bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Steel Structure Elements in the Specialized Module of the IMAGE-SP Image Processing Software
Authors: Anisovich A. G.
Published: December 2020

Grain size is one of the most important characteristics of the microstructure of metals and alloys. Determination of the grain size of steel is regulated by Standart 5639-82 "Steels and alloys. Methods for detection and determination of the grain size". Standart includes determining the grain score by comparison with reference scales, as well as manual measurement methods. The use of image processing software opens up new opportunities for the materials analysis, including for the quantitative metallographic analysis of steels and alloys. The purpose of this work was to test the specialized "Metallography" module to determine the grain score of the image processing software "IMAGE – SP", as well as to check the reliability of the obtained results using the example of ferritic and austenitic steels.

In the "Metallography" module, the analysis of standard images of annex No. 3 of Standart 5639-82, as well as real images of the structures of ferritic and austenitic steel, is carried out. It is shown that the results correspond to the definition of the Standart grain score. The divergence in the results is 1 point, which is acceptable.

The active development of software products for the quantitative analysis of images in metallography will make it possible to legitimize the methods of computer measurement of parameters of the structures of metals and alloys by creating appropriate standards. Successful testing of the specialized "Metallography" module demonstrates opportunities and prospects for further development of specialized software products for measuring quantitative values of metal and alloy structures. The active development of software for quantitative analysis of the images in metallography will make it possible to legalize methods for measuring parameters of metal and alloy structures by computer techniques.
Impact of environmental cleaning on the colonization and infection rates of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in patients within the intensive care unit in a tertiary hospital 
Authors: Li Yang , Ge Hai , Zhou Hui , Zhou Wanqing , Zheng Jie , Chen Wei , Cao Xiaoli
Published: December 2020

Objective: To continuously evaluate the effect of environmental cleaning and hand hygiene compliance on the colonization and infection rates of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) in the patients within an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Environmental cleaning on the high-touch clinical surfaces (HTCS) within a comprehensive ICU was evaluated through monitoring fluorescent marks when the overall compliance with hand hygiene during 2013-2014 was monitored. Meanwhile, samples from the HTCS and inpatients were collected and sent for bacterial culture and identification. The drug susceptibility testing was further implemented to monitor the prevalence of MDR-AB. The genetic relatedness of MDR-AB collected either from the HTCS or inpatients was analyzed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) when an outbreak was doubted. Results: The overall compliance with hand hygiene remained relatively stable during 2013-2014. Under this circumstance, the clearance rate of fluorescence marks on the environmental surfaces within ICUs significantly increased from 21.9% to 85.7%, and accordingly the colonization and infection rates of MDR-AB decreased from 16.5‰ to 6.6‰ and from 7.4‰ to 2.8‰, respectively, from the beginning to the end of 2013. However, during 2014, because of frequent change and movement of environmental services staff, the clearance rate of fluorescence marks decreased below 50.0%, and the overall colonization and infection rates of MDR-AB correspondingly increased from 9.1‰ to 11.1‰ and from 1.5‰ to 3.9‰, respectively. PFGE displayed a high genetic relatedness between the MDR-AB strains analyzed, indicating a dissemination of MDR-AB during the surveillance period. Conclusion. For the easily disseminated MDR-AB within ICUs, the clearance rate of fluorescence labeling on HTCS is negatively correlated with the hospital infection rate of MDR-AB. Such an invisible fluorescence labelling is an effective and convenient method to continuously monitor cleanness of medical environment within hospitals.
Changes in Elastic Fibres in Yak Lungs at Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Li Jingyi , Meng Xiangqiong , Wang Lihan , Yu Yang , Yu Hongxian , Wei Qing
Published: December 2020

BackgroundYaks have a strong adaptability to the plateau environment, which is closely associated with the effective oxygen utilization rate of their lung tissue. The elastic fibre is an important adaptive structure of alveolar tissue. However, there are few studies on the development of the structure of lung tissue and the changes in elastic fibres of yak after birth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of elastic fibers in the lungs of yaks after birth and the relationship between these changes and adaptation to hypoxic environment.ResultsIn this experiment, a histological method was employed to observe the changes in the lung tissue structure of yaks at four ages: 1 day old, 30 days old, 180 days old and adult. There was no significant difference in the area of a single alveolus between the 1-day-old and 30-day-old groups (P > 0.05). In yaks aged over 30 days, the single alveolar area gradually increased with age (P < 0.05). The observation of elastic fibres showed that elastic fibres in alveolar tissue increased significantly from the ages of 30 days to 180 days (P < 0.05) and stabilized after 180 days of age. Transcriptome analysis determined the highest levels of differentially expressed genes between 30 days of age and 180 days of age. KEGG analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and MAPK pathway, which are involved in fibre formation, accounted for the largest proportion of differentially expressed genes between 30 days of age and 180 days of age. The expression levels of 36 genes related to fibre formation were analysed, and several genes related to elastic fibre formation and collagen fibre formation were determined to be highly expressed at the age of 30 days.ConclusionsThe content of elastic fibres in the alveolar tissue of yaks increases significantly after birth, but this change occurs only from 30 days of age to 180 days of age to make better use of oxygen in the environment.
Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment Among an Eastern Chinese Population At High Cardiovascular Disease Risk in 2020
Authors: YANG Li , Xuan Cheng , Yu Caiyan , Zheng Pinpin , Yan Jing
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular factors increased the risk of dementia. We investigated the associations between such factors, and tested that if a population with a high level of cardiovascular risk would have a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment. Participants (n=3082; ages=55+; 46.4% female) at high risk of CVD in Zhejiang province Registry for PEACE Million Persons Project, completed 3+ neuropsychological evaluations. Age-, gender- standardized prevalence rates were calculated based on the sixth population census for population of China. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to ascertain the risk factors of dementia. Trial registration number: NCT02536456. There was a high prevalence of cognitive Impairment, coupled with the fact that stroke, diabetes, hypertension and depression were significant risk factors. Cognitive impairment are highly prevalent among elderly at high risk of CVD in Zhejiang province. More population-based strategies, including preventing CVD and reducing cardiovascular risk factors would be an effective way to reduce the dementia burden.
Impairment of the visuospatial working memory in the patients with Parkinson’s Disease: an fMRI study
Authors: Kawashima Shoji , Shimizu Yoko , Ueki Yoshino , Matsukawa Noriyuki
Published: December 2020

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common symptom in the patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). MCI is a transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia. The neuropsychological characteristics of the PD-MCI are impairment in frontal executive function and/or visuospatial working memory. The newly modified version of the n-back test, visuospatial n-back test can assess both visuospatial recognition and visuospatial working memory. Methods: In this study, we aimed to clarify the advantage of visuospatial n-back test as a tool for the detection of the impairment of working memory in the patients with PD. Using functional MRI, we aimed to search the specific brain regions associated with the impairment of visuospatial working memory. The score of 0-back reflects visuospatial recognition, and the scores of 1-back and 2-back reflect visuospatial working memory. We recruited 13 patients with PD-MCI, and 15 patients with cognitive normal PD (PD-CN). Group comparisons between PD-MCI and PD-CN were performed for three loads of this test. The correlations between the scores of n-back test and task-related activations were analysed for all patients. Results: We found that the correct answer rate of patients with PD-MCI was lower in the 2-back test than those with PD-CN. However, scores of the 0-back and 1-back tests were not different between the groups. The result of fMRI showed that the activations within the middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) during the 2-back test were reduced in the patients with PD-MCI.Conclusions: This study revealed an impaired visuospatial working memory in PD-MCI in association with the reduced activations of MFG and IPL. Combinations of functional neuroimaging and the visuospatial n-back test are beneficial to evaluate the impairment of working memory in PD.
Lifestyle Factors Associated With Undernutrition in Older People After the Great East Japan Earthquake. A Prospective Study
Authors: Okazaki Kanako , Ohira Tetsuya , Sakai Akira , Shimabukuro Michio , Kazama Junichiro , Takahashi Atsushi , Nakano Hironori , Hayashi Fumikazu , Nagao Masanori , Yasumura Seiji , Ohto Hitoshi , Kamiya Kenji
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to conduct a longitudinal examination to assess the relationship between lifestyle habits, including exercise habits, and the incidence of undernutrition after the Great East Japan Earthquake.Methods: We included residents aged 60 years or more who lived in the evacuation area municipalities from 2008 to 2010 before the disaster. A total of 31,411 participants (14,350 men and 17,061 women) who underwent a physical examination during this period were followed-up through 2017. We estimated the associations between undernutrition after the disaster and lifestyle factors using a multivariate-adjusted analysis with a Cox proportional hazard regression model. The variables included the model were evacuation, exercise habits, meals before bedtime, history of gastrointestinal surgery, history of lifestyle-related diseases, and 2 or more subjective symptoms.Results: In all, 1721 of the 13,378 participants were newly undernourished after the disaster. The statistically significant variables influencing the occurrence of undernutrition were non-evacuation (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.17–1.47), poor exercise habits (HR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.03–1.50), and poor physical activity (HR, 1.12; 95% CI 1.01–1.25). Other related variables were surgical history, lifestyle-related diseases, and two or more subjective symptoms. No statistically significant interactions with exercise habits were identified for each lifestyle factor. Conclusions: These results suggest that regular exercise and/or maintaining physical activity might be important, regardless of sex, other lifestyle habits, or past medical history, in preventing undernutrition following a disaster.
Motivating antibiotic stewardship in Bangladesh: Identifying audiences and target behaviours using the Behaviour Change Wheel
Authors: Unicomb Leanne , Nizame Fosiul , Uddin Mohammad Rofi , Nahar Papreen , Lucas Patricia , Khisa Nirnita , Akter S. M. Salim , Islam Mohammad Aminul , Rahman Mahbubur , Rousham Emily
Published: December 2020

Background: South Asia is a hotspot for antimicrobial resistance due largely to over-the-counter antibiotic sales for humans and animals, a lack of compliance with policy among healthcare providers, high population density and high infectious disease burden. This paper describes development of social and behavioural change communication (SBCC) to increase appropriate use of antibiotics. Methods: We used formative research to explore contextual drivers of antibiotic sales, purchase, consumption/use and promotion among four groups: 1) households, 2) drug shop staff, 3) qualified physicians and 4) pharmaceutical companies/medical representatives. We used formative research findings and an intervention design workshop with stakeholders to select target behaviours, to prioritize audiences and develop SBCC messages, in consultation with a creative agency, and through pilots and feedback. The behaviour change wheel was used to summarise findings. Results: Workshop participants identified behaviours considered amenable to change for all four groups. Household members and drug shop staff were prioritized as target audiences, both of which could be reached at drug shops. Among household members, there were two behaviours to change; suboptimal health seeking and ceasing antibiotic courses early. Thus, SBCC target behaviours included: seek qualified physician consultations; ask whether the medicine provided is an antibiotic; ask for instructions on use and timing. Among drug shop staff, several antibiotic dispensing practices needed to change. SBCC target behaviours included: asking customers for prescriptions; referring them to qualified physicians and increasing customer awareness by instructing that they were receiving antibiotics to take as a full course. Conclusions: We prioritized drug shops for intervention delivery to drug shop staff and their customers to improve antibiotic stewardship. Knowledge deficits among these groups were notable and considered amenable to change using a SBCC intervention addressing improved health seeking behaviours, improved health literacy on antibiotic use, and provision of information on policy governing shops. Further intervention refinement should consider using participatory methods and should address the impact on profit and livelihoods for drug shop staff for optimal compliance.
The perspectives and experiences of physiotherapists and general practitioners in the use of the STarT Back Tool: A review and meta-synthesis.
Authors: Hill Julia , Try Freya , Agnew Georgia , Saywell Nicola
Published: December 2020

Background: Chronic low back pain is associated with disability and work absence. Stratified primary care management of acute low back pain using a prognostic screening tool (STarT Back) allows triage of those at risk of chronicity. Primary health practitioners can use this method of stratification to assess patients with low back pain then allocate them to matched treatment groups. STarT Back was designed for use in the health service in the United Kingdom (UK) where stratification using STarT Back has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and reduce treatment costs and time off work. Implementation of STarT Back in health care systems outside of the UK is in an early stage and its success is dependent on the health practitioners using it and the healthcare system in which they work. Gaining health practitioners’ perspectives on STarT Back is an important step in effective implementation. This will help contextualise the tool to each healthcare environment, making it easier and more meaningful for intended users. Methods: A computerised search of qualitative literature was conducted across seven databases in August 2020 using keywords to identify studies that investigate the perspectives of physiotherapists and general practitionners on the use of STarT Back in primary health care. Study quality was assessed using the CASP tool. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Eight articles met the inclusion criteria where qualitative data was retrievable and included the views of general practitioners and physiotherapists from primary health care settings from four countries. Participants’ perspectives varied across the data, and three key themes were created from these findings: ‘making it work’, ‘will I do it?’, and ‘it’s all about the patient’. Conclusions: Physiotherapists and general practitioners found using STarT Back frequently enhanced their practice. General practitioners did express concerns about time constraints and the potential for STarT Back to undermine their clinical experience. Findings from this study will inform adaptations of STarT Back to ensure successful implementation into different health contexts.
Analysis of Sports Injury in Lower Extremities of High School Taekwondo Athletes
Authors: Oh Hyeri , Lim Hyosung , Jeon minsoo
Published: December 2020

Background: Sports injuries commonly occur in sportspersons during competitive activities and practice routines, and the causes include cumulative fatigue from repeated training, lack of warm-up exercises, and absence of motivation during the competition. We aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of lower extremity injuries in high school taekwondo athletes.Methods: This study evaluated lower extremity sports injuries in 463 high school taekwondo athletes. We conducted frequency and cross analyses. The questionnaire tools were developed to identify the characteristics of lower extremity injuries in taekwondo athletes.Results: For injury by person, thigh injuries and re-injuries were most frequent. In non-contact injury, ankle injuries and re-injuries were the highest. In the men’s lightweight category, thighs were injured the highest in injury by person and ankles were highest in non-contact injury. In the men’s heavyweight category, knee injuries were highest in injury by person, and ankles were highest in non-contact injury. In the female lightweight category, thighs were higher in injury by person, whereas ankles were highest in non-contact injury. In the female heavyweight category, thighs were the highest in injury by person, whereas ankles were the highest in non-contact injury. The ankle injury causes in weight classes were different between both sexes.Conclusion: Our findings could help formulate basic guidelines for preventing sports injury in taekwondo athletes.
Effectiveness of The PPAR Agonist Saroglitazar in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Positive Data from Preclinical & Clinical Studies
Authors: Krishnappa Manjunath , Patil Kishor , Sharma Sunil , Jain Payal , Trivedi Purav , Parmar Deven , Patel Pankaj
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims: Saroglitazar, a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α/γ agonist, was evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate its effectiveness in NASH. Methods: Preclinical studies included: (a) choline deficient L-amino acid-defined high fat diet (CDAHFD) murine NASH model; (b) Long Evans and Wistar rats model for hepatotropic activity; (c) DIAMOND™ NASH mice model. Clinical studies included: Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies in patients with biopsy proven NASH in India.Results: In CDAHFD murine NASH model, Saroglitazar improved aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and prevented hepatocellular steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning and lobular inflammation. In Long Evans and Wistar rats model, Saroglitazar was found to be hepatotropic. In the DIAMOND™ NASH mice model, Saroglitazar showed a systemic effect with resolution of steatohepatitis and improvement in all the key histological features of NASH, dyslipidemia and insulin sensitivity. In the phase 2 study, Saroglitazar 4 mg significantly reduced ALT levels (U/L) from baseline (95.86±37.65) to week 12 (44.37±35.43). In the phase 3 study, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients with decrease in NAS ≥2 spread across at least 2 of the NAS components without worsening of fibrosis at week 52 in Saroglitazar 4 mg group (52.3%) compared to placebo group (23.5%) (p value – 0.0427), achieving the primary efficacy endpoint. In the phase 3 study, there were no concerns with the safety profile of Saroglitazar.Conclusions: Positive results from the preclinical and clinical studies provide evidence for the effectiveness of Saroglitazar in the treatment of NASH.Trial registration numbers:Phase 2 Study – CTRI (www.ctri.nic.in) identifier: CTRI/2010/091/000108Phase 3 Study – CTRI (www.ctri.nic.in) identifier: CTRI/2015/10/006236
GPC3 Decreases IGF-1R–Grb10 Interaction and Promotes Cell Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Gender-Dependent Manner
Authors: Liu Shu-Hsiang , Huang Po-Chun , Chen Shiu-Ling , Fu Tsai-Feng , Hsu Chun-Hsien , Hwu Wuh-Liang , Lee Yu-May , Cheng Wei
Published: December 2020

Background: Glypican-3 (GPC3) mRNA was more frequently overexpressed in women and patients with invasive HCC. We explore possible molecular mechanisms of the effect of GPC3 on growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (Grb10) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) interaction of tumor invasion in women. Methods: For in vitro experiments, GPC3 and pertinent mutants were transfected, and Western blotting (HEK293T cells), confocal microscopy (HeLa and PLC-PRF-5 cells), luciferase assays for AP-1 reporter activities (NIH3T3 and HuH-7 cells), gelatin zymography (PLC-PRF-5 cells) and cell culture in 3D collagen I gels (NIH3T3 and R- cells) were performed. For in vivo experiments, GPC3 and IGF-1R coexpression was evaluated in hepatocellular carcinoma clinical samples. Results: We found that interaction of IGF-1R with Grb10 was hindered by GPC3, and GPC3 causes IGF-1R colocalization with Grb10 to a lesser extent after IGF-1 stimulation; moreover, it promoted IGF-1-stimulated AP-1 activation and matrix metalloproteinase -2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) secretion in vitro, which seemingly play a role in tumor invasion or recurrence. Further, gender differences existed among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in terms of GPC3 and IGF-1R coexpression in vivo.Conclusions: We believe that a more intensive surveillance of GPC3 expression in female patients with hepatocellular carcinoma should contribute to the prediction of recurrence, and this may highlight new strategies for treating hepatocellular carcinoma in women.
Postnatal Care Coverage and its Determinants in Sri Lanka : Analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Perera Upuli , Amilani Uttara , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: December 2020

Background: Postnatal care (PNC) is important for preventing morbidity and mortality in mothers and newborns. Even though its importance is highlighted, PNC received less attention than antenatal care. This study determines the level of PNC coverage and its determinants in Srilanka. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey. Receiving full postnatal care (FPNC) was defined with a set of indicators to detect adequate care for mother and newborn. Demographic and socio-economic associated factors for receiving FPNC were identified using binary and multiple logistic regression. Variables that had marginal relationship with receiving FPNC which p-value less than or equal to 0.2 at binary analysis were selected and included in the multiple logistic regression models. We used manual backward stepwise regression to identify variables which had independent association with receiving FPNC on the basis of adjusted odds ratios (AOR), with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value less than 0.05. All analyses were performed in SPSS 25. Results: Of the 8813 women with a live birth in the last five years, more than 98% had timely institutional care from skilled staff. More than three-fourth of mothers (n=5104) received the FPNC according to WHO guideline. Four factors were positively associated with receiving FPNC: mothers received antenatal home visits by Public health midwife (AOR=1.98, 95% CI 1.65-2.39), mothers who got information about antenatal complications and places to go at antenatal clinics (AOR=1.56, 95% CI 1.27 -1.92), been Sinhala (AOR= 1.89, 95% CI 1.35-2.66) and having own mobile phone (AOR=1.19, 95% CI 1.02 -1.38). Mothers who are residing in rural area (AOR=0.697 95% CI = 0.52 – 0.93] compared to those who reside in urban areas and maternal age between 20 and 34 years [AOR= 0.72, 95% CI 0.54 – 0.97] compared to maternal age less than 20 years were detected as negatively associated. Conclusion: Receiving FPNC in Srilanka is found to be higher than other countries in the region. However, inequity remains to be a challenge. Few socio-demographic factors are associated with FPNC coverage. Strategies that aim to improve postnatal care should target improvement of social determinates of health.
Survey and Characterization of Nonfunctional Alleles of FUT2 in a Database
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro
Published: December 2020

The expression of ABO antigens in human saliva is regulated by the FUT2 gene, which encodes a secretor type α(1,2)fucosyltransferase. Secretors express ABO substrates in saliva and non-secretors do not. Secretor status is an object of concern, especially for susceptibility to various infectious diseases. A multitude of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) have been reported, and they show unique distributions among different populations.In this study, we selected 18 uncharacterized FUT2 alleles listed in the Erythrogene database and obtained genomic DNA having these alleles. We experimentally confirmed the haplotypes, but 10 of 18 alleles disagreed with those in the database, which may be attributed to their low frequency. We then examined the activity of the encoded α(1,2)fucosyltransferase for 13 alleles by flow cytometry of H antigen expression. The impact of each nonsynonymous SNP on the enzyme was also estimated by software. We finally identified two non-secretor alleles (se610and se357,856,863) and one weak secretor allele (se262,357), while in silico analysis predicted that many alleles impair the function. The present results suggest that correct haplotyping and functional assays are desirable for analysis of the FUT2 gene.
Perceptions of Healthcare Clinicians on Occupational Therapists Providing Services During Well-Baby Visits
Authors: Brenner Alexis , Kresge Lauren , MacLeod Trisha , McMaster Rebecca
Published: December 2020

Background: To explore the perceptions of healthcare clinicians on the involvement of occupational therapists during a well-baby visit to allot for more face-to-face time with a healthcare practitioner and more efficient developmental milestone screening. Due to the high demand of healthcare clinicians, well-baby visits are becoming shorter caused by lack of availability for healthcare professionals to take on the roles of parent education. Occupational therapy practitioners are qualified as developmental specialists. Therefore, occupational therapy practitioners’ involvement in well-baby visits can compensate for this lack of time and allow for additional parent education and screening for developmental delay. Methods: A 13 question survey to quantitatively analyze the perceptions of healthcare clinicians using a Likert-type psychometric rating scale. The Qualtrics XM survey was distributed to licensed practitioners (i.e. primary care physicians, pediatricians, obstetrician-gynecologists, advanced practice clinicians) through Facebook groups and snowball sampling. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: Majority of clinicians believed the inclusion of occupational therapy during a well-baby visit would be beneficial in providing preventative education and developmental guidance to prevent developmental delay. This research was successful in determining that gender, age, and years of experience did not influence the perceptions of healthcare clinicians in regard to the inclusion of occupational therapy practitioners in primary care. Additional findings indicated that there is a discrepancy between the needs of parents and caregivers and the perceptions of healthcare clinicians regarding the sufficiency of education and resources provided during well-baby visits. Conclusion: Majority of clinicians believed the inclusion of occupational therapy practitioners during a well-baby visit would be beneficial to provide preventative education and developmental guidance to prevent developmental delay. Gender, age, and years of experience did not influence the perceptions of healthcare clinicians in regard to the inclusion of occupational therapy practitioners in primary care. Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered
Patch Selection by Bumble Bees Navigating Discontinuous Landscapes
Authors: Fragoso Fabiana , Jiang Qi , Clayton Murray , Brunet Johanne
Published: December 2020

Pollen and nectar resources are unevenly distributed over space and bees must make routing decisions when navigating patchy resources. Determining the patch selection process used by bees is crucial to understanding bee foraging over discontinuous landscapes. To elucidate this process, we developed four distinct probability models of bee movement where the size and the distance to the patch determined the attractiveness of a patch. A field experiment with a center patch and four peripheral patches of two distinct sizes and distances from the center was set up in two configurations. Empirical transition probabilities from the center to each peripheral patch were obtained at two sites and two years. The best model was identified by comparing observed and predicted transition probabilities, where predicted values were obtained by incorporating the spatial dimensions of the field experiment into each model’s mathematical expression. Bumble bees used both patch size and isolation distance when selecting a patch and could assess the total amount of resources available in a patch. Bumble bees prefer large, nearby patches. This information will facilitate the development of a predictive framework to the study of bee movement and of models that predict the movement of genetically engineered pollen in bee-pollinated crops.
Role of Preoperative Calcium and Vitamin D Therapy to prevent Post-thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia
Authors: suh Sunghwan , Seok Ju Won , Kim Keunyoung , Park Mi Kyoung , Pak Kyoungjune , Kim In Joo
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Postsurgical hypocalcemia is the most common and troublesome consequence of thyroidectomy. We investigated the potential role of routine calcium or vitamin D supplementation in preventing postsurgical hypocalcemia. Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for English-language publications using the keywords “calcium”, “vitamin D”, and “thyroid cancer”. The primary outcome was any postoperative hypocalcemia, and the secondary outcome was symptomatic hypocalcemia. Results: Four studies that included 381 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. The random-effects model showed no significant difference in the occurrence of hypocalcemia between calcium/vitamin D treatment and placebo/no treatment. The occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was lower in patients with calcium/vitamin D treatment. In combined results, preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia.Conclusion: We support the use of preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with routine postsurgical supplementation for patients after total thyroidectomy.
Effect of Therapeutic Interventions on Salivary Alpha Amylase and Lipid Profile in Major Depressive Disorder Patients
Authors: Koley Satyajit , Sur Arindam
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Boosting the Signal-to-Noise of Low-Field MRI With Deep Learning Image Reconstruction
Authors: Koonjoo Neha , Zhu Bo , Bagnall Cody , Rosen Matthew
Published: December 2020

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in inexpensive low-field (<0.3 T) MRI systems mainly due to advances in magnet, coil and gradient set designs. However, most of these advances are focused on hardware development and signal acquisition while far less attention has been given to how advanced image reconstruction can improve image quality at low field. We describe here the use of our end-to-end deep neural network approach (AUTOMAP) to improve the image quality of highly noise-corrupted low-field MRI data. We compare the performance of this approach to two additional state-of-the-art denoising pipelines. We find that AUTOMAP improves image reconstruction of data acquired on two very different low-field MRI systems: human brain data acquired at 6.5 mT, and plant root data acquired at 47 mT, demonstrating SNR gains above Fourier reconstruction by factors of 1.5- to 4.5-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. In these applications, AUTOMAP outperformed both contemporary denoising algorithms and suppressed noise-like spike artifacts in reconstructed images. The impact of domain-specific training corpora on the reconstruction performance is discussed. The AUTOMAP approach to image reconstruction will enable significant image quality improvements at low-field, especially in highly noise-corrupted environments.
Solid-state Synthesis of Silver-silica Nanoparticles Mediated Starch as a Dietery Supplement in Poultry; Genotoxic, Immunologic and Immunohistopathologic Charecterization
Authors: Dosoky Waleed M. , Fouda Moustafa M. G. , Alwan Ali B. , Abdelsalam Nader R. , Taha Ayman E. , Y.Ghareeb Rehab , El-Aassar M. R. , Khafaga Asmaa F
Published: December 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been emerged as promising alternative to antibiotic in poultry. Herein, silver-dopped silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 @AgNPs) was prepared in powder form, using starch, via chemical reduction and sol-gel technique followed by full characterization. SiO 2 @AgNPs was applied in poultry diet at three doses (2, 4, and 8 ppm/kg diet). The safety of oral dietery supplementation was estimated through evaluation of growth performance, hematological, biochemical parameters, and oxidative parameters of birds. Moreover, the immunohistochemical of all body organs were also examined. Results showed that, SiO2@AgNPs, has no negative effects on growth performance, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters of birds. Moreover, the immunohistochemical examination revealed minimum inflammatory reactions and lymphoid deplesion at level 8 ppm/kg diet. In conclusion, SiO 2 @AgNPs could be considered as a promising and quite safe nano- growth promotor in broilers when added to birds diet upto level 4 ppm/kg diet.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Investigating the Mechanism of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix for the Treatment of Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Le , Yuan Kangyao , Zhang Jian , Zhao Jingya , Pei Shuchen
Published: December 2020

In this study, the bioactive components and predictive targets of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were investigated by network pharmacology analysis, so as to further elucidate its potential biological mechanism in treating lung cancer. The targets corresponding to lung cancer were obtained by OMIM and Genecards. By intersecting with the targets of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and lung cancer, the Sophorae Flavescentis Radix-lung cancer targets were obtained. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed by an online database STRING and hub genes were screened by Cytoscape 3.7.0 software. ClusterProfiler package was used to analyze Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment of the targets in R. A total of 45 bioactive components were screened from Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, corresponding to 482 Sophorae Flavescentis Radix targets and 25019 lung cancer targets. According to the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, Sophorae Flavescentis Radix played a therapeutic role in treating lung cancer via proteoglycans lung cancer, human cytomegalovirus infection, microRNAs in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. Seven hub genes (IL6, CASP3, EGFR, VEGFA, MYC, CCND1 and ESR1) were screened by degree algorithm. In a word, the results of this study may provide novel insights into the mechanisms of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix in treatment of lung cancer.
An Equilibrium Desorption Model for the Strength and Extraction Yield of Full Immersion Brewed Coffee
Authors: Liang Jiexin , Chan Ka Chun , Ristenpart William
Published: December 2020

The sensory qualities of brewed coffee are strongly correlated with the total dissolved solids (TDS) and extraction yield (E) of the brew. Here, we derive a predictive model for the TDS and E of full immersion brewed coffee using a pseudo-equilibrium desorption approach. Assuming a single, species-averaged equilibrium constant K yields theoretical predictions indicating that the TDS is approximately inversely proportional to the water/coffee mass brew ratio, while E is independent of the brew ratio. Our experimental results strongly accord with both theoretical predictions, and indicate that E is approximately 21% over a wide range of brew ratios. An analysis of the standard oven-drying method for measuring E indicates that it yields significant underestimates of the true value at equilibrium, due to retained brew within the spent moist grounds. We further demonstrate that K is insensitive to grind size, roast level, and brew temperature over the range 80-99°C. Taken together, our results indicate that full immersion brewing offers precise control over the TDS at equilibrium but little control over E, and that practitioners should pay careful attention to their brew ratio as the most important parameter for full-immersion brewing.
Real-world Study of Hepatic Hemangioma at a Single Center --Data from 2008 to 2017
Authors: He Yongfei , Yang Chengkun , Liang Tianyi , Wei Yongguang , Wei Zhongliu , Mo Shutian , Chen Zijun , Liao Xiwen , Su Hao , Zhu Guangzhi , Han Chuangye , Lv Zili , Peng Tao
Published: December 2020

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hepatic hemangioma (HH) and the risk factors for complications associated with HH resection in a single center experience.Materials and methods: Clinical data of 5,266,670 outpatients and 246,419 individuals who were physically examined between 2016 and 2017 were used to evaluate epidemiological profiles of HH. A total of 1,981 patients hospitalized with HH between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2018 were examined to identify relevant features associated with surgery. Results: The study found that HH was similar in male and female incidence, mostly at the age of 40, and the tumor was usually single and mostly located in the right lobe of the liver. No serious postoperative complications occurred, and the method of HH resection was related to the occurrence of postoperative complications.Conclusion: HH is a common benign disease of the liver. There are certain distribution rules in age, tumor size, and location, and laparoscopic HH resection that can reduce postoperative complications.
An Association Between Inflammation and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Retrospective Study 
Authors: Zhang Xifang , Ding Rui , Li Haiyan , Liu Yaqi , Ou Weiyang , Hu Jiangang , Tian Yu , Wang Qiujing
Published: December 2020

Background: Evidence is currently accumulating for the role of inflammation in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), and systematic immune-inflammation index (SII) are easily obtainable indicators of systemic inflammations. However, there were few studies on the relationship between them and CVT. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the connection between the occurrence of CVT and the inflammatory markers described. Methods: The samples from 150 participants (including 90 CVT and 60 controls) with similar baseline characteristics were collected in this retrospective study. The NLR, PLR, MHR, SII and file records were employed to compare CVT patients with the control group.Results: The levels of NLR (3.93 [2.27, 7.87] vs. 1.65 [1.31, 2.06], P < 0.001), PLR (149.52 [98.39, 198.82] vs. 107.34 [83.31, 129.47], P < 0.001), SII (382.45 [273.51, 520.92] vs. 896.84 [559.89, 1591.87], P < 0.001) and MHR (0.51 [0.40, 0.64] vs. 0.41 [0.29, 0.53], P = 0.001) were significantly higher in the CVT group. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the SII degree (13.136, [5.675, 30.407], P < 0.001) and MHR degree (2.620, [1.123, 6.113], P = 0.026) were found as independent predictors of CVT.Conclusions: NLR, PLR, SII, and MHR may be able to predict the onset of CVT which confirmed that inflammation played an important role in CVT.
Mothers Daily Perceived Stress Influences their Children’s Mental Health During SARS-CoV-2-pandemic
Authors: Koehler-Dauner Franziska , Clemens Vera , Lange Stephanie , Ziegenhain Ute , Fegert Jörg M.
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe current situation caused by the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic is associated with serious losses for everyone and has worldwide effects on social life, politics, the economy and the media worldwide. Preventive isolation and social distancing strategies faced the families with a large number of different challenges. The current epidemic and quarantine restrictions have a verifiable influence on the emotional and social development of children and adolescents. In the current situation, children of parents who have already been mentally stressed seem particularly at risk.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the role of maternal daily perceived stress on children’s mental health during SARS-CoV-2-pandemic.MethodA “SARS-CoV-2-pandemic survey" was developed assessing to record the child's mental health since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. To describe the maternal perceived everyday stress data from a longitudinal survey was used. For estimation we use Tobit models.ResultsOur results show a positive and significant relationship between the maternal perceived everyday stress and both the emotional stress and hyperactivity of the child. In summary, we find the maternal perceived everyday stress to increase child's mental distress.ConclusionsAnalyses illustrate effects on child's mental distress during pandemic everyday life. Future research needs to identify influencing factors both with regard to political, economic and social restrictions in order to prevent mental health of children.
Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Trisomy X and the Increased Risk for Bone Complications: A Case Report
Authors: Yamazaki Susumu , Akutsu Yuko , Shimbo Asami , Shimizu Masaki , Segawa Yuko , Mori Masaaki
Published: December 2020

Background: Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-organ inflammatory autoimmune disease mediated by immune complexes with the age of onset before 18 years. Trisomy X is the most common female chromosomal abnormality and the role of an additional X chromosome in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus is well recognized. However, the potential complications and optimal management of childhood lupus with trisomy X remain unclear. Herein, we describe a case of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus associated with severe bone complications presumably secondary to trisomy X.Case presentation: A 16-year-old Japanese girl was diagnosed with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and trisomy X. A chromosomal abnormality (47, XXX) was incidentally identified on bone marrow examination initially done to determine the cause of pancytopenia. She was initially treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy and prescribed monthly cyclophosphamide, prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and hydroxychloroquine as remission maintenance drugs. She developed generalized extremity pain that had been worsening over the course of the disease. Extremity magnetic resonance imaging performed 12 months after the treatment onset revealed multifocal avascular necrosis, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry revealed further deterioration and osteoporosis. High plasma levels of factor VIII were detected by additional tests for coagulation functions. Conclusions: An additional X chromosome has been reported to be associated with factor VIII and osteoporosis. Additionally, elevated plasma levels of FVIII is the risk factors for thrombosis, which leads to the risk of avascular necrosis. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by trisomy X are at a higher risk of avascular necrosis and osteoporosis that can also manifest in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus.
Malignancy History Affected the Prognosis of COVID-19 Patients via Release of Interleukin-6
Authors: Hu Jiahao , Ding Haixia , Ye Shenglan , Xu Guoxing , Yang Xiuwen , Wang Liangchao , Shi Xiaowu
Published: December 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a newly erupted respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has swept across the most of countries. The laboratory characteristics of COVID-patients accompanied with cancer and the risk factors for disease progression and survival of this particular population were few reported. Methods: We enrolled 585 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to our hospitals with measured interleukin-6 level on admission. Laboratory tests and outcome were extracted from electronic medical records. Data was divided to cancer group and non-cancer group to explorer the risk factors of progression and survival.Findings: A total of 44 patients with different cancer type (cancer group) and 541 patients without cancer (non-cancer group) were included. Cancer group had significant higher levels of NEUT, NLR, IL-6, and CRP than non-cancer group, but lymphocyte count and ALB were lower. Cancer group showed significantly higher progression rate (42·1% vs 22·5%) and mortality (27·27% vs 11·91%) than non-cancer group. Elevated IL-6 and CRP were the risk factors associated with progression among moderate patients and death in-hospital (all p<0·05) in non- cancer group. This correlation was not observed in caner group.Interpretation: IL-6, CRP, NEUT, and NLR were elevated in COVID-19 patients with cancer, with lower level of LYMP and ALB. IL-6 and CRP were positively correlated with progression and poor outcome in patients without cancer. As one of combined diseases, despite malignancy history did not directly affect the prognosis of COVID-19, but it could play a role in the poorer outcome through release of IL-6 and CRP.