bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iluminismo, precisa-se! / Enlightenment needed
Authors: Melo e Castro Ernesto Manuel De
Published: April 2020

Resumo: Conferência lida no dia 23 de outubro de 2019, na Universidade Federal de São Paulo, campus Guarulhos, durante o Colóquio “Pensar a palavra-experiência”: homenagem a E.M. de Melo e Castro.Palavras-chave: poesia portuguesa contemporânea; experimentação; vanguarda.Abstract: Conference read on October 23, 2019, at the Federal University of São Paulo, Guarulhos campus, during the Colloquium “Pensar a palavra-experiência”: Homenagem a E.M. de Melo e Castro.Keywords: contemporary portuguese poetry; experimentation; vanguard.
‘Red Globe’ Üzüm Çeşidinin Depolanmasında Farklı Ambalaj Açıklıklarının Etkilerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: BAYRAMOĞLU Ayşe , ŞEN Fatih
Published: April 2020

Amaç: Çalışma, ‘Red Globe’ üzüm çeşidinin muhafazasında kullanılan polietilen (PE) ambalajlarda bulunan farklı açıklıkların depolama süresince üzümlerde meydana gelen kükürt dioksit (SO2) zararına ve ürün kalitesine etkilerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür.Materyal ve Metot: Üzümler, üzerinde ‰0, ‰0.5, ‰1 ve ‰2 açıklık bulunan PE ambalajlara yerleştirilip önsoğutma yapıldıktan sonra, SO2 jenaratörleri ile depolanmıştır. Üzümler 0±0.5°C sıcaklık ve %90-95 oransal nemde 4 ay süreyle depolanmış, ambalaj içi SO2 konsantrasyonu ve bazı kalite parametreleri depolama süresinde incelenmiştir.Bulgular: Depolama sonunda ‰0, ‰0.5, ‰1 ve ‰2 açıklık bulunan PE ambalajlardaki üzüm tanelerinde SO2 miktarı sırasıyla 33.50, 22.00, 5.00 ve 2.33 mg/kg olarak saptanmıştır. Açıklık bulunmayan ambalajdaki üzüm tanelerinde depolama süresinin ilerlemesiyle renk değişikliği, yumuşama, SO2 zararında artış, beğeni puanlarında düşüşler, ‰2 açıklık bulunan ambalajlardaki üzümlerinde ise salkım esmerleşmesinde artışların olduğu bulunmuştur.Sonuç: Sonuçlar, ‘Red Globe’ üzüm çeşidinin ‰1 açıklıklara sahip ambalajlar ile daha başarılı şekilde depolandığını göstermiştir.
Strengthening the Practical Application of Experiments Assessing Maize Drought Tolerance
Authors: Zhang Qinbin , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

Drought is among the most important abiotic stressors influencing food-crop production worldwide. Currently, drought-tolerant maize materials are rarely used for actual breeding because corn production primarily focuses on heterosis to generate desired varieties. In this article, we reviewed current work on assessing maize drought tolerance. We suggested that the development of enhanced screening techniques must clearly consider the connection between theory and application. We strongly recommend that agricultural scientists focus on translating the results of laboratory experiments into practical methods for improving crop productivity.
Sars-CoV-2 Envelope and Membrane Proteins: Differences from Closely Related Proteins Linked to Cross-species Transmission?
Authors: Bianchi Martina , Benvenuto Domenico , Giovanetti Marta , Angeletti Silvia , Ciccozzi Massimo , Pascarella Stefano
Published: April 2020

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was initially reported in city of Wuhan, China and afterwards spread globally. Genomic analyses revealed that SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) Pangolin and Bat coronavirus specific isolates. In this study we focused on two proteins of Sars-CoV-2 surface: Envelope protein and Membrane protein. Sequences from Sars-CoV-2 isolates and other closely related virus were collected from the GenBank through TBlastN searches. The retrieved sequences were multiply aligned with MAFFT. The Envelope protein is identical to the counterparts from Pangolin CoV MP798 isolate and Bat CoV isolates CoVZXC21, CoVZC45 and RaTG13. However, a substitution at position 69 where an Arg replace for Glu, and a deletion in position 70 corresponding to Gly or Cys in other Envelope proteins were found. The Membrane glycoprotein appears more variable with respect to the SARS CoV proteins than the Envelope: a heterogeneity at the N-terminal position, exposed to the virus surface, was found between Pangolin CoV MP798 isolate and Bat CoV isolates CoVZXC21, CoVZC45 and RaTG13. Mutations observed on Envelope protein are drastic and may have significant implications for conformational properties and possibly for protein-protein interactions. Mutations on Membrane protein may also be relevant because this protein cooperates with the Spike during the cell attachment and entry. Therefore, these mutations may influence interaction with host cells. The mutations that have been detected in these comparative studies may reflect functional peculiarities of the Sars-CoV-2 virus and may help explaining the epizootic origin the COVID-19 epidemic.
Hydroxychloroquine as an Aerosol Might Markedly Reduce and Even Prevent Severe Clinical Symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Klimke Ansgar , Hefner Gudrun , Will Bianca , Voss Ursula
Published: April 2020

Covid-19 is a new coronavirus disease first described in December 2019. This respiratory illness is severe and potentially fatal. Severe cases make up to 15%, lethality ranges between 1.5 and more than 10 %. What is urgently needed is an efficient pharmacological treatment for the treatment of severe cases. During the infection of alveolar epithelial cells of the lung, the ACE2 receptor has a central function. The antimalarial drugs chloroquine phosphate (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) impair in vitro the terminal glycosylation of ACE2 without significant change of cell-surface ACE2 and, therefore, might be potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Starting inhibition at 0.1 µM, CQ completely prevented in vitro infections at 10 µM, suggesting a prophylactic effect and preventing the virus spread 5 hours after infection. In a first clinical trial, CQ was effective in inhibiting exacerbation of pneumonia, improving lung imaging findings, promotion of virus-negative conversion, and shortening the disease. In addition, HCQ, which is three times more potent than CQ in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells (EC50 0.72 µM), was significantly associated with viral load reduction/disappearance in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Theoretically, CQ and HCQ could thus be effectively used in the treatment of SARS-CoV pneumonia. From a pharmacological standpoint, however, the major problems of oral treatment with these drugs are possible severe side effects and toxicity. Concretely, this relates to (a) the inconsistent individual bioavailability of these drugs at the alveolar target cells, depending on intestinal resorption, hepatic first-pass metabolism and accumulation in liver, spleen and lung, and (b) the need for a relatively high concentration of 1-5 µM at the alveolar surface. Therefore, we propose in a first dose estimation the use of HCQ as an aerosol in a dosage of 2-4 mg per inhalation in order to reach sufficient therapeutic levels at the alveolar epithelial cells. By using a low-dose non-systemic aerosol, adverse drug reactions will markedly be reduced compared with oral application. This increase in tolerability enables a broader use for prevention and after contact with an infected person, which would be an advantage especially for the high-risk, often multi-morbid and elderly patients. Empirical data on self-medication with a one-week aerosol application by two of the authors is presented. Inhalation was well tolerated without relevant side effects.
Bioaerosol Size Effect in COVID-19 Transmission
Authors: Guzman Marcelo
Published: April 2020

The fast spread of COVID-19 constitutes a worldwide challenge to the public health, educational, and trade systems, affecting the overall wellbeing of human societies. The high transmission and mortality rates of this virus, and the unavailability of a vaccine and antidote, resulted in the decision of multiple governments to force measurements of social distancing. Thus, it is of general interest to consider the validity of the proposal for keeping a social distancing of at least 6.0 ft (1.8 m) from persons with COVID-19. The eventual exposure to the bioaerosol can result in the deposition o the pathogen in the respiratory track of the host causing disease and an immunological response. In the atmospheric context, the work evaluates the effect of aerodynamic particle size in carrying RNA copies of the novel coronavirus. A COVID-19 carrier person talking, sneezing, or coughing at distance of 1.8 m can still provide a pathogenic bioaerosol load with submicron particles that remain viable in air for up to 3 hours for exposure of healthy persons near and far the source in a stagnant environment. The deposited bioaerosol creates contaminated surfaces, which if touched can act as a path to introduce the pathogen by mouth, nose, or eyes and cause disease.
Safe Laboratory Practices in the Light of Covid-19 Pandemic: Way Forward in a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Odega Kevin , Iyamah Ehijie , Ibadin Ephraim , Idomeh Festus , odega Deborah
Published: April 2020

The 2019 Coronavirus pandemic which was initially referred to as 2019-nCoV, was first identified in Wuhan, China. Early response from the Chinese government included quarantine of infected persons, isolation and total lockdown of Wuhan province to prevent further spread. With the spread of the disease across national borders and declaration of the disease as a global pandemic, there has been a robust response by the international community to contain this deadly virus and prevent its further spread worldwide. Africa is not left out of this rampaging pandemic with documented cases in over 40 countries and still rising. Although extensive studies have been carried out on the novel SARS-CoV-2 on its pathogenesis, mode of infection and virulence but much is still unknown. However, potentially infectious samples are received routinely in the medical laboratory for analysis. This technical note reviews good laboratory practice (GLP) and processes across the different specialities of Medical Laboratory practice that should minimize the risk of infection to laboratory staff especially in resource-limited settings.
Using Discrete Multiphysics Modelling to Assess the Effect of Calcification on Hemodynamic and Mechanical Deformation of Aortic Valve
Authors: Mohammed Adamu Musa , Ariane Mostapha , Alexiadis Alessio
Published: April 2020

This study proposes a 3D particle-base (discrete) multiphysics approach for modelling calcification in the aortic valve. Different stages of calcification (from mild to severe) were simulated, and their effect on the cardiac output assessed. The cardiac flow rate decreases with the level of calcification. In particular, there is a critical level of calcification below which the flow rate decreases dramatically. Mechanical stress on the membrane is also calculated. The results show that, as calcification progresses, spots of high mechanical stress appear. Firstly, they concentrate in the regions connecting two leaflets; when severe calcification is reached, then they extend to the area at the basis of the valve.
Characterization of Antimicrobial Effects of Plasma‑Treated Water (PTW) Produced by Microwave‑Induced Plasma (MidiPLexc) on Pseudomonas fluorescens Biofilms
Authors: Handorf Oliver , Pauker Viktoria Isabella , Schnabel Uta , Weihe Thomas , Freund Eric , Bekeschus Sander , Riedel Katharina , Ehlbeck Jörg
Published: April 2020

For the decontamination of surfaces in the food production industry, plasma generated compounds (PGCs) such as plasma-treated water (PTW) or plasma processed air (PPA) offer many promising possibilities for future applications. Therefore, the antimicrobial effect of water treated with microwave-induced plasma (MidiPLexc) on Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms was investigated. 10 ml deionized water was treated with the MidiPLexc plasma source for 100 s, 300 s and 900 s (pre-treatment time) and the bacterial biofilms were exposed to the PTW for 1 min, 3 min and 5 min (post treatment time). To investigate the influence of PTW on P. fluorescens biofilms, microbiological assays (CFU, fluorescence and XTT assay) and imaging techniques (fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM)) were used. The CFU showed a maximum reduction of 6 log10 by using 300 s pre-treated PTW for 5 min. Additionally, a maximum reduction of 81 % for the viability of the cells and a 92 % reduction in the metabolic activity of the cells was achieved by using 900 s pre-treated PTW for 5 min. The microscopic images showed evident microbial inactivation within the biofilm even at the shortest pre treatment (100 s) and post-treatment (1 min) times. Moreover, reduction of the biofilm thickness and increased cluster formation within the biofilm was detected. Morphologically, the fusion of cell walls into a uniform dense cell mass. The findings correlated with a decrease in the pH value of the PTW, which forms the basis for the chemically active components of PTW and its antimicrobial effects. These results, provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of inactivation of biofilms by plasma generated compounds (PGCs) such as PTW and thus allow for further parameter adjustment for applications in food industry.
Effects of Hard and Soft Equality Constraints on Reliability Analysis
Authors: Rofatto Vinicius Francisco , Matsuoka Marcelo Tomio , Klein Ivandro , Roberto Veronez Mauricio , Da Silveira, Jr. Luiz Gonzaga
Published: April 2020

The reliability analysis allows to estimate the system's probability of detecting and identifying outlier. Failure to identify an outlier can jeopardise the reliability level of a system. Due to its importance, outliers must be appropriately treated to ensure the normal operation of a system. The system models are usually developed from certain constraints. Constraints play a central role in model precision and validity. In this work, we present a detailed optical investigation of the effects of the hard and soft constraints on the reliability of a measurement system model. Hard constraints represent a case in which there exist known functional relations between the unknown model parameters, whereas the soft constraints are employed for the case where such functional relations can slightly be violated depending on their uncertainty. The results highlighted that the success rate of identifying an outlier for the case of hard constraints is larger than soft constraints. This suggested that hard constraints should be used in the stage of pre-processing data for the purpose of identifying and removing possible outlying measurements. After identifying and removing possible outliers, one should set up the soft constraints to propagate the uncertainties of the constraints during the data processing. This recommendation is valid for outlier detection and identification purpose.
Challenges in Controlling SARS-CoV-2 in a Lower-middle Income Country and the Potential Unintended Effects due to Aggressive Restrictions
Authors: Lau Lincoln , Wu Peng , Go Daryn , Dodd Warren , Yu Charles
Published: April 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines placed the majority of the country under enhanced community quarantine, restricting the movement of most of its 100 million plus population. These aggressive measures were initiated on March 15, 2020 and intensified on March 17. According to official data, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has exponentially increased during this period, but it is important to note that the number of patients tested also substantially increased during the same period. It is not conclusive that widespread transmission of COVID-19 only started in March and our analysis suggests that community transmission was happening earlier. In discussing extended quarantine measures, it is important to properly understand the trends and recognize the limitations of the data. The unintended consequences on the population, especially in lower-middle income countries with fragile health systems like the Philippines, must be carefully considered.
Paleoenvironmental significance of microbial mat-related structures and ichnofaunas in an Ordovician mixed-energy estuary, Áspero Formation of Santa Victoria Group, northwestern Argentina
Authors: Duperron María , Scasso Roberto Adrián
Published: April 2020

The study on a unique set of outstandingly preserved sedimentary surface textures (SSTs) found in the late Tremadocian Áspero Formation of northwestern Argentina, coupled with the sedimentological and ichnological analysis, indicate that they were formed in the intertidal to supratidal setting of a mixed-energy estuary recording storm and tide sedimentation. We recognize seven types of SSTs: probably biotic microbial mat-related SSTs (Kinneyia, elephant skin, exfoliating sandy laminae), abiotic SSTs (elliptical scours and convex parallel ridges type I “wrinkle marks” sensuAllen 1985), and problematic (convex parallel ridges type II and dot matrix texture). Elliptical scours and convex parallel ridges type I show features which indicate reworking of a cohesive sandy substrate in an intertidal or supratidal setting. Abundance of biotic SSTs with specific associated trace fossils reflect matground development and mat-grazing ichnofaunas, indicating the suppression of intense, penetrative bioturbation due to intense physicochemical stress. The “dot matrix” texture, described here for the first time, consists of a regular horizontal network of millimeter-scale pits; it appears associated with exfoliating sandy laminae, probably reflecting a mat-related origin. Three facies associations are defined through paleoenvironmental analysis. Facies association 1 is dominated by high-energy sandy and bioclastic storm deposits with tidal flat facies, and corresponds to the outer bay of a mixed-energy estuary; highly impoverished Cruziana assemblages and distal expressions of the Skolithos Ichnofacies reflect high energy and sedimentation rate. Facies association 2 shows tidal-channel and tidal-flat facies with subordinated storm deposits, representing the middle bay; impoverished Cruziana assemblages dominated by simple facies-crossing structures, with high-density monogeneric opportunistic suites, evidence physicochemical stress associated with subaerial exposure, frequent episodic deposition, high water turbidity, and/or brackish water conditions in these relatively sheltered tidal flats. Facies association 3 is formed by interdistributary-bay deposits with intercalation of channel-fill deposits in the upper part, and represents the river-dominated bay-head delta; low degrees of bioturbation in fine-grained facies indicate brackish- to fresh-water conditions. SSTs are found in tidal flat facies of facies association 2; they indicate an intertidal to supratidal environment subject to localized conditions of intense physicochemical stress. The paleoenvironmental interpretation of SSTs converges with the one performed through sedimentological and ichnological analysis, producing a robust and more detailed paleoenvironmental model for the Áspero Formation. Our study highlights the use of SSTs as a tool for supporting and refining paleoenvironmental analysis.
Psychosocial, Behavioral and Clinical correlates of children with overweight and obesity
Authors: Thaker Vidhu V , Osganian Stavroula K. , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Sonneville Kendrin R. , Cheng Jennifer K. , Feldman Henry A. , Richmond Tracy K.
Published: April 2020

Background: Psychological and behavioral correlates are considered important in the development and persistence of obesity in both adults and youth. This study aimed to identify such features in youth with severe obesity (BMI ³ 120% of 95th percentile of sex-specific BMI-for-age) compared to those with overweight or non-severe obesity. Methods: Youth with BMI ³ 85th percentile were invited to participate in a prospective research registry where data was collected on attributes such as family characteristics, eating behaviors, dietary intake, physical activity, perception of health and mental well-being, and cardiometabolic parameters. Results: In a racially/ethnically diverse cohort of 105 youth (65% female, median age 16.1 years, range 4.62-25.5), 51% had severe obesity. The body fat percent increased with the higher levels of obesity. There were no differences in the self-reported frequency of intake of sugar sweetened beverages or fresh produce across the weight categories. However, the participants with severe obesity reported higher levels of emotional eating and eating when bored (p=0.022), levels of stress (p =0.013), engaged in fewer sports or organized activities (p=0.044), and had suboptimal perception of health (p=0.053). Asthma, depression and obstructive sleep apnea were more frequently reported in youth with severe obesity. The presence of abnormal HDL, HOMA-IR, CRP and multiple cardiometabolic risk factors were more common among youth with severe obesity. Conclusions: Youth with severe obesity have identifiable differences in psychosocial and behavioral attributes that can be used to develop targeted intervention strategies to improve their health.
An Endostatin-Lentivirus (ES-LV)-EPC Gene Therapy Agent for Suppression of Neovascularization in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Rat Model
Authors: Ai Jing , Ma Jian , Chen Zhi-Qing , Sun Jun-Hui , Yao Ke
Published: April 2020

Background: Transplantation of gene transfected endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has provided novel methods for tumor neovascularization therapy but not for ocular disease therapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of endostatin transfected EPCs in retinal neovascularization therapy. Results: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed the high expression of endostatin in endostatin-lentivirus-EPCs. The neovascularization leakage area and the number of preretinal neovascular cell nuclei were significantly decreased in the endostatin-lentivirus and endostatin-lentivirus-EPC groups, and the effects of these two treatments on inhibiting retinal neovascularization were almost the same. These two groups also showed the greater retinal distribution of endostatin. Intravitreal injections of endostatin-lentivirus-EPCs inhibited retinal neovascularization, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 expression, and increased endostatin expression in vivo. Endostatin-lentivirus-EPCs targeted and prevented pathologic retinal neovascularization. Conclusions: Gene-combined EPCs represent a potential new therapeutic agent for the treatment of neovascular eye diseases.
Is Procalcitonin (PCT) a reliable biomarker for preoperative diagnosing of low grade Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Prospective Study
Authors: Busch André , Jäger Marcus , Engler Harald , Haversath Marcel , Bielefeld Charlotte , Landgraeber Stefan , Wegner Alexander
Published: April 2020

Background: Since a „gold-standard“ is missing, diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum and synovial fluid Procalcitonin (S-PCT and SF-PCT) as a diagnostic parameter and to compare it to the biomarkers recommended in the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection.Methods:Between August 2018 and July 2019, a prospective cohort study was conducted in 70 patients with painful hip, shoulder and knee arthroplasty. Besides medical history, clinical and laboratory data was gathered. PJI was diagnosed based on the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. Preoperative blood and synovial joint fluid were taken for PCT measurement. S-PCT and SF-PCT levels were measured using standard quantitative PCT enzyme immunoassays.Results: Twenty three patients (33%) were classified as the PJI group and fourty seven patient (67%) as the aseptic group. The mean levels of S-PCT were significantly (p<0.001) higher in the PJI group than those in the aseptic group (PJI 0.05 ± 0.21 ng/mL (0.0-1.03) vs. aseptic 0.02 ± 0.03 ng/mL (0.0-0.18)). In synovial fluid, the mean PCT values in the aseptic group were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those of PJI group (PJI 2.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL (0.53-9.7) vs. aseptic 8.7 ± 2.5 ng/mL (0.25-87.9)). S- PCT, with a cut-off level of 0.5 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 91.0%.SF-PCT, with a cut-off level of 5.0 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 52.0%.Conclusion: S-PCT and SF-PCT appeared to be no reliable biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of PJI from aseptic loosening in total joint arthroplasty.
Who responds? An examination of response rates to a national postal survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, 2018-2019
Authors: Wright Alyson Jane , Thurber Katherine Anne , Yap Mandy , Du Wei , Banks Emily , Walker Jennie , Irwin Faye , Sanders William , Lovett Raymond
Published: April 2020

Background: Evidence on the effectiveness of postal recruitment methods for Indigenous peoples is lacking. Mayi Kuwayu, the National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing, uses multi-staged sampling. We aimed to test postal surveys as a primary recruitment method, analysing preliminary response rate data to inform the Study’s ongoing sampling approach. Methods: 20,000 adults aged ≥16 years were sampled from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in the Medicare Australia Enrolment Database. We calculated response rates at 4 and 15 weeks, overall and by age group, gender, state/territory and remoteness. Results: The overall response rate was 2.3% (n=456/20000). Highest response rates were observed among males and females ≥50 years from major cities (6.0%, 95%CI 4.4–7.9 and 5.5%, 4.1–7.2, respectively) and regional areas (6.0%, 4.6–7.6 and 6.2%, 4.9–7.7, respectively). Younger age groups and remote areas had lower response rates; all remote age groups <50 years had a response rate ≤0.6%. While most participants responded on the paper surveys, online responses were more common among younger age groups and, respondents with higher education levels and whose first language was not English.Conclusion: Using a postal survey, we observed response rates of ≥5.5% among older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in major cities and regional areas; response rates were lower in other groups. A two-stage postal distribution approach provided an opportunity to adapt sampling approaches to different demographic groups. Based on initial response rates, the sampling strategy was revised to send postal surveys to groups with higher response rates groups and focus field recruitment strategies on low response groups.
Comparison of dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy versus posterosuperior prominence resection for the treatment of Haglund syndrome
Authors: Ge Zilu , Ma Lin , Tang Hong , Yang Mingyu , Yang Aining , Yuan Chengsong , Tao Xu , Zhou Binghua , Tang Kanglai , Chen Wan
Published: April 2020

Background: Haglund syndrome is a common disease that causes posterior heel pain. This study compared the clinical outcomes of dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (DCWCO) and posterosuperior prominence resection (PPR) for the treatment of Haglund syndrome.Methods: This retrospective study included 12 patients who underwent DCWCO and 32 patients who underwent PPR from January 2010 to August 2016. Patients were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Achilles tendinopathy (VISA-A), Fowler-Philip angle, Bohler’s angle, and calcaneal pitch angle preoperatively and postoperatively (at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and the latest follow-up). Results: Both groups exhibited a significant increase in their AOFAS and VISA-A scores after surgery. The DCWCO group had lower AOFAS scores than the PPR group at 6 months (77.6 ± 5.1 vs. 82.8 ± 7.8; P =0.037) but had higher scores at the latest follow-up (98.2 ± 2.3 vs. 93.4 ± 6.1; P =0.030). The DCWCO group had lower VISA-A scores at 3 months (56.9 ± 13.9 vs. 65.2 ± 11.0; P =0.044) but higher scores at the latest follow-up (98.2 ± 2.6 vs. 94.3 ± 5.0; P =0.010) than the PPR group. Both groups exhibited significant changes in the Fowler-Philip angle and Bohler’s angle after surgery. The postoperative Fowler-Philip angle of the DCWCO group was greater than that of the PPR group (35.9° ± 4.9° vs. 31.4° ± 6.2°; P =0.026). However, there was no statistically significant difference in any other angle of the two groups postoperatively.Conclusions: Compare to PPR group, the DCWCO group had poorer short-term clinical outcomes but provide better long-term function and symptom remission. This method can be a good option for those patients with higher functional expectations.
Insufficient gestational weight gain associated with higher DNA methylation in cord blood cells
Authors: Kawai Tomoko , Miyakoshi Kei , Kasuga Yoshifumi , New Shiori Kinoshita , Tanaka Mamoru , Hata Kenichiro
Published: April 2020

Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) is one of the crucial factors affecting fetal growth as well as the in utero environment, influencing fetal cell programming during development. We reported previously that GWG affected the occurrence of outlying CpG methylation values of placental DNA in a U-shaped manner, with the occurrence of outlying values from adequate GWG subjects positioned at the bottom of the curve. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of GWG on the infant epigenome by the view that the influence of insufficient GWG on infant DNA methylation may turn in some other direction at the borderline of the optimal weight gain. Method We collected cord blood from 60 subjects with uncomplicated term delivery whose mean pre-pregnancy body mass index and mean GWG was 19.8 ± 1.9 and 8.1 ± 4.3 kg, respectively. Cord blood DNA was underwent analysis using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip to profile genome-wide methylation status. Results GWG was continuously associated with cord blood DNA methylation at five CpG loci significantly (multiple test corrected p-value, 0.043) in the lower than upper limit of the recommended GWG group (n = 51). The significant association between DNA methylation levels and GWG was disappeared when added 9 subjects who gained weight more than upper limit of recommendation during pregnancy. The methylation plot of the five loci plateaued or traced a U-curve near the border of the upper limit of the GWG recommendation. Cord blood DNA methylation of these five were all negatively associated with GWG. Validation using deep targeted bisulfite sequencing reproduced negative correlations between GWG and methylation levels within one of the five targets; at the upstream of LINC01816 . This region has been annotated as a promoter or an enhancer depending on blood cell types based on their epigenetic marks. Conclusions It is known that demethylation at enhancer region in genome is one of the features during late fetal development. We found that insufficient GWG showed higher methylation status in some enhancer-candidate loci in cord blood cells, which may indicate incomplete demethylation during in utero development.
The Impact of Frailty in Aortic Valve Surgery
Authors: berastegui elisabet , CAmara Maria Luisa , Moret Enrique , Casas Irma , Badia Sara , Gallego Claudio FErnandez , Delgado Luis , Julia Ignasi , Llorens Anna , Romero Bernat , Guijosa Christian Muñoz
Published: April 2020

Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that diminishes potential functional recovery after any surgical procedure. Preoperative surgical risk assessment is crucial to calibrate the risk and benefit of cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to test usefulness of FRAIL Scale and other surgical-risk-scales and individual features of frailty. Methods: Prospective study. From May-2014 to February-2016, we collected 200 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement, either surgically or transcatheter. At 1-year follow-up, quality of life measurements were recorded using the EQ-5D (EuroQol). Univariate and multivariate analyses correlated preoperative condition, features of frailty and predicted risk scores with mortality, morbidity and quality of life at 1 year of follow-up. Results: Mean age 78.2y, 56%male. Mean-preoperative-scores: FRAIL scale 1.5(SD 1.02), STS 2.9(SD 1.13), BI 93.8(SD 7.3), ESlog I 12.8(SD 8.5) and GS 7.3s (SD 1.9). Morbidity at discharge, 6 m and 1 year was 51%, 14% and 28%. Mortality 4%. Survival at 6m/ 1-y was 97% / 88%. Complication-rate was higher in TAVI group due to-vascular complications. Renal dysfunction, anemia, social dependence and GS slower than 7 seconds were associated with morbidity. On multivariate analysis adjusted STS, BI and GS speed were statistically significant. Quality of life at 1-year follow-up adjusted for age and prosthesis type showed a significant association with STS and FRAIL scale scores.Conclusions: Frailty increases surgical risk and is associated with higher morbidity. Preoperative GS slower 7 s, and STS and FRAIL scale scores seem to be reliable predictors of quality of life at 1-year follow-up.
Prognostic nomogram for predicting long-term cancer-specific survival in patients with lung carcinoid tumors
Authors: He Yanqi , Zhao Feng , Han Qingbing , Zhou Yiwu , Zhao Shuang
Published: April 2020

Background Lung carcinoid is a rare malignant tumor with poor survival. The current study aimed to build a nomogram model for predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with lung carcinoid tumors. Methods A total of 1,956 patients diagnosed with primary lung carcinoid tumors were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The specific predictors of CSS for lung carcinoid tumors were identified and integrated to build a nomogram. Validation of the nomogram was conducted using parameters concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, decision curve analyses (DCAs), and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Age at diagnosis, grade, histological type, N stage, M stage, surgery of the primary site, radiation of the primary site, and tumor size were independent prognostic factors of CSS. High discriminative accuracy of the nomogram model was shown in the training cohort (C-index = 0.873), which was also testified in the internal validation cohort (C-index = 0.861). In both cohorts, the calibration plots showed good concordance between the predicted and observed CSS at 3, 5, and 10 years. The DCA showed great potential for clinical application. The ROC curve showed superior survival predictive ability of the nomogram model (area under the curve = 0.868). Conclusions We developed a practical nomogram that provided independent predictions of CSS for patients with lung carcinoid tumors. This nomogram may have the potential to assist clinicians in prognostic evaluations or developing individualized therapies for patients with this neoplasm.
Torque Mechanical Evaluation for 3D Printed Orthodontic Springs with Different Parameters: Invitro Study
Authors: Othman Ahmed , Hartman Steven , Ströbele Dragan , Arnold Jassin , von See Constantin
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of the presented investigation is to evaluate the resulting torque on loaded 3D printed springs using different coil thickness and length. Methods: Specimens were designed and printed using the 3D printer MAX (Asiga, Sydney, Australia) with 3D printable, experimental, flexible material (Code:BM2008, GC, Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were divided into three groups according to spring coil design. Control group (n=18), length group (n=19) and thickness group (n=22). Groups were tested using a Sauter Machine for torque calculation (DB, Grindelwald, Switzerland) in conjunction with a universal testing machine (Zwick Z010, Ulm, Germany) for clock-wise and anti-clockwise testing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Steel-Dwass test to compare median values of the three groups in both testing directions (p<0.001). Results: The highest torque value was determined in the thickness group for both clockwise and anti-clockwise testing directions, achieving 44.00N/mm and 39.62N/mm respectively. For the thickness group values ranged from 21.28N/mm anti-clockwise to 44.00N/mm clockwise. The length group ranged from 21.65N/mm to 11.04N/mm in clockwise direction and from 18.04N/mm to 11.38N/mm in counter-clockwise testing. The control group ranged from 22.72N/mm to 17.18N/mm in the clock-wise direction while in the anti-clock wise testing it ranged from 21.34N/mm to 16.02N/mm. Conclusions: 3D printed springs are being affected by diameter than length as a design parameter compared to the control group. The thickness group values are statistically significant than the length group (P<0.001). Key words: CAD/CAM, 3D printing, Digital Orthodontics, Torque, Springs.
The practice of dentistry by Australian- and overseas-trained dentists in Australia: discriminant analysis of key predictors
Authors: Balasubramanian Madhan , Spencer A John , Sohn Woosung , Brennan David S
Published: April 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to author disagreement.
Cumulative, high-stress calls impacting adverse events among law enforcement and the public
Authors: Jetelina Katelyn K , Beauchamp Alaina M , Gonzalez Jennifer Reingle , Molsberry Rebecca J , Bishopp Steven A. , Lee Simon Craddock
Published: April 2020

Background : The unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous, nature of the occupation exposes officers to both acute and chronic stress over law enforcement officers’ tenure. The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) Describe multi-level characteristics that define high-stress calls for service for LEO; and 2) Characterize factors that impact cumulative stress over the course of a LEO’s shift. Methods : Qualitative data were collected from 31 LEOs at three law enforcement agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth areas from April 2019 to February 2020. Focus group data were iteratively coded by four coders using inductive and deductive thematic identification. Results : Five multi-level factors influenced officer stress: 1) officer characteristics (e.g. military experience; gender); 2) civilian behavior (e.g. resistance, displaying a weapon); 3) supervisor factors (micromanagement); 4) environmental factors (e.g. time of year); and, 5) situational factors (e.g. audience present; complexity of calls). Four themes that characterized cumulative stress: 1) cyclical risk; 2) accelerators; 3) decelerators; and 4) experience of an adverse event. Conclusions : LEOs become susceptible to adverse events (e.g. injury, excessive use of force) after repeated exposure to high-stress calls for service. If no adverse event occurs, ongoing exposures to stress continue to occur throughout the shift. Our long-term goal is to interrupt this repetitive, cumulative process by restricting the number of consecutive high-risk, high-intensity calls an officer is permitted to respond to.
The Vietnamese Version of the Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire: Translation and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Van , Liu Hsueh-Erh
Published: April 2020

Background: Many instruments measure critical thinking ability in nursing education. The Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire (N-CT-4 Practice) is a new tool to measure the level of critical thinking ability of nurses in a clinical setting. However, no study has evaluated the psychometric properties of the N-CT-4 Practice in Vietnam. Therefore, this study translated and evaluated the validity and reliability of the Vietnamese version of the Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire (V-N-CT-4 Practice). Results: The V-N-CT-4 Practice questionnaire retained the meaning of the original English version and was clear, explicit and easy for nurses to understand. The item content validity index of the V-N-CT-4 Practice was 1.0. The Cronbach’s alpha for the overall scales was .98. The intraclass correlation coefficient was .81. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that this Vietnamese version fit the proposed model. Conclusions: The findings suggested that the V-N-CT-4 Practice has acceptable reliability and validity for Vietnamese nurses in a clinical setting. Nurse managers and educators can use the V-N-CT-4 Practice to measure the level of critical thinking ability of Vietnamese clinical nurses and make international comparisons possible.
Comparative transcriptome profiling provides insights into endocarp lignification of walnut (Juglans Regia L.)
Authors: Wu Xiaoting , Zhang Zechao , Sun Mintao , An Xiuhong , Zhao Shugang , Qi Yingbin , Zhang Zhihua , Wang Hongxia
Published: April 2020

Background Lignin is the main component of walnut endocarp, although we know little about the molecular mechanism of lignin formation in walnut endocarp. To understand the molecular mechanisms behind the two kinds of walnut phenotype and explore the genes involved into lignin formation, transcriptome sequencing was conducted in the walnut endocarp of the ‘Zanmei’ (ZM) and ‘Liaoning 7’ (L7) cultivars, which have different endocarp thicknesses. Compared with L7 walnut endocarp, the endocarp of ZM walnut is thicker, which decreases dehiscent nuts and compromised kernels.Results There are more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ZM walnut cultivar. The DEGs involved in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were significantly upregulated in both cultivars 45 days after full bloom (DAFB), but more genes were upregulated in ZM than in L7. Moreover, the same DEGs showed different expression levels in the two cultivars. Most of the key genes in ZM had more different multiples than those in L7. Interestingly, when qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of the key genes in different development stages of the two varieties, the expression patterns were different from those known in other species. Furthermore, transcription factors regulating secondary cell wall and lignin biosynthesis were identified. Quantitative real-time PCR results were consistent with transcriptome data.Conclusion In this study, transcriptome analysis was used to understand the molecular mechanisms of lignin formation in two walnut cultivars with different shell thickness. Several important key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway were significantly different in the two cultivars, which may be the reason for the phenotypic differences. The analysis of transcription factors revealed that the regulation network in endocarp of walnut may be different from that of drupe such as apricot or peach. This study provides important candidate genes for exploring the complicated metabolic processes involved in the formation of walnut lignin.
Observations from a Delphi Survey of administrators of U.S. nursing homes on oral neglect guidelines: a brief report
Authors: Katz Ralph V , Casey Sharon M , Smith Barbara J , Huang Shulamite
Published: April 2020

Objective: The goal of this Delphi survey was to obtain the opinion of the chief/head administrators of nationally recognized award-winning Long-Term Care (LTC) nursing homes in the U.S. regarding previously established Oral Neglect in Institutionalized Elderly (ONiIE) timelines.Results: Only two of the 56 invited expert panelists completed Round 1 of this ONiIE Delphi survey, despite the use of several methodologic approaches to facilitate their participation. Despite their impeccable credentials as dedicated, highly accomplished administrators of LTC nursing facilities across the U.S., this pool of potential chief/head LTC administrators panelists (unlike previously surveyed national expert panels of other key stakeholders, such as academic geriatric dentists, physician and nurses) abrogated their professional responsibility to the vulnerable elderly under their care by, essentially, refusing to participate in this survey, i.e., by refusing to ‘voice their opinion’ as one key stakeholder in this much needed discussion.
Efficacy of Phage Cocktail AB-SA01 Therapy in Diabetic Mouse Wound Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kifelew Legesse Garedew , Warner Morgyn S. , Morales Sandra , Vaughan Lewis , Woodman Richard , Fitridge Robert , Mitchell James G. , Speck Peter
Published: April 2020

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is frequently isolated from DFU infections. Bacteriophages (“phages”) represent an alternative or adjunct treatment to antibiotic therapy. Here we describe the efficacy of AB-SA01, a cocktail of three S. aureus Myoviridae phages, made to current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards, and which has undergone two phase I trials, in treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus infections.Methods: Using a diabetic mouse model, bilateral six-millimetre excisional deep skin wounds inflicted on the dorsum of Balb/c mice were infected with 6.7 log10 colony-forming units (CFU) of clinical MDR S. aureus. Infections were treated topically with AB-SA01, or controls: saline, or saline plus intraperitoneal (IP) vancomycin. Bacterial load and wound healing parameters were used to assess treatment efficacy.Results: Wounds of saline-treated mice showed no healing, but expanded and became inflamed, ulcerated, and suppurating. In contrast, AB-SA01 treatment decreased the bacterial load with efficacy similar or superior to vancomycin treatment. In phage-treated mice, wound healing was seen similar to vancomycin treatment. No adverse effects related to the application of phages were observed.Conclusion: Our results suggest that topical phage cocktail treatment may be effective in treating antibiotic-resistant S. aureus DFU infections.