bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary trends in global mortality of sepsis among young infants less than 90 days old: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pek Jen Heng , Gan Ming Ying , Yap Bei Jun , Seethor Shu Ting Tammie , Greenberg Rachel G , Hornik Christoph Paul Vincent , Tan Bobby , Lee Jan Hau , Chong Shu-Ling
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Neonatal sepsis has a high mortality rate that varies across different populations. We aim to perform a contemporary global evidence synthesis to determine the case fatality rates of neonatal sepsis, in order to better delineate this public health urgency and inform strategies to reduce fatality in this high-risk population.

Methods and analysis

We will search PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase and Web of Science for articles in English language published between January 2010 and December 2019. All clinical trials and observational studies involving infants less than 90 days old with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis and reported case fatality rate will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies and extract data on study variables chosen a priori. Quality of evidence and risk of bias will be assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and ROBINS-I. Results will be synthesised qualitatively and pooled for meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

No formal ethical approval is required as there is no collection of primary data. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated through conference meetings and peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020164321.
Distress and resilience of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic (DARVID): study protocol for a mixed-methods research project
Authors: Fuchs Alexander , Abegglen Sandra , Berger-Estilita Joana , Greif Robert , Eigenmann Helen
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has exposed healthcare professionals (HCPs) to exceptional situations that can lead to increased anxiety (ie, infection anxiety and perceived vulnerability), traumatic stress and depression. We will investigate the development of these psychological disturbances in HCPs at the treatment front line and second line during the COVID-19 pandemic over a 12-month period in different countries. Additionally, we will explore whether personal resilience factors and a work-related sense of coherence influence the development of mental health problems in HCPs.

Methods and analysis

We plan to carry out a sequential qualitative–quantitative mixed-methods design study. The quantitative phase consists of a longitudinal online survey based on six validated questionnaires, to be completed at three points in time. A qualitative analysis will follow at the end of the pandemic to comprise at least nine semistructured interviews. The a priori sample size for the survey will be a minimum of 160 participants, which we will extend to 400, to compensate for dropout. Recruitment into the study will be through personal invitations and the ‘snowballing’ sampling technique. Hierarchical linear regression combined with qualitative data analysis, will facilitate greater understanding of any associations between resilience and mental health issues in HCPs during pandemics.

Ethics and dissemination

The study participants will provide electronic informed consent. All recorded data will be stored on a secured research server at the study site, which will only be accessible to the investigators. The Bern Cantonal Ethics Committee has waiv ed the need for ethical approval (Req-2020–00355, 1 April 2020). There are no ethical, legal or security issues regarding the data collection, processing, storage and dissemination in this project.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13694948.
Risk of seizures with antidepressants: what is the evidence?
Authors: Craig Donald Peter , Osborne Curtis
Published: July 2020

Topics for DTB review articles are selected by DTB’s editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients. Articles may also have a series of multiple choice CME questions.
Age, period and cohort effects in firearm homicide and suicide in the USA, 1983–2017
Authors: Haviland Miriam J , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Rivara Frederick P
Published: July 2020

Background

Rates of firearm homicide and suicide have varied over time. These variations are due to a number of factors including temporal trends, age, birth year and gender. We sought to conduct an age–period–cohort analysis to understand the intersection of these factors with firearm homicide and suicide.

Methods

We used data on firearm homicide and suicide for the years 1983–2017 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System for this analysis. We restricted our analysis on firearm homicide to persons aged 10–44 years and our analysis on firearm suicide to persons aged 50–84 years, as these age groups are most at risk of each outcome. We calculated annual incidence rates for both outcomes per 100 000 population, overall and by gender.

Results

Across all age groups, rates of firearm homicide increased dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The peak age for firearm homicide varied across cohorts, although it was generally between ages 15 and 29 years. Rates of firearm homicide were substantially higher among men than women, regardless of age, period or cohort. Firearm suicide rates varied significantly by gender. Among men, older cohorts had higher firearm suicide rates, although the rate of firearm suicide increased with age across all cohorts. Among women, firearm suicide rates were also highest among older cohorts; however, firearm suicide rates decreased or remained relatively constant with age.

Conclusion

There are important differences in rates of firearm homicide and suicide with respect to gender, age, period and cohort.
Predictive molecular pathology in the time of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Europe
Authors: Malapelle Umberto , Pisapia Pasquale , Iaccarino Antonino , Barberis Massimo , Bellevicine Claudio , Brunnström Hans , de Biase Dario , De Maglio Giovanna , Ericson Lindquist Kajsa , Fassan Matteo , Fontanini Gabriella , Gruppioni Elisa , Hofman Paul , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Molina Vila Miguel A , Pujals Anaïs , Rapa Ida , Righi Luisella , Rosell Rafael , Schildgen Oliver , Schildgen Verena , Schmitt Fernando C , Tallini Giovanni , Vander Borght Sara , Vigliar Elena , Volante Marco , Wagener-Ryczek Svenja , Weynand Birgit , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: July 2020

Aims

Lung cancer predictive biomarker testing is essential to select advanced-stage patients for targeted treatments and should be carried out without delays even during health emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Methods

Fifteen molecular laboratories from seven different European countries compared 4 weeks of national lockdown to a corresponding period in 2019, in terms of tissue and/or plasma-based molecular test workload, analytical platforms adopted, number of cases undergoing programmed death-ligand1 (PD-L1) expression assessment and DNA-based molecular tests turnaround time.

Results

In most laboratories (80.0%), tissue-based molecular test workload was reduced. In 40.0% of laboratories (6/15), the decrease was >25%, and in one, reduction was as high as 80.0%. In this instance, a concomitant increase in liquid biopsy was reported (60.0%). Remarkably, in 33.3% of the laboratories, real-time PCR (RT-PCR)-based methodologies increased, whereas highly multiplexing assays approaches decreased. Most laboratories (88.9%) did not report significant variations in PD-L1 volume testing.

Conclusions

The workload of molecular testing for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer during the lockdown showed little variations. Local strategies to overcome health emergency-related issues included the preference for RT-PCR tissue-based testing methodologies and, occasionally, for liquid biopsy.
Human CLEC9A antibodies deliver NY-ESO-1 antigen to CD141+ dendritic cells to activate naïve and memory NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Masterman Kelly-Anne , Haigh Oscar L , Tullett Kirsteen M , Leal-Rojas Ingrid M , Walpole Carina , Pearson Frances E , Cebon Jonathon , Schmidt Christopher , O'Brien Liam , Rosendahl Nikita , Daraj Ghazal , Caminschi Irina , Gschweng Eric H , Hollis Roger P , Kohn Donald B , Lahoud Mireille H , Radford Kristen J
Published: July 2020

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for the efficacy of cancer vaccines, but current vaccines do not harness the key cDC1 subtype required for effective CD8+ T-cell-mediated tumor immune responses. Vaccine immunogenicity could be enhanced by specific delivery of immunogenic tumor antigens to CD141+ DCs, the human cDC1 equivalent. CD141+ DCs exclusively express the C-type-lectin-like receptor CLEC9A, which is important for the regulation of CD8+ T cell responses. This study developed a new vaccine that harnesses a human anti-CLEC9A antibody to specifically deliver the immunogenic tumor antigen, NY-ESO-1 (New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1), to human CD141+ DCs. The ability of the CLEC9A-NY-ESO-1 antibody to activate NY-ESO-1-specific naïve and memory CD8+ T cells was examined and compared with a vaccine comprised of a human DEC-205-NY-ESO-1 antibody that targets all human DCs.

Methods

Human anti-CLEC9A, anti-DEC-205 and isotype control IgG4 antibodies were genetically fused to NY-ESO-1 polypeptide. Cross-presentation to NY-ESO-1-epitope-specific CD8+ T cells and reactivity of T cell responses in patients with melanoma were assessed by interferon γ (IFNγ) production following incubation of CD141+ DCs and patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells with targeting antibodies. Humanized mice containing human DC subsets and a repertoire of naïve NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cells were used to investigate naïve T cell priming. T cell effector function was measured by expression of IFNγ, MIP-1β, tumor necrosis factor and CD107a and by lysis of target tumor cells.

Results

CLEC9A-NY-ESO-1 antibodies (Abs) were effective at mediating delivery and cross-presentation of multiple NY-ESO-1 epitopes by CD141+ DCs for activation of NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cells. When benchmarked to NY-ESO-1 conjugated to an untargeted control antibody or to anti-human DEC-205, CLEC9A-NY-ESO-1 was superior at ex vivo reactivation of NY-ESO-1-specific T cell responses in patients with melanoma. Moreover, CLEC9A-NY-ESO-1 induced priming of naïve NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cells with polyclonal effector function and potent tumor killing capacity in vitro.

Conclusions

These data advocate human CLEC9A-NY-ESO-1 Ab as an attractive strategy for specific targeting of CD141+ DCs to enhance tumor immunogenicity in NY-ESO-1-expressing malignancies.
Oropharyngeal
Chlamydia trachomatis
in women; spontaneous clearance and cure after treatment (FemCure)
Authors: Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H T M , Wolffs Petra , Lucchesi Mayk , Götz Hannelore M , De Vries Henry , Schim van der Loeff Maarten , Bruisten Sylvia M , Hoebe Christian J P A
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Women attending STI clinics are not routinely tested for oropharyngeal
Chlamydia trachomatis
(CT) infections. We aimed to assess spontaneous clearance of oropharyngeal CT and cure after antibiotic treatment in women.

Methods

Women with vaginal or rectal CT (n=560) were recruited at STI clinics in 2016–2017, as part of the FemCure study (prospective cohort study). We included participants’ data from week −1, that is, the diagnosis at initial visit, when clinics applied selective oropharyngeal testing. At week −1, a total of 241 women were oropharyngeally tested (30 positive) and 319 were untested. All FemCure participants provided nurse-collected oropharyngeal samples at study enrolment, that is, week 0, just prior to treatment (n=560), and after treatment at weeks 4 (n=449), 8 (n=433) and 12 (n=427). Samples were tested by nucleic acid amplification test, and at week 0 also by viability testing by viability PCR. Proportions of oropharyngeal CT test results were presented to represent spontaneous clearance and cure.

Results

Of 30 women diagnosed with oropharyngeal CT at week −1, fifteen (50%) were negative at week 0 after a median of 9 days, that is, ‘spontaneous clearance’. At week 0, a total of 560 participants were tested, and 46 (8.8%) were oropharyngeal CT positive; 12 of them (26.1%) had viable CT. Of the 46 positive, 36 women had an oropharyngeal test after treatment; 97.2% (35/36) were negative at week 4, that is, ‘cure’. Of all women with follow-up visits, the proportion of oropharyngeal CT positive was between 0.5% and 1.6% between weeks 4 and 12. Of those not tested at week −1 (n=319), 8.5% (n=27) were oropharyngeal positive at week 0.

Conclusions

The clinical importance of oropharyngeal CT in women is debated. We demonstrated that spontaneous clearance of oropharyngeal CT among women is common; of those who did not clear for CT, three-quarters had non-viable CT. After regular treatment with azithromycin or doxycycline, cure rate (97%) of oropharyngeal CT is excellent.

Trial registration number

NCT02694497
.
Simplified material model for concrete containing high-content of tire-derived coarse aggregate under compression loading
Authors: El Naggar Abdelmoneim , El Naggar Hany , Sadeghian Pedram
Published: July 2020

The flexible properties of the shredded rubber tires give rubberized concrete desirable properties such as lower relative density, and better dampening ability, higher toughness, and improved deformability resulting in an enhanced dynamic performance. Limited work has been done in modeling these effects. In this study, natural coarse aggregates in concrete mixes were replaced by volume by shredded tires up to 100% replacement ratios following 10% increments. Compression tests were conducted to investigate the effects of shredded tires on the mechanical properties of concrete. As expected, the results showed a decrease in the compressive strength and the elastic modulus of the concrete as the replacement ratio increase. Due to compatibility, strain at peak values increased and the integrity of the concrete after failure was enhanced. Models describing the effects that shredded tires have on the mechanical properties of the concrete were developed and validated against experimental data from various researchers.
Validation au Québec d’équations pour prédire la valeur nutritive de la luzerne au champ avant la récolte
Authors: St-Pierre-Lepage Sandrine , Seguin Philippe , Wood Shane , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Bélanger Gilles , Lajeunesse Julie , Martel Huguette , Claessens Annie
Published: July 2020

Des équations précédemment développées prédisent la valeur nutritive de la luzerne ou de mélanges luzerne–graminée avant la récolte. Cette étude valide cinq de ces équations avec des échantillons de luzerne pure cultivée sous conditions québécoises. Ces équations de prédiction ont été évaluées en utilisant les statistiques associées aux régressions linéaires. Parmi les équations évaluées, celle du Wisconsin et de New York semblaient les plus appropriées. Cependant, la présence de biais limite leur utilisation. Le développement d’une équation québécoise devrait donc être considéré afin d’aider les producteurs à identifier le moment de récolte de toutes les cultures à base de luzerne.
Noether symmetry analysis for novel gravitational wave-like spacetimes and their conservation laws
Authors: Khan Amir Sultan , Khan Israr Ali , Islam Saeed , Ali Farhad
Published: July 2020

The phenomena-like Hawking radiation, the collapse of black holes, and neutron stars decrease the curvature of spacetime continuously with the passage of time. The time conformal factor adds some curvature to nonstatic spacetime. In this article, some novel classes of nonstatic plane-symmetric spacetimes are explored by introducing a time conformal factor in the exact plane-symmetric spacetimes in such a way that their symmetric structure remains conserved. This technique re-scales the energy contents of the corresponding spacetimes, which comes with a re-scaled part in each spacetime. The invariant quantities corresponding to the Noether symmetries are also calculated.
Quantum probe of time-like naked singularities for electrically and magnetically charged black holes in a model of nonlinear electrodynamics
Authors: Mangut M. , Gurtug O.
Published: July 2020

The time-like naked singularities of the electrically and magnetically charged black hole solutions obtained in a model of nonlinear electrodynamics proposed by Kruglov is investigated within the framework of quantum mechanics. In view of quantum mechanics, the spacetime is quantum regular provided that the time evolution of the test quantum wave packet uniquely propagates on an underlying background. Rigorous calculations have shown that when the singularity is probed with specific quantum wave/particle modes, the quantum wave operator turns out to be essentially self-adjoint. Thus, the time evolution of the quantum wave/particle is determined uniquely. In the case of electrically charged black hole background, the unique evolution is restricted to [Formula: see text]-wave only. For the two different magnetically charged black hole backgrounds, the time evolution is restricted to different modes for each case.
Renormalization of the conformally reduced gravity with bilocal potential
Authors: Gégény Flóra , Nagy Sándor
Published: July 2020

The functional renormalization group equations are derived for the conformally reduced gravity, in the framework of the Wegner–Houghton equation. It is argued, that the blocking introduces bilocal terms into the action, which can account for the evolution of the anomalous dimension. The phase structure exhibits the known structure including an ultraviolet attractive non-Gaussian fixed point.
New Evidence to Assess the Asset Pricing Model: An Empirical Investigation Based on Bayesian Network
Authors: Hachicha Fatma , Charfi Sahar , Hachicha Ahmed
Published: July 2020

An extensive, in-depth study of risk factors seems to be of crucial importance in the research of the financial market in order to prevent (or reduce) the chance of developing this return. It represents market anomalies. This study confirms that the [Formula: see text]-factors model is better than the other traditional asset pricing models in explaining individual stock return in the US over the 2000–2017 period. The main focus of data analysis is, on the use of models, to discover and understand the relationships between different factors of risk market anomaly. Recently, Fama and French presented a five-factor model that captures the size, value, profitability, and investment patterns in average stock market returns better than their three-factor model presented previously in 1993. This paper explores a shred of new empirical evidence to assess the asset pricing model through an extension of Fama and French model and a report on applying Bayesian Network (BN) modeling to discover the relationships across different risk factor. Furthermore, the induced BN was used to make inference taking into account sensibility and the application of BN tools has led to the discovery of several direct and indirect relationships between different parameters. For this reason, we introduce additional factors that are related to behavioral finance such as investor’s sentiment to describe a behavior return, confidence index, and herding. It is worth noting that there is an interaction between these various factors, which implies that it is interesting to incorporate them into the model to give more effectiveness to the performance of the stock market return. Moreover, the implemented BN was used to make inferences, i.e., to predict new scenarios when different information was introduced.
Load-Carrying Capacities of Fully Clamped RC Slab Accompanying Compressive-Tensile Membrane Actions: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Chen Wanxiang , Luo Lisheng , Guo Zhikun , Wang Yingjie
Published: July 2020

Fully clamped reinforced concrete (RC) slab is a common structural component possessing better load-carrying capacity over simply supported slab. Currently, typical yield line theory is a popular approach to estimate the bearing capacity of fully clamped RC slab, although it would greatly underestimate the actual ultimate resistance. This paper is devoted to enriching the knowledge of membrane action and its contribution to the load-carrying capacity of the clamped slab. The resistance trajectory of fully clamped RC slab from loading to failure undergoes three phases: the ascending branch raised by outward movement prevention, the descending branch due to crushed concrete and the re-ascending branch caused by reinforcement strain. Applied load–deflection curves of RC slab accompanying compressive-membrane actions are achieved according to the bending theory of normal cross-section. The reserve capacities accompanying tensile-membrane actions in the condition of large deformations are further derived. The whole load–deflection curves that considered compressive-tensile membrane effects are finally presented, where the mid-span displacements are revised by the deflection equations and the softening coefficient of flexural rigidity. It is indicated that the load–deflection relationships of fully clamped RC slabs can be reasonably depicted by taking compressive-tensile membrane effects into account, which are fairly different from yield line approaches. Comparative analysis shows that analytical results are in good agreement with experimental data reported by Park et al. and illustrates that the proposed model is capable of predicting the bearing capacity of fully clamped RC slab with very good accuracy.
Partial (Co)actions of multiplier Hopf algebras: Morita and Galois theories
Authors: Azevedo Danielle , Batista Eliezer , Fonseca Graziela , Fontes Eneilson , Martini Grasiela
Published: July 2020

In this work, we deal with partial (co)actions of multiplier Hopf algebras on not necessarily unital algebras. Our main goal is to construct a Morita context relating the coinvariant algebra [Formula: see text] with a certain subalgebra of the smash product [Formula: see text]. Besides that, we present the notion of partial Galois coaction, which is closely related to this Morita context.
Arthropod Origins: Integrating Paleontological and Molecular Evidence
Authors: Edgecombe Gregory D.
Published: July 2020

Phylogenomics underpins a stable and mostly well-resolved hypothesis for the interrelationships of extant arthropods. Exceptionally preserved fossils are integrated into this framework by coding their morphological characters, as exemplified by total-evidence dating approaches that treat fossils as dated tips in analyses numerically dominated by molecular data. Cambrian fossils inform on the sequence of character acquisition in the arthropod stem group and in the stems of its main extant clades. The arthropod head problem incorporates unique appendage combinations and remains of the nervous system in fossils into a scheme mostly based on neuroanatomy and Hox expression domains for extant forms. Molecular estimates of arthropod origins in the Cryogenian or Ediacaran predate a coherent picture from the arthropod fossil record, which commences as trace fossils in the earliest Cambrian. Probabilistic morphological clock analysis of trilobites, which exemplify the earliest arthropod body fossils, supports a Cambrian origin, without the need to posit an unfossilized Ediacaran history.
Communication—Semi-Rigid Ru(II)Porphyrinate-Based Macrocyclic Receptor as Endotopic Catalyst for Carbene Transfer Reactions
Authors: Fontana Liniquer A. , Alcântara Arthur F. P. , Rigolin Vitor H. , Megiatto Jackson D.
Published: July 2020

A 5,15-bis(1,1′-biphenyl)porphyrin-based macrocyclic receptor with a well-defined cavity is suitable for coordination of Ru(II) ions with carbonyl axial ligands. Axial ligand substitution reaction using diphenyldiazomethane as reactant affords a macrocyclic Ru(II)porphyrinate with a diphenylcarbene moiety that functions as an excellent endotopic catalysts for the dimerization reaction of ethyldiazoacetate. The extraordinary stability of the diphenylcarbene axial ligand in conjunction with the high reactivity of the Ru(II)porphyrinate moiety towards diazoderivatives render the macrocyclic complex a promising candidate for the active metal template synthesis of interlocked molecules.
Sex differences in dynamic blood pressure regulation: beat-by-beat responses to muscle sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Coovadia Yasmine , Adler Tessa E. , Steinback Craig D. , Fraser Graham M. , Usselman Charlotte W.
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate that during acute sympathoinhibition, women demonstrate more sustained increases in blood pressure following sympathetic bursts of activity than men. Likewise, during prolonged sympathetic quiescence, blood pressure is less labile in women than men. This suggests that lower overall blood pressure in young women may not be mediated by smaller beat-by-beat changes in blood pressure in response to sympathetic outflow but may instead be mediated by a lower frequency of sympathetic bursts.
Differentiating the effects of β-adrenergic stimulation and stretch on calcium and force dynamics using a novel electromechanical cardiomyocyte model
Authors: Lyon Aurore , Dupuis Lauren J. , Arts Theo , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Prinzen Frits W. , Delhaas Tammo , Heijman Jordi , Lumens Joost
Published: July 2020

This work identifies the contribution of electrical and mechanical alterations to regulation of calcium and force under exercise-like conditions using a novel human electromechanical model integrating ventricular electrophysiology and sarcomere mechanics. By better understanding their individual and combined effects, this can uncover arrhythmogenic mechanisms in exercise-like situations. This publicly available model is a crucial step toward understanding the complex interplay between cardiac electrophysiology and mechanics to improve arrhythmia risk prediction and treatment.
CD40 Signaling Promotes CXCR5 Expression in B Cells via Noncanonical NF-κB Pathway Activation
Authors: Wei Chuan , Chen Ying , Xu Lei , Yu Beibei , Lu Di , Yu Yanxiong , Lei Zhigang , Tang Rui , Zhou Sha , Zhu Jifeng , Chen Xiaojun , Su Chuan
Published: July 2020

Chemokine receptor CXCR5-mediated control of B cell trafficking in the lymphoid tissues plays a central role in orchestrating the B cell function, which not only guides the colocalization of B cells with follicular helper T cells in the follicular mantle zone but also determines the position of germinal center dark and light zones. However, the mechanisms that regulate the expression of CXCR5 in B cells remain unclear. Here, we show that the expression level of CXCR5 in B cells was substantially reduced in vitro culture conditions, while being maintained in the presence of CD40 signals. Furthermore, CD40 signaling promotes CXCR5 expression in B cells at least partially through noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway activation. However, other non-B cells also contributed to the optimal expression of CXCR5 in B cells through cell-cell contact and cytokine secretion. Our findings suggest that CD40 signaling-mediated activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway promotes the expression of CXCR5 in a B cell-intrinsic way to orchestrate the trafficking of B cells.
Utilization of Radiographic Imaging for Infant Hydronephrosis over the First 12 Months of Life
Authors: Schaeffer Anthony J. , Cartwright Patrick C. , Lau Glen A. , Ebert Mark D. , Fino Nora F. , Nkoy Flory L. , Hess Rachel
Published: July 2020

Purpose. The workup and surveillance strategies for infant hydronephrosis (HN) vary, although this could be due to grade-dependent differences in imaging intensity. We aimed to describe the frequency of imaging studies for HN within the first year of life, stratified by initial HN grade, within a large regional healthcare system. Study Design and Data Source. Retrospective cohort using Intermountain Healthcare Data Warehouse. Inclusion criteria: (1) birth between 1/1/2005 and 12/31/2013, (2) CPT code for HN, and (3) ultrasound (U/S) confirmed HN within four months of birth. Data Collection. Grade of HN on initial postnatal U/S; number of HN-associated radiologic studies (renal U/Ss, voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs), and diuretic renal scans); demographic and medical variables. Primary Outcome. Sum of radiologic studies within the first year of life or prior to pyeloplasty. Statistical Analysis. Multivariate poisson regression to analyze association between the primary outcome and the initial HN grade. Results. Of 1,380 subjects (993 males and 387 females), 990 (72%), 230 (17%), and 160 (12%) had mild, moderate, and severe HN, respectively. Compared with those with mild HN, patients with moderate (RR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.42–1.73) and severe (RR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.88–2.32) HN had a significantly higher rate of imaging use over 12 months (or prior to surgery) after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusions. In a large regional healthcare system, imaging use for HN is proportional to its initial grade. This suggests that within our system, clinicians treating this condition are using a risk-stratified approach to imaging.
Antioxidant Solution in Combination with Angiotensin-(1-7) Provides Myocardial Protection in Langendorff-Perfused Rat Hearts
Authors: Andrä Michaela , Russ Miriam , Jauk Susanne , Lamacie Mariana , Lang Ingrid , Arnold Robert , Brcic Iva , Santos Robson , Wintersteiger Reinhold , Ortner Astrid
Published: July 2020

As progressive organ shortage in cardiac transplantation demands extension of donor criteria, effort is needed to optimize graft survival. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, generated during organ procurement, transplantation, and reperfusion, contribute to acute and late graft dysfunction. The combined application of diverse substances acting via different molecular pathways appears to be a reasonable approach to face the complex mechanism of ischemia reperfusion injury. Thus, an antioxidant solution containing α-ketoglutaric acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, N-acetyl-L-methionine, and N-acetyl-selenium-L-methionine was combined with endogenous angiotensin-(1-7). Its capacity of myocardial protection was investigated in isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts subjected to warm and cold ischemia. The physiological cardiac parameters were assessed throughout the experiments. Effects were evaluated via determination of the oxidative stress parameters malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins as well as immunohistochemical and ultrastructural tissue analyses. It was shown that a combination of 20% (v/v) antioxidant solution and 220 pM angiotensin-(1-7) led to the best results with a preservation of heart tissue against oxidative stress and morphological alteration. Additionally, immediate cardiac recovery (after warm ischemia) and normal physiological performance (after cold ischemia) were recorded. Overall, the results of this study indicate substantial cardioprotection of the novel combination with promising prospective for future clinical use.
Network Pharmacology‐Based Strategy for Predicting Active Ingredients and Potential Targets of Gegen Qinlian Decoction for Rotavirus Enteritis
Authors: Zhong Peicheng , Song Lijun , Gao Mengyue , Wang Xiaotong , Tan Wenpan , Lu Huanqian , Lan Qian , Zhao Zuyi , Zhao Wenchang
Published: July 2020

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Gegen Qinlian decoction (GGQLD) is an effective formula treatment for rotavirus enteritis (RVE), which has been applied for 1900 years. It consists of 4 herbal medicines corresponding to the four roles “monarch, minister, assistant, and guide,” which is the basic rule of prescription composition in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, its active ingredients and therapeutic mechanism on RVE have not been fully investigated. Materials and Methods. In this study, a network pharmacology‐based strategy was used to elucidate the mechanism of GGQLD for the treatment of RVE. Oral bioavailability and drug‐likeness were taken as the judgment criteria to search the active ingredients of GGQLD in traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). The affinity between protein and ingredients was further determined using the similarity ensemble approach to find the corresponding targets. According to the genes related to enteritis in GeneCards database, the key targets were screened by intersections between drug and disease targets. And the therapeutic mechanism was predicted using the protein‐protein interactions (PPIs), the Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, which was verified by detecting calcium ion concentration with the fluorescent probe. Result. 130 active ingredients were screened from GGQLD, including (R)‐canadine, moupinamide, formononetin, and other flavonoids. They act on a total of 366 targets, which is mainly distributed in the biological process of hormone binding or signaling pathways of neuroactive ligand receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse, and calcium signaling pathway. Furthermore, serotonin receptors, adrenergic receptors, cholinergic receptors, and dopamine receptors in the enteric nervous system may be the key targets of RVE treatment by GGQLD. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the potential mechanism that GGQLD can effectively improve the symptoms of RVE may depend on the regulation of calcium ions, serotonin, and gastrointestinal hormone ion that could mutually affect the intestinal nervous system.
The Efficacy of Tai Chi and Qigong Exercises on Blood Pressure and Blood Levels of Nitric Oxide and Endothelin‐1 in Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Dingcheng , Yi Lan , Sheng Meixiao , Wang Gang , Zou Yanqin
Published: July 2020

Objective. Tai Chi and Qigong are the two similar traditional Chinese wellness exercises. A strong body of published clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has investigated the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong exercises (TCQE) in patients with essential hypertension (EH). This is the first meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of TCQE on blood pressure (BP) and blood levels of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) in EH patients and explore the potential antihypertensive mechanism of TCQE. Methods. We conducted a literature retrieval for Chinese and English studies in seven databases from their respective inceptions until January 14, 2020. All RCTs examining clinical efficacy of TCQE for EH patients were considered. The major therapeutic outcomes of TCQE were changes in the blood levels of NO, ET‐1, and BP in EH patients. Methodological quality of the included RCTs was detected via The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We evaluated the data reported and performed the meta‐analysis by Review Manager 5.3 software. Results. 9 RCTs involving 516 EH patients were included. The intervention duration lasted from 1.5 months to 6 months. The results of comprehensive analysis showed that compared with control interventions, experimental interventions were more effective in reducing the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure and contributed higher blood levels of NO and lower blood levels of ET‐1. Conclusions. TCQE could be an effective complementary and alternative therapy for EH. The lower BP in EH patients who practice TCQE may have some connection with exercise‐related increased blood NO levels and decreased blood ET‐1 levels. However, further research is needed to make clear the efficacy of TCQE in management of EH and the mechanism of lowering BP in TCQE.
Entropy Schemes for One-Dimensional Convection-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Chen Rongsan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we extend the entropy scheme for hyperbolic conservation laws to one-dimensional convection-diffusion equation. The operator splitting method is used to solve the convection-diffusion equation that is divided into conservation and diffusion parts, in which the first-order accurate entropy scheme is applied to solve the conservation part and the second accurate central difference scheme is applied to solve the diffusion part. Numerical tests show that the L∞ error achieves about second-order accuracy, but the L1 error reaches about forth-order accuracy.
Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Function and Regulatory Network of miR‐200b‐3p in Endometriosis
Authors: Hu Wanxue , Xie Qin , Xu Yicong , Tang Xin , Zhao Hongbo
Published: July 2020

Objective. MicroRNAs play vital roles in the development of endometriosis. It is reported that miR‐200b‐3p is downregulated in endometriosis, although its mechanisms in this disease remain still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the function and potential regulatory network of miR‐200b‐3p in endometriosis through database analysis. Methods. The endometriosis gene expression profiles were downloaded from the GEO database to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The predicted and validated target genes of miR‐200b‐3p were obtained from miRWalk and miRTarBase database. Then, a comparison was performed between miR‐200b‐3p target genes and DEGs. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis of the target genes was performed using clusterProfiler package. STRING was used to predict the protein‐protein interaction among the proteins encoded by the target genes. Then, TransmiR, LncBase, StarBase, PROMO, and AnimalTFDB were employed to identify interactive transcription factors and lncRNAs of miR‐200b‐3p. Results. miR‐200b‐3p was associated with the transcription factors DNMT1, EZH2, HNF1B, JUN, MYB, ZEB1, and ZEB2 during the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The downstream 110 target genes were involved in the biological processes of positive regulation of MAPK cascade, muscle cell proliferation, organ growth, vasculogenesis, and axon development. KEGG analysis revealed that the main pathways related to miR‐200b‐3p were microRNAs in cancer, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, colorectal cancer, and tight junction. In addition, four lncRNAs such as MALAT1, NEAT1, SNHG22, and XIST interacted with miR‐200b‐3p and were associated with transcription factors FOXP3 and YY1. Conclusion. The predicted target genes and molecular regulatory network of miR‐200b‐3p in endometriosis not only revealed its biological function but also provided a valuable guideline for further research.
A Comparative Study of VMD-Based Hybrid Forecasting Model for Nonstationary Daily Streamflow Time Series
Authors: Hu Hui , Zhang Jianfeng , Li Tao
Published: July 2020

Data-driven methods are very useful for streamflow forecasting when the underlying physical relationships are not entirely clear. However, obtaining an accurate data-driven model that is sufficiently performant for streamflow forecasting remains often challenging. This study proposes a new data-driven model that combined the variational mode decomposition (VMD) and the prediction models for daily streamflow forecasting. The prediction models include the autoregressive moving average (ARMA), the gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT), the support vector regression (SVR), and the backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The latest decomposition model, the VMD algorithm, was first applied to extract the multiscale features from the entire time series and to decompose them into several subseries, which were predicted after that using forecast models. The ensemble forecast was finally reconstructed by summing. Historical daily streamflow series recorded at the Wushan and Weijiabao hydrologic stations from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2014 in China were investigated using the proposed VMD-based models. Three quantitative evaluation indexes, including the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the mean absolute error (MAE), were used to evaluate and compare the predicted results of the proposed VMD-based models with two other models such as nondecomposition method (BPNN) and BPNN based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD-BPNN). Furthermore, a comparative analysis of the performance of the VMD-BPNN model under different forecast periods (1, 3, 5, and 7 days) was performed. The results evidenced that the proposed VMD-based models could always achieve good performance in the testing stage and had relatively good stability and representativeness. Specifically, the VMD-BPNN model considered both the prediction accuracy and computation efficiency. The results show that the reliability of the forecasting decreased as the foresight period increased. The model performed satisfactorily up to 7-d lead time. The VMD-BPNN model could be applied as a promising, reliable, and robust prediction tool for short-term streamflow forecasting modelling.
Experimental Study for Influence of Surfactants Chemical Microstructures on Wetting Effect about Coal Dust in Tongchuan Mining Area
Authors: Ma Youying , Wang Yuying , Zhang Qingtao
Published: July 2020

Because of the unsatisfactory dust suppression efficiency, coal dust still threatens production safety and personnel health. In order to understand the influence of the chemical microstructures of the surfactant on the wetting ability and to facilitate the rapid selecting of surfactants with good wetting performances for specific coal dust, fatty acid methyl ester ethoxylate (FMEE), dodecyl dimethyl betaine (BS-12), sodium fatty acid polyoxyethylene ether carboxylate (AEC), and dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) were selected in this paper to study the wetting ability of these four surfactants on the bituminous coal dust in Tongchuan, Shaanxi province of China. First, the main functional groups and carbon composition of the coal dust and surfactants were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments. Second, the drop shape analysis system DSA100 was used to measure the equilibrium contact angle of the surfactant solution with a concentration of 0.06% on bituminous coal dust. The relationship between the chemical microstructures of surfactants and contact angles was analyzed, and the main influencing factors were obtained. The results showed that the contact angle of DDBAC on coal sample dust was the smallest. In addition, the contents of hydroxyl, aromatic ring carbon, unprotonated carbon, and bridged aromatic carbon in surfactants had significant linear correlations with wettability, and the increase of their contents would lead to the decrease of contact angle. According to the results of correlation analysis and curve fitting, the evaluation model of influencing factors on the wettability to bituminous coal dust was established.
The Burden of Overweight and Obesity among Long-Distance Truckers in Ethiopia
Authors: Yosef Tewodros , Bogale Biruk , Destaw Alemnew , Weldu Angesom
Published: July 2020

Background. Abnormal body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) has become a major global public health problem which is rising at a faster rate in urban areas of low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, the prevalence gradually increases. Long-distance truckers are at a high risk of developing overweight or obesity due to the sedentary nature of their job. Despite these populations at a high risk of developing overweight/obesity such as drivers elsewhere, pieces of data that showed the prevalence and contributing factors of overweight and obesity among long-distance truckers in Ethiopia are not yet available. Objective. To assess the prevalence and contributing factors of overweight and obesity among long-distance truckers in Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 systematically selected truckers at Modjo dry port in Ethiopia from February to March, 2018. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The final results were presented in tables and numerical summary measures such as mean and standard deviation (SD). Results. Of the 400 truckers interviewed, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 56.5%, 95% CI (51.6%–61.4%). The study also found that a monthly income ≥220 USD (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI (1.05–3.18)), having 3 or more family sizes (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI (1.15–4.36)), less than 6 hours of sleep at night (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI (1.99–5.78)), driving for 9 or more hours daily (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI (1.09–4.81)), and a truck driving experience of 10 or more years (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI (1.29–4.18)) were significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was substantially high. The study also found that sociodemographic and occupational factors are mainly associated with overweight and obesity. Therefore, a health education program should be designed for awareness creation on the importance of reducing a sedentary lifestyle, consuming healthy foods or drinks, and having regular physical exercise to mitigate the problem.
Sex Difference in Risk Factors, GRACE Scores, and Management among Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients in Sri Lanka
Authors: Galappatthy Priyadarshani , Bataduwaarachchi Vipula , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Galappatthy Gamini , Senerath Upul , Wijeyaratne Chandrika , Ekanayake Ruwan
Published: July 2020

Objective. To assess sex-based differences in the prevalence of risk factor, their management, and differences in the prognosis among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Sri Lanka. Methods. Patients diagnosed with ACS were recruited from hospitals throughout the island. The Joint European Societies guidelines were used to assess recommended targets for coronary heart disease risk factors, and the GRACE score was used to assess the post-ACS prognosis. Age-adjusted regression was performed to calculate odds ratios for men versus women in risk factor control. Results. A total of 2116 patients, of whom 1242 (58.7%) were men, were included. Significant proportion of women were nonsmokers; OR = 0.11 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.13). The prevalence of hypertension (p<0.001), diabetes (p<0.001), and dyslipidemia (p=0.004) was higher in women. The LDL-C target was achieved in a significantly higher percentage of women (12.6%); OR = 0.33 (95% CI 0.10 to 1.05). When stratified by age, no significant differences were observed in achieving the risk factor targets or management strategies used except for fasting blood sugar (p<0.05) where more men achieved control target in both age categories. Majority of the ACS patients had either high or intermediate risk for one-year mortality as per the GRACE score. In-hospital and 1-year mean mortality risk was significantly higher among men of less than 65 years of age (p<0.05). Conclusions. Smoking is significantly lower among Sri Lankan women diagnosed with ACS. However, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were more prevalent among them. There was no difference in primary and secondary preventive strategies and management in both sexes but could be further improved in both groups.