bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Toll of Untreated Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among 2017 Births in the United States
Authors: Luca Dara Lee , Margiotta Caroline , Staatz Colleen , Garlow Eleanor , Christensen Anna , Zivin Kara
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To estimate the economic burden of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) among 2017 births in the United States.

Methods. We developed a mathematical model based on a cost-of-illness approach to estimate the impacts of exposure to untreated PMADs on mothers and children. Our model estimated the costs incurred by mothers and their babies born in 2017, projected from conception through the first 5 years of the birth cohort’s lives. We determined model inputs from secondary data sources and a literature review.

Results. We estimated PMADs to cost $14 billion for the 2017 birth cohort from conception to 5 years postpartum. The average cost per affected mother–child dyad was about $31 800. Mothers incurred 65% of the costs; children incurred 35%. The largest costs were attributable to reduced economic productivity among affected mothers, more preterm births, and increases in other maternal health expenditures.

Conclusions. The US economic burden of PMADs is high. Efforts to lower the prevalence of untreated PMADs could lead to substantial economic savings for employers, insurers, the government, and society.
Children’s Fruit “Juice” Drinks and FDA Regulations: Opportunities to Increase Transparency and Support Public Health
Authors: Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Harris Jennifer L.
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To compare children’s drink products that contain or purport to contain juice and evaluate labels in light of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

Methods. In 2019, we analyzed federal law for drinks that contain or purport to contain juice by using LexisNexis and FDA’s Web site, identified top-selling children’s “juice” drinks in fruit punch flavors, gathered labels in store and online, and extracted data from the principal display and information panels.

Results. FDA regulations permit a wide range of names, claims, and fruit vignettes on drinks that contain or purport to contain juice, reflecting the product’s flavor and not necessarily its ingredients. We identified 39 brands of children’s drinks, including 100% juice (n = 7), diluted juices (n = 11), juice drinks (n = 8), fruit-flavored drinks (n = 8), and flavored waters (n = 5), with nonuniform statements of identity; vitamin C and low-sugar claims; and fruit vignettes representing 19 fruits. Many products contained added sugar and nonnutritive sweeteners but little to no juice.

Conclusions. Principal display panels rendered it difficult to differentiate among product types, identify those with added sweeteners, and distinguish healthier products. Revised labeling regulations are warranted to support public health.
Flavored E-Cigarette Sales in the United States Under Self-Regulation From January 2015 Through October 2019
Authors: Liber Alex , Cahn Zachary , Larsen Aidan , Drope Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To describe the evolution of flavored e-cigarette sales since the expansion of the JUUL brand, and to describe the effect of JUUL’s November 2018 decision to self-regulate the flavors it sold in stores on flavored e-cigarette sales.

Methods. We used Scantrack data on sales of e-cigarettes in the United States from January 2015 to October 2019 provided by The Nielsen Company. National sales values were aggregated monthly in 5 flavor categories (fruit, menthol/mint, sweet, tobacco, and other).

Results. The expansion of JUUL sales coincided with an expansion in fruit-flavor sales through October 2018. Once JUUL withdrew fruit and sweet flavors from stores, menthol/mint came to dominate the e-cigarette market, but through 2019, a new surge in fruit-flavor sales by non-JUUL brands was observed.

Conclusions. After a decline in sales following JUUL’s decision to withdraw some flavored products from stores, JUUL sales recovered within weeks and surpassed their previous maximum in those same channels, as consumption shifted to the menthol/mint and tobacco flavors that remained on shelves.

Public Health Implications. These trends suggest shortcomings of self-regulation and highlight the utility of government regulation.
Peran Penyuluhan Pertanian dan Preferensi Risiko terhadap Penggunaan Pupuk Berlebih pada Usaha Tani Padi
Authors: Zikria Roydatul , Damayanti Arie
Published: April 2020

English
Fertilizer overuse was expected to increase rice production. Yet it might decrease soil fertility in the long term. In Indonesia, there were more than 50% of farm households who used nitrogen fertilizer in excess although government recommendation was 250 kg/ha. In 2010, the average of nitrogen fertilizer overuse was 285 kg/ha and it decreased to 278 kg/ha in 2016. This study was aimed to analyse the impact of agricultural extension and risk preference on fertilizer overuse using Patanas Survey in 2010 and 2016. Those effects were estimated with Tobit model. Risk preference of farm households were estimated with non-parametric model using Just-Pope production function. The empirical results showed that agricultural extension reduced significantly fertilizer overuse in rice farming. Moreover, this study found that degree of risk preference negatively and significantly affected on fertilizer overuse. If degree of risk preference increased by one unit then fertilizer overuse decreased by 1.36 kg/ha, so its efficiency was only Rp2,448/ha. The cost efficiency was small because this study only used nitrogen fertilizer overuse as dependent variable whose dose was recommended by Ministry of Agriculture. Hence, other chemical fertilizer dose should be recommended by creating a regulation so fertilizer overuse could be prevented.

Indonesian
Penggunaan pupuk berlebih dilakukan untuk meningkatkan produksi padi. Namun dalam jangka panjang penggunaan pupuk yang berlebih dapat menurunkan kesuburan tanah. Lebih dari 50% rumah tangga petani di Indonesia menggunakan urea secara berlebih meskipun pemerintah telah merekomendasikan sebesar 250 kg/ha. Pada tahun 2010 rata-rata penggunaan urea berlebih mencapai 285 kg/ha sedangkan pada tahun 2016 rata-rata penggunaanya menjadi 278 kg/ha. Dengan menggunakan data Survei Panel Petani Nasional (Patanas) Tahun 2010 dan Tahun 2016, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran penyuluhan pertanian dan preferensi risiko terhadap kelebihan penggunaan pupuk. Dampak tersebut diestimasi dengan model tobit. Preferensi risiko rumah tangga petani dihitung dengan model nonparametrik menggunakan fungsi produksi Just-Pope. Hasil empiris menunjukkan bahwa penyuluhan pertanian berperan signifikan dalam mengurangi kelebihan penggunaan pupuk pada usaha tani padi. Selain itu, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa tingkat risk preference berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap kelebihan penggunaan pupuk. Kenaikan satu unit tingkat risk preference mengakibatkan rumah tangga petani mengurangi kelebihan penggunaan pupuk sebanyak 1,36 kg/ha sehingga terjadi efisiensi sebesar Rp2.448/ha. Kecilnya efisiensi biaya dalam penelitian dikarenakan penggunaan pupuk yang diukur sebagai variabel dependen hanya urea dengan dosis yang telah ditetapkan oleh Kementan. Oleh karena itu perlu adanya regulasi yang mengatur dosis penggunaan pupuk kimia lain sehingga penggunaan pupuk berlebih dapat dicegah.
Depositional settings and palynofacies assemblages of the Upper Triassic fluvio-deltaic Mungaroo Formation, northern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia
Authors: Scibiorski Joe , Peyrot Daniel , Lang Simon , Payenberg Tobias H.D. , Charles Adam
Published: April 2020

Palynofacies analysis was carried out on 92 core samples from the fluvio-deltaic Middle to Upper Triassic Mungaroo Formation, Northern Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. The analyses demonstrate that each depositional environment (“depofacies”) sampled has a characteristic palynofacies assemblage reflecting the varied origins, transport, sorting, and preservation histories of organic particles in sediments. The sampling covered a wide range of depofacies identified in fluvial channel, floodplain, crevasse splay, distributary channel, and tidal zone paleoenvironments and included laminated to massive mudstones and siltstones, cross-bedded sandstones, immature pedogenically altered paleosols, and coals. Although each depofacies has a characteristic palynofacies association, there is a high degree of variability within and overlap between preparations. Black-opaque particles were the dominant component in active fluvial, crevasse, and distributary channels. In contrast, palynomorphs, brown wood particles, and cuticle were more common in abandoned channels, floodplain lakes, and other lower-energy environments. The composition of palynomorphs also varies greatly between depofacies due to factors including the bioproductivity of the surrounding vegetation source area, water-table levels, preservation potential, and the fluid dynamic properties of organic particles. The depofacies were grouped into five “process regimes” (active channels, abandoned channels, lakes and periodically flooded areas, paleosols and swamps, tidal mudflats) based on their dominant depositional process. Depofacies in the same process regime tended to have similar palynofacies associations. Active channels yielded similar assemblages irrespective of whether they were fluvial, crevasse, or distributary channels because their dominant characteristic is high flow energy, which encourages the bypass of finer-grained particles, enhances the mechanical degradation of plant debris, and may inhibit local vegetation growth. Organic particles found in lower-energy environments (e.g., floodplain lakes) are on average larger, more elongate, and better preserved than particles found in high-energy environments (e.g., active channels). Although this study was restricted to samples from the upper Samaropollenites speciosus and lower Minutosaccus crenulatus biostratigraphic zones in a geographically limited area, its results are not influenced by the specific taxonomic composition of the vegetation but by the physiographic structure of surrounding plant communities; this suggests that palynofacies analysis could be used to distinguish depositional environments in deltaic settings from other stratigraphic intervals.
Late Paleozoic detrital history of eastern Gondwanaland: petrofacies and detrital geochronology of Permo-Carboniferous intracratonic sequences of the northwest Bengal Basin
Authors: Alam Md. Iftekhar , Uddin Ashraf , Hames Willis E.
Published: April 2020

Permo-Carboniferous Gondwanan sequences have been reported from several isolated basins of Peninsular India. These siliciclastic sequences were preserved in several intracratonic basins in northwest Bangladesh. Sandstone petrography, heavy-mineral assemblages, mineral chemistry, and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of sediment cores were used in this study to decipher the provenance history of Gondwanan sediments at two localities (Khalashpir and Barapukuria). Petrographic studies suggest that these sequences are mostly immature and poorly sorted arkosic sandstones (Khalashpir-Qt60F27L13, Barapukuria-Qt52F31L17), with compositions ranging from quartzarenite to litharenite. Among lithic fragments, sedimentary types are abundant. Heavy minerals are volumetrically rare and of low diversity in sediments of northwest Bangladesh. Garnet geochemistry indicates that metamorphic grades in the source terranes were of the amphibolite to granulite facies. Laser 40Ar/39Ar ages for single crystals of detrital muscovite from the deepest drilled Gondwanan sequences yielded the broadest age range, with a dominant mode at circa 515 Ma and lesser clusters of ages at circa 550, 570, and 600 Ma. The other two shallower samples are dominated by ages with similar single modes at circa 495–500 Ma. The oldest muscovite crystals may have been derived from the adjacent Indian craton and/or the Meghalayan craton. Younger muscovite crystals may have been contributed from the Pinjarra Orogen, formed during episodes of Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic collision among India, Antarctica, and Australia.
An Algorithm to Automatically Zero Weight on Bit and Differential Pressure and Resulting Improvements in Data Quality
Authors: Neufeldt Adam C. , Lai Stephen W. , Kristjansson Sean D.
Published: April 2020

Weight on bit (WOB) and differential pressure (DIFP) are two essential parameters derived from surface sensors during the drilling process. However, there can be significant errors in these measurements due to improper zeroing of these traces. Regular zeroing of WOB is important to ensure that it is calibrated for additional stands that have been added to the drillstring. Similarly, regular zeroing of DIFP is important to ensure that added hydrostatic pressure, which increases with depth, is taken into account, and to ensure that DIFP has been calibrated to the correct pump rate. In this paper, we quantify the errors due to forgotten and incorrect zeroing, and discuss an algorithm that was developed to automatically zero WOB and DIFP to eliminate these errors.

This study has two main sections. In the first section, the current practice of zeroing WOB (prior to rotary drilling) is analyzed in 40 onshore wells. It is found for 86% of all stands that WOB is either zeroed incorrectly or not at all. An algorithm is developed to determine the appropriate time to perform the zero WOB operation. Using this algorithm, it is found that the average WOB error per stand due to improper zeroing is 16.8 and 17.6% in the vertical and lateral wellbore sections, respectively. Further, it was found that repeated forgotten zeroes could result in large errors, particularly in the vertical where 8% of stands have WOB inaccuracies of more than 30%. In the second section, the analysis is repeated for DIFP and it is found that zeroing DIFP is forgotten in 51% of all stands, resulting in errors of 17.5 and 8.9% in the vertical and lateral, respectively. In the vertical, 9.9% of stands have DIFP inaccuracies of more than 30% due to forgotten zeroing. Applying these algorithms to historic data can eliminate these errors, and improve the effectiveness of data-based drilling optimization and analytics. Further, these algorithms could be implemented in an electronic drilling recorder (EDR) to improve the quality of real-time data at the rig.
The Impact of Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination on Nosocomial Influenza in a Tertiary Hospital: An Ecological Study
Authors: Wei Wycliffe Enli , Fook-Chong Stephanie , Chen Wen Kai , Chlebicki Maciej Piotr , Gan Wee Hoe
Published: April 2020

Background: To protect hospitalized patients who are more susceptible to complications of influenza, seasonal influenza vaccination of healthcare workers (HCW) has been recommended internationally. However, its effectiveness is still being debated. To assess the effectiveness of HCW influenza vaccination, we performed an ecological study to evaluate the association between healthcare worker influenza vaccination and the incidence of nosocomial influenza in a tertiary hospital within Singapore between 2013-2018. Methods: Nosocomial influenza was defined by influenza among inpatients diagnosed 7 days or more post-admission by laboratory testing, while healthcare worker influenza vaccination rate was defined as the proportion of healthcare workers that was vaccinated at the end of each annual seasonal vaccination exercise. A modified Poisson regression was performed to assess the association between the HCW vaccination rates and monthly nosocomial influenza incidence rates. Results: Nosocomial influenza incidence rates followed the trend of non-nosocomial influenza, showing a predominant mid-year peak. Across 2,480,010 patient-days, there were 256 nosocomial influenza cases (1.03 per 10,000 patient-days). Controlling for background influenza activity and the number of influenza tests performed, no statistically significant association was observed between vaccination coverage and nosocomial influenza incidence rate although a protective effect was suggested (IRR 0.89, 95%CI:0.69-1.15, p =0.37). Conclusion: No significant association was observed between influenza vaccination rates and nosocomial influenza incidence rates, although a protective effect was suggested. Aligning local HCW vaccine timing and formulation to that of the Southern Hemisphere may improve effectiveness. HCW vaccination remains important but demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing nosocomial influenza is challenging.
Risk factors associated with canine overweightness and obesity in an owner-reported survey
Authors: Perry LeeAnn , Shmalberg Justin William , Tanprasertsuk Jirayu , Massey Dan , Honaker Ryan William , Jha Aashish R
Published: April 2020

Background: Overweightness and obesity in dogs are associated with negative health outcomes. A better understanding of risk factors associated with canine weight is fundamental to identifying preventative interventions and treatments. In this cross-sectional study, we used a direct to consumer approach to collect body condition scores (BCS), as well as demographic, diet, and lifestyle data on 4,446 dogs. BCS was assessed by owners using a 9-point system and categorized as ideal (BCS 4-5), overweight (BCS 6), and obese (BCS 7+). Following univariate analyses, a stepwise procedure was used to select variables which were included in multivariate logistic regression models. One model was created to compare ideal to all overweight and obese dogs, and another was created to compare ideal to obese dogs only. We then used Elastic Net selection and XGBoost variable importance measures to validate these results. Results: Overall, 1,480 (33%) of dogs were reported to be overweight or obese, of which 356 (8% total) of dogs were reported to be obese. Seven factors were significantly associated with both overweightness/obesity and obesity alone in all three analyses (stepwise, Elastic Net, and XGBoost): diet composition, probiotic supplementation, treat quantity, exercise, age, food motivation level, and pet appetite. Neutering was also associated with overweightness/obesity in all analyses. Conclusions: This study recapitulated established risk factors associated with BCS (age, exercise, neutering). Moreover, we elucidated associations between previously examined risk factors and BCS (diet composition, treat consumption, and temperament) and identified a novel factor (probiotic supplementation). Specifically, relative to dogs on fresh food diets, BCS was higher in dogs eating dry food both alone and in combination with other foods. Furthermore, dogs receiving probiotics, but not other forms of supplementation, were more likely to have an ideal BCS. Future studies should corroborate these findings with experimental manipulations.
MiR-218 inhibits malignant phenotypes of glioma by targeting TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 feedback signaling loop
Authors: Dang Siwen , Zhang Rui , Tian Sijia , Ruan Banjun , Hou Peng , Li Gang , Ji Meiju
Published: April 2020

Background: Gliomas are the most malignant and common tumors in human brains, and the prognosis of glioma patient is very poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in different types of cancer by performing posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Although miR-218 has been demonstrated decreased in gliomas, its role in gliomas still remains largely unknown. Methods: MiR-218 expression were analyzed in gliomas and normal brain tissues (control subjects) using TCGA dataset. A series of in vitro and in vivo studies was performed to determine the biological roles of miR-218 in glioma cells. Potential targets of miR-218 were identified using dual-luciferase reporter system. Western blot and dual-luciferase reporter system were performed to evaluate the regulatory effect of miR-218 on TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 pathway.Results: We demonstrated miR-218 was significantly downregulated in gliomas compared to control subjects, and played potent tumor suppressor roles in glioma cells by inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and tumorigenic potential in nude mice, as well as inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.Mechanistically, miR-218 inhibited malignant phenotypes of glioma cells by binding to the 3’ UTR of its target TNC and subsequently repressing its expression. As a result, it could reduce AKT phosphorylation and subsequently inhibit transcriptional activity of AP-1 by reducing JNK phosphorylation, downregulating the expression of TGFβ1, while TGFβ1 is able to, in turn, activate the TNC/AKT/AP-1 signaling axis.Conclusions: Our data uncover a previously unknown tumor suppressor role of miR-218 by blocking the TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 positive feedback loop in glioma.
Exploring the Effects of Entrepreneurial Education on Entrepreneurial Intention between Genders: A Pair-Wise Methodology Approach
Authors: ADELAJA AYOTUNDE Adetola
Published: April 2020

Past studies on gender differences in entrepreneurship at higher education levels are predominantly based on survey approaches. Thus creating several mix-evidences with the majority of these studies showing that male intention towards entrepreneurship to be higher than the female counterpart. This research uses a pair-wise experimental approach to examine gender differences in entrepreneurial intention before and after exposure to entrepreneurial education in the six federal universities in south-western Nigeria. The findings indicate that male students demonstrated higher intention before exposure to entrepreneurial education, while female students exhibited the opposite intention. However, after exposure to entrepreneurship education, female students exhibited stronger entrepreneurial intentions compared to their male counterparts. Despite this, no statistical difference was observed between male and female intentions. Yet, when both results were combined to give a composite picture, there was a decrease in the overall entrepreneurial intention for both genders. More so, an in-depth interview with some of the respondents reveals that male students attend an entrepreneurial education course for the sake of it being a compulsory course while female students have the notion that with entrepreneurial education, they have the chance of developing back-up plans if the marriage fails or they are unemployed. This unexpected result indicated the unintended effect entrepreneurial education in south-western Nigeria was having on the gender gap in entrepreneurial intention and its overall outcomes in practical terms. The research concludes that entrepreneurial education curricula in Nigerian universities, especially those in the southwest, need to be reviewed to capture gender sensitivity in entrepreneurial intentions before and after graduation from entrepreneurship programs.
Comparison of Three Interbody Fusion Methods Through Posterior Approach for Lower Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis in Adults: a Study of Mid-Long Term Follow-Up
Authors: Xu Zhenchao , Wang Xiyang , Liu Zheng
Published: April 2020

Background: This study was conducted to compare mid-long term outcomes of three interbody fusion methods by way of posterior approach in adults with lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods: A total of 126 lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis patients were treated by one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, and instrumentation. Of the three types of interbody bone grafts, 41 patients (group A) were treated with autogenous bone graft for interbody fusion , 45 patients (group B) were treated with allogeneic bone grafting, and the remaining 40 (group C) patients were treated with titanium mesh cage. Clinical and radiographic data were gathered and analyzed. Results: At the final follow-up, all patients were found to be completely cured. Neurological performance and quality of life were remarkably improved compared with those preoperative at the final follow-up. The preoperative lordosis angles of the three groups were significantly corrected compared with postoperative immediately values or those evaluated at the final follow-up. The correction loss of the group C was lower than those of groups A and B. All the patients obtained bone graft fusion; the fusion period of group B was longer than that of the other two groups. No significant differences among the three groups in adjacent segment degeneration rate were found at the last visit. Conclusions: This mid-long term follow-up study established that one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, and instrumentation can effectively treat lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Moreover, intervertebral titanium mesh cage bone graft may provide better outcomes than autogenous or allogeneic bone graft.
Aging, immunosenescense, and very late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Nakahara Keiichi , Nakane Shunya , Ando Yukio
Published: April 2020

Objective: To clarify the clinical features of very late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders NMOSD (VLO-NMOSD).Methods: According to the age at onset, we classified patients with NMOSD into three subgroups of early-onset NMOSD (EO-NMOSD), late-onset NMOSD (LO-NMOSD), and VLO-NMOSD. We evaluated the clinical characteristics, MRI findings, laboratory data, and immunotherapies among the groups.Results: Overall, eight males and 36 females with a median age at onset of 43.00 years (interquartile range, 29.00–54.75) and median duration of disease of 6.00 months (interquartile range, 3.00–11.75) were included. This included 7 (16%) patients with VLO-NMOSD, 11 (25%) with LO-NMOSD, and 26 (59%) with EO-NMOSD. Patients with EO-NMOSD had significantly longer disease duration than those did with VLO-NMOSD and LO-NMOSD (p=0.015). Optic nerve lesions on MRI and optic neuritis were significantly less frequent in patients with VLO-NMOSD than in those with LO-NMOSD and EO-NMOSD (p=0.013 and p=0.046, respectively), whereas the length of the spinal lesion was significantly longer in those with VLO-NMOSD in comparison with those with LO-NMOSD and EO-NMOSD (p=0.038).Conclusions: Spinal cord lesion in patients with VLO-NMOSD was significantly longer despite short disease duration, and optic neuritis was significantly less frequent in them.
COVID-19 Italian epidemic: quarantine with continuous spillover.
Authors: girolamo giannotta , Giannotta Nicola
Published: April 2020

Background. In December 2019, an epidemic started in China caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), probably derived from bats. The Italian COVID-19 epidemic begins on February 21, 2020. Methods. We have collected and analyzed the data produced daily by the Civil Protection. We cataloged this data and produced tables and graphs to obtain dynamic curves for certain parameters. In addition, we also calculated the change in active cases with the following formula: (newly infected) - (new deaths) - (new recoveries). Findings. The number of total cases increased by about 40 times in the period 2-20 March (from 2,036 to 80,539). In the same period, the active cases increased by about 21 times (from 1,835 to 37,860). Active cases do not close quickly and remain open for a long time because those who enter in intensive care do not recover before 2-3 weeks. On March 19 Italy’s death toll surpasses China’s, becoming the country with the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the world. On March 26 the deaths in Italy are more than the double of those of China (8,215 deaths in Italy, vis 3,287 deaths in China). Conclusion. Poor management of medium cases, in accordance with WHO guidelines, inevitably leads to overload of intensive care units. The progression of clusters in Southern Italy is more pronounced in Campania, Puglia and Sicily. The main cause of the high mortality would be attributable to the collapse of the Italian health system.
Impact of Endovascular Treatment on Leg Muscle Mass in Peripheral Artery Disease: a Preliminary Report
Authors: Miyakuni Tomoyo , Komiyama Hidenori , Takano Masamichi , Ikeda Takeshi , Matsushita Masato , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Miyauchi Yasushi , Asai Kuniya , Seino Yoshihiko , Shimizu Wataru
Published: April 2020

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), intermittent claudication, and impaired mobility lower patients’ quality of life, contributing to the loss of skeletal muscle. This study sought to investigate the impact of endovascular treatment (EVT) by measuring the mid-thigh level of muscle volume in above the knee PAD patients before and after EVT.Methods: In this prospective, observational study, symptomatic PAD patients with above the knee lesions who had intermittent claudication and were undergoing optimal medical treatment were enrolled. The mid-thigh level of muscle area was measured by computed tomography initially, and then 3 and 6 months after EVT. Patients were categorized into ipsilateral or bilateral based on clinical symptoms and initial ABI value. The muscle area in ischemic and non-ischemic legs were compared in ipsilateral PAD patients. The correlations between alterations in the total thigh muscle area and clinical characteristics were analyzed in univariable and multivariable analysis to investigate the factor contributing skeletal muscle loss.Results: A total of 22 patients were analyzed. The muscle area of the thighs increased after EVT. Fourteen patients had ipsilateral lesions and 8 had bilateral stenosis. In patients with ipsilateral lesions, the mid-thigh muscle area of ischemic lower limbs was significantly lesser than that of non-ischemic lower limbs (118.2±16.5 cm2 vs 124.0±17.3 cm2, p=0.0002). The thigh muscle area of ischemic lower limbs increased after EVT (before: 118.2±16.5 cm2 vs 3 months: 124.0±18.7 cm2, p=0.0166; before vs 6 months: 123.0±17.7 cm2, p= 0.0566), but this was not the case for non-ischemic lower limbs. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that baseline glycated hemoglobin was the only factor that negatively correlated with the change in the muscle area after 3 (β= -3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.3 to -0.2, p=0.0417) and 6 months (β= -5.24, 95%CI = -10.1 to -0.4, p=0.03567). Muscle area significantly increased in normoglycemic HbA1c < 6.5 patients (before: 246.1±33.5 cm2, before vs 3 months: 249.6±34.6 cm2, p = 0.032, before vs 6 months: 250.6±35.7 cm2, p = 0.0455) while there was no significant alternation in hyperglycemic (HbA1c ≥ 6.5) patients (before: 225.2±43.4 cm2, 3 months: 224.6±44.8 cm2, 6 months: 222.2±45.5 cm2).Conclusions: Ischemia induces muscle atrophy in PAD patients. However, ischemic muscle atrophy was ameliorated after EVT in normoglycemic patients. There is a need for large scale trial to investigate the impact of EVT if it would protect or even delay skeletal muscle loss in all-comer population.
Extraction of Coal from Steeply Inclined Coal Seams, Using a Fully Mechanised Sublevel Caving Mining System in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine
Authors: Rak Zbigniew , Stasica Jerzy , Burtan Zbigniew , Chlebowski Dariusz
Published: April 2020

Mining of thick and steeply inclined hard coal deposits belongs to some of the most difficult engineering challenges. The Sublevel Caving system, originating from the ore mining industry, is one of the systems applied in such cases. That system has been used in coal mining for more than sixty years, although it became fully mechanised only at the beginning of the present century. The unique mechanical mining face mining method was applied for the first time in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine in Poland to cut a deposit 20 m thick and inclined at more than 40°. The longwall protection system consisted of two mechanised support sets that were coordinated with the chain conveyor. The conveyor crossover was located on the spoil heap. Coal cutting was performed by blasting and coal was loaded gravitationally directly onto the conveyor. Using that mechanical system, a three-person strong face team obtained the output at the level of 600 to 1,000 Mg per day. About a dozen of years of experience gained in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine allowed the engineers to improve the extraction process and reduce the face costs to the level of about 6 euros/Mg. Another essential achievement included elimination of serious accidents at the mining face. In addition to the process de-scription, this paper contains selected production results obtained upon the implementation of the sublevel caving system in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine.
Maximum Common Property: A New Approach for Molecular Similarity
Authors: Cerruela-García Gonzalo , Collado Aurelio Antelo , Carrasco-Velar Ramón , García-Pedrajas Nicolás
Published: April 2020

The maximum common property similarity (MCPhd) method is presented using descriptors as a new approach to determine the similarity between two chemical compounds or molecular graphs. This method uses the concept of maximum common property arising from the concept of maximum common substructure and is based on the electrotopographic state index for atoms. A new algorithm to quantify the similarity values of chemical structures based on the presented maximum common property concept is also developed in this paper. To verify the validity of this approach, the similarity of a sample of compounds with antimalarial activity is calculated and compared with the results obtained by the small molecule subgraph detector (SMSD) method. The results obtained by the MCPhd method differ significantly from those obtained by the SMSD method, improving the quantification of the similarity. A major advantage of the proposed method is that it helps to understand the analogy or proximity between physicochemical properties of the molecular fragments or subgraphs compared with the biological response or biological activity. In this new approach, more than one property can be potentially used. The method can be considered a hybrid procedure because it combines descriptor and the fragment approaches.
MiR-6838-5p enhances the growth and invasion of renal cell carcinoma dependent on DMTF1 via inhibiting the ARF-p53 pathway
Authors: Zhai Xiao-Qiang , Wu Yan , Zhang Dong , Li He-Cheng , Chong Tie , Zhao Jun
Published: April 2020

Backgroud: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common renal malignancies in the urinary system. Numerous studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can regulate tumorigenesis and progression, while the underlying molecular mechanism for miR-6838-5p involved in RCC development is still largely unknown.Methods: The relative expression of miR-6838-5p in RCC tissues, RCC cell lines, adjacent normal tissues and normal renal epithelial cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In vitro studies, cell proliferation and invasion in human RCC cell lines ACHN and 786-O were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, Colony formation assay and Flow cytometry. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase report analysis and Western blot assay were proved that Cyclin D binding myb-like transcription factor 1 (DMTF1) is the target of miR-6838-5p.Results: Our study confirmed that miR-6838-5p was upregulated in RCC tissues (30/42, 77.43%, P < 0.01) and RCC cell lines (P < 0.05) compared to adjacent normal tissues and normal renal epithelial cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that overexpression of miR-6838-5p significantly increased cell proliferation and invasion in human RCC cell lines ACHN and 786-O (P < 0.05), whereas inhibition of miR-6838-5p inhibited cell proliferation and invasion (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that miR-6838-5p binds to the wild-type DMTF1 3'UTR. In addition, we found that DMTF1 was downregulation in RCC tissues and cell lines. Meanwhile, it was demonstrated in ACHN cells that overexpression of miR-6838-5p inhibited the expression of DMTF1. Finally, we also confirmed that the interaction of miR-6838-5p overexpression and DMTF1 overexpression might rescue the inhibitory effects of overexpression of miR-6838-5p on the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p53, Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and alternative reading frame (ARF) in the DMTF1-mediated ARF-p53 downstream pathway.Conclusions: Our research shows that miR-6838-5p enhances the growth and invasion of renal cell carcinoma dependent on DMTF1 via inhibiting the ARF-p53 pathway, which suggest that miR-6838-5p can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of RCC.
Analysis on mental health status and needs of health care workers in designated medical institutions of tuberculosis during the epidemic period of COVID-19
Authors: Wu Guo-Cui , Fang Xue-Hui , Wu Li , Lu Lun-Shan , Kan Xiao-Hong , Wang Hua , Xiong Yan-Jun , Ma Dong-Chun
Published: April 2020

Objective To understand the mental health status and needs of the health care workers during the epidemic period of COVID-19, so as to provide scientific basis for the targeted intervention measures. Methods A total of 511 health care workers were randomly selected from two designated tuberculosis medical institutions in Anhui province. Results There were 139 people in epidemic prevention and control positions (27.20%). Depression level: female was higher than male; nurse was higher than doctor; middle and junior job titles were higher than senior titles; junior college degree or below were higher than bachelor's degree, master's degree and above; isolation ward, fever clinic and pre-check triage were significantly higher than those of non-prevention and control positions ( P < 0.05). Loneliness scores: doctors were higher than that of medical technicians, and isolation ward, fever clinic and pre-check triage were higher than those of non-prevention and control positions ( P < 0.05). Social support: doctors were lower than that of medical technicians, and isolation ward, fever clinic and pre-check triage were significantly lower than those of non-prevention and control positions ( P < 0.05). The score of social support was negatively correlated with depression and loneliness ( P < 0.001), while depression was positively correlated with loneliness ( P < 0.001). Health care workers most want to receive one-to-one psychological counseling (29.75%), and provide crisis management (24.07%). The awareness rate of health care workers on COVID-19's knowledge was relatively high. Conclusions The psychological problems of health care workers, especially women, nurses with low educational background, low professional title, and staff in the epidemic prevention and control positions are relatively serious. We should focus on this population, and take targeted intervention measures.
Kangxianyixin Granule Improves Myocardial Fibrosis by Suppressing RhoA/ROCK1 Pathway
Authors: Liu Shunyu , Bian Rutao , Liu Yuanshu , Ren Xueping , Chang Hongbo , Guo Zongyao , Wu Hong , Wang Zhentao
Published: April 2020

Background: Kangxianyixin granule (KXYX), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been clinically used to treat dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) for many years. Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a major pathological feature of DCM and independent predictor of adverse cardiac outcomes. The present study investigated the effect and the possible mechanism of KXYX on myocardial fibrosis. Methods: Male wistar rats of DCM was induced by furazolidone (Fz) (0.3 mg/g/day, gavage) for 8 weeks and treated with KXYX (3.6, 1.8, 0.9 g/kg/day) or captopril for another 4 weeks. The cardiac function indices were evaluated using ECHO. Myocardial morphology was visualized using H&E and masson staining. Then, the effect of differentiation of Ang II-induced cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to myofibroblasts was detected using a-SMA and Vimentin immunohistochemical staining. The expression of RhoA, ROCK1, p-MLC were observed using western blot. The mRNA level of RhoA, ROCK1, MLC were assayed by quantitative RT-PCR. Result: Fz-induced rats had changes in the structure and function of the left ventricle as well as myocardial fibers broken and loosely arranged, cardiomyocytes necrosis in the myocardial tissue. High level expressions of fibrosis were observed in the model rats. The expressions of RhoA, ROCK1, p-MLC were elevated in dilated heart and Ang Ⅱ-induced CFs, while KXYX can rescued cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, inhibited the process of MF and down-regulated RhoA/ROCK1 signaling which suppressed the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that KXYX attenuated the development of myocardial fibrosis by down-regulating the expression of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway in vivo and vitro. Thus, we provided an underlying mechanism of KXYX function in DCM therapy.
The effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on children’s behavior and parents’ mental health in China: A research study
Authors: Bai Ruibei , Wang Zhaohui , Liang Jing , Qi Jing , He Xi
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on children’s behavior and their parents’ mental health in China. MethodsA total of 30861 children’s parents were selected from throughout China to complete the self-made Child behavior Questionnaire and Child Parents Mental Health Questionnaire. ResultsThe results showed that there were significant differences in children’s behavior scores in variables such as age, whether or not an only child and place of residence; There were significant differences in physical, emotional and cognitive scores of parents in variables such as gender, age, education, occupation, place of residence, whether there are medical staff in family, the relationship with children, and children’s age. The correlation analysis showed that children’s behavior and parents’ physical, emotion and cognition were significantly correlated with epidemic-related factors. The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that epidemic-related factors can significantly predict children’s behavior and parents’ physical, emotion, and cognition. ConclusionsThese results can provide theoretical basis for the behavior management of children at home and the psychological adjustment of parents during the epidemic.
Establishment and Validation of a Prognostic Model in Patients with Stage T1-3N0M0 of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC): An Observational Study from Two Centers
Authors: Wu Lei-Lei , Ji Yu-Xuan , Zheng Yan , Liu Xuan , Huang Yang-Yu , Lin Peng , Long Hao , Zhang Lan-Jun , Xing Wen-Qun , Lu Yao , Ma GuoWei
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE: To explore the postoperative prognosis of patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) of stage T1-3N0M0 using a survival prognostic model (SPM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage T1-3N0M0 ESCC from two cancer centers—Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC-A/ training cohort: N = 555), SYSUCC-B/ internal validation cohort: N = 241) and Henan Cancer Hospital (HNCH/ external validation cohort: N = 170)—that had undergone esophagectomy between 1995 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. The primary clinical endpoint was overall survival (OS). We have identified and integrated significant prognostic factors for OS by univariate and multivariate Cox regression methods applied in the training cohort to build a SPM that could be validated in the validation cohorts.RESULTS: The OS evaluation by the SPM was comparable in three cohorts (SYSUCC-A: C-index 0.654, SYSUCC-B: C-index 0.630, HNCH: C-index 0.688). Discretization of patients was done using a fixed survival score cutoff of 136.434 based on our SPM determined from the training cohort divided into low- and high-risk subgroups with stratified OS in the validation cohort (SYSUCC-A: hazard ratio [HR] 1.009, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.006–1.011, P < 0.001; SYSUCC-B: HR 1.009, 95% CI, 1.004–1.013, P ˂ 0.001; HNCH: HR 1.010, 95% CI 1.005-1.015, P = 0.0017). The 48-month OS in the low-risk subgroup vs. that in the high-risk subgroup was 80.8% vs. 60.9% for SYSUCC-A, 86.4% vs. 60.7% for SYSUCC-B, and 89.7% vs. 64.1% for HNCH. CONCLUSION: We have established and validated a novel SPM that can predict the OS for T1-3N0M0 ESCC patients and could help clinicians to detect subgroups of patients with poor prognosis.
Vector Control Workers and Psychological Distress
Authors: Bernal Chiriboga , Sanyer Ayllón , Jorge Gallardo-Rumbea , Alvarado-Villa Geovanny
Published: April 2020

Background Due to the low cost of organophosphate pesticides (OP), its prevalent use has become a public health problem in Ecuador with an increase in cases of organophosphate poisoning in Guayaquil. Objective The aim of this research is to demonstrate that chronic exposure to OP leads to symptoms of headaches, fasciculation, and psychiatric distress such as anxiety and depression. Methods Through inclusion criteria, workers from vector control of one district of Guayaquil was obtained. The Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI-18) questionnaire was applied for neuropsychiatric assessment through its Global Severity Index (GSI). Results The BSI-18 presented a Cronbach’s α = 0.833, with a 24.94 ± 15.361 mean for the GSI, which indicates the evident psychiatric distress on subjects averaged 41.29 years of average of 6.29 years of working period, and daily exposure of 5.6 hours to pesticides. Besides, none of the personnel use all protection equipment in their activity. Conclusion The neuropsychiatric effects of chronic organophosphate exposure were identified in workers during vector control, especially in those do not use protection.
Survival Factors and Metabolic Pathogenesis in Elderly Patients (≥65) with COVID-19 : A multi- center study of 223 Cases
Authors: Mei Qi , Wang Amanda Y , Yang Yang , Li Ming , Wang Fei , Du Shangming , Wu Patrick , Ma Ke , Wu Liang , Chen Huawen , Luo Jinlong , Halfter Kathrin , Mansmann Ulrich , Li Yong , Zhao Jianping , Yuan Xianglin , Li Jian
Published: April 2020

BackgroundElderly patients infected with COVID-19 are reported to be facing a substantially increased risk of mortality. Clinical characteristics, treatment options, and potential survival factors remain under investigation. This study aimed to fill this gap and provide clinically relevant factors associated with survival of elderly patients with COVID-19.MethodsIn this multi-center study, elderly patients (age ≥65 years old) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from 4 Wuhan hospitals were included. The clinical end point was hospital discharge or deceased with last date of follow-up on Mar. 08, 2020. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were collected.Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to analyze survival and risk factors. A metabolic flux analysis using a large-scale molecular model was applied to investigate the pathogenesis of SARS- CoV-2 with regard to metabolism pathways.ResultsA total of 223 elderly patients infected with COVID-19 were included, 91 (40.8%) were discharged and 132 (59.2%) deceased. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed in 140 (62.8%) patients, 23 (25.3%) of these patients survived. Multivariate analysis showed that potential risk factors were D- Dimer (odds ratio: 1.13 [95% CI 1.04 - 1.22], p=.005), immune-related metabolic index (6.42 [95% CI 2.66 - 15.48], p<.001), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (1.08 [95% 1.03 - 1.13], p<.001). Elderly patients receiving interferon atmotherapy showed an increased probability of survival (0.29 [95% CI0.17 - 0.51], p<.001). Based on these factors, an algorithm (AlgSurv) was developed to predict survival for elderly patients. The metabolic flux analysis showed that 12 metabolic pathways including phenylalanine (odds ratio: 28.27 [95% CI 10.56 - 75.72], p<0.001), fatty acid (15.61 [95% CI 6.66 - 36.6], p<0.001), and pyruvate (12.86 [95% CI 5.85 - 28.28], p<0.001) showed a consistently lower flux in the surviving versus the deceased subgroup. This may reflect a key pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection.ConclusionAlthough a high mortality has been reported for elderly patients with COVID-19, in this analysis, several factors such as interferon atmotherapy and activity of metabolic pathways were found to be associated with survival of elderly patients. Based on these findings, the survival algorithm (AlgSurv) was developed to assist the clinical stratification for elderly patients. Deregulation of metabolic pathways revealed in this study may aid in the drug development against COVID-19.