral time series swallow pressure profiles for healthy adults using a novel wearable intraoral pressure sensing system, OroPress, developed to help with dysphagia (swallow disorder) clinical screening. Methods: Swallow intraoral pressure-time profiles for 35 healthy adults (17 male, 18 female) swallowing water (3 × 5cm3 ; 3 × 10cm3 ) and custard (3 × 5cm3 ) boluses (N = 9 × 35 = 315) were recorded using OroPress. Results: General swallow profile traits are identified to characterise an effective, efficient swallow. A profile-specific swallow envelope function is devised which in combination with profile metrics, provides a simple means of categorizing swallows as effective or impaired. Conclusion: The swallow profile data trace with superimposed and colour coded peaks, envelope function and related swallow metrics provides a simple human readable graphic to aid the real-time instrumented identification of subjects warranting more in-depth clinical assessment. It may also prove useful in the selection of training set profiles for machine learning and other analysis tools which could improve the discriminatory capabilities of intraoral pressure measurement in dysphagia diagnostics.
The Effect of Depression in High-Risk Pregnant Women On Self-Care Agency: The Mediating Role of Resourcefulness
Authors: Zhang ke , Tao hongxia , Wang yanhong
Published: September 2021

Background

Mental problems such as anxiety and depression are prominent among high-risk pregnant women, and their self-care agency is poor. As an effective cognitive-behavioral self-control technique, resourcefulness 's mechanism in the effect of depression on self-care agency is still unclear. Therefore, this article aims to construct and test a hypothetical model linking the resourcefulness of high-risk pregnant women with depression and prenatal self-care agency.
Methods

500 high-risk pregnant women from three tertiary hospitals in Gansu, North-west of China, were recruited. Chinese Resourcefulness Scale, the Reliability and Validity of Patient Health Questionnaire Module (PHQ-9), and Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale were used. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the path relationships and mutual effects between resourcefulness, depression and self-care agency.
Results

Self-care agency is a protective factor for depression in high-risk pregnant women(OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32 ~ 0.75). The level of resourcefulness is negatively correlated with depression(r=-0.34, P < 0.01). Resourcefulness has a direct positive predictive effect on the self-care agency of high-risk pregnant women(r = 0.52, P < 0.01). The resourcefulness is a mediating variable between depression and self-care agency, and the mediating effect accounts for 65.99% of the total effect.
Conclusion

Resourcefulness is a mediating variable between depression and self-care agency in high-risk pregnant women. Nurses should pay attention to the level of resourcefulness of high-risk pregnant women and conduct positive assessments, so as to take intervention to reduce the level of depression and increase self-care agency.
The Implication of Language Background of Students’ in Academic Performance: Case of Engineering University
Authors: Sanyang Embrima , Shamim Md. Rashedul Huq Huq , Raihan Md. Abu
Published: September 2021

A language of instruction is used to deliver explanations about the concepts that are taught, discuss among students and teachers, and solve academic tasks such as exercises and assignments. At the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), students are drawn from different OIC countries whose language background is either the host country's language, e.g. Bangla, or other OIC member state languages e.g. French, Arabic, or English. This study investigates the implications of students’ language background towards their academic performance in IUT with specific objectives of assessing the impact of student’s level of English Language (EL) proficiency against their academic performance and determining the relationship between the constructs of the level of English Language proficiency and academic performance. The quantitative research design was used including close-ended questionnaires to collect data about the implication of language background on students’ performance. It was discovered that the implication of writing on students’ performance was minor and depended on the insight it was viewed in. Secondly, reading played an important part in building students’ confidence, increases participation and self-expression. Third, it was noted that perceived understanding had a slightly negative impact on student performance and, finally reading as part of background language had a significant positive role in the performance of students. Other factors such as the background of students in terms of origin, students’ interest in courses, etc. also influenced students’ academic performance. Further study in the future could explore other factors that determine students’ performance and issues of language to improve engineering knowledge and skills.
Predicting Temperature And Precipitation During The Flood Season Based On Teleconnection
Authors: Jung Jaewon , Kim Hung Soo
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the damages resulting from abnormal hydrometeorological climate have substantially increased over the world due to the climate variability and change. Especially, the flood damage has been severely occurred during the flood season almost every year in Korea. For an example, we had the localized heavy rainfalls for 54 days in flood season of 2020 and had huge property damage and loss of life. Therefore, the study needs to be conducted to improve the predictive power of seasonal time-scale forecasts spanning one to several months for the damage reduction and prevention. In this regard, this study aims to provide a priori predictions (several months ahead) of the climate variable at target sites with a statistical method based on teleconnection with global climatic conditions. Herein, the paradigm of the temperature and precipitation prediction in the Geum river basin in Korea is presented. The purposes of the study are also (1) to analyse the characteristics of summer temperatures and precipitation according to the occurrence of El Niño/La Niña and (2) to suggest a seasonal prediction model that can consider the effects of the occurrence of El Niño and La Niña during the flood season. The model is constructed by classifying the data period into El Niño, La Niña, and neutral status. Then we have shown that the prediction model improves the predictive power for the predictions of climate variables such as temperature and precipitation at midlatitude stations which Korea is located. Therefore, this study demonstrates the possibility of improving the predictive power for forecasting temperature and precipitation by the prediction model considering climate variability.
Preliminary Study on the Role and Mechanism of KIRREL3 in the Development of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC)
Authors: Yang Bingbing , Zhang Xiane , Zhou Hao , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Wanjing , Lu Jing , Guo Zhiyu , Dong Ziming , Wu Qinghua , Tian Fang
Published: September 2021

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract, which is very harmful to human health. The JAK-STAT signaling pathway is a recognized carcinogenic pathway that plays a role in the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of a variety of cancer cells. Some studies have shown that the activation status of STAT3 affects the expression of KIRREL3. However, the expression of KIRREL3 in ESCC and its relationship with KIRREL3 or the JAK-STAT signaling pathway is still unclear.Methods: In this study, we used immunohistochemistry and western blotting to analyze the protein expression levels of KIRREL3 in tumor tissues and ESCC cell lines. We applied proliferation assays, plate clone formation assays, Transwell assays, flow cytometry analysis, and CDX animal models to examine the role of KIRREL3 in ESCC.Results: The results indicate that KIRREL3 is highly expressed to varying degrees in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Knocking down KIRREL3 expression in ESCC cells could correspondingly inhibit cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration, and had some effects on cell cycle progression and apoptosis. In addition, overexpressing KIRREL3 in these cells had opposite effects. Tumor formation in nude mice experiments also confirmed that KIRREL3 is involved in the growth of ESCC cells in vivo. Conclusions: These data suggest that KIRREL3 plays a key role in the development of ESCC, and KIRREL3 is a potential new target for the early diagnosis and clinical treatment of this disease.
Construction And Verification of A Prognostic Model Related To RNA-Binding Proteins In Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Jia Yukun , Peng Zhan , Wang Guangye
Published: September 2021

Background: RNA binding proteins (RBP) plays an important role in post-transcriptional regulation. Although the dysregulation of RBP expression is closely related to the occurrence and metastasis of a variety of tumors, there are few reports on RBP in endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). This study aims to establish a RBP-related prognostic model of UCEC. Methods: We downloaded UCEC gene expression and clinical information data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO database, and determined RBPs that are differentially expressed between tumors and normal tissues. Then, used functional enrichment analysis to analyze the biological functions of the differentially expressed RBP. Used univariate Cox regression analysis to screen prognostic-related RBP and construct a prognostic model. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier and recipient operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate the model. Finally, established a nomogram. Results: This study identified 531 differentially expressed RBPs, including 325 up-regulated and 206 down-regulated RBPs, respectively. Then six independent prognostic-related RBPs (REXO2, MARS2, XPO5, YBX1, YBX2, and CELF4) were used to construct a prognostic model. According to this model, the overall survival (OS) of patients in the high-risk score group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk score group. In the training queue and the test queue, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.799 and 0.669, respectively, showing the moderate predictive value of the model. Conclusion: We have developed and validated the RBP-related prognostic model.
Association of Toll –like Receptors 1, 2, 4, 6 ,8, 9 and 10 Genes Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Tuberculosis in Sudanese Patients
Authors: Mhmoud Najwa A
Published: September 2021

Background: Genetic factors are important contributors to the development of a wide range of complex disease. Polymorphisms in genes encoding for toll like receptors (TLRs) usually influence the efficiency of the immune response to infection and are associated with disease susceptibility and progression. Therefore, we aims to describe the first association between TLR1, TLR2, TLR4 TLR6 , TLR8 , TLR9 ,and TLR10 genes polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis in Sudanese patients.Methodology: Here we performed a case study which included 160 tuberculosis patients and 220 healthy matched controls from Sudan. In the study population, we evaluated the possible association between 86 markers in TLR1, TLR2, TLR4 TLR6 , TLR8 , TLR9 ,and TLR10 genes polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis disease in Sudanese population using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) . Result: From our results It appeared that in the tuberculosis population the TLR1 rs5743557, TLR1 rs4833095, TLR1 rs5743596, TLR2 rs5743704, TLR2 rs5743708, TLR2 rs3804099 , TLR4 rs4986790 ,TLR4 rs4986791, TLR6 rs5743810 , TLR8 rs3764879 , TLR8 rs3764880, TLR9 rs352165, TLR9 rs352167, TLR9 rs187084 and TLR10 rs4129009 were significantly more often encountered (p<0.0001) than in the control population and were associated with tuberculosis in the Sudanese population. For the other polymorphisms tested, no association with tuberculosis was found in the population tested. Conclusion: This indicates that the genotypes obtained for TLR1 rs5743557, TLR1 rs4833095, TLR1 rs5743596, TLR2 rs5743704, TLR2 rs5743708, TLR2 rs3804099 , TLR4 rs4986790 ,TLR4 rs4986791, TLR6 rs5743810 , TLR8 rs3764879 , TLR8 rs3764880, TLR9 rs352165, TLR9 rs352167, TLR9 rs187084 and TLR10 rs4129009 allele have a significant role in the genetic susceptibility to development tuberculosis in Sudanese population.
Upregulation of PTGFRN in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Predicts Poor Prognosis: A Study Based on the TCGA Database
Authors: Tan Yanlin , Wu Fan , Lin Wenzhen , Wei Yuqin , Lin Yitong , Chao Naixia , Zhou Qingniao
Published: September 2021

Background. The importance of prostaglandin F2 receptor inhibitors (PTGFRN) in the progression of a variety of malignant tumors has been recognized in recent years. So far, no role of PTGFRN in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported. In this study, we focused on the possible mechanisms of PTGFRN in HCC based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Methods. The mRNA gene expression data of PTGFRN were downloaded from TCGA database to analyze the expression level of PTGFRN in HCC. According to the human protein atlas database, the expression difference of PTGFRN protein between HCC and adjacent tissues was verified. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between PTGFRN and clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to explore the prognostic role of PTGFRN in HCC. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of PTGFRN in HCC. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to investigate the function of PTGFRN related Gene sets. Finally, obtain the co-expressed genes of PTGFRN through the cBioPortal database, and use the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis to further explore the role of PTGFRN in HCC regulated related pathways.Results. Analysis of mRNA expression data of 377 HCC patients showed that the expression of PTGFRN was up-regulated in HCC, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The overexpression of PTGFRN was significantly correlated with clinical stage (P = 0.028) and histological grade (P = 0.027). High expression of PTGFRN was associated with poorer overall survival.. Meanwhile, multivariate Cox analysis showed that PTGFRN may be a potential independent risk factor for HCC. GSEA enrichment results showed that the up-regulated PTGFRN phenotype was concentrated in "endocytosis", "oocyte meiosis" and "ERBB signaling pathway". In addition, through the analysis of KEGG and GO pathways, we found that PTGFRN co-expressed genes are mainly involved in extracellular matrix tissue, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell adhesion and cell cycle, and PI3K-Akt/NF-kB signaling pathways.Conclusions. PTGFRN is highly expressed in HCC and can be used as an independent predictor of the clinical prognosis of HCC.
Which Is the Optimal Method of Early Rehabilitation in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: a Protocol for Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Nannan , Peng Huizhen , Guo Yaru , Li Haiyun , Zhao Wenli
Published: September 2021

Introduction Early rehabilitation of mechanically ventilated patients is safe, feasible and beneficial to prevent ICU-AW and its consequences. However, there are no guidelines or evidence-based studies about the optimal protocol of early rehabilitation. There is traditional meta-analysis about the effect of simple protocol, such as active mobilization, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, in-bed cycling exercise, interactive video games and so on, but no studies to explore the effects of multiple protocols together. For the extensive clinical implementation, it is important to conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the effect of different protocols of early rehabilitation.Methods and analysis PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, EMbase, grey literature and referent literature will be searched from inception to August 2019. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed independently by two reviewers. The primary outcome is ICU acquired weakness (ICU-AW), secondary outcomes include the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in ICU and hospital. Statistical analysis and graphical presentations will be conducted by R software (V.3.6.0). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews (V5.1.0) will be used to conduct the quality assessment. The rank possibility will be performed by the histogram. Statistical inconsistency assessment, sensitivity analysis and publication bias will be performed.Discussion This protocol is prepared in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. The protocol gives an insight into the scope and parameters for the systematic review to be carried out.Registration number PROSPERO CRD42020141901
Using a Patterned Sapphire Template And The Lift-off Technique To Synthesize ZnO Nanoflower Arrays With Enhanced Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: TSENG Hsien-Wei , WANG Ching-Shan , WANG Fang-Hsing , LIU Han-Wen , YANG Cheng-Fu
Published: September 2021

In this study, the hydrothermal method was used to synthesize ZnO nanorods and ZnO nanoflower arrays. Two different substrates were used to prepare the ZnO seed layer. For the p-type silicon <100> wafer, a prepared ZnO gel was deposited as the seed layer using the spin coating method. When a patterned sapphire recess-type substrate was used as a template, Al film, with a thickness of 120 nm, and OE-6370HF AB glue were used as a sacrificial layer and an imprinting lithography carrier for the ZnO seed layer, respectively. To prepare the array-patterned ZnO seed layers with a protrusion structure, a lift-off technique was used. A 0.2 M solution of zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2-2H2O) was used at a synthesis temperature of 90°C and a synthesis time of 10–60 min. Because the ZnO seed layer had a protrusion and matrix structure, the ZnO nanorods grew in the vertical bottom direction to form ZnO nanoflower arrays. X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy, and a focused ion beam system were used to analyze and compare the crystal characteristics and the heights and widths of the ZnO nanorods and ZnO nanoflower arrays. We found that the photoluminescence properties were enhanced in the ZnO nanoflower arrays compared with the ZnO nanorods.
Placental Plasmodium Parasitemia and Pregnancy Outcome In Asymptomatic Parturients at Term In A Tertiary Institution South East Nigeria
Authors: Nwigboji Wilson Ndukwe , Egede John Okafor , Igwe Peace Chinyere , Igwe Matthew Nwali , Nwigwe Gregory Chinedu , Adiele Alfred Nnabugwu , Edegbe Felix O , Dimejesi Ikechukwu Bonaventure Okechukwu , Omo-Aghoja Lawrence O
Published: September 2021

Background: Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and can result in placental malaria with its associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.Method: This was a case control study involving 190 consenting, asymptomatic, booked parturients, recruited consecutively at 36 week. The aim was to determine the effect of placental malaria on pregnancy outcome in asymptomatic women delivering at term. The participants were screened for malaria parasites using peripheral blood film. Based on their results, the participants were grouped into parasitemia positive cases (Group 1) and parasitemia negative controls (Group 2). Both groups were then followed up in the clinic till they presented in labour at term. In labour, participants’ peripheral venous blood sample were collected and used to determine intrapartum haematocrit and peripheral parasitemia. After delivery, cord blood and a section of the placenta were collected for investigation. Data analysis: Collected data were analysed using Statistical Product and service solutions (SPSS) software (version 20). Numerical variables were presented as mean and standard deviation (Mean SD), while categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Chi-square test(X2) was used to compare qualitative variables. Odds ratio (OR) and Confidence interval(CI) were used to observe the odds of outcomes. A p-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of placental malaria and congenital malaria were 41.05% and 29.47% respectively. Birth weight, APGAR score, NICU admission or congenital malaria were not statistically significant between the two groups. The mean birth weight was 3.16 ± 0.5 kg while 17.89% had low birth weight. There was also no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the association of placental parasitaemia and maternal anaemia or dose of IPT taken. There was no significant association between placental parasitaemia and low parity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of maternal anaemia and low birth weight showed significant placental parasitaemia in both cases (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Placental parasitaemia is a major complication of malaria in pregnancy and is associated with adverse feto-maternal effects. Early booking and uptake of intermittent preventive therapy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine may help reduce the adverse effects.
Borderline Personality Disorder in Young People: Associations with Support and Negative Interactions in Relationships with Mothers and a Best Friend
Authors: Hessels Christel , Berg Tessa van den , Lucassen Sofie A. , Laceulle Odilia M. , Aken Marcel A.G. van
Published: September 2021

Background:Impaired interpersonal functioning has been highlighted as a core feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Adolescence and young adulthood form important developmental stages within both the emergence of BPD and the development of interpersonal functioning, which takes place mostly in relationships with parents and friends. This study aimed to: (i) investigate relations between BPD symptoms and both supportive and negative interactions with mothers and best friends; (ii) investigate whether the relations were moderated by age; (iii) test the robustness of our findings by comparing the results based on self-reports with results from a subsample in which supportive and negative interactions with mothers were rated by the mother.Methods312 young people referred to mental healthcare completed self-report measures on BPD and supportive and negative interactions. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relations between BPD features and perceived supportive and negative interactions with mothers and best friend, and to investigate whether these relations were moderated by age. Robustness of our findings was studied in a subsample (n = 104) by using a multi-informant design in maternal report on supportive and negative interactions with mothers. ResultsMultiple regression analyses demonstrated that negative interactions with mothers as well as with a best friend were related to more BPD symptoms in young people. Supportive interactions were not related to BPD symptoms. Both BPD and quality of relations were not related to age. In a subsample in which supportive and negative interactions with mothers were rated by the mother, the maternal report showed slightly different results. In this model, both supportive and negative interactions with a best friend were positively related, whereas interactions with mothers were not related to BPD symptoms in young people.ConclusionsResults highlight the importance of relationships with mothers and a best friend during adolescence and young adulthood. Given that BPD often emerges during this developmental phase, future research is needed to clarify how quality of relationships could alter pathways toward BPD in young people.
Intrinsic Molecular Characteristics of the Immune Subtypes of Salivary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Kang Hyundeok , Seo Mi-Kyoung , Park BeumJin , Koh Yoon Woo , Kim Dahee , Kim Sangwoo
Published: September 2021

Background: Characterising the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune landscape of cancer has been a promising step towards discovering new therapeutic biomarkers and guiding precision medicine; however, its application in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) has been sparse. Here, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic study to understand the properties of the TME and immune profiles of MEC.Methods: Molecular features in heterogeneous immunophenotypic subgroups of MEC and their intrinsic characteristics were determined by applying bioinformatic and immunoinformatic analyses on 20 matched primary MEC RNA-seq data.Results: In this study, distinct two immunophenotypic subgroups, hot and cold MECs, were uncovered with their distinct molecular features, and potential immune-oncologic therapeutic options for each subgroup were suggested. In search for immunophenotype defining molecular features, tumor mutational burden, CRTC1-MAML2 fusion status, and its fusion neoantigen were not discriminable factors. However, we demonstrate that a significant inverse correlation between lipid metabolism activity and immunogenic state, and lipid metabolic regulators, such as MLXIPL and FASN, which are associated suppression of immune activity, were under-expressed in the immune-hot subgroup, contributing significant role in high immunity of immune active subgroup.Conclusions: Our study has shown heterogeneous immunophenotypic MEC subgroups with their distinctive molecular characteristics and provided potential treatment options tailored to the immune context, which yields, for the first time, new insights into TME of MEC and may help the next step to studying this uncharted cancer.
Shenmai Injection Alleviates Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Induced by Doxorubicin
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Li Yanyang , Zhang Wanqin , Jia Qiujin , Zhu Yaping , Zhang Junping , Lv Shichao , Liu Longtao
Published: September 2021

Background: Shenmai Injection (SMI) is a patented Chinese medicine extract, has been widely used to treat myocardial damage caused by doxorubicin (DOX), but its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The study aimed to explore the protective effect of SMI on myocardial injury caused by DOX in vivo.Methods: The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received DOX (2mg/kg) tail vein injection every week for 4 weeks, with or without SMI and miR-30a agomir treatment for 2 weeks. The protective effect of SMI on myocardial injury caused by DOX has been determined by measuring rat body mass and general heart morphology, myocardial pathological changes, and serum markers. The myocardial pathological changes were observed by Van Gieson (VG) staining, the serum marker levels of myocardial injury were detected by ELISA, the myocardial cell apoptosis was observed by TUNEL assay and transmission electron microscope, and the expression of target protein was detected by Western Blot.Results: SMI treatment significantly reduced rat HMI and LVMI, reduced the levels of serum CK, LDH, cTnT, NT-proBNP, and also reduced the levels of serum sST2 and GDF-15, and reduced the expression of rat myocardial type I and type III collagen, which was effective reduce the fibrosis of myocardial collagen knot tissue and interstitial. The study further found that SMI can increase the expression of Bcl-2 protein, reduce the expression of Bax, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 protein, and reduce the apoptotic index of cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: The potential mechanism of SMI on cardiomyocytes from apoptosis induced by the DOX may be attributed to the regulation of miR-30a/beclin 1.
B-Cell-Depletion Reverses Dysbiosis of the Microbiome in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Troci Alba , Zimmermann Olga , Esser Daniela , Krampitz Paula , May Sandra , Franke Andre , Berg Daniela , Leypoldt Frank , Stürner Klarissa Hanja , Bang Corinna
Published: September 2021

Objective: To elucidate cross-sectional patterns and longitudinal changes of oral and stool microbiota in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and the effect of B-cell depletion.Methods: We conducted an observational, longitudinal clinical cohort study analysing four timepoints over 12 months in 36 MS patients, of whom 22 initiated B-cell depleting therapy with ocrelizumab and a healthy control group. For microbiota analysis of the oral cavity and the gut, provided stool and oral swab samples underwent 16S rDNA sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analyses. Results: Oral microbiota-patterns exhibited a reduced alpha-diversity and unique differential microbiota changes compared to stool such as increased levels of Proteobacteria and decreased abundance of Actinobacteria. Following B-cell depletion, we observed increased alpha-diversity in the gut and the oral cavity as well as a long-term sustained reduction of pro-inflammatory Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia/Shigella).Conclusion: MS patients have altered stool and oral microbiota diversity patterns compared to healthy controls, which are most pronounced in patients with higher disease activity and disability. Therapeutic B-cell depletion is associated with persisting regression of these changes. Whether these microbial changes are unspecific side-effects of B-cell depletion or indirectly modulate MS disease activity and progression is currently unknown and necessitates further investigations.
A Simple Method To Valorize Silica Sludges Into Sustainable Coatings For Indoor Humidity Buffering
Authors: Kuok Chi-Hong , Dianbudiyanto Wahid , Liu Shou-Heng
Published: September 2021

In this study, the production of indoor humidity-buffering coatings (IHC-s) from recycling waste silica sludges by using a room-temperature sol-gel method which is a simple and energy-efficient route is reported. The properties of these IHC-s coatings are identified by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, laser particle size analyzer, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). The moisture adsorption-desorption tests show that the IHC-s coatings have moisture buffering values of ca. 270-316 g m-2 and moisture contents of 24-27% in the range of 50-90% relative humidity (RH). Furthermore, the humidity buffering capacities, moisture adsorption-desorption rate and stability are significantly superior to commercially available coatings in the range of 50-75% RH. The enhancement may be due to the formation of porous structure in the coatings via the dispersed waste silica sludges and gypsum which transformed from bassanite by self-assembly process. Most importantly, the prepared IHC-s coatings show surpassing antimicrobial efficacy (> 99.99%) and no detectable leaching heavy metals based on TCLP tests, which provides an economic and environmental-friendly route for recovering and valorizing industrial wastes.
Associations Between Post-migration Stressors and Psychiatric Disorders in Adult Refugees in European High Income Countries. A Systematic Review
Authors: Nowak Anna Christina , Boettcher Victoria Sophie , Gehrlein Lea-Marie , Hornberg Claudia
Published: September 2021

Background: Refugees and asylum seekers have a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Associations between the number of traumatic events and psychiatric disorders have been reported in literature, but knowledge on the influence of post-migration stressors on mental health outcomes in host countries remains scarce. Method: Four databases in the field of public and mental health were systematically searched. From a total of 2,456 studies found, 1,777 were included for title and abstract screening and 61 full texts were separately screened for eligibility by 2 authors. Out of these studies, 23 studies were included in this systematic review. A narrative synthesis was undertaken.Results: The overall findings showed that post-migration stressors have a significant impact on mental health outcomes. Especially uncertain legal status, missing social support and unemployment were shown to negatively influence mental health, but results vary among the different psychiatric disorders, i.e. post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Discussion: Post-migration stressors can contribute to the high prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in refugees in European high-income countries. However, results must be interpreted with caution because of the heterogeneous study populations included and the variety of post-migration stressors. None of the studies considered the effect of mental disorders on the perceived severity of post-migration stressors.
Revisiting Statistics and Evidence-Based Medicine: On the Fallacy of the Effect Size Based on Correlation and Misconception of Contingency Tables
Authors: Roussakow Sergey
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is in crisis, in part due to bad methods, which are understood as misuse of statistics that is considered correct in itself. The correctness of the basic statistics related to the effect size (ES) based on correlation (CBES) was questioned. METHODS: Monte Carlo simulation of two paired binary samples, mathematical analysis, conceptual analysis, bias analysis. RESULTS: Actual effect size and CBES are not related. CBES is a fallacy based on misunderstanding of correlation and ES and confusion with 2 × 2 tables that makes no distinction between gross crosstabs (GCTs) and contingency tables (CTs). This leads to misapplication of Pearson’s Phi, designed for CTs, to GCTs and confusion of the resulting gross Pearson Phi, or mean-square effect half-size, with the implied Pearson mean square contingency coefficient. Generalizing this binary fallacy to continuous data and the correlation in general (Pearson’s r) resulted in flawed equations directly expressing ES in terms of the correlation coefficient, which is impossible without including covariance, so these equations and the whole CBES concept are fundamentally wrong. misconception of contingency tables (MCT) is a series of related misconceptions due to confusion with 2 × 2 tables and misapplication of related statistics. Problems arising from these fallacies are discussed and the necessary changes to the corpus of statistics are proposed resolving the problem of correlation and ES in paired binary data. CONCLUSIONS: Two related common misconceptions in statistics have been exposed, CBES and MCT. The misconceptions are threatening because most of the findings from contingency tables, including meta-analyses, can be misleading. Since exposing these fallacies casts doubt on the reliability of the statistical foundations of EBM in general, we urgently need to revise them.
Mindfulness Meditation Apps: An Effective Tool to Improve Mental Health Among Graduate Students in STEM Programs
Authors: Grogan Kelly A.
Published: September 2021

This paper seeks to determine whether or not mindfulness meditation training via a simple meditation app can effectively improve well-being among graduate students enrolled in STEM programs. Graduate students were recruited from STEM programs at the University of Florida. Participants were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. The control group simply proceeded as they normally would during an academic semester. The treatment group received free access to the Ten Percent Happier app and were asked to meditate once per day for eight weeks. Both groups completed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention surveys that included the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). The treatment group averaged about 10 minutes of meditation per day, and the average participant meditated on about 82% of days within the intervention period. At the end of the 8-week intervention, the treatment group reported CES-D and GAD-7 scores that were about 35% and 41% lower than the control group and their physical symptom score was about 36% lower. Relative to their own starting scores, CES-D, GAD-7, and physical symptom scores decreased 35%, 50%, and 43%, respectively for the treatment group, while the control group experienced no change in scores.
Spectral Discrimination of Six Dominant Seaweed Species in the Intertidal Zone of GouQi Island
Authors: chen jianqu , li xunmeng , Wang Kai , Zhang Shouyu , Zhang Jian , gao weicheng
Published: September 2021

Probing the coverage and biomass of seaweed is the basis for achieving sustainable utilization of nearshore seaweed resources. Unlike traditional sample surveys, remote sensing technology can realize dynamic monitoring on a large scale and for a long time. In this paper, we measured the spectral data of six dominant seaweed species in different dry and wet conditions in the intertidal zone of Gouqi Island: Ulva pertusa, Sargassum thunbergii, Chondrus ocellatus, Chondria crassiaulis Harv., Grateloupia filicina C. Ag., and Hizikia fusifarme. The different seaweed species were identified and analyzed by a combination of ANOVA and support vector machine (SVM). Fourteen common spectral parameters were used as input variables, and the input parameters were filtered by ANOVA. The samples were divided into a training set (266 samples) and a test set (116 samples) at a 3:1 ratio for input into the SVM model. The results showed that when the input parameters were NDVI (Rg,Rr), RVI (Rg,Rr), Vre, Abe, Lbe, Lg, Lre, and Rr and the model parameters g=1.30 and c=2.85, the maximum discrimination rate of the six different wet and dry states of seaweed was 74.96%, and the highest accuracy was 93.94% when distinguishing different phyla of seaweed (g=6.85 and c=2.55). In addition, SVM is fused with XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) by vote and further classified in combination with the selected parameters. The accuracy of the six seaweeds was 73.98% (vote mean score = 0.972). In this study, the spectral data of intertidal seaweed in different dry and wet states were classified for the first time to provide technical support for remote sensing monitoring of coastal zones and seaweed resource statistics.
Survey the Immuno-pharmacology Effect of Botulinum Toxin in Cell Signaling of Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells of the Allergic Asthma
Authors: Cheng Chao , Nasab Entezar Mehrabi , athari seyyed shamsadin
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAsthma is the lung disease that influenced more than 350 million people in worldwide. ASM spasm leads to AHR and bronchial obstruction that are acute symptoms of asthma attack. BTX is bacteria toxin that acts as muscle relaxant and may have therapeutic effect on AHR and asthma. Therefore, the effect of BTX on the AHR and related gene expression was evaluated.MethodsAfter producing of asthma mice model, which were treated with BTX in two ways; IN and N (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 U/ml). AHR was measured on day 24, 26, 28, 30 and gene expression of TrkA, TrkB, M1-M5, α7nAChR, TNF-α and ERK2 were evaluated. At least, in lung histopathology, perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, mucus production and goblet cell hyperplasia were studied. ResultsOn day 24, treatment with BTX for all dosages had no significant effect on AHR but, on day 26 and 28, AHR was decreased and it was continued on day 30 for all treated groups. Treatment with BTX had no significant effect on the expressions of TrkA, TrkB, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, α7nAChR, TNF-α and ERK2 genes, perivascular inflammation, peribronchial inflammation, hyperplasia of the goblet cell and production of mucus. Also, the mice have been received BTX 10 mg/ml, were died. ConclusionsBTX therapy controlled asthma attacks via decreasing of AHR and induction of relaxation in the ASMs. But, it has no significant effect on inflammation and mucus production. In using of BTX, attention to the safe dose and prevention of dangerous side effects are necessary.
Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles for Potential Biomarker Identification Towards Early Therapeutic Intervention in Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wagle Manoj M , Kedige Ananya Rao , Kabekkodu Shama P , Mallya Sandeep
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignancy associated with rapid progression and an abysmal prognosis. It has been reported that chronic pancreatitis can increase the risk of developing PDAC by 16-fold. Our study aims to identify the key genes and biochemical pathways mediating pancreatitis and PDAC. The gene expression datasets were retrieved from the EMBL-EBI ArrayExpress and NCBI GEO database. A total of 172 samples of normal pancreatic tissue, 68 samples of pancreatitis, and 306 samples of PDAC were used in this study. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified were used to perform downstream analysis for ontology, interaction, and associated pathways. Furthermore, hub gene expression was validated using the GEPIA2 tool and survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter. The potential druggability of the hub genes identified was determined using the Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb). Our study identified a total of 45 genes found to have altered expression levels in both PDAC and pancreatitis. Over-representation analysis revealed that protein digestion and absorption pathway, ECM-receptor interaction pathway, PI3k-Akt signaling pathway, and proteoglycans in cancer pathways as significantly enriched. Module analysis revealed 15 hub genes with 92 edges, of which 14 were found to be in the druggable genome category. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified key genes and biochemical pathways disrupted in pancreatitis and PDAC. The results can provide new insights into targeted therapy and intervening therapeutically at an earlier stage can be used as an effective strategy to decrease the incidence and severity of PDAC.
Navigation of Frameless Fixation for Gammaknife Radiosurgery Using Fixed Augmented Reality
Authors: Moon Hyeong Cheol , Park Sang Joon , Kim Youngdeok , Kim Kyung Min , Kang Ho , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Min-Sung , Kim Jin Wook , Kim Yong Hwy , Park Chul-Kee , Kim Young Gyu , Dho Yun-Sik
Published: September 2021

Augmented reality (AR) offers a new medical treatment approach. We aimed to evaluate frameless fixation navigation using a 3D-printed patient model with fixed-AR technology for gammaknife radiosurgery. Fixed-AR navigation was developed using the inside-out method with visual inertial odometry algorithms, and the flexible Quick Response (QR) marker was created for object-feature recognition. Virtual 3D-patient models for AR-rendering were created via 3D-scanning utilizing TrueDepth and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to generate a new GammaKnife IconTM model. A 3D-printed patient model included fiducial markers, and virtual 3D-patient models were used to validate registration accuracy. Registration accuracy between initial frameless fixation and re-fixation navigated fixed-AR was validated through visualization. The quantitative method was validated through set-up errors, fiducial marker coordinates, and high-definition motion management (HDMM) values. 3D-printed models and virtual models were correctly overlapped under frameless fixation. Virtual models from both 3D-scanning and CBCT were enough to tolerate the navigated frameless re-fixation. Although the CBCT virtual model consistently delivered more accurate results, 3D-scanning was sufficient. Frameless re-fixation accuracy navigated in virtual models had mean set-up errors within 1 mm and 1.5° in all axes. Mean fiducial marker differences from coordinates in virtual models were within 2.5 mm in all axes, and mean 3D errors were within 3 mm. Mean HDMM difference values in virtual models were within 1.5 mm of initial HDMM values. The variability from navigation fixed-AR is enough to consider repositioning frameless fixation without CBCT scanning for treating patients fractionated with large multiple metastases lesions (>3 cm) who have difficulty enduring long beam-on time. This system could be applied to novel radiosurgery navigation for frameless fixation with reduced preparation time.
Subgroup Analysis in Pulmonary Hypertension-specific Therapy Trials: a Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramallo H , Báez-Gutiérrez N , Candelera R Otero , Flores-Moreno S , Martín L Abdel-kader
Published: September 2021

Background. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatment decisions are driven by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) results. Subgroup analyses are often performed to assess whether the intervention effect will change due to the patient’s characteristics. As subgroup claims may mislead clinician treatment decisions, there is a need for standards of such analyses.Objective. To evaluate the appropriateness and interpretation of subgroup analysis performed in pulmonary hypertension-specific therapy RCTs.Methods. A systematic review of the literature for pulmonary hypertension-specific therapy RCTs published between January 2000 and December 2020 was conducted. Claims of subgroup effects were evaluated with Sun X et al., 2012 criteria.Results. 30 RCTs were included. Evaluated subgroup analyses presented: a high number of subgroup analyses reported, lack of prespecification, and interaction test. The trial protocol was not available for most RCTs; significant differences were found in those articles which published the protocol. Authors reported 13 claims of subgroup effect, with 12 claims meeting 4 or fewer Sun criteria. Conclusion. Subgroup analyses in pulmonary hypertension-specific therapies are of poor quality. The lack of published protocols limited our capability to assess whether the published results correspond to the initially predefined analyses. Most claims of subgroup effect did not meet critical criteria.
Choice of Antithrombotic Therapy for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Huang Yung-Chuan , Huang Yen-Chun , Cheng Yu-Chen , Chen Mingchih
Published: September 2021

Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and carotid stenosis are important risk factors for stroke. Carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS) is recommended for patients with symptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. The optimal medical management for patients with NVAF after CAS remains unclear. We aimed to clarify this issue using real-world data from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A total of 2116 NVAF patients who received CAS between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, from NHIRD were divided into groups based on post-procedure medication as follows: only antiplatelet agent (OAP, n = 587); only anticoagulation agent (OAC, n = 477); dual antiplatelet agents (DAP, n = 49); and a combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulation agents (CAPAC, n = 304). Mortality, vascular events, and major bleeding episodes were compared after matching with the Charlson comorbidity index and CHA2DS2-VASc score. The CAPAC and the OAC groups had lower mortality rates than the OAP group (P = 0.0219), with no statistical differences in major bleeding, ischemic stroke, or vascular events. In conclusion, OAC therapy after CAS appears suitable for NVAF patients. CAPAC therapy might be considered as initial therapy or when there is concern about vascular events.