bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis off the southern coast of West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Supendi Pepen , Widiyantoro Sri , Muhari Abdul , Rawlinson Nicholas , Rohadi Supriyanto , Karnawati Dwikorita , Hanifa Nuraini Rahma , Imran Iswandi , Gunawan Endra , Faizal Lutfi
Published: November 2020

High seismicity rates in and around West Java occur as a result of the Indo-Australian plate converging with and subducting beneath the Sunda plate. Large megathrust events associated with this process likely pose a major earthquake and tsunami hazard to the surrounding community, but further effort is required to help understand both the likelihood and frequency of such events. With this in mind, we exploit catalog and phase data sourced from the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) of Indonesia and the International Seismological Centre (ISC) for the period of April 2009 through July 2020, in order to conduct earthquake hypocenter relocation using a teleseismic double-difference method. Our results reveal a seismic gap to the south of West Java, which is in agreement with a previous GPS study that finds the same region to be a potential future source of megathrust earthquakes. Tsunami modeling was conducted in the region based on two scenarios using sources from the Indonesian National Center for Earthquake Studies, and show that the maximum tsunami height may be up to ~ 8 m. This estimate is approximately half the maximum tsunami height predicted by a previous study in which earthquake sources were derived from GPS data inversion.
Sociodemographic inequities in dental care utilisation among governmental welfare recipients in Japan: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nishioka Daisuke , Ueno Keiko , Kino Shiho , Aida Jun , Kondo Naoki
Published: November 2020

Background

Maintaining oral health is one of the global public health challenges. Income and out-of-pocket payments for dental care services are predictors of dental care utilisation. Although public assistance programmes guarantee income security for impoverished people, access barriers other than financial costs may cause unmet needs of dental care. We aimed to explore the potential sociodemographic factors determining dental care utilisation among recipients of public assistance in Japan using linkage data of public assistance database and medical assistance claim data administered by municipalities.
Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study involving a sample of public assistance recipients. We extracted the recipients’ sociodemographic data (age, sex, household number, employment status, nationality, disability certificates, and long-term care status) in January 2016 and observed them until December 2016 to identify incidences of dental care utilisation as outcomes. We performed a multivariable Poisson regression analysis, with a robust standard error estimator to calculate the incidence ratio (IR) of dental care utilisation in each variable.
Results

We identified a total of 4,497 recipients at risk. Among them, 839 recipients used dental care services. The female recipients had a higher incidence of dental care utilisation when compared to the male ones (adjusted IR, 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.38). Immigrant recipients had a higher incidence of dental care utilisation than the Japanese ones (IR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.16–2.01). Recipients with psychological disabilities had higher incidences than those without disability certificates (IR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08–1.56).
Conclusions

Non-financial sociodemographic inequities in dental care utilisation stemming from sex, nationality, presence of psychological disability were found despite minimum income protection and equitable financial dental service access amongst public assistance recipients in Japan. Providing targeted preventive care and treatments for dental care among underserved populations is required to tackle oral health inequities.
Correlations Between Stroke Structural Characteristics and Stroke Effect of Young Table Tennis Players
Authors: Xiao Yi , Lu Miaomiao , Zeng Yuxuan , Xiao Yuanjie
Published: November 2020

Background: A perfect stroke is essential for winning table tennis competition. A perfect stroke is closely related to reasonable stroke structure, which directly affects the stroke effect. The main purpose of this study was to examine the correlations between the structural characteristics of stroke and the stroke effect. Methods: Forty-two young table tennis players were randomly selected from China Table Tennis College (M age = 14.21 ± 2.13; M height = 1.57 ± 0.14 m; M weight = 46.05 ± 6.52 kg, right-hand racket, shake-hands grip, no injuries in each joint of the body). The high-speed infrared motion capture system was used to collect the data of stroke structural characteristics, and the high-speed camera was used to measure the spin speed of the stroke. The influence of striking structural characteristics on striking effect was examined.Results: The time duration of backswing and forward motion were significantly correlated with ball speed (r = -0.403, p < 0.01; r = -0.390, p < 0.01, respectively) and spin speed (r = -0.244, p = 0.027; r = -0.369, p < 0.01, respectively). The linear velocity of right wrist joint was positively correlated with ball speed (r = 0.298, p < 0.01) and spin speed (r = 0.238, p = 0.031). The angular velocity of right elbow joint and right hip joint were positively correlated with ball speed (r = 0.219, p = 0.013; r = 0.427, p < 0.01, respectively) and spin speed (r = 0.172, p = 0.048; r = 0.277, p = 0.012, respectively). The angular velocity of right knee joint had a significantly negative correlation with placement (r = -0.246, p = 0.026). The angular velocity of right ankle joint had a significantly positive correlation with the ball speed (r = 0.443, p < 0.01).Conclusions: The time allocation of the three phases of backspin forehand stroke had an important impact on stroke effect, especially the ball speed and spin speed. The ball speed of the stroke was mainly affected by the translation of the right wrist joint. The spin speed of the stroke was mainly affected by the translation of the right wrist joint. The placement of the stroke was mainly affected by the rotation of the right knee joint.
Flipped education may help in the education of junior general surgery residents in their trauma rotation; a mixed-method study
Authors: Akbarialiabad Hossein , Zarifsanayei Nahid , Roushenas Sima , Panahandeh Mehdi , Abdolrahimzadehfard Hossein , Shayan Zahra , Kavousi Shahin , Paydar Shahram
Published: November 2020

Introduction: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of flipped learning in trauma rotation of first-year general surgery residents. This method entails the use of books, podcasts, and movies prior to the discussion of the topics in the classroom/conferences.Method: All (n=15) junior general surgery residents in Shiraz medical school. In the quantitative phase of the study, 3 test scores were compared. All tests were composed of 20 multiple choice clinical scenarios. A pretest was done on the registration date. After that, the media (videos and podcasts) and books were given to the residents. One month later, the residents had a case-based discussion on the primary trauma survey. An early post-test was done immediately after the case-based discussion, and a late post-test one month following commencement of the program. Also, a semi-structured phone interview was done with residents by an external audit. Results: The was a significant correlation between pretest (Mean=10.733,SD=2.25) and early post-test scores (Mean=12.8 ,SD=1.82) among residents (P=0.004) . Moreover, residents had a higher delayed post-test score (M=13.267, SD=1.53) in comparison to the pre-test (P=0.002). Surprisingly there was no significant difference between early and late post-test (P=0.404). The resident was also satisfied with the overall usefulness of the program for junior residents (overall score 4/5). We did not find any correlation between gender with the test scores. In the qualitative phase of the study, we noticed that our participants tend to use podcasts more than other materials. They believed that the videos and books help more to foster theoretical knowledge. The case-based discussion makes them more confident in dealing with the patients in their daily encountersConclusion: Finding in this study reveals that flipped learning can be a useful, highly beneficial platform and promotive for junior general surgery programs.
Analysis of Dynamic Forest Structures Based on Hierarchical Features Extracted From Multi-station LiDAR Scanning
Authors: sun yuan , Lin XiuYun , Gong Yulin , Jiang Jiawen , Zhang Yanli , Wen Xiao Rong
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe rapid development of active remote sensing laser scanning technology has led to the accumulation of substantial data on long-term forest changes. Accurate selection of the key parameters from larger amounts of cloud data is a prerequisite for volume estimates of standing trees. This study collected three phases of data over 5 years from Liriodendron chinense plantation forest. A series of the height-related characteristic parameters was extracted from the scanned points of each tree stem, which includes a novel feature of the height cumulative percentage (Hz%) proposed by us. Meanwhile, taking the manually measurements directly from the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data as the ground truth, the performance of various models combined with the characteristic parameters on the prediction of the wood volume of each tree was evaluated for the purpose of determination of the optimal parameters and prediction models suitable for the tree species of Liriodendron chinense. Results﻿The shape of the upper tree trunk extracted by the point cloud is equivalent to that of the analytical tree with inflection points at 25% and 50% of the height. Among the correlations between the hierarchical features and volumes, the parameters with the highest correlations are H25 and H50. The hierarchical parameters were selected for volume modeling. H25 and diameter at breast height (DBH) were used for all three phases, for which the fitted R2 reached 0.951, 0.957 and 0.901. The modeled dynamic volume change was highly correlated with the actual point cloud-extracted volume change. In the linear relation, the intercept is -0.081, and the slope is 1.14. ConclusionsThe Hz% value provided by multi-station scanning was closely related to the characteristic stumpage parameters and could be used to invert the dynamic forest structure. The volume model based on point cloud hierarchical parameters could be used to monitor the dynamic changes in forest volume and provide an updated reference for applying TLS point clouds for the dynamic monitoring of forest growth information.
The Regional Economic Growth: Superior Economic Sector of Pandeglang Regency
Authors: Hardiyanti Siti Epa , Desmawan Deris , Syaifudin Rizal , Setyadi Sugeng
Published: November 2020

The economic growth of Pandeglang Regency is represented on the superior sector. Therefore, it is important for Pandeglang Regency to identify their superior sector which must be suitable for the economic growth in the current situation. Although, nowadays the superior sectors at Pandeglang Regency have identified yet and there is no analysis about whether or not the superior sector could push the stability of economic growth. Referring to this case, this research determined to analyze the superior sectors of Pandegang Regency which is intended to push the stability of the economic growth regional sector, with the combine of method of Shift-Share Analysis, LQ Analysis, and Klassens Typology analysis. The implication about this study is the regional economic growth can be represented by all activities of sectors basis economic in the region.JEL codes: O10; O17; R11
Genome-wide Identification and Analysis of CCT Genes in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Liang Xinxia , Zhou Shuo , Wang Haibo
Published: November 2020

Background: The vernalization, in which the plants must undergo a prolonged winter cold exposure to flower, is mainly controlled by a suppressive MADS-box gene FLC in Arabidopsis. However, different from Arabidopsis, the CCT-domain containing gene VRN2 is the critical vernalization-related suppressor gene in cereals. Based on this apparent diversity of vernalization in different plants, and involvement of VRN2 with vernalization in cereals, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of CCT genes in wheat, and the relationship between vernalization and these genes were also revealed.Results: A genome-wide analysis of the CCT genes in common wheat was performed by employing a hidden Markov model-based method, and 127 sequences, which assigned to 40 clusters, were obtained in three subgenomes. Specially, two of the gene clusters are duplicated, and distinguishingly located near telomere. Furthermore, these sequences were classified into eight groups by a phylogenetic analysis procedure using the UPGMA method, and this taxonomy is concordant to the classification based on CCT interruptions and domain organization which roughly divided the proteins into four divergently related subfamilies. Moreover, the expression of several CCT genes is continually downregulated during and after vernalization, but no continually upregulated CCT genes were revealed, as indicated by transcriptome sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR analysis.Conclusion: This study improves our understanding of the structure and function of CCT genes, suggests many vernalization-related CCT genes, and may guide future investigations on CCT genes and vernalization in wheat.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Severe Intraoperative Bleeding in Patients With Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Yadan , zhao yangyu , Zeng Lin
Published: November 2020

Objective: To analyze relevant risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage in patients with placenta accreta spectrum to improve the ability to identify patients with high-risk for intraoperative bleeding and improve maternal outcomes. Methods: This study is a retrospective study. Placenta accreta patients who delivered by cesarean section at Peking University Third Hospital from September 2017 to December 2019 were selected and included, according to the amount of intraoperative bleeding, in the severe bleeding group (bleeding volume ≥ 2000 mL, 68 cases) and nonsevere bleeding group (bleeding volume <2000 mL, 99 cases). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the correlations between related risk factors or ultrasound imaging characteristics and the severity of bleeding during operation. Results: (1) There were statistically significant differences in gravity, parity, number of prior cesarean deliveries and placenta accreta ultrasound scores (p <0.05) between the two groups of patients. (2) Among the ultrasonographic indicators, the disappearance of the postplacental clear space, the emergence of cross-border blood vessels in the region of subplacental vascularity, interruption or disappearance of the bladder line, and the presence of the cervical blood sinus had the most significant correlation with hemorrhage during placenta accreta (p <0.05).
Is Maternal Hypertension a Reducing Factor for Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Iranian Preterm Newborns?
Authors: Kashaki Mandana , Saboute Maryam , Allafi Maryam Esmaeili , Norouzi Elahe
Published: November 2020

Background & objective: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including preeclampsia can be associated with preterm birth and infant mortality and morbidity. It seems that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm neonates born to hypertensive mothers is less common compared to the other ones. In this study, we assessed the relationship between hypertensive disorders of pregnant mothers and the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates weighing less than 1500 grams. Methods: In this case-control study, 305 singleton preterm neonates with a birth weight less than 1500 g were entered. The presence of IVH in all preterm neonates was assessed using brain ultrasonography and its correlation to hypertensive disorders of their mothers were evaluated.Results: The prevalence of preeclampsia in mothers with and without prepregnancy hypertension was 40%, and 15.09% respectively. The prevalence of IVH in preterm neonates was 26.9% (n=82). The incidence of IVH in preterm neonates of mothers with and without preeclampsia was 16.07%, and 29.31% in (p=0.028), respectively. The prevalence of IVH in preterm neonates of mothers with hypertension and without hypertension was 12.5% and 29.05%, respectively (p=0.018). Preterm neonates with IVH had a lower mean birth weight, smaller gestational age and lower Apgar scores compared to preterm neonates without IVH with p values of <0.001, <0.001 and <0.01, respectively.Conclusion: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery, but incidence of IVH in preterm neonates weighing less than 1500 gr is lower in infants born to mothers with hypertension including preeclampsia compared to non hypertensive mothers. And also lower gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores were important predicting factors for IVH in preterm neonates.
Idiopathic Effusive Constrictive Pericarditis Accompanying Multiple Complications: A Case Report
Authors: Luo Chaodi , Li Jing , Yan Yang , Han Dan
Published: November 2020

IntroductionEffusive constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is a unique clinical syndrome that is characterized by the coexistence of pericardial effusion and constrictive pericardium. The etiology of ECP usually contains tuberculosis, idiopathic, and neoplastic causes. The early diagnosis, treatment strategy and prognostic predictor of ECP still remain a big problem nowadays due to the sophisticated clinical situations. Case PresentationWe here report a rare case of idiopathic ECP with thickened adherent visceral pericardium and normal parietal pericardium, accompanying multiple complications mainly comprising severe tricuspid regurgitation, hypoproteinemia, and proximal deep venous thrombosis. The patient was referred for radical pericardiectomy successfully, but the long-term prognosis may be unfavorable. DiscussionThis case aims to provide some clinical experience of such situation in which the clinician should weight the benefits and the risks to a particular patient.
Towards Open and affordable Real-world Brain-computer Interface: The BASIL Project
Authors: Mouček Roman , Vařeka Lukáš , Brůha Petr , Ježek Petr , Mautner Pavel , Holečková Irena , Summer Johannes , Lopuszanski Peter
Published: November 2020

Background: Independent and open brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) working outside the laboratory environment are still rare. Their most limiting factors include low classification accuracy, information transfer bit-rate, low variability of used approaches, and closeness of the hardware and software components of the system. The presented BASIL project has focused on the design, development and testing of an open and affordable BCI system that is built on low-cost hardware and open-source software components. It provides people with motor impairments with an opportunity to control their basic home environment.Methods: The concept of the BASIL prototype follows the best practices that are known within the construction of BCI systems, adds the concept of the cloud for remote BCI computations, relies on testing and customization of the whole system to the needs of individuals, and focuses on the open solution affordable for ordinary users. The core components of the BASIL project solution include hardware components for signal acquisition and software components for local execution of online BCIs.Results: The BASIL system was tested on ten participants in laboratory conditions. We failed to evoke a reliable P300 component with eight-trial averages. Eyes blinks, alpha activity, and steady-state visually evoked potentials were clearly observable. Dry electrodes with long pins were preferred by most users. Out of ten participants, six were able to control the system online, achieving more than 70 % accuracy.Conclusions: The results show that a successful BCI system can be built on low-cost hardware for EEG signal acquisition and amplification. The current solution, the prototype of the open and affordable BASIL BCI system, is prepared for further community development and testing.
Hesperidin Induces Mitochondria Mediated Intrinsic Apoptosis in HPV-positive Cervical Cancer Cells via Regulation of E6/p53 Expression
Authors: Ren Fang , Zhang Gong , Li Caiyu , Li Gailing , Cao Yuan , Sun Fangfang
Published: November 2020

Background: Hesperetin, an active compound found in citrus fruits, possesses antiproliferative effects toward several types of cancer cell lines, including cervical cancer. In this study, we explore the antitumor effects of Hesperetin on the human cervical cancer human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive (CaSki and HeLa) and HPV-negative (C-33A) cell lines and further elucidated the underlying mechanisms of this action. Methods: Cell viability and proliferation was measured by the MTT assay and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay, respectively. dUTP-fluorescein nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining, Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry was used to assess the degree of apoptosis. JC-1 staining assay was used to evaluate the change of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and Western blot assays were used to determine apoptosis-related factors at protein level. Results: Hesperetin (100, 200 and 400 μM) exhibited a significant exclusive inhibitory effect against the growth of HPV-infected CaSki and HeLa cancer cells via induction of apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, while it was almost not active in HPV-negative C-33A cancer cells and normal cervix epithelial H8 cells. Moreover, this antitumor effect executed by Hesperetin was associated with disruption of ΔΨm, the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, activation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9) and inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). During this process, cleaved caspase-8 remained unchanged. In addition, Hesperetin led to a downregulation of E6 oncoprotein expression and upregulation of tumor suppressor protein p53 level. Conclusions: Collectively, these results implicated that Hesperetin can induce apoptosis of HPV‑positive cervical cancer cells via a mitochondria-mediated intrinsic signaling pathway, together with the repression of E6 and enhancement of p53 protein level, indicating Hesperetin may be considered as a potential candidate for the development of innovative anti-HPV cervical cancer agents.
From macro to micro: multi-scale study of plasmonic nanocoating self-assembled on multijunction bulk solar cells
Authors: Su Dan , Zhang Xiao-Yang , Lv Lei , Zhou Huan-Li , Wang Shan-Jiang , Yang Yi , Wu Jing-Yuan , Zhao Ning , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2020

Nanophotonics pours into new opportunities to achieve ultrahigh-efficiency solar cells, attracting tremendous interests from photovoltaic research and industry. Plasmonic nanostructures, enabling strong light-matter interaction at the nanoscale, have been widely used for efficiency enhancement in thin-film solar cell devices based on plasmonic near-field effects. Unlike thin-film device cases, we found forward scattering and inter-particle coupling engineering of subwavelength plasmonic nanostructures are the key to enhance the efficiency of bulk multijunction solar cells (MJSCs). As a proof of concept, we studied the plasmonic enhancement of Ag@SiO2 nanocoating self-assembled on InGaP/GaInAs/Ge MJSCs at both macro and micro scales. From the macro measurements, the experimental enhancement of Ag@SiO2 core-shell nanostructure could be well-matched with the simulational results, where strong forward scattering and suppressed interparticle coupling could be simultaneously achieved by employing ~ 22 nm SiO2 shell layer. Using a double excitation method under an infinity optical microscope, we directly observed multi-wavelength uniform photocurrent enhancements on MJSCs at a submicrometer scale. This study will provide an effective strategy and opening up new opportunities to explore high-efficient MJSCs using nanophotonics.
Anxiety increases the willingness to be exposed to COVID-19 risk among young adults in France
Authors: Etilé Fabrice , Geoffard Pierre-Yves
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has generated significant uncertainty about the future, especially for young adults. Health and economic threats, as well as more diffuse concerns about the consequences of COVID-19, can trigger feelings of anxiety, leading individuals to adopt uncertainty-reducing behaviours. We tested whether anxiety was associated with an increase in willingness to be exposed to the risk of COVID-19 infection (WiRE) using an online survey administered to 3,110 French individuals aged between 18 and 35 years old during the lockdown period (April 2020). Overall, 56.5% of the sample declared a positive WiRE. Unemployment was associated with a higher WiRE (+8.2 percentage points (pp); 95% CI +0.9-15.4 pp). One standard deviation increases in income (+1160€) and psychological state anxiety raised the WiRE by +2.7 pp (95% CI: +1.1-4.4 pp) and +3.9 pp (95% CI: +1.6-6.2 pp), respectively. A one standard deviation increase in perceived hospitalisation risk was associated with a -4.1 pp (95% CI: -6.2-2.1 pp) decrease in the WiRE. Overall, our results suggest that both the prospect of economic losses and psychological anxiety can undermine young adults’ adherence to physical distancing recommendations. Public policies targeting young adults must consider both their economic situation and their mental health, and they must use uncertainty-reducing communication strategies.
Service Quality (SQ) and Patients Satisfaction (PS) in Ghana: The Case of Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH)
Authors: Essel Ronald Ebenezer
Published: November 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Node-Block based Topology Control Algorithm for Mobile Optical Wireless Communication Networks
Authors: Gao Yan , Shang Tao , Liu Yuanhao , Qian Peiheng
Published: November 2020

Topology control is an efficient strategy to improve robustness and connectivity in networks. The mobility of nodes, the limited node degree and fragile links in optical wireless communication (OWC) networks make topology control a great challenge. In this paper, the node-block (NB) based topology control algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the proposed algorithm uses the prediction of the contact time between the nodes as the link weight to form a stable tree structure that is called node-block; secondly, the quantized value based on Gamma-Gamma channel model is used as the link weight between node-blocks, and then a multi-link connection is established between any two node-blocks; finally, a connected graph is formed. The performance evaluation parameters, such as topological stability, algebraic connectivity and average node degree are discussed, and their expressions are given. The related simulations are carried out, and comparing with MST algorithm are also made. The results show that our proposed topology control algorithm can ensure the connectivity and stability of the OWC networks, meanwhile, the available node degree are reserved is applied to the large-scale networks.
Research on an Improved Neural Network Model for Film Text Image Segmentation in Film Internet of Things
Authors: Tong Yangfan , Feng Shuo , Zhang Ruiqing
Published: November 2020

In order to solve the problem that Film text is difficult to recognize and difficult to handle in Film Internet of Things, a method that can effectively identify the content in Film text is sought. This paper uses the Mask RCNN algorithm with ResNet101 as the backbone network to establish a Film document image segmentation model.The optimal hyperparameters are: the shape ratio of the anchor frame is [0.5, 1, 3], the threshold for non-maximum suppression is 0.15, and the confidence level is 0.85. The F1 score obtained at this time is 0.8951. When these hyperparameters are substituted into the IOU of 0.8, the F1 score is 0.7417. According to the results of the Pattern Recognition Laboratory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this algorithm model ranked first with an IOU of 0.6. Under the premise that IOU is 0.8, it is ranked second, and the first is a non-end-to-end model with a single task. It can be seen that the adjustment of the hyperparameters and the training of the algorithm model are relatively successful.The experimental results show that the MASK RCNN can accurately identify all the formulas in the Film Text. MASK RCNN is significantly better at identifying small objects such as formulas in Film Text images than traditional fast cnn and faster cnn.
The Magnitude and Effect of Work-Life Imbalance on Cognition and Affective Range among the Non-Western Population: A Study from Muscat.
Authors: Adawi Samir Al , Alameddine Mohamad , Al-Saadoon Muna , Balushi Amal A. Al , Chan Moon Fai , Bou-Karroum Karen , Al-Kindy Hamad , Al-Harthi Saud M.
Published: November 2020

Work-life balance/imbalance has been increasingly recognized as being critically involved in poor adjustment in occupational settings. Little has been forthcoming on cognitive functioning among those with work-life imbalance. This study was to explore the rate of work-life imbalance, variation in neuropsychological functioning. The relationship between mood and work-life balance was also explored. The target population in this study are Omani nationals who were referred for psychometric evaluation. The study employs neuropsychology measures tapping into attention and concentration, learning and remembering, processing speed, and executive functioning. Subjective measures of cognitive decline and affective ranges were also explored. A total of 168 subjects (75.3% of the responders) were considered to be at a work-life imbalance. Multivariate analysis showed that demographic and neuropsychological variables were significant risk factors for work-life imbalance including age and the presence of anxiety disorder. Furthermore, participants indicating work-life imbalance were more likely to report cognitive decline on indices of attention and concentration and learning and remembering. This study reveals that individuals with work-life imbalance might dent the integrity of cognition including attention and concentration, learning and remembering, executive functioning, and endorsed caseness for anxiety.
A complete analysis of the epidemiological scenario around a SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: previous infection events and subsequent transmission
Authors: Lago Laura Pérez , Latorre Leire Pérez , Herranz Marta , Tejerina Francisco , Campoy Pedro J Sola , Sicilia Jon , González Julia Suárez , Zayas Cristina Andrés , Oms Alvaro Chiner , Serrano Santiago Jiménez , González Neris García , Comas Iñaki , Candelas Fernando González , Laperche Carolina Martínez , Catalán Pilar , Muñoz Patricia , Viedma Darío García de
Published: November 2020

Rationale: The first descriptions of reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 have been recently reported. However, these studies focus exclusively on the reinfected case, without considering the epidemiological context of the event.Objectives: To perform a complete analysis of the sequential infections and transmission events around a SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, including the infection events preceding it, the exposure and subsequent transmissions.Methods: Our analysis was supported by host genetics, viral whole genome sequencing, phylogenomic viral population analysis, and refined epidemiological data obtained from interviews with the involved subjects.Results: The reinfection involved a 53-year-old woman with asthma (Case A), with a first COVID-19 episode in April-2020 and a much more severe second episode four months and a half later, with COVID-19 seroconversion in August, and requiring hospital admission. An extended genomic analysis allowed us to demonstrate that the strain involved in Case A´s reinfection was circulating in the epidemiological context of Case A and was also transmitted subsequently from Case A to her family context. The reinfection was also supported by a phylogenetic analysis, including 348 strains from Madrid, which revealed that the strain involved in the reinfection was circulating by the time Case A suffered the second episode, August/September-2020, but absent at the time range corresponding to Case A´s first episode.Conclusion: We present the first complete analysis of the epidemiological scenario around a reinfection by SARS-CoV-2, more severe than the first episode, including three cases preceding the reinfection, the reinfected case per se, and the subsequent transmission to another seven cases.
Stool pattern is associated with prevalence of tumorigenic bacteria of the microbiota and plasma and fecal fatty acids in healthy Japanese adults
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Murakami Haruka , Ohno Harumi , Tanisawa Kumpei , Konishi Kana , Todoroki-Mori Kikue , Tsunematsu Yuta , Sato Michio , Ogata Yuji , Miyoshi Noriyuki , Kubota Naoto , Kunisawa Jun , Wakabayashi Keiji , Kubota Tetsuya , Watanabe Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko
Published: November 2020

Background: Colibactin-producing Escherichia coli containing polyketide synthase (pks+ E. coli) has been shown involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) development through gut microbiota analysis in animal models. Stool status has been associated with potentially adverse gut microbiome profiles from fecal analysis in adults. We examined the association between stool patterns and the prevalence of pks+ E. coli isolated from microbiota in fecal samples of 224 healthy Japanese individuals. Results: Stool patterns were determined by factorial analysis using a previously validated questionnaire including stool frequency, volume, color, shape, and odor. Factor scores were classified by tertile. The prevalence of pks+ E. coli was determined using specific primers for pks+ E. coli in fecal samples. Plasma and fecal fatty acids were measured via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The prevalence of pks+ E. coli was 26.8%. Three stool patterns contributed 70.1 % of all patterns seen (factor 1: lower frequency, darker color, and softer shape, factor 2: higher volume and harder shape, and factor 3: darker color and stronger odor). Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the prevalence of pks+ E. coli for the highest versus the lowest third of the factor 1 score was 3.16 (1.38 to 7.24; P for trend = 0.006). This stool pattern correlated with some plasma and fecal fatty acids. No other stool patterns were significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that stool pattern may be useful for evaluating gut microbiota, including the presence of tumorigenic bacteria and fecal fatty acids. It may provide useful insight for effective early discovery strategies for CRC.
Female Students Use More Language Learning Strategies Than Male Students? - A Case Study of ESL Learners in a Macau Public University
Authors: Yao Don
Published: November 2020

Language Learning Strategies (LLSs) as a pluralistic and pervasive strategic system (Yan & Zha, 2011, p. 1) always attaches great importance of Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Numerous researchers have been working on this topic since the 1970s. Also, since students differ from person to person in their adoption of learning strategies and the research on differences in individuals develops, the topic of gender differentiation has arisen in the LLSs. Research related to gender and LLSs has been brought to the forefront in the last three decades, and many studies have found that gender can have a significant impact on LLSs (Zafar, 2012, p. 640). In China, most of the previous studies in learning strategies have paid attention to age, motivation, aptitude, educational level, good language learners, etc. But not much has been done in terms of the perspective of gender. Also, as one of the special economic zones in China, researchers may neglect the importance of Macau for most of them have focused more on Hong Kong. This paper then investigated the use of LLSs by a group of ESL learners in a Macau public university. It emphasized the gender differences and aimed to find out how gender affected the use of LLSs. Quantitative research method was adopted in this paper. A total of 188 ESL learners (M = 92, F = 96) participated in this study. The instrument Oxford’s 50-item Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) questionnaire was used. In consideration of their English proficiency levels, Liao’s (2002) Chinese version of the SILL questionnaire was adopted so that it was easier for students to understand. Moreover, the statistical software SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. The major findings were that gender as a variable affected students’ strategy use with female students (`X = 3.26) more frequently used strategies than male students (`X = 3.22), and they both used metacognitive strategies the most (M:`X = 3.41; F: `X = 3.49) and memory strategies the least (M:`X = 3.01; F: `X = 3.11). In terms of gender and frequency of LLSs use, metacognitive strategies showed the strongest correlation (r = .88) and memory strategies showed the weakest (r = .64). To sum up, for students, they can learn English more efficiently and effectively with the guidance of proper learning strategies. And students with gender differentiation will use more useful strategies when learning a foreign language; For teachers, they can teach students with their actual needs with the help of learning strategies.
Integrated analysis of cancer stem cells-associated lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network for ovarian cancer via microarray and Gene Expression Omnibus database
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Zhijiao , Zhou Yingying
Published: November 2020

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with the recurrence, metastasis and chemoresistance of epithelial ovarian cancer. Competing endogenous RNAs (CeRNAs) play an important role in maintenance of ovarian cancer stem cell-like cells (OCSCs) characteristics. To construct a ceRNA regulatory network for OCSCs, microarray technology and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database had been used. Human serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma cell line COC1 cells were treated with cisplatin and paclitaxel then maintained in stem cell conditions for 6 days to obtain CD117+/CD133+ cells (OCSCs). We identified the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), lncRNA (DELs) and mRNA (DEGs) between OCSCs and COC1 by microarray and combined them with representative microarray profiles in GEO Database. Results: According to the combination, 28 DEMs were identified at first, and 452 DEGs were obtained combining with the predicted targets of these miRNAs and our mRNA microarray results. Up-regulated DEGs of them were significantly enriched in ‘p53 signaling pathway’, ‘FoxO signaling pathway’ and ‘MicroRNAs in cancer’, whereas down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in ‘Adherens junction’ and ‘Hepatitis C’ pathway. 29 transcripts of 17 lncRNAs should be the ceRNAs of 10 of these miRNAs according to bioinformatics predicted results and lncRNA microarray. Finally, we obtained ceRNA network with 10 DEMs, 21 DEGs, and 25 transcripts of 13 DELs which should play an important role in maintenance of OCSCs characteristics. LINC00665-miR-146a-5p-NRP2 should be one of ceRNA pathways of the network. The qPCR results indicated that the expression of miR-146a-5p in OCSCs was lower than that in COC1, and LINC00665 shows the opposite trend. These results were consistent with the results of microarray partially. When LINC00665 expression was up-regulated in COC1, the cell proliferation ability enhanced, apoptosis rate reduced, and the percentage of G2/M phase cells increased. Conclusions: The ceRNA network we constructed may be involved in the stem cell characteristics maintenance of OCSCs and provide directions for further OCSCs research in the future, so as to assist the development and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Serine 477 plays a crucial role in the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the human receptor ACE2.
Authors: Singh Amit , Steinkellner Georg , Köchl Katharina , Gruber Karl , Gruber Christian C.
Published: November 2020

Since the worldwide outbreak of the infectious disease COVID-19, several studies have been published to understand the structural mechanism of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. During the infection process, the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein plays a crucial role in the receptor recognition and cell membrane fusion process by interacting with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. However, new variants of these spike proteins emerge as the virus passes through the host reservoir. This poses a major challenge for the design of a potent antibody against these spike proteins. Through structural bioinformatics analysis based on normal mode analysis (NMA) we identified a highly flexible region in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, starting from residue 475 up to residue 485. Structurally, S477 shows the highest rotational degrees of freedom among them. At the same time, S477 is the world’s most frequently mutated residue in the RBD of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, using advanced MD simulations, we have investigated the role of S477 and its two frequent mutations (S477G and S477N) at the RBD during the binding to hACE2. We found that the amino acid exchanges S477G and S477N strengthen the binding of the SARS-COV-2 spike with the hACE2 receptor.
A propensity-matched analysis of stereotactic body radiotherapy and sublobar resection for stage I non-small cell lung cancer in patients at high risk for lobectomy: the results in a Chinese population
Authors: Chen Wu-Cheng , Yuan Xiao-Shuai , Liu Yuan-Jun , Lin Qing-Ren , Sun Xiao-Jiang , Liu Jin-Shi , Xu Ya-Ping
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate comparative effectiveness of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and sublobar resection (SLR) in patients who had stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a high risk for lobectomy.Methods: From January 2012 to December 2015, patients who underwent SBRT or SLR for clinical stage I NSCLC were examined retrospectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce selection biases in SBRT and SLR patients.Results: 86 SBRT and 79 SLR patients were collected. Median follow-up periods of SBRT and SLR groups were 32 and 37 months, respectively. Patients treated with SBRT exhibited significant increased age, larger tumor diameter, lower FEV1, poorer PS and higher rates of male comparing with SLR. There were no significant differences in terms of 3-year overall survival (OS) (80.3% and 82.3%, P = 0.405), cause-specific survival (CSS) (81.3% and 83.4%, P = 0.383) and local control (LC) (89.7% and 86.0%, P = 0.501) were found in SBRT and SLR patients. 49 patients were identified from each group after performing PSM. The differences of matching factors were balanced based on age, gender, performance status, tumor characteristics and pulmonary function, as no significant differences in terms of 3-year OS (85.4% and 73.3%, P = 0.649), CSS (87.2% and 74.9%, P = 0.637) and LC (95.6% and 82.1%, P = 0.055) in matched SBRT and SLR patients were observed. The rate of grade 3 or the occurrence of worse adverse events was 0 and 10.2% in the matched SBRT and SLR groups (P = 0.056), respectively.Conclusion: These results suggest that disease control and survival achieved by SBRT were equivalent to SLR in patients who had clinical stage I NSCLC and were at high risk for lobectomy. SBRT can be an alternative option to SLR in treating patients with a high operative risk.
Understanding Steps and Challenges to Take-home Naloxone and Buprenorphine/naloxone Implementation in Québec Emergency Rooms: Suboxed Project
Authors: Talbot Annie , Khemiri Rania , Londei-Leduc Luc , Robin Christine , Marcotte Suzanne , Therrien Guenièvre , Goulet Geneviève , Beaudet-Hillman Geneviève , Ouellette Christine , Brissette Suzanne , Sako Aïssata , Martin Marcel , Lauzon Pierre
Published: November 2020

BackgroundDeaths attributable to drug abuse are on the rise across Canada. It is estimated that there were more than 13,900 opioid-related deaths from January 2016 to June 2019 in the country. Emergency departments (EDs) are often on the frontline of care provided to people at risk of opioid overdose within Québec’s healthcare system. A variety of programs to implement take-home naloxone distribution and/or the provision of opioid agonist treatment for ED patients who are at risk for overdose have been created in the United States and in Europe. However, few EDs in Canada have developed protocols for the provision of take-home naloxone and/or opioid agonist treatment by ED doctors.MethodsA clinical algorithm for take home naloxone (THN) and prescription of buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) was implemented in three EDs of Québec, Canada. This first phase of the SuboxED project required selecting clinical experts, describing the patient population, and creating partnerships with pharmacists and opioid agonist treatment clinics.Results:The clinical experts developed tools based on literature reviews and national and international guidelines. They also created educational tools and trained over 328 ED clinical staff. In addition, SuboxED ensured that a supply of take-home naloxone and B/n was available in the three ED sites for the study.ConclusionImplementing the proposed clinical algorithm for THN and prescription of B/N was challenging: drug supply and ED staff’s buy-in were among the most notable difficulties of SuboxED. Planning training sessions at three different institutions, each with its own governance structure and clinical culture, local realities and harm reduction priorities was complicated. Engaging already overworked ED teams consistently working in a gridlocked environments, revealed in itself to be a difficult endeavour.In the next phase of SuboxED, we will focus on data collection and analysis to evaluate both the implementation of the protocol through a retrospective review of electronic health records and satisfaction surveys of patients and healthcare professionals.Trial registration: none
SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are transmitted through the air between ferrets over more than one meter distance
Authors: Kutter Jasmin , de Meulder Dennis , Bestebroer Theo , Lexmond Pascal , Mulders Ard , Fouchier Ron , Herfst Sander
Published: November 2020

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019 and caused a pandemic, whereas the closely related SARS-CoV was contained rapidly in 2003. Here, a newly developed experimental set-up was used to study transmission of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 through the air between ferrets over more than a meter distance. Both viruses caused a robust productive respiratory tract infection resulting in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to two of four indirect recipient ferrets and SARS-CoV to all four. A control pandemic A/H1N1 influenza virus also transmitted efficiently. Serological assays confirmed all virus transmission events. Although the experiments did not discriminate between transmission via small aerosols, large droplets and fomites, these results demonstrate that SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious while travelling through the air. Efficient virus transmission between ferrets is in agreement with frequent SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in mink farms. Although the evidence for airborne virus transmission between humans under natural conditions is absent or weak for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, ferrets may represent a sensitive model to study interventions aimed at preventing virus transmission.