bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Preferred? Peri-operative Outcomes of Varying Esophagectomy Approaches in the Treatment of Esophageal Malignancy
Authors: Morse Ryan , Mouw Tyler , Moreno Matthew , Erwin Jace , DiPasco Peter , Al-Kasspooles Mazin , Hoover Andrew
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming widely adopted to decrease surgical morbidity and mortality, however data is still evolving and the optimal approach remains an area of controversy. We compared our unique single-institution experience with transhiatal, transthoracic, and minimally invasive approaches to examine survival and toxicity outcomes among patients treated for esophageal cancer.
Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer at a single institution between 2008 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were stratified by surgical approach. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed using the log-rank test to calculate two-year overall survival (OS) and two-year progression-free survival (PFS).
Results

A total of 198 consecutive patients were identified: 118 transhiatal esophagectomy (THE), 34 Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (ILE), and 46 minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with a median follow-up of 30.0 months (range, 0.5-136.9 months). Most tumors were adenocarcinoma (89.9%) located in the distal esophagus and GEJ (94%). Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was received by 75.8% of patients. Length of hospitalization, readmission rate, perioperative adverse events, reoperation rates, tracheoesophageal fistula, anastomotic leak, anastomotic stenosis, and 30-day mortality were comparable. Two-year overall survival rates for MIE, THE, and ILE were 71.7%, 67.8%, and 58.8%, respectively (p = 0.003). Progression-free survival at 2 years for MIE, THE, and ILE were 69.6%, 58.5%, and 35.3%, respectively (p = 0.002).
Conclusion

Minimally invasive esophagectomy is an effective approach which results in comparable perioperative complications and long-term survival outcomes to a transhiatal approach. Minimally invasive esophagectomy can safely be performed and should continue to be studied prospectively.
Identification of a Vascular Invasion-Related miRNA Signature For Predicting the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Xinze , Wu Jiangni , Huang Zichen , Luo Shibo , Huang Jiean , Liu Shiquan
Published: May 2021

Background: Vascular invasion is closely related to the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs can serve as biomarks to predict prognosis in various tumors. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a novel, vascular invasion-related miRNA signature for prediction of HCC prognosis.Methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between HCC samples with vascular invasion and without vascular invasion were obtained from GSE67140. MiRNAs expression profiles and clinical information for 344 patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the patients were randomized (1:1) to training set and validation set. LASSO regression model was employed to identify survival-associated DEMs and establish risk score in the training set. Moreover, risk score was verified in the validation set. And nomogram based on risk score and clinical information was constructed to improve the prediction of prognosis. Meanwhile, four online tools were used to predict target genes and enrichment analysis was utilized to explore the biological pathway of the miRNAs.Results: A novel three-miRNA signature was screened including hsa-mir-210, hsa-mir-149 and hsa-mir-99a, and risk score was established for HCC prognosis prediction. Patients were divided into the low-risk group and high-risk group according to risk score. High-risk group both have higher hazard of death compared with low-risk group in training set and validation set. And the 5-year AUC of risk score were 0.718, 0.674 and 0.697 in training set, validation set and the total set, respectively. The C-index of nomogram was 0.724, and calibration curves showed nomogram had high concordance to predict 1- ,3- , and 5-year survival rates among HCC patients. Furthermore, enrichment analysis identified several tumor-associated pathways including Ras signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway and so on, which may contribute to explain the potential molecular mechanisms of above miRNAs.Conclusion: This study developed a risk assessment model based on three miRNAs, which could accurately predict the prognosis of HCC.
An Improved Adaptive hp Mesh Refinement Method in Solving Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Luo Changxin , Li Jiong , Zhou Chijun , Lei Humin
Published: May 2021

The adaptive hp pseudospectral method is an effective choice in solving the optimal control problem. In order to improve the computing efficiency of the adaptive hp method, an improved adaptive hp mesh refinement method is proposed in this paper. There are two main cores in this method. The first is to refine the mesh in advance based on the change rate of the control, so that the algorithm can more efficiently deal with the optimal control problem with discontinuous control. And the second is to based on the accumulation of curvature values to ensure that those positions that need to be refined more can be quickly allocated to more mesh points. These two are combined with each other to improve the solving efficiency of the algorithm proposed in this paper, which shortens the required computing time. In addition, the convergence of the algorithm is proved in this paper. The simulation results show the effectiveness and superiority of the algorithm proposed in this paper.
Pepsinogen C expression–related lncRNA/circRNA/mRNA profile and its co-mediated ceRNA network in gastric cancer
Authors: Yan Li-rong , Ding Han-xi , Shen Shi-xuan , Lu Xiao-dong , Yuan Yuan , Xu Qian
Published: May 2021

Background

The expression of pepsinogen C (PGC) is considered an ideal negative biomarker of gastric cancer, but its pathological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to analyze competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks related to PGC expression at a post-transcriptional level and build an experimental basis for studying the role of PGC in the progression of gastric cancer.
Materials and methods

RNA sequencing technology was used to detect the differential expression profiles of PGC-related long non-coding (lnc)RNAs, circular (circ)RNAs, and mRNAs. The online database, STRING, was used to construct protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs. A ggcorrplot R package and online database were used to construct DElncRNAs/DEcircRNAs co-mediated PGC expression–related ceRNA networks. In vivo and in vitro validations were performed using quantitative reverse transcription–PCR.
Results

RNA sequencing found 637 DEmRNAs, 698 DElncRNAs, and 38 DEcircRNAs. The PPI network of PGC expression–related mRNAs consisted of 503 nodes and 1179 edges. CFH, PPARG, and MUC6 directly interacted with PGC. Enrichment analysis suggested that DEmRNAs were mainly enriched in cancer-related pathways. Eleven DElncRNAs, 13 circRNAs, and 35 miRNA–mRNA pairs were used to construct ceRNA networks co-mediated by DElncRNAs and DEcircRNAs that were PGC expression–related. The network directly related to PGC was as follows: SNHG16/hsa_circ_0008197–hsa-mir-98-5p/hsa-let-7f-5p/hsa-let-7c-5p–PGC. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR validation results showed that PGC, PPARG, SNHG16, and hsa_circ_0008197 were differentially expressed in gastric cancer cells and tissues: PGC positively correlated with PPARG (r = 0.276, P = 0.009), SNHG16 (r = 0.35, P = 0.002), and hsa_circ_0008197 (r = 0.346, P = 0.005).
Conclusion

PGC-related DElncRNAs and DEcircRNAs co-mediated complicated ceRNA networks to regulate PGC expression, thus affecting the occurrence and development of gastric cancer at a post-transcriptional level. Of these, the network directly associated with PGC expression was a SNHG16/hsa_circ_0008197–mir-98-5p/hsa-let-7f-5p/hsa-let-7c-5p – PGC axis. This study may form a foundation for the subsequent exploration of the possible regulatory mechanisms of PGC in gastric cancer.
Research on Ultrasonic-Assisted Multi-Point Stretch Bending Process of Aluminum Profile
Authors: Li Yi , Hu Zhiheng , Liang Jicai , Liang Ce
Published: May 2021

The tensile and bending process of asymmetric L-shaped aluminum alloy profile is studied by the Abaqus software using the finite element numerical simulation method. The geometric parameters of the ultrasonic-assisted vibration multi-point die (UMPD), and the law of influence on the stress-strain and spring-back of the L-section profile after bending are studied. The results show that the UMPD can reduce the forming stress of the profile during plastic deformation, and the stress-strain distribution of the aluminum profile is more uniform. The changes in the ultrasonic vibration frequency and amplitude of the mold are beneficial to reduce the spring-back of aluminum profiles. The ultrasonic process parameters with a vibration frequency of 20 kHz and an amplitude of 0.02 mm have the best effect on suppressing spring-back, which is reduced by 20.6% compared to the case of no ultrasonic application. Finally, it is verified by experiments that the experimental results are basically consistent with the simulation results, and the changing trend of spring-back deformation is consistent.
Distress and Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic as Revealed through Helpline Calls
Authors: Brülhart Marius , Klotzbücher Valentin , Lalive Rafael , Reich Stephanie
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 crisis affects mental health. We use helpline calls to quantify this effect. Helpline calls offer a real-time measure of ‘revealed’ anxiety across a range of topics. We have collected data on 7 million calls from from 19 countries. We find that calls peaked at 35% above pre-pandemic levels, six weeks after the initial outbreak. The increase was mainly driven by fear (including fear of infection), loneliness, and, later in the pandemic, physical-health concerns. Relationship issues, economic problems, violence, and suicidal ideation, however, were less prevalent than before the pandemic. This pattern is apparent both during the first wave and during subsequent waves of the pandemic. Issues directly tied to COVID-19 therefore seem to have substituted rather than exacerbated underlying anxieties. Conditional on infection rates, suicide-related calls increased when containment policies became more stringent and decreased when income support was extended. This implies that financial relief can allay the distress triggered by lockdown measures.
Modelling and Optimization of the Manufacturing Parameters of a Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite PxGyEz
Authors: Samuel Bassey Okon , Sumaila Malachy , Dan-Asabe Bashar
Published: May 2021

In this study, a Pineapple Leaf fiber (PALF)/Glass fiber Epoxy hybrid composite PxGyEz (with x, y, and z representing the volume fraction of pineapple leaf fiber (P), volume fraction of glass fiber (G) and fiber length respectively in Epoxy (E) matrix) was developed and its tensile properties modelled and optimized with regards to the variable parameters of x, y, and z respectively. For the quality characteristics (high tensile strength) investigated, the Minitab®19 software was used to analyze the Taguchi robust experiment design technique on the higher the better basis. The optimum combination of the control factors was found at x=10%, y=20% and z = 15mm. The optimized composite P10G20E15 possessed a tensile strength of 95.3144MPa which was only a 5.9% deviation from the predicted optimum tensile strength. Analysis of variance showed that the glass fiber had the highest contribution of 50.64% to the tensile strength of PxGyEz, PALF 15.53% and fiber length 28.84%. SEM Images of the PALF, glass fiber and fractured surface of the optimized material P10G20E15 revealed the surface structure which explained their different contribution to the tensile strength of the materials. An equation for the prediction of the tensile properties of PxGyEz was derived from the regression model.
Triglyceride-Rich Lipoprotein and LDL Particle Subfractions and Their Association With Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The PREVEND Study.
Authors: Oskooei Sara Sokooti , Flores-Guerrero Jose L , Heerspink Hiddo J.L , Connelly Margery A , Bakker Stephan J.L , Dullaart Robin P.F
Published: May 2021

Background: Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins particles (TRLP) and low density lipoprotein particles (LDLP) vary in size. Their association with β-cell function is not well described. We determined associations of TRLP and LDLP subfractions with β-cell function, and evaluated their associations with incident T2D in the general population.Methods: We included 4818 subjects of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) study without T2D at baseline. TRLP and LDLP subfraction concentrations and their average sizes were measured using the LP4 algorithm of the Vantera nuclear magnetic resonance platform. HOMA-IR was used as measure of insulin resistance. HOMA-β was used as a proxy of β-cell function.Results: In subjects without T2D at baseline, very large TRLP, large LDLP and LDL size were inversely associated with HOMA-β, whereas large TRLP, medium TRLP and TRL size were positively associated with HOMA-β taking account of HOMA-IR. During a median follow-up of 7.3 years, 263 individuals developed T2D. In multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models, higher concentrations of total, very large, large, and very small TRLP and TRL size were associated with an increased T2D risk after adjustment for relevant covariates, including age, sex, BMI, HDL-C, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR. On the contrary, higher concentrations of large LDLP and LDL size were associated with a lower risk of developing T2D.Conclusions: Specific TRL and LDL particle characteristics are associated with β-cell function taking account of HOMA-IR. Moreover, TRL and LDL particle characteristics are differently associated with incident T2D, even when taking account of HOMA-β and HOMA-IR.
Automated Measurements of Salivary Cortisol Levels Within Circadian Rhythms Detect Differences in Exercise-induced Stress Response Between Two Altitude Training Camps
Authors: Tsunekawa Katsuhiko , Ushiki Kazumi , Martha Larasati , Nakazawa Asuka , Hasegawa Rika , Simizu Risa , Shimoda Nozomi , Murata Mai , Yoshida Akihiro , Nakajima Kiyomi , Kimura Takao , Murakami Masami
Published: May 2021

Background: There are conflicting reports with regard to the superiority of cortisol as a stress marker in high-altitude training due to the influence of the circadian rhythm. This study aimed to determine if the automated measurement of salivary cortisol concentration via sequential sampling could detect the differences in acclimatization and exercise stress between two altitude camps. Methods: A total of 12 elite female long-distance runners living near sea levels were enrolled in this study. For the first camp simulating higher altitude, the runners lived at 1800 m and trained at 1700 m for 7 days. For the second camp simulating lower altitude, they lived at 1550 m and trained at 1300 m for 7 days. Their saliva was sequentially collected on the last 2 days during each camp involving different intensity exercise in the morning and afternoon. The salivary cortisol concentrations were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: The sequential saliva collection and automated measurement were able to detect the basal levels and exercise-induced changes in the salivary cortisol within the runners' circadian rhythms in each altitude camp. Before dinner, the basal salivary cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in the higher-altitude camp. The rate of change in the salivary cortisol concentration after the afternoon exercise on day 2 of the higher-altitude camp with higher exercise intensity was significantly higher than that in the lower-altitude camp (p = 0.003). The rate of change in the salivary cortisol concentration during the morning exercise on day 2 was significantly higher in the higher-altitude camp than in lower-altitude camp (p = 0.028) despite the same exercise programs and intensities. Conclusions: Measurement of the salivary cortisol levels during the circadian rhythms could detect the differences in acclimatization and exercise stress between two altitude camps. Automated measurements of salivary cortisol concentrations via sequential saliva sampling may be useful for assessing adaptation disorders and excessive exercise stress and also help develop adequate high-altitude training programs for athletes.
State-of-the-art of FAPI-PET Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sollini Martina , Kirienko Margarita , Gelardi Fabrizia , Fiz Francesco , Gozzi Noemi , Chiti Arturo
Published: May 2021

Introduction Fibroblast Activation Protein-α (FAPα) is overexpressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts in approximately 90% of epithelial neoplasms, representing an appealing target for therapeutic and molecular imaging applications. [68Ga]Ga-labelled radiopharmaceuticals-FAP-inhibitors (FAPI) - have been developed for PET. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed published literature to provide an overview of its clinical role.Materials and Methods The search, limited to January 1st, 2018 - March 31st 2021, was performed on MedLine and Embase databases using all the possible combinations of terms "FAP", FAPI", "PET/CT", "positron emission tomography", "fibroblast", “cancer-associated fibroblasts”, “CAF”, “molecular imaging”, and “fibroblast imaging”. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 criteria. Patient-based and lesion-based pooled sensitivities/specificities of FAPI PET were computed using a random-effects model directly from the STATA “metaprop” command. Between-study statistical heterogeneity was tested (I2-statistics).Results Twenty-three studies were selected for systematic review. Investigations on staging or restaging head and neck cancer (n=2, 29 patients), abdominal malignancies (n=6, 171 patients), various cancers (n=2, 143 patients), and radiation treatment planning (n=4, 56 patients) were included in the metanalysis. On patient-based analysis, pooled sensitivity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.97-1.00) with negligible heterogeneity; pooled specificity was 0.87 (95% CI 0.62-1.00), with negligible heterogeneity. On lesion-based analysis, sensitivity and specificity had high heterogeneity (I2=88.56% and I2=97.20%, respectively). Pooled sensitivity for the primary tumour was 1.00 (95% CI 0.98-1.00) with negligible heterogeneity. Pooled sensitivity/specificity of nodal metastases had high heterogeneity (I2=89.18% and I2=95.74%, respectively). Pooled sensitivity in distant metastases was good (0.93 with 95% CI 0.88-0.97) with negligible heterogeneity.Conclusions FAPI-PET appears promising, especially in imaging cancers unsuitable for [18F]FDG imaging, particularly primary lesions and distant metastases. However, high-level evidence is needed to define its’ role, specifically to identify cancer types, non-oncological diseases and clinical settings for its’ applications.
Cloning and Characterization of SpcrtR and Its Expression in Escherichia Coli for Zeaxanthin Production
Authors: Ma Jun , Yin Yuxi , Qian Chenqiang , Chen Jiaxin , Ren Di-Feng
Published: May 2021

Zeaxanthin is produced by a series of enzyme catalytic reactions. β-carotene hydroxylase is a key rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of β-carotene to zeaxanthin. The purpose of this study was to clone and express the Spirulina platensis β-carotene hydroxylase gene (SpcrtR) in E. coli. SpcrtR was amplified using specific primers and cloned in vector pGEX-6p-1, the SpcrtR protein (35kDa) was expressed from pGEX-6p-1-SpcrtR in E. coli. Gene expression was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The accumulation of carotenoids was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis confirmed that SpcrtR protein (35kDa) was expressed in E. coli expression system. Further, the HPLC results demonstrated that SpcrtR can partially catalyze β-carotene to produce zeaxanthin in E. coli. Zeaxanthin and β-carotene yields in recombinant E.coli were 85.71% (±0.4%) and 14.7% (±0.6%), respectively. The results in our study verified that SpCRTR enzyme partially catalyzes the substrate β-carotene to form zeaxanthin. Overall, SpCRTR provides a new choice for enzymatic zeaxanthin production.
Immunopreventable Diseases: Differences Between Genders in Brazil
Authors: Costa Elide Sbardellotto M , Hyeda Adriano , Maluf Eliane Mara Cesario Pereira
Published: May 2021

Background: Immunopreventable diseases are a public health reality in Brazil and worldwide. The international literature defined that there is difference between sexes at the answer to the infectious diseases. Methods: A population, observational, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted with secondary information from DATASUS to discriminate the hospitalizations associated with immunopreventable diseases in Brazil and their care costs, within the scope of the SUS, between 2008 and 2018, differentiating the data by gender. Results: A total of 457,479 hospitalizations were evaluated, totaling a direct cost of R$389,243,264.85, 53.17% in males and 46.83% in the female group (p-value 0.036). The trend analysis showed 6 diseases in decreasing situation (with statistical significance) and 4 in stationary tendency in the number of hospitalizations in the analyzed period. The direct costs of these hospitalizations were predominantly stationary for both sexes.Conclusions: the number of hospitalizations varied during the period analyzed, however the care costs of immunopreventable diseases hospitalizations remained high, regardless of gender.
The Potential Role of Wedololactone in Treating Particle-induced Osteolysis _A Mouse Calvarial Model
Authors: Lu Yung-Chang , Chang Ting-Kuo , Lin Tzu-Chiao , Yeh Shu-Ting , Fang Hsu-Wei , Huang Chun-Hsiung , Huang Chang-Hung
Published: May 2021

Background: Osteolysis is one of the most prevalent clinical complications of total joint replacement (TJR). Wedelolactone (WDL) is a coumestan compound derived from the Wedelia chinensis plant and has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the use of WDL as a potential treatment for reducing the risk of particle-induced osteolysis using a well-established particle-induced mice calvarial disease model. Methods: Thirty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomized into four groups: sham, polystyrene particles (PS), PS particles with WDL treatment for 4 weeks (WDL 4w) and PS particles with WDL treatment for 8 weeks (WDL 8w). Micro-CT was used to quantitatively analyze the bone mass. Osteoclast numbers were also measured from histological analysis. Results: The results showed that bone mineral density was significantly higher in the WDL 8w group than in the PS group (p < 0.05), and both the WDL 4 and WDL 8w groups had lower osteoclast numbers (p < 0.05). No significant difference in osteoclast number was found between the WDL 4w and WDL 8w groups. Conclusions: These results support the use of WDL as a herbal medicine for reducing the severity of particle-induced osteolysis after TJR.
Increased N2O Production from Soil Organic Matter Following a Simulated Fall-Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Effects of Fall Urea Addition, Soil Moisture, and History of Manure Applications
Authors: Lin Sisi , Hernandez-Ramirez Guillermo
Published: May 2021

Adding nitrogen substrates to soils can induce short-term changes in soil organic matter (SOM) transformations – a response termed the ‘priming effect’. However, it is unknown how priming effects on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions can be altered following a strong freeze-thaw cycle. A mesocosm experiment evaluated two soil managements: with and without history of manure applications. These soils were subjected to three moisture regimes: Low, Medium and High. Apart from the controls, which received no N, we banded 15N-labelled urea into these soils representing a typical fall fertilization, and subsequently simulated a wide fall-freeze-thaw cycle, with temperatures from + 2, to -18, and finally + 23°C, respectively. The overall highest N2O production was observed 1 day after thawing. At that time, measurements of N2O site preference indicated that denitrification produced 83% of the N2O flux. Relative to the unamended controls (baseline), adding urea consistently triggered a 24% greater cumulative N2O production specifically originated from SOM following thawing (245 vs. 305 µg N2O-N kg− 1 soil, P = 0.022). This substantiates a positive priming of SOM that manifested shortly after the rapid, wet thawing of the soils. Soils having a manure history or higher moisture also exhibited an augmented production of N2O from SOM (Ps < 0.01). Although the overall priming of SOM was positive, two weeks after thawing, negative priming of daily N2O fluxes also occurred, but only in soils under High moisture. Besides urea additions, the propensity for primed N2O emissions from SOM after thawing was influenced by increasing moisture and earlier manure applications.
Phytodiversity and Phytosociology of Riparian Trees Along the Elevation Gradient In The Pamba River, Southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Paul Joby , Adithya E S , P Nisha , Thomas Rogimon P , Unni Sankaran K S
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe riparian vegetation along the tropical rivers become threatened due to anthropogenic interference. The tree species diversity and distribution along longitudinal and transversal dimensions is variable and has a pivotal role in the river ecology. The data on the riparian tree species diversity and distribution is inevitable for the nature-based restoration efforts. To test the variability along with the river profile, we investigated the tree species diversity and phytosociology in the tropical river Pamba, Southern Western Ghats. Variation of elevation (701–1923m asl Highrange; 71–700m asl Highland; 8–70m asl Midland and <7.0m asl Lowland) as an indicator of topographic species diversity, we laid a total of 54 × 3 quadrats and data were analyzed with Excel and PC-Ord. ResultsShannon-Wiener's diversity is uniform (1.43689–1.84841) and showed homogeneity (Multiple site similarity index = 0.825396825). Humboldtia vahliana, Neolamarckia cadamba, Vateria indica and Syzygium hemisphericum were showed the highest Importance Value Index. DBH size class (15–>331cm) demonstrated a reverse ‘J’ shaped curve. The tree density and total basal area demonstrated an increasing trend from Lowland to Highrange. Validation of Quadrat data with TWINSPAN and Braun-Blanquet table analysis indicated Ochreinauclea missionis-Ficus hispida-Neolamarckia cadamba in Lowland, Mallotus philippensis-Macaranga peltata-Ficus hispida in Midland, Madhuca neriifolia-Hydnocarpus alpina-Humboldtia vahliana in Highland and Symplocos cochinchinensis var. laurina-Syzygium hemisphericum-Cullenia exarillata in Highrange as dominant stand types. Reciprocal Averaging and Hierarchical Clustering revealed unequivocal classification of quadrats following species composition and elevation. Clumped dispersion was noticed in the Midland and Highland. High regeneration of Madhuca neriifolia, Hopea ponga and Humboldtia vahliana were observed along the elevation gradient.ConclusionsThe present research illustrated that the species diversity of riparian forest in the Pamba river is high and comparable with similar tropical rivers. The phytodiversity, phytosociology and regeneration data are significant for developing a conservation strategy of the anthropogenically fragmented Pamba river. Based on the stand type and regeneration data, Madhuca neriifolia, Hopea ponga, Humboldtia vahliana and Ochreinauclea missionis were suitable for buffer design and restoration along with the Pamba river profile.
Constraints on the spatial and temporal variations of the gravitational constant from quasar spectra
Authors: Le T. D.
Published: May 2021

The possible variations of fundamental physical constants present a critical examination of grand unification theories (GUTs). The most useful way to investigate these variations could be based on observations that directly test them with a deep-look back in time in the universe. Using combinations of high-resolution spectra of quasars and Ritz wavelengths in the laboratory, we found an upper limit on a possible cosmological deviation of the gravitational ̇ ⁄ = (0.918 ± 2.830) × 10 yr over cosmic timescales.. This result may be considered as a new tool for checking the physical phenomena of the GUTs.
­­Building a reference Transcriptome for Juniperus squamata (Cupressaceae) based on Single-molecule real-time sequencing
Authors: Wang Yufei , Xie Siyu , Li Jialiang , Tang Jieshi , Ju Tsam , Mao Kangshan
Published: May 2021

Objectives Cupressaceae is the second largest family of coniferous trees (Coniferopsida) with important economic and ecological values. However, like other conifers, the members of Cupressaceae have extremely large genome (>8 gigabytes), which limited the researches of these taxa. A high-quality transcriptome is an important resource for gene discovery and annotation for non-model organisms. Data descriptionJuniperus squamata, a tetraploid species which is widely distributed in Asian mountains, represents the largest genus, Juniperus, in Cupressaceae. Single-molecule real-time sequencing was used to obtain full-length transcriptome of Juniperus squamata. The full-length transcriptome was corrected with Illumina RNA-seq data from the same individual. A total of 47, 860 non-redundant full-length transcripts, N50 of which was 2, 839, were obtained. Simple sequence repeats for Juniperus squamata were also identified. This data presents the first comprehensive transcriptome characterization of Cupressaceae species, and provides an important reference for researches on the genomic evolutionary history of Cupressaceae plants and even conifers in the future.
Hunting the hunter: using genetic profiling for improved management of shark attacks on humans
Authors: CLUA  , MEYER  , LINNELL  , BAKSAY  , VIGNAUD  , VELY  , PLANES
Published: May 2021

DNA evidence is routinely used to identify individual predators responsible for attacks on people and livestock in terrestrial settings. However, the use of transfer DNA techniques in aquatic environments for similar purposes is a recent development. To date, DNA barcoding has been used successfully to identify shark species depredating fish catches and biting surfboards and neoprene surfaces. In this study we demonstrate the successful DNA barcoding and fingerprinting of individual sharks from transfer DNA collected directly from the wounds of two shark bite victims. The successful use of DNA techniques to identify both species and specific individuals responsible for shark bites opens the door to selective removal of these individuals as an innovative shark bite risk management strategy. This selective approach would be a more effective, eco-responsible, cost-effective and ethical solution for vulnerable taxa than ongoing non-selective culling campaigns.
Depression and the associated factors among traumatized patients admitted at University of Gondar and Felege-Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Asnakew , Desalegn Getachew Tesfaw , Getnet Berhanie
Published: May 2021

Background

Depression is the main factor of impairment in many areas of function that affects almost all age groups and which also influences on mental and physical health. However, it negatively impacts quality of life and social activities, research into depression and the associated factors among people with traumatized patients in low-and middle-income countries are limited. Therefore, the present study was aimed at identifying the magnitude and associated factors of depression among traumatized patients have a pivotal role for further intervention these vulnerable people.
Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Felege-Hiwot and the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital from March 11/2020 to April 12/2020, by using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire. A systematic random sampling was used to recruit a total of 422 patients. The standard patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to identify the prevalence of depression by employing a face to face interview. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors with depression. Statistical significance was declared on 95% of confidence interval at P ˂ 0.05.
Results

The prevalence of depression was found to be 37.2% with 95% (CI: 32.7–41.5%). In the multivariate logistic regression; being single (AOR = 2.36, 95%, CI: 1.31, 4.21), history of chronic medical illness (AOR = 3.79, 95%, CI: 1.19, 12.08), anxiety symptoms (AOR = 3.81, 95%, CI: 2.11, 6.85), poor and moderate social supports (AOR = 4.59, 95%, CI: 2.36, 8.91) and (AOR = 4.34, 95%, CI: 2.23, 8.45), respectively, and moderate perceived threat to life (AOR = 2.66, 95%, CI: 1.58, 4.47) were factors significantly associated with depression.
Conclusion

In this study revealed that depression among physical trauma patients was considerable too high. Being single, chronic medical illness, anxiety, poor and moderate social support, and moderate perceived stress were factors significantly associated with depression. The ministry of health and other concerned health organizations may find the current finding useful for early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies to minimize the factor of depression in trauma survivors.
Relevance of a simulation model to microsurgery for military surgical residents
Authors: GHABI Ammar , FERRIS Alexandre SABATE , PFISTER Georges , CHAPON Marie Pauline , Legagneux Josette , HARION Madeleine , MATHIEU Laurent
Published: May 2021

IntroductionMicrosurgical training is an asset for military orthopedic surgeons who frequently treat hand or nerve injuries in external operations. The objective of this study was to evaluate a microvascular surgery simulation model intended to prepare residents prior to their enrolment in conventional degree training.Materials and MethodsAn experimental study was conducted to evaluate technical progress and satisfaction of military surgical residents using a model based on Japanese noodles with four tests of increasing difficulty. Objective endpoints included: instrument handling, distribution and quality of stitches, duration of anastomoses and responses to the Structured Assesment of MicrosurgerySkill (SAMS) self-assessment questionnaire were also analyzed.ResultsNine residents from different specialties participated in the study. The quality of their anastomoses and their average satisfaction were significantly increased between the first and the last session: respectively 7.2 / 15 versus 10.7 / 15 (p < 0.05) and 37.5 / 70 versus 47.5 / 70 (p < 0.05). Conversely, the average operating time decreased significantly over the sessions (92 min versus 52 min, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis simulation model seems to constitute a satisfactory initiation to microsurgery which could limit the use of the animal model. It could also be included in the continuing education of military surgeons who perform microsurgery only occasionally in external operations.
The target E2F family gene PTTG1 for prediction of distant relapse-free survival in breast cancer patients receiving taxane and anthracycline-based NACT
Authors: Xu Yuhao , Du Yaoqiang , Zheng Qinghui , Tang Hongchao , Qian Yangyang , Xu Qiuran , Meng Xuli
Published: May 2021

Background

Recent years, the breast cancer became the most commonly diagnosed cancer. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) makes a significant contribution to chemotherapy in breast cancer. We aimed to develop the novel model as a predictor of distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) in breast cancer patients receiving taxane and anthracycline-based NACT.
Methods

We collected the mRNA expression datasets of patients from GSE25055 and GSE25065 in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Univariate and Multivariate Cox Regression Analyses were conducted to achieve the prognostic genes that associated with DRFS. Moreover, the E2F targets genes were obtained from GSEA. We obtained the intersection genes between the prognostic genes and E2F target genes, then validated in GSE32603 dataset. And we established a nomogram model based on PTTG1 expression level and several clinical characteristics.
Results

A novel nomogram was conducted. The receiver operating characteristic (AUC = 0.849), C-index (0.805) and calibration plots were applied to assess the effect of this model.
Conclusion

Our study found that the E2F target genes, such as the PTTG1 may serve as a potential biomarker in breast cancer, and provided superior estimation of DRFS, which can guide the clinical practice in NACT of breast cancer.
A new waterproof, breathable, bacteriostatic, low-cost dressing system with a decreased number of dressing changes in primary total hip arthroplasty: a feasibility study
Authors: Su Shilong , Wang Chenggong , Gao Fawei , Lei Pengfei , Zhong Da , Hu Yihe
Published: May 2021

Background

Postoperative wound complication is a major risk factor for the development of Periprosthetic joint infection, thus, it is very important to manage surgical wounds. We innovatively invented a new dressing system to reduce the occurrence of postoperative wound complications and improve the quality of life of patients after an total hip arthroplasty. Besides, this study confirmed the clinical safety and feasibility of the newly invented dressing system.
Methods

A total of 120 patients who underwent primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty were enrolled in this study. The data collected included the number of dressing changes, costs of the dressings, postoperative hospital stay, The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, The Harris Hip Score (HHS), ASEPSIS score, The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES), wound complications, the frequency of showers and satisfaction. Data were statistically analyzed.
Results

The average number of dressing changes was 0.74 ± 0.46, while the average postoperative hospital stay was 3.67 ± 0.97 days. The average cost of the new dressings throughout a treatment cycle was 57.42 ± 15.18 dollars. The VAS score decreased from 5.63 ± 1.09 before the operation to 0.88 ± 0.54 one month after the operation. The HHS score increased from 70.18 ± 7.84 before the operation to 80.36 ± 4.08 one month after the operation. The results of the four indexes of the ASEPSIS score were all 0. The SBSES score was 3.55 ± 0.61 at two weeks after the operation, and 4.38 ± 0.71 at one month after the operation. No wound complications were recorded until one month after the operation when the satisfaction rate was 92.53 ± 3.62%.
Conclusion

In this study, we have invented a new dressing system for surgical wounds after total hip arthroplasty and confirmed its clinical safety and feasibility.
Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000033822. Registered 13 June 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=54735
Rupture of Aortic Sinus Aneurysm Caused by Trauma
Authors: Jiang Fenglin , Xu Ling
Published: May 2021

Background: Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is just an uncommon cardiac anomaly, a congenital or acquired cardiac defect that is present in roughly 0.09% of the general population. With an incidence of less than 1% of opening heart surgery cases.Case Presentation: A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is just an uncommon cardiac anomaly. The aneurysm usually ruptures into the cardiac cavity. The most frequent complication of SVA is rupture into the right atrium or right ventricle. We reviewed 2 cases of rupturing sinus aortic aneurysm.Conclusion: Echocardiography examination needs to monitor the diameter of the aortic sinus, aortic root and aortic valve, especially in the army.
Causal Effect Analysis of Demographic Concordance on Patient Perception of Physician Trust and Respect in an Emergency Care Setting
Authors: Ho Amy F , Zhou Yuan , Kirby Jessica J , Rahman Md Mamumur , Tessitore Kathryn , Abdel-Raziq Yousef , d'Etienne James P , Schrader Chet D , Wang Hao
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Patient perceptions of physician trust and respect are important factors for patient satisfaction evaluations. We aim to determine the causal effect on patient-physician demographic concordance and patient perceptions of physician trust and respect in an emergency care setting. A near real-time patient satisfaction survey was sent via telephone to patients within 72 hours of discharge from an Emergency Department (ED). Patient-trust-physician (PTP) and physician-show-respect (PSR) scores were measured. Patient and physician demographics (age, gender, race, and ethnicity) were matched. We employed genetic matching to assign patients appropriately to the treatment (demographic concordance) and control (demographic discordance) groups. Causal effect was analyzed to determine the direct effect of patient-physician demographic concordance on PTP/PSR scores. Result: We enrolled 1815 patients. The treatment effect of patient-physician demographic concordance on patient perception of physician trust and respect ranged from -0.02 to -0.2 (p>0.05). In general, patient-physician demographic concordance has minimal effect on patient perceptions of physician trust and respect.
What Outcomes in Community Mental Health Research Are Important to Caregivers of People With Schizophrenia? An Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of an Online Survey
Authors: Yasuma Naonori , Shiozawa Takuma , Ogawa Makoto , Abe Makiko , Igarashi Momoka , Kawaguchi Takayuki , Sato Sayaka , Nishi Daisuke , Kawakami Norito , Yamaguchi Sosei , Fujii Chiyo
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study investigated outcomes in community mental health research that were important to caregivers of people with schizophrenia. Using an online survey conducted from August 1–31, 2020, data were collected from caregivers belonging to the LINE Schizophrenia Family Association. Caregivers identified outcomes important in community mental health research. Two researchers categorized caregivers’ statements into research outcomes.Results: A total of 132 caregivers completed the online self-reported questionnaire, and 296 caregiver statements were identified. Qualitative analysis identified 17 outcome categories. The caregivers tended to value having more free time, maintaining an appropriate relationship with people with schizophrenia, and being able to cope with their symptoms. This exploratory study newly demonstrates the outcomes that caregivers of people with schizophrenia consider important in community mental health research. The findings may be useful in selecting outcomes for future studies of caregivers.
Acceptability and feasibility of strategies to promote healthy dietary choices in UK secondary school canteens: a qualitative study
Authors: Murphy Marie , Mensah Daniel , Mylona Elena , Oyebode Oyinlola
Published: May 2021

Objective

To explore the acceptability and feasibility of choice architecture strategies for dietary change in UK secondary school canteens from the perspectives of pupils, school staff and catering providers through qualitative focus groups and interviews.
Results

Three focus groups with adolescents (n = 15) and eight interviews with school staff and caterers recruited from one school and catering provider in Coventry UK were undertaken. Convenience, presentation and value for money were the main drivers for food and drink purchases in this school setting; while the most acceptable choice architecture strategies for intervening to drive healthy dietary choices are those that make use of proximity and positioning. Challenges to the feasibility of nudge strategies included concerns about behavioural issues, increased food waste, and a decline in uptake of canteen purchases. Acknowledging adolescents’ desire for autonomy and for food to be familiar and predictable was considered important. The design of food choice architecture interventions for secondary school settings should consider the specific characteristics of this age group and setting to ensure successful implementation.
Cryptosporidium in asymptomatic children in Southern Xinjiang, China and the potential of zoonotic transmission
Authors: Wang Tian , Wei Zilin , Zhang Ying , Zhang Qiyuan , Zhang Longxian , Yu Fuchang , Qi Meng , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2021

Background: Cryptosporidium is a primary cause of diarrhea in children globally. However, there is limited information on the prevalence and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium in children in Xinjiang, China. This study aimed to assess the genetic characteristics and epidemiological status of Cryptosporidium in asymptomatic children in Southern Xinjiang, China.Methods: A total of 609 fecal samples were collected from kindergartners aged 2-6 y from 11 counties of Southern Xinjiang, China. We used nested PCR amplification of partial SSU rDNA gene to screen the samples for Cryptosporidium spp. The isolates containing C. parvum and C. hominis were further subtyped by a 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60). We used MEGA7 to construct a phylogenetic tree to study the genetic relationship between the gp60 subtypes of these two species via the Maximum Likelihood method based on the Tamura-Nei model.Results: Only 1.3% (8/609) of asymptomatic children were confirmed as infected with Cryptosporidium with 2.0% (6/299) infection rate in boys and 0.6% (2/310) infection rate in girls. Three Cryptosporidium species were identified including C. felis (37.5%; 3/8), C. hominis (37.5%; 3/8) and C. parvum (25.0%; 2/8). Three C. hominis subtypes (IbA9G3, IdA14 and IfA12G1) and two C. parvum subtypes (IIdA14G1 and IIdA15G1) were also found.Conclusions: This study was the first to identify the presence of cryptosporidium in asymptomatic children in Southern Xinjiang, China. The presence of zoonotic C. parvum subtypes IIdA14G1 and IIdA15G1 indicates possible crossspecies transmission of Cryptosporidium between children and animals.
Contents and Quality of Malaria Information in Spanish Travel Blogs
Authors: Linares-Rufo Manuel , Santos-Larrégola Laura , Górgolas-Hernández-de-Mora Miguel , Ramos-Rincon José-Manuel
Published: May 2021

Background. About 10,000 imported cases of malaria are reported each year in Europe; 80 per 100,000 trips to endemic areas. Non-use of chemoprophylaxis in travelers remains the main reason for this. Travel blogs have proliferated throughout the network being a very common place to consult, sometimes the only one used, before preparing a trip to an endemic area. The aim of this study was to analyze the information offered on malaria in the main travel blogs in Spanish. Methods: we selected and analyzed 100 travel blogs that were considered highly relevant by its metrics: by 1) Social networks (RRSS) measuring the total followers of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube), 2) number of monthly visits using the SEMrush tool; 3) Domain authority and 4) number of backlinks or incoming links considering the age and the percentage according to category using the SEMrush tool.Results: To this end, the 100 Spanish-language travel blogs with the greatest impact were selected and analyzed. The results showed a very low quality of information provided by these publications. The contents offered were generally insufficient, incomplete or, more seriously, inadequate. In many cases, this could encourage the user not to take the appropriate preventive measures.Conclusions: This study showed a low quality of travel blogs in Spanish regarding malaria. The so-called “travel influencers” must communicate reliable, verified and quality information on malaria on their channels in a way that could contribute to a reduction in the burden of the disease in our environment