bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High frequency of upper respiratory tract infections is related to sleep disorders in sedentary adolescents: An epidemiological study
Authors: Saraiva Bruna Thamyres Ciccotti , Scarabottolo Catarina Covolo , Tebar William Rodrigues , Damato Tatiana Machado de Mattos , Delfino Leandro Dragueta , Diniz Tiego Aparecido , Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Upper respiratory tract infections are associated with sleep disorders in adults and may also occur in younger populations. However, in Brazil, epidemiological studies with large samples are still necessary to verify this relationship. Methods: Analyze the relationship between upper respiratory tract infections with sleep disorders in sedentary adolescents. Setting: Cross-sectional study in Brazilian public university. Participants: A total of 1011 sedentary adolescents (10-17y) were evaluated, 454 boys and 557 girls. Measurements: The frequency of upper respiratory tract infections (sore throat, cough, sneezing, runny nose, and colds), as well as sleep disorders and sociodemographic variables were assessed using a questionnaire. Results: There was a significant relationship between sore throat (Odds Ratio=2.33), cough (Odds Ratio=2.84), sneezing (Odds Ratio=2.23), coryza (Odds Ratio=2.04), and colds (Odds Ratio=1.67) with sleep disorders, regardless of adjusted variables (sex, age, and socioeconomic status). When analyzing the aggregation of upper respiratory tract infections simultaneously, adolescents with two (Odds Ratio=3.57), three (Odds Ratio=3.02), and ≥four (Odds Ratio=3.77) infections at a time were more likely to have sleep disorders. Conclusion: Upper respiratory tract infections were associated with sleep disorders in a large sample of sedentary adolescents. The chances of having sleep disorders increase when upper respiratory tract infections occur simultaneously.
A risk prediction model Construction as an Independent Disease-Free Prognostic Indicator for Seminoma by Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Chen Chunfa , YI Zhifeng , di yu
Published: June 2022

Background
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) are significant in directing different genes’ expression and their phenotype in different types of cancers. On the other hand, the function of m6A in seminomatous germ cell tumors (SGCT) is still unexplored. Our research attempts to demonstrate the disease-free prognosis value of m6A RNA methylation regulators in SGCT.
Methods
The gene expression and accompanying clinical data of 65 SGCT tissues and 85 NSGCT tissues retrieved from the TCGA database were analyzed. A series of R packages were applied for our study.
Results
The landscape of m6A RNA methylation regulators in SGCT was displayed. All SGCT patients were grouped into two clusters by consensus clustering of m6A RNA methylation regulators, and the clusters were connected to the disease-free prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of SGCT(p = 0.015). Furthermore, the risk score(1.52YTHDC1 + 2.22HNRNPC-2.735WTAP) model was obtained and constructed by the univariate Cox regression analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. The risk score was interrelated with stage status and laterality status of SGCT. Under the same conditions, the right side may have a higher risk score than the left one. More significantly, the risk score can serve as an self-supporting disease-free prognostic marker for SGCT patients.
Conclusions
m6A RNA methylation regulators played an important role of SGCT in its disease-free survival prognosis.
Nanonitrator: novel enhancer of inorganic nitrate’s protective effects, predicated on deep learning approach
Authors: Pan Wen , Hu Geng , Li Shaorong , Li Guoqing , Feng Xiaoyu , Wu Zhifang , Jin Hua , Sun Guangyong , Zhang Dong , Qin Lizheng , Wang Xue , Hu Liang , Xu Junji , Hu Lei , Jia Yijiang , Wang Jingsong , Zhang Chunmei , Li Wenbin , Zhou Jian , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Yuji , Wang Songlin
Published: June 2022

Inorganic nitrate is an indispensable nutrient, which has been used in experimental studies on the prevention and treatment of several diseases. However, its short half-life limits inorganic nitrate’s clinical application. To increase nitrate’s usability and overcome the challenges of traditional combination drug discovery through large-scale high-throughput biological experiments, we developed our deep learning–based combination drug prediction system, which identified vitamin C as the drug of choice to be combined with nitrate. Employing microencapsulation technology, we used vitamin C, sodium nitrate, and chitosan 3000 as the core material to prepare a nitrate nanoparticle, which we named Nanonitrator. The long-circulating delivery of nitrate by Nanonitrator significantly increased the efficacy and effect duration of nitrate in two animal models of injury, without compromising safety. Moreover, Nanonitrator at the same dose could better maintain intracellular homeostasis than nitrate (with or without vitamin C), emphasizing its potential for clinical use. More importantly, our work provides a method for the incorporation of inorganic compounds into sustained-release nanoparticles.
Towards more integrated Medical Information Systems: How HIS and MIS hand in hand will be able to be beneficial increasingly?
Authors: Azadi Ali , Peñalvo Francisco J. García
Published: June 2022

Nowadays according to the intention of many hospitals and medical centers to computerize their processes and medical treatments including data forms and medical images which are generating a huge amount of data, IT specialists and data scientists who are oriented to eHealth and related issues know the importance of data integrity and its benefits. This study attempts to indicate the significance of data integrity, especially in medical information systems. It means that the medical sub-systems in HIS (Hospital Information System) must be integrated and it is also necessary to unify with MIS (Management Information System). In this paper accuracy level of the extracted reports from the Information System (to evaluate the staff’s performance) in two ways has been measured: 1- At first, the performance of the clinic reception staff will be evaluated. In this way, the personnel attendance system is an independent and separated software, and the mentioned evaluation has been done by its report. 2- Next year in the same location precisely the same evaluation has been done based on the data extracted from the personnel attendance sub-system which has been added to the medical information system as an integrated information system. After comparing the accuracy level of both ways, this paper concludes that when the personnel attendance sub-system as a part of MIS has been unified with HIS and its sub-systems, how much the reports and consequently management decisions will be more accurate and more reliable and therefore the managers and decision-makers will perceive the importance of data integrity more than the past.
Conventional and afterload-adjusted measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction and velocity-time integral in assessing septic cardiomyopathy; a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Spathoulas Konstantinos , Tsolaki Vasiliki , Zakynthinos George E. , Makris Demosthenes , Zakynthinos Epaminondas , Papanikolaou John
Published: June 2022

Background: The role of echocardiography in septic shock is still problematic, since depressed cardiac afterload may overestimate left ventricular (LV) systolic performance and mask septic cardiomyopathy (SC). We hypothesized that afterload-adjusted LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV outflow tract velocity-time integral (VTI) values for given systemic vascular resistances (SVR) could provide novel insights into recognizing and stratifying the severity of SC.Methods: In this observational, one-center study, 14 mechanically-ventilated septic-shock patients having a PiCCO system in place for hemodynamic monitoring were prospectively included. Echocardiographic and PiCCO longitudinal examinations (71 pairs overall) were performed simultaneously at the onset of septic shock and every 12 hours for 60 hours overall. Results: VTI-derived stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were significantly correlated with PiCCO measurements (r≥0.993, both P<0.001). LVEF and VTI showed linear and exponential inverse correlation to SVR (R2=0.183;0.507, P<0.001;<0.001), respectively. The equations LVEF=86.168-0.011*SVR and VTI=41.23*e(-0.0005*SVR) were found to provide “predicted” values for given SVR. Measured to predicted (for given SVR) LVEF ratios (afterload-adjusted LVEF) defined the severity of SC (mild≥90%, 80%≤moderate<90% and severe<80%). Mortality in severe, moderate and mild SC was 25%, 0%, and 60%, respectively (P=0.108). Moderate SC was distinguished from severe SC by markedly higher LVEF, LV end-diastolic volume, VTI, SV, CO but significantly lower SVR (all P<0.05). LVEF and VTI decreased over-time in mild SC, LVEF decreased in moderate SC, while LVEF and VTI increased over-time in severe SC (P≤0.038). LVEF and VTI demonstrated significant performance in identifying severe SC [cut-off<61.5%, area under the curve (AUC)=1±0.0, sensitivity/specificity=100/100, P<0.001; cut-off<17.9cm, AUC=0.882±0.042, sensitivity/specificity=80/77, P<0.001, respectively], while VTI in identifying SVR<800dynes.sec.cm-5 and SVR>1500dynes.sec.cm-5 (cut-off>21.6cm, AUC=0.889±0.049, sensitivity/specificity=83/79, P<0.001; cut-off<16.8, AUC=0.0.857±0.082, sensitivity/specificity=83/86, P=0.002, respectively).Conclusions: Our study may suggest that LVEF and VTI assessment and adjustment to corresponding SVR may provide valuable insights for the comprehension of SC phenotypes, underlying vasoplegia and cardiac output fluctuations in septic shock. Clinical Trial Registration: Non-applicable
Investigation of Antimicrobial Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Probiotic Products and Preparations on Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tetik Nurten , Rayaman Pervin , Rayaman Erkan , Adaleti Rıza
Published: June 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
High performance adsorption of diesel fuel by enhanced hydrophobicity biochar-based adsorbents: Equilibrium, kinetic study and experimental design
Authors: Samanian Reza , Alijani Hassan , Pourreza Nahid
Published: June 2022

The diesel fuel hydrocarbon prevents the growth of a lot of microorganisms in the wastewater and causes massive loss of aquatic life. Removal of diesel fuel from water can be very difficult and have environmental impacts. In this study, four different biochar-based magnetic adsorbents biochar/Fe3O4 (BC/Fe3O4), ethylamine functionalized-biochar/Fe3O4 (E-BC/Fe3O4), butylamine functionalized-biochar/Fe3O4 (B-BC/Fe3O4) and octylamine functionalized-biochar/Fe3O4 (O-BC/Fe3O4) were synthesized and characterized for diesel fuel adsorption from water. The Response Surface Methodology-Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize adsorption key factors like dosage of adsorbent, mixture pH and contact time. Addition of alkyl amine groups made the biochar resistant to adsorption of water and enhanced the hydrophobicity of biochar. Modification of the biochar surface by alkyl amine groups can improve the adsorption properties of the biochar with increasing the surface area and hydrophobicity of the adsorbents, which led to an enhancement in the adsorption capacity. An increase in carbon chain length led to an increase in the adsorption efficiency of diesel fuel. The adsorption capacity for the O-BC/Fe3O4 adsorbent was very high value and it was six times higher than that of the BC/Fe3O4 adsorbent. Also, magnetization by nanoparticles of Fe3O4 deposition onto biochar allows the recovery of the adsorbents via an external magnetic field. Kinetically, the experimental results of adsorption well fitted the second-order model, also results revealed that all adsorbents followed Friendlich isotherm model. The maximum capacities for O-BC/Fe3O4, B-BC/Fe3O4, E-BC/Fe3O4 adsorbents were 1921.8, 6750, 11250 and 14531.3 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, thermodynamic study indicated that adsorption on the all adsorbent was spontaneous and the values of enthalpy as well as entropy were positive.
Safety and efficacy of combined sedation with dexmedetomidine and midazolam for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients over 80 years of age
Authors: Takayanagi Takuya , Sakamoto Yasunari , Kato Takayuki , Tomeno Wataru , Itoh Hideki , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: June 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a combination of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and midazolam (MDZ) for sedation in patients over 80 years of age during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods: Thirty-two patients over 80 years of age who were scheduled to undergo ERCP from June 2020 to February 2021 at the International University of Health and Welfare Atami Hospital were included. Seventeen patients who received DEX + MDZ for sedation during ERCP were compared with a historical control group (patients who received MDZ alone). In addition, the safety and efficacy of sedation were evaluated using between-group comparisons.Results: The MDZ dose required in the DEX + MDZ group was significantly lower than in the historical control group (8.5 mg vs. 18 mg, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in respiratory depression between the two groups (0% vs. 6.9%, p=0.585). During and after the examination, the minimum systolic blood pressure and minimum heart rate were significantly lower in the DEX + MDZ group than in the historical control group. However, serious complications were not observed.Conclusions: The results indicate that the DEX + MDZ combination is potentially safe and effective in sedating the elderly and does not cause serious complications.
Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) polysaccharides: prebiotic potential & health properties, a Clinical Trial
Authors: Noorbakhsh Hamid , Khorasgani Mohammad Rabbani
Published: June 2022

Polysaccharides are among the most abundant biopolymers with glycosidic linkages and diverse branches. They have shown many biological activities, including prebiotic and hypoglycemic effects, anti-inflammation, and gut microbiota modulation. In this study, date flesh polysaccharide (DFP) and date seed polysaccharide (DSP) were extracted using the ultrasonic-alkaline extraction method. Chemical structure, functional properties, prebiotic potential, and metabolite formation of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis with extracted polysaccharides were investigated. Structural analysis of DSP showed substitution of mannose and conformation of galactopyranosyl, mannopyranosyl, and xylopyranosyl, while DFP showed D-glucosyl residues with β configuration with galactopyranosyl and rhamnopiranosyl groups. DSP showed a strong proliferation effect on B. animalis (9.32 ± 0.05 log CFU.g− 1) and L. plantarum (8.66 ± 0.06 log CFU.g− 1). Moreover, B. animalis produced higher short-chain fatty acids when cultured with DSP. Results of a 28-day date fruit (50 gr/day) or date seed (30 gr/day) powder intervention (TRN: IR.UI.REC.1400.023, 2021.07.17) on blood biomarkers revealed that date seed powder could significantly reduce TG, CRP, FBS, and increase RBC and RDW (p < 0.05). Taken together, DSP had a higher prebiotic, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory potential compared to DFP. Therefore, date polysaccharides could be further developed as a potential functional product.
Decreased plasma neuropeptides in first-episode schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder: associations with clinical symptoms and cognitive function
Authors: Yu Hua , Ni Peiyan , Zhao Liansheng , Tian Yang , Li Mingli , Li Xiaojing , Wei Wei , Wei Jinxue , Deng Wei , Du Xiangdong , Wang Qiang , Guo Wanjun , Ma Xiaohong , Coid Jeremy , Li Tao
Published: June 2022

Background
There is an urgent need to identify differentiating and disease-monitoring biomarkers of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders (BD), and major depressive disorders (MDD) to improve treatment and management.
Methods
We recruited 54 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients, 52 BD patients, 35 MDD patients, and 54 healthy controls from inpatient and outpatient clinics. α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH), β-endorphins, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were investigated using quantitative multiplex assay method. Psychotic symptoms were measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), manic symptoms using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and depressive symptoms using 17 item-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). We additionally measured executive function using the computerized Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) given to all participants.
Results
α-MSH, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were decreased in the three patient groups compared with controls. Neurotensin outperformed all biomarkers in differentiating patient groups from controls. There were no significant differences for 6 neuropeptides in their ability to differentiate between the three patient groups. Higher neurotensin was associated with better executive function across the entire sample. Lower oxytocin and higher substance p were associated with more psychotic symptoms in FES and BD groups. β-endorphin was associated with early morning wakening symptom in all three patient groups.
Conclusion
Our research shows circulating neuropeptides have the potential to differentiate severe mental illnesses from controls. These neuropeptides are promising treatment targets for improving clinical symptoms and cognitive function in FES, BD, and MDD.
Device Simulations with A U-Net Model Predicting Physical Quantities in Two-Dimensional Landscapes
Authors: Lee Wen-Jay , Hsieh Wu-Tsung , Fang Bin-Horn , Kao Kuo-Hsing , Chen Nan-Yow
Published: June 2022

Although Technology Computer-Aided Design(TCAD) simulation has paved a successful and efficient way to significantly reduce the cost of experiments under the device design, it still encounters many challenges as the semiconductor industry goes through rapid development in recent years, ie. Complex 3D device structures, power devices. Recently, although machine learning has been proposed to enable the simulation acceleration and inverse‑design of devices, which can quickly and accurately predict device performance, up to now physical quantities (such as electric field, potential energy, quantum-mechanically confined carrier distributions, and so on) being essential for understanding device physics can still only be obtained by traditional time-consuming self-consistent calculation. In this work, we employ a modified U-Net and train two models to predict the physical quantities of a MOSFET in two-dimensional landscapes for the first time. Errors in predictions by the two models have been analyzed, which shows the importance of a sufficient amount of data to prediction accuracy. The computation time for one landscape prediction with high accuracy by our well-trained U-Net model is much faster than the traditional approach. This work paves the way for interpretable predictions of device simulations based on convolutional neural networks.
Correction of severe lower limb deformity with digital hexapod external fixator based on CT data
Authors: Lu Yufeng , Li Jinfeng , Qiao Feng , Xu Zhaochen , Zhang Baogang , Jia Bin , He Jinlong , Qi Liang , Wang Min , Fei Chen , Cao Xiaoming
Published: June 2022

purpose: The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of our self-developed digital six-axis external fixator technique for correction of severe deformities of the lower extremities.Patients and Methods: From January 2017 to December 2020, our institution used self-developed digital hexapod external fixator technology（QSF） based on CT data to slowly correct 28 severe tibial deformities, and 15 femurs underwent osteotomy and internal fixation. The mean age was 32.6±14.3 years, and the mean follow-up was 23.3±16.1 months. MAD, mFTA, MPTA, LLD, mLDFA at preoperative and final follow-up, and LEFS, KSS and functional score at preoperative and final follow-up were compared.Results: The QSF adjustment time was 21.4±10.8 days, and the healing time of the tibial osteotomy site was 17.6±7.0 weeks. Preoperative MAD, mFTA, MPTA were 54.1±26.2 mm, 167.7±15.7°, 75.2±12.0°, respectively. At last follow-up, MAD was 8.2±9.9 mm, mFTA was 177.6±3.4°, and MPTA was 87.6±2.4°. Significant improvement was achieved after operation. Preoperative LLD, mLDFA were 13.8±18mm, 83.7±10.8°, at last follow-up were 7.6±7.6mm, 87.8±2.6mm, no significant difference before and after operation. The LEFS, KSS and functional scores improved from 51.6 ± 11.2, 68.5 ± 11.7, 67.8 ± 11.2 to 72.3 ± 6.1, 92.9 ± 3.4, 94.2 ± 6.3, respectively. Conclusions: The QSF technique can accurately correct severe multiplanar deformities of the tibia in adults. Combined with femoral osteotomy to correct femoral deformity, satisfactory lower extremity alignment can be obtained. The technology has the advantages of simple operation, reliable fixation, less trauma and less complications.Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
High Frequency of Low Expression Genotypes in Mexican Population for the TYMS Gene Predicted From the TSER and G>C Variants
Authors: Faviola Favela-Mendoza Alma , Dinorah Godínez-López Andrea , Mariana Chávez-Arreguin , Velazquez Alonso José Aguilar , Gabriela Martínez-Cortes , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor
Published: June 2022

Background. The TYMS gene contains one of the 68 very important polymorphisms because affect the expression level of the thymidylate synthetase (TS), such as TSER that is involved in the toxicity and therapeutic response to 5'-Fluoracil (5’-FU), the drug of choice for different cancers. However, the inclusion of additional TYMS variants have improved the association with the expression levels. Although the TSER variants have been studied in the Mexican population, genotypes including the G>C SNP in the TYMS gene are completely unknown in this country. Methods and results. A Mexican population sample (n= 156) was genotyped for the TSER and G>C polymorphisms by PCR and PCR-RFLPs followed by PAGE and silver staining, respectively. Allele and genotype frequencies were estimated, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was demonstrated for both TYMS variants in the studied population sample. For TSER, the most frequent allele was 2R (52.56%), as well as the genotype 2R/3R (42.3%). Comparison with Latin American, European, and American (USA) populations suggest a heterogeneous worldwide distribution (FST-value=0.01564; P-value=0.0000). When the G>C variant was included, a high frequency of the genotypes 2RG/2RG, 2RG/3RC, and 3RC/3RC was observed (84.6%). This finding allows predicting a high frequency of low expression for the thymidylate synthase (TS) in the Mexican population, which can predispose to peculiar treatment responses of 5´-FU, methotrexate, and pemetrexed. Conclusion. This study justifies obtaining the pharmacogenetic profile of TYMS variants in candidate Ca patients for 5´-FU treatment, given the high frequency of low TS expression in the Mexican population.
Atom-economic and Self-reported Thiol Activation through Visible Light Induced Photo-rearrangment for Efficient Click-ligation
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Fang , Deng Long , Guo Huichao , Xia Tong , Mao Wenxuan , Zhang Junji
Published: June 2022

Photo-induced thiol release offers great opportunities for spatial/temporal regulation over selectivity and efficiency of thiol-ene ligations. Conventional means mainly count on photo-caged thiol precursors design, which may inevitably produce fragmented “wastes” during photo-activation and possibly turn on a series of undesirable side reactions. Additionally, the commonly used light sources (< 450 nm) remarkably restrict the potential bio-applications because of bio-toxicity and limited tissue penetration. To tackle these setbacks, we presented herein a novel family of photo-responsive 2-methylthiophene/benzo[b]thiophene perylene bisimides that generated free thiols with green light (λ = 530 nm) via a “waste-free” photo-rearrangement mechanism. The in situ photo-unmasked thiols thus enabled a subsequent Michael addition with electron-deficient substrates (e.g., maleimide). By virtue of the intrinsic fluorescence evolution from the rearrangement of perylene bisimides scaffold, the whole process of thiol formation could be self-reported, potentiating this newly-exploited, visible-light-initiated click system for future applications in biomaterials fabrication and in vivo bio-conjugation/bio-labelling.
The comparison of clinical outcomes of the peak–trough-based versus trough-based vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring approaches in elderly patients
Authors: Wang Liming , Lin Xiaolan , Wang Ling , Ye Hong , Lin Yuxing , Junshan Ruan , Shi Songjing
Published: June 2022

BackgroundVancomycin AUC/MIC (area under the curve/minimum inhibitory concentration) has been proposed as a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) target to dose vancomycin. It is time-consuming to estimate AUCs using traditional methods. A two-point trough-peak method is more straightforward for calculating the vancomycin AUC. However, the technique and the AUC/MIC target have not been validated in Chinese patients. Aim To assess the clinical outcomes of vancomycin therapy in Chinese older adults using the two-point peak-trough method for predicting vancomycin AUC.MethodThe patients were divided into study and control groups according to TDM approaches. A trough-based TDM was used in the control group (target trough level 15-20 mg/L). A two-point trough-peak TDM approach was employed in the study group (target AUC/MIC ≥ 400). The effect of vancomycin was evaluated in terms of clinical findings, laboratory values, and bacteriologic responses. The effects of treatment and kidney functions were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 200 patients were enrolled, 80 in the study group and 120 in the intervention group. The average age was 69.8±7.1 years. Staphylococcus aureus (34%) was the most common Gram-positive bacteria. No vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity was observed in either group. The percentages of patients with an excellent response to vancomycin therapy were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group, 90% (72/80) versus 73.3% (88/120), P = 0.0039. ConclusionThe two-point peak-trough method is practical for obtaining vancomycin AUC. The AUC/MIC≥ 400 target demonstrates treatment efficacy and safety in Chinese adults.
Exposure to socio-political unrest and wellbeing of older people in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Daniel W. L. , Liu Emma H.S. , Yan Elsie C.W. , Wong Gloria H.Y. , Li Jessica J. , Lee Vincent W.P.
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe social unrest in the second half of 2019 in Hong Kong came with conflicts, confrontations, and violence which affected almost everyone in the city. AimThis study examined the impacts of the social unrest on the wellbeing of older people, an area that was seldomly addressed in the public discourse and literature. MethodsNarrative interviews were conducted with 63 participants aged 60 and above. ResultsParticipants experienced challenges during the social unrest, including disturbance to family and social life, reduced incomes which affect quality of life, and difficulties in socializing with friends and accessing medical services. The social unrest caused emotional disturbance, giving rise to feelings of panic, fear, insomnia, depression, annoyance, and anger. Participants reported different coping strategies, ranging from moving to other places, to avoiding going to risky areas and watching news. ConclusionThe stakeholders’ awareness of the problem and mental health promotion is required to alleviate the multiple layers of negative impacts.
Emergency Physician Professionalism: 360 - Degree Perceptions of Healthcare Providers and Patients in Thailand and USA Cultural Context
Authors: Narajeenron Khuansiri , Tarapan Tanawat , Dukovic Jasmina , Sutham Krongkarn , Imsuwan Intanon , Dadeh Ar-aishah , Nakornchai Tanyaporn , Bengiamin Deena , Chakravarthy Bharath , Anderson Craig , Eiam-Ong Somchit , Hoonpongsimanont Wirachin
Published: June 2022

Background: We previously demonstrated generational perspectives of emergency physician professionalism (EPP) defined by healthcare providers and patients in the USA. The present study aimed to further explore EPP perceptions among healthcare providers and patients from emergency departments in the USA and Thailand. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study in university-based emergency departments was performed in the USA and Thailand from July 2016 to January 2017. Participants were enrolled from seven centers (USA=2, Thailand=5). All participants were pooled and categorized into two groups: healthcare providers and patients. The former group consisted of attending physicians (APs), nurses, residents, and 4th and 1st year medical students (MS4s and MS1s, respectively). Each participant independently ranked 39 cards describing qualities of EPP. Descriptive statistics, quantitative cultural consensus, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the data. Results: The total number of participants was 984, with the majority from Thailand (n = 683; 69.41%). The groups of APs, nurses, residents, MS4s, MS1s, and patients included 89, 196, 135, 197, 170, and 197 subjects, respectively. In the USA, APs had a wider range of ages (30-68) than those in Thailand (29-49). APs and nurses had more experiences of unprofessional EPP than MS4s, MS1s, and patients. Thai MS1s started medical school earlier than students in the USA. Both MS4s and MS1s in the USA had more healthcare work-related experiences. All cohorts agreed that having excellent knowledge and procedural skills is the most important behavior for EPP, while wearing a white coat is the least important. The overall data demonstrated a pattern of borderline cultural consensus regarding EPP (eigenvalue ratio = 3.07, mean competency = 0.5, and negative competency = 3.15%), with a validity of 0.95. There was no cultural consensus among healthcare providers and patients.Conclusion: This is the first study showing EPP perceptions in healthcare teams and patients from the USA and Thailand. All participants selected the same rankings of the most and least important EPP-related issues. However, no absolute cultural consensus among healthcare providers and patients was identified. Therefore, more studies on the aspects of EPP are required.
Exploring the impacts of a coffin-lying experience on life and death attitudes of medical and nursing students
Authors: Chiou Ruei-Jen , Tsai Po-Fang , Han Der-Yan
Published: June 2022

Background
Physicians and nurses often exhibit strong negative emotional and behavioral reactions when patients they care for pass away, and death education helps them cope with these difficulties. When implementing death education, the literature shows that experiential activities are more effective than lecturing, and progressive exposure is the best way to reduce death anxieties. This study examined the effects of coffin-lying, an activity sometimes seen in Asian cultures, on life and death attitudes of medical and nursing students.
Methods
During a period from 2020 to 2021, 134 medical and nursing students from a medical university in northern Taiwan voluntarily participated in this study. Among them, 53 were in the experimental group, who participated in a coffin-lying activity for nearly 3 hours, and the other 81 were in the control group. All participants filled out questionnaires 1 week before the activity (T1), 1 week after the activity (T2), and 6 ~ 11 weeks after the activity (T3). Three waves of data were analyzed by a repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results
The “fear of death” and “death avoidance” between the experimental and control groups significantly differed at T2 and T3, and the effects of “love and care” and “feeling of existence” were only manifested at T2. In addition, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in “natural acceptance”, “approach acceptance”, or “escape acceptance”.
Conclusions
The coffin-lying activity based on desensitization is effective in improving “fear of death” and “death avoidance”, and the effects were extended to 6 ~ 11 weeks. Coffin-lying is not only a well-designed activity that quickly reduces negative tendencies toward death, but it is also worth adopting by medical and nursing schools to make death education more comprehensive.
Observer design for Interconnected Takagi-Sugeno systems with Immeasurable Premise Variables
Authors: ouhib lamia , Kara Redouane
Published: June 2022

This paper deals with observer design for a class of Interconnected Takagi-Sugeno systems with Immeasurable Premise Variables. Asymptotic stability and -stability of Luenberger-like Interconnected Multiple Observers are examined. Finsler’s Lemma is used to relax -stability conditions through the introduction of additional slack variables. The designed conditions are expressed as Linear Matrix Inequalities. The proposed approaches are applied in simulation to a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) system and a four-tank system.
Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates neurogenesis disorder and neuronal apoptosis in the rat hippocampus after spinal cord injury may involve BDNF/ERK signaling
Authors: Xie Zhiping , Wang Zhihua , Xie Shenke , Wu Zhiwu , Zhou Wu , Li Chengcai , Li Meihua
Published: June 2022

Our previous results have demonstrated that spinal cord injury(SCI) can induce hippocampus injury and depression in rodents. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is one of the main active ingredients of Panax ginseng, which is efficient to prevent neurodegenerative disorders. However, no reports explain the effects of Rg1 in SCI-induced hippocampus injury. Neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling is important in neural differentiation, protection, and regeneration. However, the changes of BDNF/ERK signaling in the hippocampus after SCI is unclear. We used a rat compression SCI model to assess the changes of BDNF/ERK signaling in the hippocampus after SCI, and investigate the effects of Rg1(intraperitoneal injection) on the injured hippocampus. Western blotting and morphological assays demonstrated that BDNF/ERK signaling is altered in the hippocampus at 5 weeks after SCI. In addition, SCI attenuates neurogenesis and enhances the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in the hippocampus. Moreover, Rg1 could attenuate the expression of cleaved caspase-3, and improve neurogenesis and the expression of BDNF/p-ERK signaling in the rat hippocampus. The results thus suggested that SCI decreases the expression of BDNF/p-ERK signaling, and Rg1 could attenuate the changes of hippocampus after SCI. We speculate that the protective effects of Rg1 in hippocampus injury after SCI may involve BDNF/p-ERK signaling. Rg1 may serve as a therapeutic pharmaceutical product in the future when seeking to counter SCI-induced hippocampus injury.
Effects of statin use on primary patency, mortality, and limb loss in patients undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Braun Stela Karine , Jorge Daiane Wagner , Bortolanza Geovani , Rocha João Batista Teixeira da
Published: June 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to determine whether the administration of statins before, during or after lower-limb arterial angioplasty was associated with improved primary patency, mortality, and limb loss through a meta-analysis.
Methods
All studies on statin administration in patients undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty that reported the outcomes of interest (primary patency, mortality and limb loss) were included in a meta-analysis.
Results
Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. Statin use in patients undergoing lower-limb arterial angioplasty was associated with improved primary patency at 12 (12.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.86–18.28, p < 0.0001) and 24 months (7.19, 95% CI: 1.02–13.37, p = 0.02), decreased mortality in 39% at 12 months (relative risk (RR): 0.61, 95% CI: 0.55–0.74, p < 0.00001) and improved amputation-free survival (AFS) in 35% (Hazard ratio: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46–0.793, p = 0.0198). However, statin use was not associated with decreased limb loss among patients in the included studies (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.56–1.04, p = 0.08).
Conclusion
Statin therapy was associated with significantly improved patency, overall survival, and AFS but not with limb loss after lower-limb arterial angioplasty.
Kavain ablates the radio-resistance of glioblastoma multiforma by targeting LITAF/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Yu Jianzhong , Yuan Fang , Shi Jun , Zhuang Liyuan , Zeng Hui , Ge Lin , Fang Chuantao , Mei Xinyu , Li Hao , Wang Xiongwei
Published: June 2022

Glioblastoma multiforma (GBM) is the most malignant intrinsic tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), with high morbidity of 3.19/100,000 per year and a poor 5-year survival rate (< 5%) in worldwide. Numerous studies have indicated that GBM shows remarkable radioresistance and aggressive recurrence. However, the mechanisms to endow GBM cells with radioresistance are complex and unclear. Cell growth curve and Colony formation assay were used to analyzed radio-resistance of GBM. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting experiments were carried out to analyze protein expression and interaction. In the present study, we found that LITAF, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α factor, is up-regulated both in mRNA and protein in GBM tumors. Meanwhile, we observed that high LITAF expression contributes to radioresistance of GBM cell lines, corroborated by LITAF−/− U87 and LITAF-low DK are more sensitive to radiation than wild type U87 (LITAF-high) both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that kavain, an active constituent of Piper methysticum Forst., effectively ablates U87 cells' radioresistance in a LITAF dependent manner. In mechanism, our results indicated that 1) the elevation of LITAF in GBM cells activates the NF-κB pathway to promote mesenchymal transition, and 2) kavain disturbs STAT6/LITAF protein interaction and then expels LITAF from the nucleus. Therefore, we consider that kavain may be a potential candidate to develop irradiation therapy adjuvant for GBM.
Effects of breast massage by non-medical personnel on the clinical characteristics and treatment of breast abscess
Authors: Gao Haifeng , Wang Jie , Li Yan , Ding Songtao , Zhang Yi , Chen Si , Zhang Hongwei , Liu Hongyan
Published: June 2022

Introduction Breast massage and manual expression of breast milk are recommended for some breastfeeding problems. Aim This retrospective study evaluated the differences in the clinical characteristics and treatment of lactating mothers with breast abscess involving different breast massage participants. Methods Medical records of 654 women with breast abscess in Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital were obtained and analyzed. The women were categorized into the study and control groups based on the person who performed the massage (non-medical vs. medical personnel). The difference in the site of breast abscess, type of abscess cavity, necrotic organization inside the abscess cavity, treatment of abscess, and number of punctures treatment was compared. Results The incidences of breast abscess in the nipple areola area, multicavity, and necrotic tissue in the abscess cavity in the study group were higher than in the control group. The mean number of abscess cavities in the two groups was not significantly different. The puncture treatment rate was lower, while the mean puncture number was higher in the study group. Conclusion Breast massage by non-medical personnel resulted in more complex and difficult to treat abscesses, which underscores the need for mothers to be cautious in choosing breast massage providers.
Preliminary Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of Ovary Tissue in White Muscovy Duck with High- and Low-Egg Production
Authors: Ma Ling , Yu Xuan , Wang Zhiying , Wu Junpeng , Li Hongrui , Huang Lihua , Zhang Jianqin
Published: June 2022

Background
The egg-laying rate is an important indicator for evaluating fertility of poultry, in which the growth and development of ovarian granulosa cells are essential for the egg production performance of poultry. In this study, to understand the mRNA expression regulations and pathways of ovarian granulosa cells organization, we sequenced the white Muscovy ducks of different fecundity at egg production peak using RNA-Seq, further, improve the reproduction character and economic efficiency. Three high-yield and three low-yield Muscovy ducks in the peak egg-laying period were selected according to the egg-laying record in the peak egg-laying period. The ovarian tissues of Muscovy ducks were collected, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by RNA-seq analysis. The main signaling pathways were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) annotations enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations enrichment, and verified by qRT-PCR.
Results
The results showed that the ratio of sequencing reads generated by high-yield and low-yield white Muscovy ducks to the reference genome of green head ducks ranged from 60.28–65.58%; Further analysis showed 296 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Compared with low-yield white Muscovy ducks, 160 genes were up-regulated and 136 genes were down-regulated in high-yield white Muscovy ducks ovary; GO annotations are mainly enriched in oxygen binding and oxygen transport activities at the molecular level, but not in GO Terms of biological processes and cell components; KEGG pathway was enriched in phagosome, cancer proteoglycan pathway, actin cytoskeleton regulation, cell adhesion molecules, Rap1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was closely related to animal reproductive performance; based on the GO terms and KEGG pathways results, seven genes closely related to ovarian granulosa cell differentiation and proliferation were screened and RNA-seq was used., qRT-PCR results showed that the expression trends of seven randomly selected DEGs were consistent with RNA-seq results.
Conclusion
In summary, this study should serve as an important resource revealing a theoretical basis on the molecular regulation mechanism of reproductive traits genes in granulosa cells of white Muscovy duck ovary.
Gasdermin D-deficient mice are hypersensitive to acute kidney injury
Authors: Linkermann Andreas , Tonnus Wulf , Maremonti Francesca , Belavgeni Alexia , Latk Markus , Brucker Anne , von Mässenhausen Anne , Meyer Claudia , Locke Sophie , Gembardt Florian , Beer Kristina , Hugo Christian , Bornstein Stefan , Kusunoki Yoshihiro , Anders Hans-Joachim , Becker Jan , Shao Feng
Published: June 2022

Signaling pathways of regulated necrosis, such as necroptosis and ferroptosis contribute to acute kidney injury (AKI), but the role of pyroptosis is unclear. Pyroptosis is mediated by the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD). Here, we report a specific pattern of GSDMD-protein expression in the peritubular compartment of mice that underwent bilateral ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI). Along similar lines, the GSDMD protein expression in whole kidney lysates increased during the first 84 hours following cisplatin-induced AKI. Importantly, unlike whole kidney lysates, no GSDMD protein expression was detectable in isolated kidney tubules. In IRI and cisplatin-induced AKI, GSDMD-deficient mice exhibited hypersensitivity to injury as assessed by tubular damage, elevated markers of serum urea and serum creatinine. This hypersensitivity was reversed by combined deficiency of GSDMD and the necroptosis mediator mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL). In conclusion, we demonstrate a non-cell autonomous role for GSDMD in protecting the tubular compartment from necroptosis-mediated damage in IRI.
Effectiveness of protocolized management for patients sustaining maxillofacial fracture with massive oronasal bleeding: A single-center experience
Authors: Wu Fang Chi , Hung Kuo Shu , Lin Yu Wen , Sung Kang , Yang Tsung Han , Wang Chih Jung , Yen Yi Ting
Published: June 2022

Background: Maxillofacial fractures can lead to massive oronasal bleeding; however, surgical hemostasis and packing procedures can be challenging owing to complex facial anatomy. Only a few studies investigated maxillofacial fractures with massive oronasal hemorrhage. However, thus far, no studies reported a protocolized management approach for maxillofacial trauma from a single center. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of protocolized management for maxillofacial fractures with oronasal bleeding. Methods: Patients were identified from the National Cheng University Hospital trauma registry from 2010 to 2020. We included patients with a face Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of ≥ 3 and active oronasal bleeding. Patients’ characteristics were compared between the angiography and non-angiography groups and between survivors and nonsurvivors. Results: Forty-nine patients were included. Among them, 34 (69%) underwent angiography, of whom 21 received arterial embolization. Forty-seven patients (96%) successfully achieved hemostasis by adhering to the treatment protocol at our institution. Compared with the non-angiography group, the angiography group had significantly more patients requiring oral intubation (97% vs. 53%, p<0.001), Glasgow Coma Scale <9 (GCS ; 79% vs. 27%, p<0.001), head AIS >3 (65% vs. 13%, p=0.001), higher Injury Severity Score (ISS; 43 [33-50] vs. 22 [18-27], p<0.001), higher incidence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR; 41% vs. 0%, p=0.002), higher mortality rate (35% vs. 7%, p=0.043), and more units of packed red blood cells transfused within 24 hours (PRBC; 12 [6-20] vs. 2 [0-4], p<0.001). Nonsurvivors had significantly more patients with hypotension (62% vs. 8%; p<0.001), higher need for CPR (85% vs. 8%; p<0.001), head AIS >3 (92% vs. 33%; p<0.001), skull base fracture (100% vs. 64%; p=0.011), GCS <9 (100% vs. 50%; p=0.003), higher ISS (50 [43-57] vs. 29 [19-48]; p<0.001), and more units of PRBC transfused within 24 hours (18 [13-22] vs. 6 [2-12]; p=0.001) compared with survivors. More patients in the nonsurvivor group underwent angiography (92% vs. 61%; p=0.043). Among embolized vessels, the internal maxillary artery (65%) was the most common bleeding site. Hypoxic encephalopathy accounted for 92% of deaths.Conclusions: Maxillofacial fractures with massive oronasal bleeding are rare, but fatal. Securing the airway as well as early hemostasis is the top priority to salvage such patients. Protocol-guided management is effective in optimizing outcomes in patients with maxillofacial bleeding.
Offline Signature verification : A Systematic Review
Authors: singh Divpreet , Mittal Ajay , Aggarwal Naveen , Kumar Rajesh
Published: June 2022

One of the most often used biometrics for authentication is the individual's signature. There are a variety of methods for determining if a signature is genuine or counterfeit. There are a variety of methods for confirming the legitimacy of a signature in this research. This is the rationale for the use of signature verification in many financial transactions, including mortgages, checks, and so on. Measuring factors like false acceptance, false rejection, and equal error rate may be done in a variety of ways, and those methods are discussed in this work.