bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rating prediction of peer-to-peer accommodation through attributes and topics from customer review
Authors: Subroto Athor , Christianis Marcel
Published: January 2021

This study aims to predict customers’ behavior in classifying their reviews as high rated or low rated using associated attributes and topics found in the review. Knowing customer reviewing action better can lead to a successful strategy implementation of the relevant parties related to this study such as policy to manage customer reviews by keeping their satisfaction high. We applied a big data approach on a dataset of 55,377 reviews from Airbnb listings in the top 10 most visited cities in Indonesia (based on foreign arrivals data). We used The Classification and Regression Tree Model, Random Forest Model, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operation and Logistic Regression Model, Artificial Neural Network as well as Multi-Layer Perceptron to make prediction’s classification. Those models are used to identify a set of attributes and topics that will increase the chance of the review to render a high rate and a different set of attributes and topics that will lead the review to be low rated. This study found; first, attributes and topics that influence customers' odds to classify their review as high rated or low rated adhere to the understanding of Peer to Peer accommodation attributes. Second, successfully proved that customer reviews' attributes and topics could be used to predict the classification of ratings in Peer to Peer accommodation. Where for Topics, we can predict the rating using Random Forest yields 60.09% accuracy, slightly better than Artificial Neural Network (58.33%) and Multi-Layer Perceptron (58.8%). However, it seems better to use Attributes to predict the rating, where the accuracy is yielded better by applying Artificial Neural Network with 84.79% accuracy compared to Multi-Layer Perceptron with only 72.35% of accuracy.
Ten recommendations to improve pharmacy practice in low and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Authors: Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din
Published: January 2021

Medicines are important health interventions and their appropriate use could improve health outcomes. Throughout the globe, pharmacists play a very important role to improve the use of medicines. Though high-income countries are debating on futuristic approaches, independent prescribing of pharmacists, clinical skills, and to expand pharmacy services; a large majority of low and middle-income countries still lag behind to strengthen pharmacy practice. This paper presents a key set of recommendations that can improve pharmacy practice in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The ten recommendations include (1) Mandatory presence of graduate-level pharmacists at community pharmacies (2) Clear demarcation of the roles and responsibilities of different categories of pharmacists (3) Effective categorization and implementation of medicines into (a) prescription medicines (b) pharmacists only medicines (c) over the counter medicines (4) Enforcement of laws and regulations for the sale of medicines (5) Prohibiting doctors from dispensing medicines (the dispensing separation between pharmacists and doctors). (6) Involving pharmacies and pharmacists in Universal Health Coverage Schemes to improve the affordability of medicines (7) Strengthening national medicines regulatory authorities to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medicines (8) Training of pharmacists in clinical skills, vaccination, and minor ailment schemes (9) Promoting independent medicines information for consumers and healthcare professionals by developing national medicines information strategy (10) Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs for the Pharmacists.
Validation of coronal mass ejection arrival-time forecasts by magnetohydrodynamic simulations based on interplanetary scintillation observations
Authors: Iwai Kazumasa , Shiota Daikou , Tokumaru Munetoshi , Fujiki Ken’ichi , Den Mitsue , Kubo Yûki
Published: January 2021

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) cause various disturbances of the space environment; therefore, forecasting their arrival time is very important. However, forecasting accuracy is hindered by limited CME observations in interplanetary space. This study investigates the accuracy of CME arrival times at the Earth forecasted by three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations based on interplanetary scintillation (IPS) observations. In this system, CMEs are approximated as spheromaks with various initial speeds. Ten MHD simulations with different CME initial speed are tested, and the density distributions derived from each simulation run are compared with IPS data observed by the Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research (ISEE), Nagoya University. The CME arrival time of the simulation run that most closely agrees with the IPS data is selected as the forecasted time. We then validated the accuracy of this forecast using 12 halo CME events. The average absolute arrival-time error of the IPS-based MHD forecast is approximately 5.0 h, which is one of the most accurate predictions that ever been validated, whereas that of MHD simulations without IPS data, in which the initial CME speed is derived from white-light coronagraph images, is approximately 6.7 h. This suggests that the assimilation of IPS data into MHD simulations can improve the accuracy of CME arrival-time forecasts. The average predicted arrival times are earlier than the actual arrival times. These early predictions may be due to overestimation of the magnetic field included in the spheromak and/or underestimation of the drag force from the background solar wind, the latter of which could be related to underestimation of CME size or background solar wind density.
Influence of kaolin application on most important fruit and leaf characteristics of two apple cultivars under sustained deficit irrigation
Authors: Faghih Somayeh , Zamani Zabihollah , Fatahi Reza , Omidi Mohammad
Published: January 2021

Background

Apple is one of the oldest and most valuable fruits. Water restriction is one of the major problems in the production of this fruit in some planting areas.

Methods

Effects of kaolin spray treatments were studied on two early apple cultivars of Golab and Shafi-Abadi under sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) in Alborz province, Iran during 2017 and 2018. Irrigation treatments were 100%, 85%, and 70% ETc and kaolin application were concentrations of 0, 3 and 6% in 2017 and 0, 1.5 and 3% in 2018.

Results

Results showed that 85% ETc treatment compared to other irrigation treatments improved apple tree crown volume in 2017. Deficit irrigation treatments significantly reduced fruit weight in both years. Application with 6% kaolin resulted in 33.3% increase in apple fruit weight compared to non-kaolin treatment at 100% ETc irrigation in the first year. Severe deficit irrigation (70% ETc) significantly reduced apple fruit length in both years, but 6% kaolin increased fruit length in both apple cultivars in 2017. Severe deficit irrigation treatment increased the firmness of apple fruit compared to control and mild deficit irrigation (85% ETc) in the first year of experiment. There was no significant difference between irrigation treatments for apple fruit firmness in the second year of experiment. Kaolin treatments of 1.5% and 3% at full irrigation increased the soluble solids content of apple fruit by 36.6% and 44.1% in 2018, respectively. Deficit irrigation treatments significantly increased leaf proline content compared to control in both years. In the first year, kaolin treatments increased leaf proline but in the second year, leaf proline was not significant. Deficit irrigation treatment of 70% ETc and 6% kaolin had the highest amount of glycine betaine content, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in apple leaf in the first year of experiment.

Conclusions

Severe deficit irrigation stress (70% ETc) increased the activity of nonenzymatic defense systems of apple trees. Kaolin as a drought stress reducing agent can be recommended in apple orchards of Golab and Shafi-Abadi cultivars as an effective and inexpensive method to improve tolerance to drought stress conditions.
The histone methyltransferase inhibitor A-366 enhances hemoglobin expression in erythroleukemia cells upon co‐exposure with chemical inducers in culture
Authors: Papagiannopoulos Christos I. , Theodoroula Nikoleta F. , Kyritsis Konstantinos A. , Akrivou Melpomeni G. , Kosmidou Maria , Tsouderou Konstantina , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Vizirianakis Ioannis S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Erythroleukemia is caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of immature erythroid progenitor cells which fail to differentiate into erythrocytes. By directly targeting this class of malignant cells, the induction of terminal erythroid differentiation represents a vital therapeutic strategy for this disease. Erythroid differentiation involves the execution of a well-orchestrated gene expression program in which epigenetic enzymes play critical roles. In order to identify novel epigenetic mediators of differentiation, this study explores the effects of multiple, highly specific, epigenetic enzyme inhibitors, in murine and human erythroleukemia cell lines.

Results

We used a group of compounds designed to uniquely target the following epigenetic enzymes: G9a/GLP, EZH1/2, SMYD2, PRMT3, WDR5, SETD7, SUV420H1 and DOT1L. The majority of the probes had a negative impact on both cell proliferation and differentiation. On the contrary, one of the compounds, A-366, demonstrated the opposite effect by promoting erythroid differentiation of both cell models. A-366 is a selective inhibitor of the G9a methyltransferase and the chromatin reader Spindlin1. Investigation of the molecular mechanism of action revealed that A-366 forced cells to exit from the cell cycle, a fact that favored erythroid differentiation. Further analysis led to the identification of a group of genes that mediate the A-366 effects and include CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6.

Conclusions

A-366, a selective inhibitor of G9a and Spindlin1, demonstrates a compelling role in the erythroid maturation process by promoting differentiation, a fact that is highly beneficial for patients suffering from erythroleukemia. In conclusion, this data calls for further investigation towards the delivery of epigenetic drugs and especially A-366 in hematopoietic disorders.
Left superior segmentectomy for a patient with displaced anomalous apicoposterior branches of the pulmonary vein and bronchus: a case report
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroki , Suzuki Hidemi , Toyoda Takahide , Inage Terunaga , Tanaka Kazuhisa , Sakairi Yuichi , Ishibashi Fumihiro , Nakajima Takahiro , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: January 2021

Background

Knowledge of anatomical abnormalities and variations in pulmonary vessels and bronchi is critical for patients requiring a lung segmentectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a tumor existing in the lower lobe in conjunction with a displaced B1+2 in which the B1+2 was not accidentally cut during surgery.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman was referred to our hospital after a part-solid lung cancer was found in the superior segment of her left lung on chest computed tomography. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography revealed a displaced anomalous left B1+2 arising from the left main bronchus and anomalous V1+2 returning to the inferior pulmonary vein. We identified these anomalies during surgery and performed a left superior segmentectomy. After an unremarkable recovery, the patient was discharged from the hospital on the eighth day postoperative.

Conclusions

We used a three-dimensional construction system during the preoperative planning of the pulmonary segmentectomy to better understand the bronchovascular structures. When performing surgery where anatomical abnormalities are present, there is the possibility of misidentification. Using the three-dimensional construction system, it was possible to perform safer surgery, as the surgeons were able to preoperatively prepare for any abnormalities.
Successful thoracoscopic treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia of communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation group IB with dextrocardia: a case report of VACTERL association
Authors: Harumatsu Toshio , Kaji Tatsuru , Nagano Ayaka , Matsui Mayu , Murakami Masakazu , Sugita Koshiro , Matsukubo Makoto , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: January 2021

Background

A communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) group IB is very rare congenital malformation. Group IB is associated with tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia (TEF-EA) and a portion of one lung arisen from the esophagus (Gerle et al. in N Engl J Med. 278:1413–1419, 1968). The coexistence of TEF-EA and dextrocardia is also a rare and challenging setting for repair of TEF-EA. Therefore, the thoracoscopic surgery for TEF-EA require the technical devise because of the small operative space. We herein report a rare case of CBPFM group IB with intralobar sequestration of lung and a successful performing of thoracoscopic surgery for EA with dextrocardia in VACTERL association.

Case presentation

A 2.2-kg term male neonate was born with an anal atresia, coarctation of the aorta, TEF-EA, renal anomalies, radial hemimelia, limb abnormalities (VACTERL association) and hypoplasia of the right lung with dextrocardia. The patient developed respiratory distress after admission. A two-stage operation for the TEF-EA was planned because of multiple anomalies and cardiac condition. In the neonatal period, esophageal banding at the gastroesophageal junction and gastrostomy were performed to establish enteral nutrition. After gaining body weight and achieving a stable cardiac condition, thoracoscopic surgery for TEF-EA was performed. The thoracoscopic findings revealed a small working space due to dextrocardia. To obtain a sufficient working space and to perform secure esophageal anastomosis, an additional 3-mm assistant port was inserted. To close the upper and lower esophagus, anchoring sutures of the esophagus were placed and were pulled to suspend the anastomotic site. Esophageal anastomosis was successfully performed. An esophagogram after TEF-EA surgery showed the connection between the lower esophagus and right lower lung. The definitive diagnosis was CBPFM group IB with intralobar sequestration. The thoracoscopic surgery was performed again for establishing oral intake. After transection of the bronchoesophageal fistula, the patient could perform oral feeding without pneumonia or respiratory distress.

Conclusions

CBPFM type IB with intralobar sequestration is a rare condition. CBPFM type IB should be considered for a patients with respiratory symptom after radical operation for TEF-EA. In the present case, suspending the anastomotic site was effective and useful in thoracoscopic surgery for a TEF-EA patient with dextrocardia.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in children: problems and surgical outcome: analysis of 34 cases
Authors: Rahman Md Moshiur , Khan S. I. M. Khairun Nabi , Khan Robert Ahmed , Islam Rokibul , Sarker Mainul Haque
Published: January 2021

Background

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has been established as a viable treatment option for obstructive hydrocephalus of children over 6 weeks of age. ETV in pediatric groups may be unsuccessful due to the failure of absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or reclosure of ventriculostomy stoma or due to infection. The exact cause is still debatable. Some issues like failure to eliminate the second membrane during the procedure or formation of the new arachnoid membrane at the stoma are still not clear. This study aims to assess the surgical failure of ETV and its predisposing factors.

Methods

Thirty-four pediatric patients with hydrocephalus were analyzed retrospectively. The patients’ age limit was between 2.5 months and 14 years. This is a retrospective study of 34 patients in a single private hospital between June 2012 and January 2018. Patients having hydrocephalus in pediatric groups more than 6 weeks of age were included in the study.

Results

The mean age of all patients was 51.25 ± 53.90 months and the mean follow-up period was 50.47 ± 20.84 months. Of 34 surgeries, the success rate was 79% and the failure rate was 21%. Within 2 years, the success rate was 68.42% and above 2 years’ success rate was 93.33%. In this series, 7 cases of ETV were re-explored and found ventriculostomy stoma closure in 3 cases, the presence of the second membrane in re-exploration 2 cases, and presence of inflammatory arachnoid membrane in re-exploration 2 cases. The use of dexamethasone around the stoma in inflammatory stoma was useful, having no recurrence. In one patient of the second membrane probably due to absorption failure in communicating hydrocephalus re-exploration was failed and was managed successfully with VP shunt.

Conclusions

Predisposing factors causing ETV failure are ventriculostomy stoma closure by new arachnoid granulation tissues, remnants of the second membrane inside the stoma, CSF absorption failure, infection/high protein in CSF and inappropriate patient selection.
A novel intron mutation in FBN-1 gene identified in a pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Wu Yuduo , Sun Hairui , He Yihua , Zhang Hongjia
Published: January 2021

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is one of the most common hereditary connective tissue diseases, with great individual heterogeneity. We reported a Chinese pregnancy with Clinical diagnosis of MFS, performed whole-exome sequencing, and screened for the genetic abnormality. We also conducted an in vitro mini-gene splicing assay to demonstrate the predicted harmful effects of an intronic variant ofFBN-1. Exome sequencing identified a novel intronic variant (c.6497-13 T>A) in intron 53 of theFBN-1gene (NM_000138.4). It’s predicted to insert 11 bp of intron 53 into the mature mRNA. The mini-gene splicing experiment demonstrated that c.6497-13 T>A could result in 11 bp retention in intron 53 to exon 54 (c.6496_6497ins gtttcttgcag) and the use of an alternative donor causing the frameshift p.Asp2166Glyfs*23. According to the results, the pregnant woman chose to continue the pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby. This study expands the genetic mutation spectrum of MFS patients and indicates the importance of intron sequencing.
Possible NK cell-mediated immune responses against iPSC-derived cells in allogeneic transplantation settings
Authors: Masuda Kyoko , Kawamoto Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

In the regenerative medicine field, allogenic transplantation of regenerated tissues has been promoted because autologous transplantation setting is costly and time-consuming to prepare and therefore unsuitable for emergent treatment. To avoid a T cell-mediated immune rejection in the allogenic transplantation setting, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from different HLA haplotype-homozygous (HLA-homo) donors have been prepared to be used as source of regenerated tissues. However, there still remain immunological issues, even when HLA-homo iPSCs are used. One issue is the immune response against minor histocompatibility antigens expressed on the regenerated tissues, and the other is the immune rejection mediated by NK cells. In this article, we introduce our research on NK cell reactivity against the regenerated tissues in the HLA homo-to-hetero transplantation setting. We further introduce several approaches taken by other groups that address the NK-mediated immune rejection issue.
Anesthesia for cesarean delivery: general or regional anesthesia—a systematic review
Authors: Iddrisu Mahadi , Khan Zahid Hussain
Published: January 2021

Background

General anesthesia and regional anesthesia are the anesthetic techniques of choice for cesarean delivery. These anesthetic techniques have their effects on both the fetus and mother. The choice of anesthetic techniques for cesarean delivery depends on several factors including physiological presentation of the patient, experience level of the practitioner, availability of drugs, and equipment, among others. However, whichever technique is used is chosen because of its safety profile and benefit to both mother and fetus. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of general anesthesia against regional anesthesia on fetal and maternal outcomes for cesarean delivery.

Main body

Search methods were conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane library to identify eligible studies using the keywords, MeSH terms, and filters. Two review authors independently assessed the included studies for quality, bias, and accuracy. A total of fourteen (14) studies (1924 women) contributed data for this review. Findings showed that the 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores were higher in regional anesthesia than in general anesthesia while the 1st minute Apgar scores < 7 were more in general anesthesia. On the other hand, fetal umbilical arterial blood pH was lower in regional anesthesia. Also, intraoperative hypotension was more in regional anesthesia while heart rate and estimated blood loss significantly higher in general anesthesia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regional anesthesia emerges as a better option evidenced by its better fetal and maternal outcomes. However, both regional anesthesia and general anesthesia are still used for cesarean delivery.
Trends in intellectual property rights protection for medical cannabis and related products
Authors: Wyse Joseph , Luria Gilad
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this review is to advance the field of applied cannabis research by providing insights into the patenting of medical cannabis and current intellectual property rights (IPR) data.

Medical cannabis (MC) patent and plant breeders’ rights (PBR) registrations are filed on industrially applicable aspects of research. Studying the filing data and trends informs researchers of both gaps in current applied knowledge in MC (where patents have not been filed) and prior knowledge (where patents have already been filed).

Our focus is on those intellectual property rights (IPR) that are registered and germane to technical innovations in MC and related products. These are patents and PBR and thus exclude trade secrets, copyrights, franchises, or trademarks. Methods used for surveying the defined IPR landscape include searches of publicly available patent and PBR data and classifying the data according to the upstream–midstream–downstream innovation paradigm of the MC industry.

The findings suggest that the technical knowledge as expressed by patent filings is growing commensurate to the economic and legislative activity. Specific cannabis patents in agricultural technologies directed at improving yield, efficiency, and quality (known as “agritech”) are being filed and granted. These agritech-focused patents represent original novel and applied MC research achievements that address specific problems in cannabis cultivation, such as protection of the cannabis crop, maximizing cannabis yield, harvesting and post-harvesting of cannabis, and new advantageous varieties. Patents on ex planta and in planta cannabis genes expression have been published in recent years while patents on extraction methods for cannabinoids have increased since 2015. Much patent activity is in the downstream category of MC patient-oriented products and delivery systems for a very wide range of medical indications and disease conditions.

The emerging importance of access and benefit-sharing treaties and regulations is noted with implications on the industry briefly discussed. Patent data on leading and emerging patentee companies and institutions are shown. We also provide evidence of prior art and freedom to operate.
Spheroidal weathering of basalt from Gebel Qatrani, Fayum Depression, Egypt
Authors: El-Hinnawi Essam , Abayazeed S. D. , Khalil A. S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Three stages of basalt weathering are known: early or incipient weathering, intermediate weathering and advanced weathering. The Late Oligocene basalt of Gebel Qatrani in Fayum Depression, Egypt, shows signs of early weathering, particularly exhibited in basalt spheroids found at the top of the basalt flow. The present paper gives the results of detailed petrographical, mineralogical and geochemical study of the weathering of these basalt spheroids.

Results

The core-stones of the basalt spheroids are composed of phenocrystals of plagioclase feldspars and clinopyroxenes set in a groundmass of tiny feldspars and pyroxenes, relatively altered olivine and opaque minerals. The basalt is subalkali (tholeiitic). The outer weathered shells surrounding the core-stones are composed of partly altered feldspars and pyroxenes. The calculated weathering indices show that there is marked weathering trend from the core-stones of the spheroids to the outer shells. The chemical mobility of the elements shows marked depletion of Mg, Ca, Na and K from the core-stones to the outer shells due to the weathering of olivine, pyroxene and feldspars. The trace elements Rb, Sr, Ni, V, Cr and Zn are also depleted.

Conclusions

The weathering of basalt spheroids from Gebel Qatrani, Fayum Depression, Egypt, is of the incipient type. The degree of weathering from the core-stones of the basalt spheroids to the corresponding weathered shells indicates that the weathering occurred under predominantly semiarid to arid conditions.
Prevalence assessment of ectoparasitic arthropods among commonly consumed wildlife in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria
Authors: Ozioko Kingsley Uchenna , Okoye Chris Ikem , Ubachukwu Patience Obiageli , Agbu Raymond Awudu , Ezewudo Bede Izuchukwu , Ezea Celestine Osita
Published: January 2021

Background

Wildlife reservoirs not only act as a source of infection for vectors but also serve as hosts for the vectors themselves, supporting their populations. Their public health significance in developing countries is of growing importance as a result of zoonotic and enzootic diseases associated with the pathogens they transmit. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites of wild game in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria. Physical examinations were carried out on 143 wildlife, and laboratory identification was employed on the ectoparasites. The collected ectoparasites were identified in the laboratory using literature and with the help of a taxonomist.

Results

Out of the 143 game examined, 114 was infected with at least one parasite representing about 98.6% of an infestation. Among the parasites identified,Amblyomma spp. showed the highest prevalence of 24.5% at 95% confidential intervals of CI (1.45–3.19)–24.5% (p ≤ 0.05). No difference was observed in the prevalence of the ectoparasites according to sex, except forIxodes holocyclus.Similarly, no difference was observed in prevalence with reference to age except forRhipicephalus spp. andPolyplax spinulosawhich showed differences.

Conclusions

The present study provides basic data about the most prevalent ectoparasitic arthropod among game in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria, which requires an evaluation of its zoonotic control measures. This work can elicit the risk of possible transmission of some zoonotic and enzootic diseases via game. Improving awareness among local people and bushmeat dealers about the risk of contracting a vector-borne disease through wildlife is crucial.
Efficient functional encryption for inner product with simulation-based security
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Huang Qiong , Chen Xinjian , Li Hongbo
Published: January 2021

Functional encryption (FE) is a novel paradigm for encryption scheme which allows tremendous flexibility in accessing encrypted information. In FE, a user can learn specific function of encrypted messages by restricted functional key and reveal nothing else about the messages. Inner product encryption (IPE) is a special type of functional encryption where the decryption algorithm, given a ciphertext related to a vector x and a secret key related to a vector y, computes the inner product x·y. In this paper, we construct an efficient private-key functional encryption (FE) for inner product with simulation-based security, which is much stronger than indistinguishability-based security, under the External Decisional Linear assumption in the standard model. Compared with the existing schemes, our construction is faster in encryption and decryption, and the master secret key, secret keys and ciphertexts are shorter.
Probability assessment of intracerebral hemorrhage in prehospital emergency patients
Authors: Geisler Frederik , Wesirow Medschid , Ebinger Martin , Kunz Alexander , Rozanski Michal , Waldschmidt Carolin , Weber Joachim E. , Wendt Matthias , Winter Benjamin , Audebert Heinrich J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Routing of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to the most appropriate hospital is challenging for emergency medical services particularly when specific treatment options are only provided by specialized hospitals and determination of the exact diagnosis is difficult. We aimed to develop a prehospital score – called prehospital-intracerebral hemorrhage score (ph-ICH score) – to assist in discriminating between both conditions.

Methods

The ph-ICH score was developed with data from patients treated aboard a mobile stroke unit in Berlin, Germany, between 2011 and 2013 (derivation cohort) and in 2018 (validation cohort). Diagnosis of ICH or AIS was established using clinical data and neuroradiological cerebral imaging. Diagnostic accuracy was measured with significance testing, Cohen’s d and receiver-operating-characteristics.

Results

We analyzed 416 patients (32 ICH, 224 AIS, 41 transient ischemic attack, 119 stroke mimic) in the derivation cohort and 285 patients (33 ICH and 252 AIS) in the validation cohort. Systolic blood pressure, level of consciousness and severity of neurological deficits (i. e. certain items of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) were used to calculate the ph-ICH score that showed higher values in the ICH compared to the AIS group (derivation cohort: 1.8 ± 1.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9 points; validation cohort: 1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 0.8 ± 0.7 points; d = 0.9 and 1.4, both p < 0.01). Receiver-operating-characteristics showed fair and good accuracy with an area under the curve of 0.71 for the derivation and 0.81 for the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The ph-ICH score can assist medical personnel in the field to assess the likelihood of ICH and AIS in emergency patients.
Functional plasticity in oyster gut microbiomes along a eutrophication gradient in an urbanized estuary
Authors: Stevick Rebecca J. , Post Anton F. , Gómez-Chiarri Marta
Published: January 2021

Background

Oysters in coastal environments are subject to fluctuating environmental conditions that may impact the ecosystem services they provide. Oyster-associated microbiomes are responsible for some of these services, particularly nutrient cycling in benthic habitats. The effects of climate change on host-associated microbiome composition are well-known, but functional changes and how they may impact host physiology and ecosystem functioning are poorly characterized. We investigated how environmental parameters affect oyster-associated microbial community structure and function along a trophic gradient in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. Adult eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, gut and seawater samples were collected at 5 sites along this estuarine nutrient gradient in August 2017. Samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize bacterial community structures and metatranscriptomes were sequenced to determine oyster gut microbiome responses to local environments.

Results

There were significant differences in bacterial community structure between the eastern oyster gut and water samples, suggesting selection of certain taxa by the oyster host. Increasing salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen, and decreasing nitrate, nitrite and phosphate concentrations were observed along the North to South gradient. Transcriptionally active bacterial taxa were similar for the different sites, but expression of oyster-associated microbial genes involved in nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) cycling varied throughout the Bay, reflecting the local nutrient regimes and prevailing environmental conditions.

Conclusions

The observed shifts in microbial community composition and function inform how estuarine conditions affect host-associated microbiomes and their ecosystem services. As the effects of estuarine acidification are expected to increase due to the combined effects of eutrophication, coastal pollution, and climate change, it is important to determine relationships between host health, microbial community structure, and environmental conditions in benthic communities.
Lipopolysaccharides of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis increase RANKL-expressing neutrophils in air pouches of mice
Authors: Kim Ae Ri , Lim Yun Kyong , Kook Joong-Ki , Bak Eun-Jung , Yoo Yun-Jung
Published: January 2021

Increases of neutrophils and osteoclasts are pathological changes of periodontitis. RANKL is an osteoclast differentiation factor. The effect of periodontopathogen LPS on RANKL-expressing neutrophils has not been clarified yet. We evaluated numerical changes of RANKL-expressing neutrophils in air pouches of mice injected with LPSs of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Mice with air pouches were assigned into saline (C)-, E. coli LPS- (Ec LPS)-, F. nucleatum LPS (Fn LPS)-, P. gingivalis LPS (Pg LPS)-, and Fn LPS and Pg LPS (Fn + Pg LPS)-injected groups. CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils and CD11b+Ly6G+RANKL+ neutrophils in blood and air pouch exudates were determined by flow cytometry. In blood, compared to the C group, the Fn LPS group showed increases of CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils and CD11b+Ly6G+RANKL+ neutrophils whereas the Pg LPS group showed no significant differences. These increases in the Fn LPS group were not different to those in the Ec LPS group. In exudates, Fn LPS and Pg LPS groups showed increases of CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils and CD11b+Ly6G+RANKL+ neutrophils compared to the C group. Increased levels in the Fn LPS group were not different to those in the Ec LPS group, but Pg LPS group was lower than those in the Ec LPS group. In blood and exudates, the Fn + Pg LPS group showed no difference in levels of these neutrophils compared to the Ec LPS group. LPSs of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis increased RANKL-expressing neutrophils although the degrees of increases were different. These suggest that periodontopathogen LPS can act as a stimulant to increase RANKL-expressing neutrophils.
A review of studies on Oryzias dancena
Authors: Park In-Seok
Published: January 2021

Oryzias dancena (Beloniformes; Teleostei), is a euryhaline teleost that mainly inhabits the brackish or freshwater of river mouths and estuaries around the Bay of Bengal and the Malay Peninsula. It also has a short interval between generations, with spawning possibilities just 60 days after hatching. The aim of this paper is to provide a review for the study of O. dancena based on the studies collected so far, and could form the basis for a wide category of researches including zootoxy, cytogenetics, anesthesia, tagging, salinity tolerance, reproduction, fish disease, chromosome engineering, and trnasgenesis in order to highlight the recent progress in different fields of study using this species.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis
Authors: Galal Ghada M. , Abudeif Ahmad , Ahmed Nagwa Sayed , Fahmy Nahed Fathallah , Sheneef Abeer , Ali Elsayed Mostafa , Abdelaal Usama M. , Mohammad Asmaa Naser
Published: January 2021

Background

HCV is a major risk factor for HCC; however, the exact mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis is still not fully understood. Host genetic factors have been reported to play a significant role. Experimental studies support the tumor inhibitory effect of vitamin D on HCC cells. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been depicted in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. We aimed to assess whether any of these polymorphisms could be significantly associated with increased risk of HCC.

Results

This study was conducted on 76 patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis (48 patients had HCC on top of cirrhosis, and the other 28 had liver cirrhosis only). All patients underwent full medical history assessment, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasonography, and genotyping of the VDR gene. HCC patients had a significantly higher frequency of ApaI CC genotype compared with those patients without HCC. There is no statistically significant difference between the studied groups at any TaqI genotypes, but the carriage of the ApaI CC genotype had a significant association with liver disease severity in both patients groups compared with ApaI CA/AA genotypes. The carriage of the ApaI CC genotype was an independent predictor for HCC in HCV-related liver cirrhosis.

Conclusions

VDR ApaI polymorphism is significantly associated with the development of HCC; thus, ApaI CC genotype could be used as an important molecular marker to predict the risk of HCC in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis.
Using a simulation centre to evaluate preliminary acceptability and impact of an artificial intelligence-powered clinical decision support system for depression treatment on the physician–patient interaction
Authors: Benrimoh David , Tanguay-Sela Myriam , Perlman Kelly , Israel Sonia , Mehltretter Joseph , Armstrong Caitrin , Fratila Robert , Parikh Sagar V. , Karp Jordan F. , Heller Katherine , Vahia Ipsit V. , Blumberger Daniel M. , Karama Sherif , Vigod Simone N. , Myhr Gail , Martins Ruben , Rollins Colleen , Popescu Christina , Lundrigan Eryn , Snook Emily , Wakid Marina , Williams Jérôme , Soufi Ghassen , Perez Tamara , Tunteng Jingla-Fri , Rosenfeld Katherine , Miresco Marc , Turecki Gustavo , Gomez Cardona Liliana , Linnaranta Outi , Margolese Howard C.
Published: January 2021

Background

Recently, artificial intelligence-powered devices have been put forward as potentially powerful tools for the improvement of mental healthcare. An important question is how these devices impact the physician-patient interaction.

Aims

Aifred is an artificial intelligence-powered clinical decision support system (CDSS) for the treatment of major depression. Here, we explore the use of a simulation centre environment in evaluating the usability of Aifred, particularly its impact on the physician–patient interaction.

Method

Twenty psychiatry and family medicine attending staff and residents were recruited to complete a 2.5-h study at a clinical interaction simulation centre with standardised patients. Each physician had the option of using the CDSS to inform their treatment choice in three 10-min clinical scenarios with standardised patients portraying mild, moderate and severe episodes of major depression. Feasibility and acceptability data were collected through self-report questionnaires, scenario observations, interviews and standardised patient feedback.

Results

All 20 participants completed the study. Initial results indicate that the tool was acceptable to clinicians and feasible for use during clinical encounters. Clinicians indicated a willingness to use the tool in real clinical practice, a significant degree of trust in the system's predictions to assist with treatment selection, and reported that the tool helped increase patient understanding of and trust in treatment. The simulation environment allowed for the evaluation of the tool's impact on the physician–patient interaction.

Conclusions

The simulation centre allowed for direct observations of clinician use and impact of the tool on the clinician–patient interaction before clinical studies. It may therefore offer a useful and important environment in the early testing of new technological tools. The present results will inform further tool development and clinician training materials.
L-selectin regulates human neutrophil transendothelial migration
Authors: Rahman Izajur , Collado Sánchez Aida , Davies Jessica , Rzeniewicz Karolina , Abukscem Sarah , Joachim Justin , Hoskins Green Hannah L. , Killock David , Sanz Maria Jesus , Charras Guillaume , Parsons Maddy , Ivetic Aleksandar
Published: January 2021

The migration of circulating neutrophils towards damaged or infected tissue is absolutely critical to the inflammatory response. L-selectin is a cell adhesion molecule abundantly expressed on circulating neutrophils. For over two decades, neutrophil L-selectin has been assigned the exclusive role of supporting tethering and rolling – the initial stages of the multi-step adhesion cascade. Here, we provide direct evidence for L-selectin contributing to neutrophil transendothelial migration (TEM). We show that L-selectin co-clusters with PECAM-1 – a well-characterised cell adhesion molecule involved in regulating neutrophil TEM. This co-clustering behaviour occurs specifically during TEM, which serves to augment ectodomain shedding of L-selectin and expedite the time taken for TEM (TTT) to complete. Blocking PECAM-1 signalling (through mutation of its cytoplasmic tail), PECAM-1-dependent adhesion or L-selectin shedding, leads to a significant delay in the TTT. Finally, we show that co-clustering of L-selectin with PECAM-1 occurs specifically across TNF- but not IL-1β-activated endothelial monolayers – implying unique adhesion interactomes forming in a cytokine-specific manner. To our knowledge, this is the first report to implicate a non-canonical role for L-selectin in regulating neutrophil TEM.
A region of SLBP outside the mRNA-processing domain is essential for deposition of histone mRNA into the Drosophila egg
Authors: Potter-Birriel Jennifer Michelle , Gonsalvez Graydon B. , Marzluff William F.
Published: January 2021

Replication-dependent histone mRNAs are the only cellular mRNAs that are not polyadenylated, ending in a stemloop instead of a polyA tail, and are normally regulated coordinately with DNA replication. Stemloop-binding protein (SLBP) binds the 3′ end of histone mRNA, and is required for processing and translation. During Drosophila oogenesis, large amounts of histone mRNAs and proteins are deposited in the developing oocyte. The maternally deposited histone mRNA is synthesized in stage 10B oocytes after the nurse cells complete endoreduplication. We report that in wild-type stage 10B oocytes, the histone locus bodies (HLBs), formed on the histone genes, produce histone mRNAs in the absence of phosphorylation of Mxc, which is normally required for histone gene expression in S-phase cells. Two mutants of SLBP, one with reduced expression and another with a 10-amino-acid deletion, fail to deposit sufficient histone mRNA in the oocyte, and do not transcribe the histone genes in stage 10B. Mutations in a putative SLBP nuclear localization sequence overlapping the deletion phenocopy the deletion. We conclude that a high concentration of SLBP in the nucleus of stage 10B oocytes is essential for histone gene transcription.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Does the preferred walk–run transition speed on steep inclines minimize energetic cost, heart rate or neither?
Authors: Brill Jackson W. , Kram Rodger
Published: January 2021

As walking speed increases, humans choose to transition to a running gait at their preferred transition speed (PTS). Near that speed, it becomes metabolically cheaper to run rather than to walk and that defines the energetically optimal transition speed (EOTS). Our goals were to determine: (1) how PTS and EOTS compare across a wide range of inclines and (2) whether the EOTS can be predicted by the heart rate optimal transition speed (HROTS). Ten healthy, high-caliber, male trail/mountain runners participated. On day 1, subjects completed 0 and 15 deg trials and on day 2, they completed 5 and 10 deg trials. We calculated PTS as the average of the walk-to-run transition speed (WRTS) and the run-to-walk transition speed (RWTS) determined with an incremental protocol. We calculated EOTS and HROTS from energetic cost and heart rate data for walking and running near the expected EOTS for each incline. The intersection of the walking and running linear regression equations defined EOTS and HROTS. We found that PTS, EOTS and HROTS all were slower on steeper inclines. PTS was slower than EOTS at 0, 5 and 10 deg, but the two converged at 15 deg. Across all inclines, PTS and EOTS were only moderately correlated. Although EOTS correlated with HROTS, EOTS was not predicted accurately by heart rate on an individual basis.
Deep-learning for predicting C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Jeon Su-Jin , Yun Jong-Pil , Yeom Han-Gyeol , Shin Woo-Sang , Lee Jong-Hyun , Jeong Seung-Hyun , Seo Min-Seock
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) system for predicting C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars on panoramic radiographs.

Methods:

Panoramic and cone beam CT (CBCT) images obtained from June 2018 to May 2020 were screened and 1020 patients were selected. Our dataset of 2040 sound mandibular second molars comprised 887 C-shaped canals and 1153 non-C-shaped canals. To confirm the presence of a C-shaped canal, CBCT images were analyzed by a radiologist and set as the gold standard. A CNN-based deep-learning model for predicting C-shaped canals was built using Xception. The training and test sets were set to 80 to 20%, respectively. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated. Further, gradient-weighted class activation maps (Grad-CAM) were generated to localize the anatomy that contributed to the predictions.

Results:

The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the CNN model were 95.1, 92.7, 97.0, and 95.9%, respectively. Grad-CAM analysis showed that the CNN model mainly identified root canal shapes converging into the apex to predict the C-shaped canals, while the root furcation was predominantly used for predicting the non-C-shaped canals.

Conclusions:

The deep-learning system had significant accuracy in predicting C-shaped canals of mandibular second molars on panoramic radiographs.
CYBERSECURITY AS A FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors: Leahovcenco Alexandru
Published: January 2021

The development of the digital economy is inextricably linked to cybersecurity. The article discusses issues related to the definition of cybersecurity, its elements, and examines data on cyber-attacks. The analysis of the tightness of the relationship between the share of the digital economy in GDP and the GCI index using a correlation analysis is carried out in this article. The issues of cybersecurity in the Republic of Moldova are also discussed and ways to improve it are suggested. Currently, there have been significant changes in the structure of cyber threats. These changes are associated with discrete changes in the motives and tactics of cybercriminals. The reasons for enrichment contributed to the emergence of crypto miners. At the same time, there is a shift towards reducing the use of malware and complex infrastructure and moving to low-profile social engineering attacks. This article analyzes the situation in the
Combating the spread of health misinformation on social media
Authors: Harris Gemma
Published: January 2021

Social media platforms are increasingly turned to for health information, advice and community, but lack of regulation has allowed harmful misinformation to spread. Gemma Harris discusses this phenomenon, the potential risks to the public and the steps that healthcare professionals can take to counteract these effects.