bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removing co-occurring contaminants of arsenic and vanadium with full-scale arsenic adsorptive media systems
Authors: Sorg Thomas J. , Chen Abraham S. C. , Wang Lili , Lytle Darren A.
Published: June 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted an Arsenic Demonstration Program (ADP) whereby 50 full, small-scale arsenic removal treatment systems were evaluated for removing arsenic to below the maximum contaminant level of 10 μg/L and their operating cost for a minimum of 1 year. The majority (28) of the systems installed were adsorptive media (AM) technology with the media replaced when exhausted. This paper reports on the results of two ADP projects and two laboratory rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) using the iron-based media, Bayoxide E33 (E33) AM for the removal of arsenic (As) and the co-occurring contaminants (COCs) of vanadium and to a lesser degree fluoride (F) and nitrate (NO3). The ADP studies found that the AM effectively removed the COC of V, but with a lower removal capacity than of As. One ADP study found the AM to be ineffective for the removal of F and NO3. The RSSCT conducted on two other source waters also found vanadium to be removed by the same AM. The study results suggested the AM selectively sequence of As > V > F = N. The study also investigated the AM to achieve an As limit of 5 μg/L. The AM was found to reduce As to below 5 μg/L with around 30% shorter treatment run lengths.
Predicting submerged hydraulic jump characteristics using machine learning methods
Authors: Nasrabadi Mohsen , Mehri Yaser , Ghassemi Amin , Omid Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2021

Hydraulic jump typically occurs downstream of hydraulic structures by converting the supercritical to subcritical flow regimes. If the tail-water depth is greater than the secondary depth of the hydraulic jump, the jump will be submerged (SHJ). In these conditions, the momentum equations will not have an analytical solution and a new solution is required. In this study, after dimensional analysis, an experimental study was conducted in a rectangular flume with a length of 9 m, a width of 0.5 m and a depth of 0.45 m in a wide range of Froude numbers (Fr = 3.5 to 11.5) and submergence ratios (Sr = 0.1 to 4). The data were then normalized and divided into two parts of training and testing. A new technique, DGMDH, was used to predict the submerged hydraulic jump characteristics. The results were then compared with the GMDH model. The results showed that the DGMDH model estimated the relative submergence depth, jump length, and relative energy loss with accuracy of R2 = 0.9944 and MAPE = 0.038, R2 = 0.9779 and MAPE = 0.0387, and R2 = 0.9932 and MAPE = 0.0192, respectively. While the accuracy of the GMDH model for relative submergence depth, jump length, and relative energy loss was respectively R2 = 0.9923 and MAPE = 0.043, R2 = 0.9671 and MAPE = 0.0527, and R2 = 0.9932 and MAPE = 0.0192. Due to superiority of the DGMDH model over the GMDH model, it is recommended to use this model to estimate the submerged hydraulic jump characteristics.
Expression of Concern: Application of probability decision system and particle swarm optimization for improving soil moisture content
Authors: Zhu Panpan , Saadati Hossein , Khayatnezhad Majid
Published: June 2021

Drought is one of the natural disasters having the highest degrees in comparison to the other natural disasters in terms of rate, intensity, incident duration, region expansion, life losses, economic damages, and long-term effects. Hence, the prediction of drought as a meteorological phenomenon should be evaluated to determine the groundwater exploitation strategies in agriculture. The present study aims at investigating the impact of the drought duration and severity on soil moisture supplement for agricultural activities in Baghmalek plain, Khuzestan province, Iran. For this objective, a non-dimensional index of precipitation depth was defined for quantifying the drought characteristics. Furthermore, marginal distribution functions, correlation coefficients and joint functions were incorporated to a probabilistic decision-making framework to predict the variables in different return periods from 2-year to 100-year periods. Results showed that t copula was the best function for constructing the multivariate distribution in the study area based on the goodness-of-fit tests. Moreover, soil moisture content in the root zone achieved by the predetermined amounts of precipitation could be increased in the seasonal average.
Nitrate reduction by electrochemical processes using copper electrode: evaluating operational parameters aiming low nitrite formation
Authors: Beltrame T. F. , Zoppas F. M. , Ferreira J. Z. , Marchesini F. A. , Bernardes A. M.
Published: June 2021

This work aims to present different electroreduction and electrocatalytic processes configurations to treat nitrate contaminated water. The parameters tested were: current density, cell potential, electrode potential, pH values, cell type and catalyst use. It was found that the nitrite ion is present in all process variations used, being the resulting nitrite concentration higher in an alkaline pH. The increase in current density on galvanostatic operation mode provides a greater reduction of nitrate (64%, 1.4 mA cm−2) if compared to the potentiostatic (20%) and constant cell potential (37%) configurations. In a dual-chamber cell the nitrate reduction with current density of 1.4 mA cm−2 was tested and obtained as a NO3− reduction of 85%. The use of single chamber cell presented 32 ± 3% of nitrate reduction, indicating that in this cell type the nitrate reduction is smaller than in dual-chamber cell (64%). The presence of a Pd catalyst with 3.1% wt. decreased the nitrite (1.0 N-mg L−1) and increased the gaseous compounds (9.4 N-mg L−1) formation. The best configuration showed that, by fixing the current density, the highest nitrate reduction is obtained and the pH presents a significant influence during the tests. The use of the catalyst decreased the nitrite and enhanced the gaseous compounds formation.
Machine Learning, Molecular Modeling, and QSAR Studies on Natural Products Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: de Moura Érika Paiva , Fernandes Natan Dias , Monteiro Alex France Messias , de Medeiros Herbert Igor Rodrigues , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Scotti Luciana
Published: June 2021

Background:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very common neurodegenerative
disorder in individuals over 65 years of age; however, younger individuals can also be affected
due to brain damage.

Introduction:

The general symptoms of this disease include progressive loss of memory,
changes in behavior, deterioration of thinking, and gradual loss of ability to perform daily
activities. According to the World Health Organization, dementia has affected more
than 50 million people worldwide, and it is estimated that there are 10 million new cases
per year, of which 70% are due to AD.

Methods:

This paper reported a review of scientific articles available on the internet
which discuss in silico analyzes such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and
quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of different classes of natural products
and their derivatives published from 2016 onwards. In addition, this work reports
the potential of fermented papaya preparation against oxidative stress in AD.

Results:

This research reviews the most recent studies on AD, computational analysis
methods used in proposing new bioactive compounds and their possible molecular targets,
and finally, the molecules or classes of natural products involved in each study.

Conclusion:

Thus, studies like this can orientate new research works on neurodegenerative
diseases, especially AD.
Suicide and Genetic Biomarkers: Toward Personalized Tailored-treatment with Lithium and Clozapine
Authors: De Berardis Domenico , Vellante Federica , Pettorruso Mauro , Lucidi Lorenza , Tambelli Antonio , Di Muzio Ilenia , Gianfelice Giulia , Ventriglio Antonio , Fornaro Michele , Serafini Gianluca , Pompili Maurizio , Perna Giampaolo , Fraticelli Silvia , Martinotti Giovanni , di Giannantonio Massimo
Published: June 2021

Background:

Suicide is a major public health problem on a global scale, with about 800.000 deaths
every year. In particular, it represents one of the main causes of death among adolescents and young adults
aged between 15 and 29 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes suicide as “an act of deliberate
killing” and that is placed at the extreme end of the continuous spectrum of suicidal behaviors (SBs). These
include suicidal ideation, attempted suicide and suicide itself.

Objective:

The aim of the present review was to better clarify the suicide vulnerability genetic biomarkers and
genetic variants correlated with the response to lithium and clozapine and to evaluate some correspondences.

Methods:

We reviewed the current literature, focusing our attention on genetic molecular studies about neurobiological
systems involved in SBs and pharmacogenetic studies about antisuicidal drugs (lithium and clozapine).

Results:

The studies that we have reviewed have shown mixed results. Interestingly, rs1800532 polymorphism
of the SLC6A4 gene, encoding for the serotonin transporter, is potentially correlated with both suicide vulnerability
and a poor response to lithium and clozapine.

Conclusion:

Due to the impact of suicide on public health, more studies are needed to open a promising route
to prevent suicide in personalized and precise psychiatry.
Overcoming the Challenges in the Treatment of Glioblastoma via Nanocarrier- based Drug Delivery Approach
Authors: Mittal Saurabh , Ali Javed , Baboota Sanjula
Published: June 2021

Background:

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant form of high-grade astrocytoma. Clinically
it is characterized as 4th grade of astrocytoma having necrotic tissue and hyperplastic blood vessel. It is observed
to be the most frequent adult brain tumor representing an overall 15.4% of all brain tumors and about
60-75% of the entire astrocytoma. There are limited therapies available, and the most widely used therapy includes
surgical intrusion followed by radiotherapy plus chemotherapy (paclitaxel, temozolomide, docetaxel,
etc.), with an overall patient survival rate from 6-14 months. Various studies have proved that nanoformulations
offer considerable advantages like enhanced drug solubility, targeted activity, and attenuated side effects.

Objective:

The key objective of this review article is to exemplify numerous studies carried out using nanocarriers
for overcoming the challenges associated with the treatment of glioblastoma. It also describes the pathways
associated with the induction, initiation, and progression of glioblastoma.

Methods:

Research articles that focused on the use of nanocarrier-based drug delivery approach for the treatment of various glioblastoma were collected from different search engines, such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed using keywords like glioblastoma, nanocarriers, Brain delivery, etc.

Results:

Nanocarriers have shown enormous potential in overcoming the challenges associated with the treatment of glioblastoma.

Conclusion:

Broad research is still needed so that these nanocarriers can be used clinically for the welfare of mankind, in the management of glioblastoma, in near future.
3 CpG Methylation Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Blood Samples
Authors: Zeng Lei , Lu Ruling , Xie Linling , Jiang Xiaotao , Chen Yi , Huang Cihui , Chen Yanfen , Liu Guantong , Sun Wenxi
Published: June 2021

Background:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease in women that seriously interferes with patient's metabolic and reproductive functions. The current diagnostic criteria for PCOS are expert-based and still disputed. Previous studies have identified changes in DNA methylation in peripheral blood of women with PCOS, but their diagnostic potential for PCOS remains to be studied.

Objective:

The present study aimed to identify potential methylation biomarkers for the diagnosis of PCOS in blood.

Methods:

Methylation profiling of peripheral blood was downloaded from a public database, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including 30 PCOS patients (diagnosed with the revised 2003 Rotterdam consensus criteria) and 30 age-matched healthy women recruited from Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People’s Hospital, Shandong, China. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify PCOS-related co-methylation CpG sites (co- MPs). Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the localized genes of PCOS-related co- MPs. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to screen out CpG methylation signatures for PCOS diagnosis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy. To assess the accuracy of the combination of the investigated indicators, multivariate ROC analysis was performed on the predicted probability values obtained using binary logistic regression on the methylation levels of selected CpGs.

Results:

Seven co-methylation modules were obtained, among which the turquoise module is the most relevant to PCOS, containing 194 co-MPs. The genes that these co-MPs located in were mainly associated with the immune-related pathway. According to LASSO regression, three Co- MPs (cg23464743, cg06834912, cg00103771) were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers of PCOS. ROC analysis showed an AUC (area under curve) of 0.7556 (sensitivity 60.0%, specificity 83.3%) for cg23464743, 0.7822 (sensitivity 70.0%, specificity 80.0%) for cg06834912, and 0.7611 (sensitivity 63.3%, specificity 83.3%) for cg00103771. The diagnostic accuracy of the combination of these 3 indicators presented to be higher than any single one of them, with the AUC of 0.8378 (sensitivity 73.3%, specificity 93.3%).

Conclusion:

The combination of 3 CpG methylation signatures in blood was identified with a good diagnostic accuracy for PCOS, which may bring new insight into the development of PCOS diagnostic markers in the future.
Preliminary Study of microRNAs Allele-specific Targeting in Allergic
Rhinitis Patients from Central China
Authors: Tao Ze-Zhang , Deng Yu-Qin , Li Song , Liang Zheng-Yan , Li Fen , Wen Si-Lu
Published: June 2021

Background:

Abnormal expression of miRNA is a common feature in many diseases.
Some studies have also emphasized that miRNAs play an important role in asthma and allergic
rhinitis (AR). This study attempts to reveal the differences between miRNAs expression and normal
nasal mucosa in AR patients by microarray method so as to further understand the molecular
mechanism of AR development.

Method:

MiRNA microarrays were used for analyzing six samples of the nasal mucosa of AR and
six samples of nonallergic patients. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction
(RT-PCR) of some differently expressed miRNAs was used to confirm the array results.
Furthermore, pathway analysis was carried out.

Results:

The microarray identified that 64 miRNAs showed altered expression in the nasal mucosa
of the AR group when compared with the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of ten
miRNAs were significantly altered in the AR group. To verify the results of microarray, three
differentially expressed miRNA were determined by RT-PCR, and the results also confirmed these
changes. Ten differentially expressed miRNAs were present in the nasal mucosa of AR patients
compared with the control group, and three differentially expressed miRNAs as miR-1244, miR-
4651, and miR-7641 were determined by RT-PCR. The results also confirmed the changes,
indicating that they play important roles in the process of AR.

Conclusion:

MiR-1244, miR-4651, and miR-7641 may play important roles in the process of AR.
Sequencing analysis indicated that three kinds of mutations existed in MAPK8 3’UTR, which may
play a role in binding with miR-7641, and then influence the AR process. Single miRNA or, more
probably, their sets hold the promise for their use as biomarkers of allergic rhinitis. They are also a
promising target of future therapies.
FABP1 Gene Variant is Associated with Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Mozaffari Majid , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Zare-Feyzabadi Reza , Valizadeh Mohsen
Published: June 2021

Background:

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is defined by a clustering of metabolic
abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
mellitus. There has been an increasing interest in the associations of genetic variant involved in
diabetes and obesity in the FABP1 pathway. The relationship between the rs2241883 polymorphism
of FABP1 and risk of MetS remains unclear.

Objective:

We aimed to examine the association between this genetic polymorphism and the
presence of MetS and its constituent factors.

Methods:

A total of 942 participants were recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart
Atherosclerosis Disorders (MASHAD study) Cohort. Patients with MetS were identified using the
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria (n=406) and those without MetS (n=536) were also
recruited. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples that was used for genotyping for the
FABP1 rs2241883T/C polymorphism using Tetra-Amplification Refractory Mutation System
Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR). Genetic analysis was confirmed by gel
electrophoresis and DNA sequencing.

Results:

Using both univariate and multivariate analyses after adjusting for age, sex and physical
activity, carriers of C allele (CT/CC genotypes) in FABP1 variant was related to an increased risk of
MetS, compared to non-carriers (OR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.04,1.82, p=0.026).

Conclusion:

The present study shows that C allele in FABP1 variant can be associated with an
increased risk of MetS. The evaluation of these factors in a larger population may help further
confirm these findings.
Association of Posture Instability with Dopamine Drop of Nigrostriatal System and Hypometabolism of Cerebral Cortex in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Li Hong-Yu , Guo Xiuhai , Zhou Yongtao
Published: June 2021

Background:

Posture Instability (PI) is known to be a severe complication in Parkinson’s
Disease (PD), and its mechanism remains poorly understood. Our study aims to explore the
changes of brain network in PI of PD, and further investigate the role of peripheral inflammation
on activities of different brain regions in PD with PI.

Methods:

167 individuals were recruited, including 36 PD cases with PI and 131 ones without PI.
We carefully assessed the status of motor and cognitive function, measured serum inflammatory
factors, and detected the dopaminergic pathways and the metabolism of different brain regions by
Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Data analysis was conducted by variance, univariate analysis,
chi-square analysis, logistic regression, and partial correlation.

Result:

No difference was found for age or onset age between the two groups (P>0.05). Female
patients were susceptible to posture impairment and had a 2.14-fold risk for PI compared with male
patients in PD (P<0.05). Patients with PI had more severe impairment of motor and cognitive function
for a longer duration than those without PI (P<0.05). The mean uptake ratios of presynaptic
vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2), which were detected in the caudate nucleus and putamen,
were lower in PI group than those without PI (P<0.05). There were lower activities of the midbrain,
caudate nucleus, and anterior medial temporal cortex in PI group than those in the non-PI
group (P<0.05). Although serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and complements
(C3, C4) were higher in the PI group than those in the non-PI group, only serum IgM concentration
had a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). We further explored significant
inverse correlations of IgG, IgM, IgA, and C4 with activities of some cerebral cortex in PI of
PD (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Female patients were susceptible to posture instability and had a 2.14-fold risk for PI
of PD. Patients with PI had more severe impairments of motor and cognitive function for a longer
duration than those without PI. PI was associated with a dopamine drop of the nigrostriatal system
and lower activities of the limbic cortex in PD. Peripheral inflammation may be involved in degeneration
of the cerebral cortex in PD combined with PI.
CDK-associated Cullin 1 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Inhibits Cell Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Zhang Tianying , Han Xiaojuan , Qiu Zhongying , Cheng Jianghong , Gao Xingchun , Gou Xingchun
Published: June 2021

Background:

Glioma is the most common intracranial primary tumour of adult humans,
and its pathological mechanism and molecular characteristics are still under investigation. CDK-associated
cullin 1 (CACUL1) has been shown to regulate colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, and gastric
cancer development.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the role of CACUL1 in the pathogenesis of human glioma.

Methods:

CACUL1 levels in human glioma tissue microarrays were detected by immunohistochemistry
analysis. Two glioblastoma cell lines, namely, U87 and U251, were transfected with CACUL1
siRNA, and cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and regulating molecules, including cyclinE1,
cyclinA2, CDK2, p21, Bcl2, and Bax were assessed by CCK8, flow cytometry, and Western
blot.

Results:

CACUL1 expression in glioma tissue was significantly higher than that in normal brain tissue.
CACUL1 knockdown impeded cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and caused G1/S transition
arrest in glioblastoma cells. The cell cycle-related proteins CDK2, cyclinE1, and cyclinA2
were dramatically decreased in the CACUL1 siRNA group compared to the non-targeting siRNA
group in both U87 and U251 cells, while the CDK inhibitory protein p21 was increased in U87
cells. Additionally, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly decreased.

Conclusion:

CACUL1 can promote cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis of glioma cells and
might serve as a potential oncogene for gliomas.
In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of a Multiepitope L1-E7 Fusion Construct for Vaccine Development Against Human Papillomaviruses
Authors: Abbasifarid Elnaz , Bolhassani Azam , Irani Shiva , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah
Published: June 2021

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for cervical
cancer. Current prophylactic HPV vaccines provide immunity against most genital and carcinogenic
HPV types. However, these vaccines failed to produce immune responses against already established
HPV infections.

Methods:

To design a therapeutic vaccine candidate, we utilized immunoinformatics tools to design
a potential multiepitope fusion construct based on L1 and E7 genes from different high- and low-risk
HPV types. After determination of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes, the allergenicity, toxicity, immunogenicity,
conservancy, and population coverage were analyzed for epitopes selection. Then, hemolytic
probability of the selected epitopes, and molecular docking between major histocompatibility
complex (MHC) and the chosen epitopes were performed by different web servers. Next, a multiepitope
peptide construct consisting of 12 epitopes linked by AAY proteasomal sequence was designed.
After that, physicochemical properties, solubility, secondary and tertiary structures of this construct
were evaluated by bioinformatics tools. Finally, after amino acid reverse translation of the multiepitope
peptide construct, expression of the L1-E7 DNA construct (pEGFP-L1-E7) was investigated in
HEK-293T cells using fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting.

Results:

Considering various parameters, the immunodominant peptides such as L1(MHC-I)-
DLDQFPLGRKFLLQ, L1(MHC-II)-NQLFVTVVDTTRSTN, E7-HPV16(MHC-I)-AEPDRAHYNI
VTF, E7-HPV18(MHC-I)-HGPKATVQDIVLHL, E7-HPV31(MHC-I)-KPDTSNYNIVTF, E7-HPV33
(MHC-I)-RPDGQAQPATADYYI, E7-HPV45(MHC-I)- RTLQQLFLSFV, E7-HPV16(MHC -II)-TLH
EYMLDLQPETTD, E7-HPV18(MHC-II)-LRAFQQLFLNTLSFV, E7-HPV31(MHC-II)-PTLQDYVL
DLQPEAT, E7-HPV33(MHC-II)-LKEYVLDLYPEPTDL and E7-HPV45(MHC-II)-LQQLFLSTLSF
VCPW were determined to design the vaccine construct. The results indicated efficient expression of
the L1-E7 DNA construct (74 ± 2.19%) in vitro. Moreover, the polyepitope peptide generated in the
cells was detected as a clear band of ~ 50 kDa in western blotting.

Conclusion:

Regarding the favorable transfection efficiency of the designed L1-E7 multi-epitope
construct, in vivo validation study on its therapeutic potential is underway.
Catheter-directed Thrombolysis versus Systemic Anticoagulation for Submassive
Pulmonary Embolism: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Siordia Juan Arturo , Kaur Amanpreet
Published: June 2021

Background:

The optimal therapy for submassive pulmonary embolism remains in question.
The following meta-analysis compiles the current evidence comparing Catheter-Directed
Thrombolysis (CDT) versus Systemic Anticoagulation (SA).

Methods:

An electronic search through PubMed and Google scholar revealed studies comparing
CDT versus SA in terms of mortality and major bleeding events. Thirty-day, 90-day, and one-year
mortality results were analyzed.

Results:

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Thirty-day and one-year mortality were
less with CDT compared to SA (OR 0.27 [CI 0.11-0.67]; and OR 0.50 [CI 0.28-0.89]). Ninety-day
mortality was similar between the two methods (OR 0.57 [CI 0.17-1.92]). Compilation of all
studies reporting at least greater than 30-day mortality revealed less mortality with CDT (OR 0.51
[0.30-0.86]). Major bleeding was similar between the two treatments (OR 1.63 [CI 0.63-4.20]).

Conclusion:

CDT has less 30-day and 1-year mortality with equivalent rates of major bleeding
compared to SA for treatment of submassive pulmonary embolism.
Atorvastatin Enhances Inhibitory Effects of Irradiation on Tumor Growth by Reducing
MSH2 Expression Both in Prostate Cancer Cells and Xenograft Tumor Models
Authors: He Zhenhua , Xu Dingkai , Shen Fuhui , Zeng Fangang , Qi Ping , Zhai Zhenxing , Wang Zhiping
Published: June 2021

Background:

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the fourth most common tumor in males.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate effects of atorvastatin (AS) on PCa cells proliferation and clarify the associated
mechanisms.

Methods:

PCa cell lines were cultured and treated with irradiation (IR) (4 Gy), AS (6 μg/ml), transfected with Bcl-2
siRNA, and then divided into different groups. Xenograft tumor mouse model was established. Bcl-2 and MSH2 gene
transcription and protein expression were evaluated using RT-PCR assay and western blot assay. Plate clone formation
assay was employed to examine colony formation. MTT assay was used to detect cell viabilities. Flow cytometry
analysis was utilized to verify apoptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation and immuno-fluorescence assay were used to
identify interaction between Bcl-2 and MSH2.

Results:

IR significantly reduced colony formation, enhanced Bcl-2 and reduced MSH2 gene transcription in PCa cells
compared to un-treated cells (p<0.05). AS significantly strengthened radio-therapeutic effects of IR on colony formation,
decreased cell apoptosis and increased Bcl-2 gene transcription/protein expression in PCa cells compared to single
IR treatment cells (p<0.05). AS combining IR down-regulated MSH2 gene transcription/protein expression in PCa
cells compared to single IR treatment cells (p<0.05). Bcl-2 interacted with MSH2 both in PCa cells and tumor tissues
administrating with AS. AS enhanced reductive effects of IR on tumor size of Xenograft tumor mice.

Conclusion:

Atorvastatin administration enhanced inhibitory effects of IR either on PCa cells or tumor size of
Xenograft tumor mice. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin were mediated by reducing MSH2 expression and triggering
interaction between Bcl-2 and MSH2, both in vitro and in vivo levels.
Deteksi Permukiman Kumuh Menggunakan Informasi Spektral dan Tekstur Citra Multiresolusi Spasial (studi di sebagian Kota Yogyakarta)
Authors: Fadhilah Achmad , Widayani Prima , Hidayati Iswari Nur
Published: June 2021

Pemetaan dan identifikasi merupakan tahap awal dalam program peningkatan kualitas permukiman kumuh. Pemetaan permukiman kumuh saat ini masih menggunakan metode survei langsung yang membutuhkan banyak biaya, waktu, dan tenaga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeteksi keberadaan permukiman kumuh menggunakan citra satelit multiresolusi spasial sebagai metode alternatif dalam mengidentifikasi permukiman kumuh. Citra yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini antara lain: Pleiades-1B, SPOT-7, dan Sentinel-2. Studi ini berlokasi di sebagian Kota Yogyakarta yang dibagi dua daerah penelitian. Algortima Support Vector Machine (SVM) digunakan untuk mengkelaskan permukiman kumuh dan bukan kumuh. Parameter yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini antara lain: Saluran multispektral, Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrx (GLCM), dan Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Validasi dilakukan dengan menggabungkan data sekunder peta permukiman kumuh dan hasil observasi lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat akurasi klasifikasi tertinggi dihasilkan dari layer Sentinel-2 GLCM 3x3 sebesar 56,26% pada daerah penelitian 1, sedangkan pada daerah penelitian 2 diperoleh dari layer Pleiades-1B GLCM 9x9 sebesar 66,17%.
Perspectiva sociológica del contrabando de combustible en la frontera colombo – venezolana
Authors: González Palma Felipe
Published: June 2021

este escrito contrasta la concepción clásica del derecho que ignora realidades para construir ficciones, como lo sostenía Marx respecto al hurto de leña, respecto de la acumulación por desposesión y bienes comunes, mostrando las dinámicas internas vinculadas a la práctica del contrabando de gasolina en la frontera colombo-venezolana. La metodología utilizada es descriptiva, desde un enfoque sociológico, en cuanto busca precisar cómo se manifiesta el fenómeno social objeto de estudio, intentando abordar sus principales características, en aras de lograr establecer una descripción del fenómeno social. Los hallazgos indican que  el contrabando ilegal de combustibles se relaciona con la integración social del individuo en la sociedad fronteriza, que hacen plausible su comprensión desde una perspectiva cultural, entendida esta como constructo eminentemente social, lo cual desborda la lectura determinista que señala que la problemática social del contrabando de combustible obedece simple y llanamente a factores de orden económico o bien al abandono por parte del Estado.
ESTADO Y POSTCONFLICTO
Authors: Torrenegra Ariza José David
Published: June 2021

El presente artículo analiza el concepto de legitimidad desde la teoría discursiva de Habermas (1999) y sus aportes para reconstruir la confianza estado-ciudadano rota en Colombia por décadas de conflicto armado. Comienza con la premisa de que la principal responsabilidad del Estado en el posconflicto es de naturaleza constitucional, fundacional y aborda un problema moral de legitimidad: Si Colombia quiere salir del estado de guerra debe constituir, o podría decirse más bien materializar, un contrato social que dé nacimiento a una sociedad política de seres iguales, racionales y deliberantes. En este sentido se revisa la teoría discursiva Habermasiana como concepto que aborda interdisciplinariamente el concepto de legitimidad tan importante para que un estado colapsado institucionalmente gane la aceptación y la confianza que necesita para su rehabilitación tras años de guerra civil. Una vez reconstruida la confianza mediante un proceso discursivo y legitimador, el estado posbélico debe definir sus prioridades buscando resarcir los años de abandono y exclusión; esas prioridades están definidas por el modelo de estado social de derecho aún sin desarrollar en Colombia pese a su consagración constitucional.
Experiências De Associativismo Rural no Território do Sisal-Bahia-Brasil: Rio Rural: Significados, Resultados e Desafios
Authors: Coelho Neto Agripino Souza
Published: June 2021

A proposta deste artigo é analisar algumas experiências de associativismo rural no Território do Sisal-Bahia-Brasil, identificando e delineando seus sentidos, seus resultados e seus desafios. Em termos esquemáticos, apresentamos alguns elementos contextuais para caracterizar os contornos gerais que apontam as origens do desenvolvimento do fenômeno objeto de nossa reflexão, desenvolvemos alguns apontamentos teóricos sobre o associativismo rural, esboçando uma proposta conceitual que serve de base para os casos estudados e buscamos desvelar a natureza e avaliar os resultados do associativismo rural comunitário e de produção no Território do Sisal.
Early Acceptability of a Mobile App for Contact Tracing During the COVID-19 Pandemic in France: National Web-Based Survey
Authors: Touzani Rajae , Schultz Emilien , Holmes Seth M , Vandentorren Stéphanie , Arwidson Pierre , Guillemin Francis , Rey Dominique , Rouquette Alexandra , Bouhnik Anne-Déborah , Mancini Julien
Published: June 2021

Background

Several countries have implemented mobile apps in an attempt to trace close contacts of patients with COVID-19 and, in turn, reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, the effectiveness of this approach depends on the adherence of a large segment of the population.

Objective

The aims of this study were to evaluate the acceptability of a COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app among the French population and to investigate the barriers to its use.

Methods

The Health Literacy Survey 2019 questioned 1003 people in France during the COVID-19 pandemic on the basis of quota sampling. The survey collected sociodemographic characteristics and health literacy data, as well as information on participants’ communication with caregivers, trust in institutions, and COVID-19 knowledge and preventive behaviors. The acceptability of a mobile app for contact tracing was measured by a single question, the responses to which were grouped into three modalities: app-supporting, app-willing, and app-reluctant. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the acceptability of a mobile app during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Only 19.2% (193/1003) of all participants were app-supporting, whereas half of them (504/1003, 50.3%) were reluctant. The factors associated with willingness or support toward the contact tracing app included lower financial deprivation (app-willing: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.8, 95% CI 0.69-0.93; app-supporting: aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.58-0.84) and higher perceived usefulness of using a mobile app to send completed health questionnaires to doctors (app-willing: aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.70-3.26; app-supporting: aOR 3.1, 95% CI 2.04-4.82). Furthermore, the likelihood of supporting the mobile app increased with age over 60 years (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.13-3.22), trust in political representatives (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.72-4.23), feeling concerned about the pandemic situation (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.47-3.32), and knowledge about the transmission of COVID-19 (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.39-2.96).

Conclusions

The most socioeconomically precarious people, who are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, are also the most reluctant to using a contact tracing mobile app. Therefore, optimal adherence can only be effective with a targeted discourse on public health benefits to adopt such an app, which should be combined with a reduction in inequalities by acting on structural determinants.
The COVID-19 Citizen Science Study: Protocol for a Longitudinal Digital Health Cohort Study
Authors: Beatty Alexis L , Peyser Noah D , Butcher Xochitl E , Carton Thomas W , Olgin Jeffrey E , Pletcher Mark J , Marcus Gregory M
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a global public response and innovation in clinical study methods.

Objective

The COVID-19 Citizen Science study was designed to generate knowledge about participant-reported COVID-19 symptoms, behaviors, and disease occurrence.

Methods

COVID-19 Citizen Science is a longitudinal cohort study launched on March 26, 2020, on the Eureka Research Platform. This study illustrates important advances in digital clinical studies, including entirely digital study participation, targeted recruitment strategies, electronic consent, recurrent and time-updated assessments, integration with smartphone-based measurements, analytics for recruitment and engagement, connection with partner studies, novel engagement strategies such as participant-proposed questions, and feedback in the form of real-time results to participants.

Results

As of February 2021, the study has enrolled over 50,000 participants. Study enrollment and participation are ongoing. Over the lifetime of the study, an average of 59% of participants have completed at least one survey in the past 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Insights about COVID-19 symptoms, behaviors, and disease occurrence can be drawn through digital clinical studies. Continued innovation in digital clinical study methods represents the future of clinical research.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/28169
Utility of the ROX Index in Predicting Intubation for Patients With COVID-19–Related Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Receiving High-Flow Nasal Therapy: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Patel Maulin , Chowdhury Junad , Mills Nicole , Marron Robert , Gangemi Andrew , Dorey-Stein Zachariah , Yousef Ibraheem , Zheng Matthew , Tragesser Lauren , Giurintano Julie , Gupta Rohit , Rali Parth , D'Alonzo Gilbert , Zhao Huaqing , Patlakh Nicole , Marchetti Nathaniel , Criner Gerard , Gordon Matthew
Published: June 2021

Background

The use of high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) to treat COVID-19 pneumonia has been greatly debated around the world due to concerns about increased health care worker transmission and delays in invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Herein, we analyzed the utility of the noninvasive ROX (ratio of oxygen saturation) index to predict the need for and timing of IMV.

Objective

This study aimed to assess whether the ROX index can be a useful score to predict intubation and IMV in patients receiving HFNT as treatment for COVID-19–related hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of 129 consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, from March 10, 2020, to May 17, 2020. This is a single-center study conducted in designated COVID-19 units (intensive care unit and other wards) at Temple University Hospital. Patients with moderate and severe hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with HFNT were included in the study. HFNT patients were divided into two groups: HFNT only and intubation (ie, patients who progressed from HFNT to IMV). The primary outcome was the value of the ROX index in predicting the need for IMV. Secondary outcomes were mortality, rate of intubation, length of stay, and rate of nosocomial infections in a cohort treated initially with HFNT.

Results

Of the 837 patients with COVID-19, 129 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 60.8 (SD 13.6) years, mean BMI was 32.6 (SD 8) kg/m², 58 (45%) were female, 72 (55.8%) were African American, 40 (31%) were Hispanic, and 48 (37.2%) were nonsmokers. The mean time to intubation was 2.5 (SD 3.3) days. An ROX index value of less than 5 at HFNT initiation was suggestive of progression to IMV (odds ratio [OR] 2.137, P=.052). Any further decrease in ROX index value after HFNT initiation was predictive of intubation (OR 14.67, P<.001). Mortality was 11.2% (n=10) in the HFNT-only group versus 47.5% (n=19) in the intubation group (P<.001). Mortality and need for pulmonary vasodilators were higher in the intubation group.

Conclusions

The ROX index helps decide which patients need IMV and may limit eventual morbidity and mortality associated with the progression to IMV.
Characteristics of Antivaccine Messages on Social Media: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Wawrzuta Dominik , Jaworski Mariusz , Gotlib Joanna , Panczyk Mariusz
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Supporters of the antivaccination movement can easily spread information that is not scientifically proven on social media. Therefore, learning more about their posts and activities is instrumental in effectively reacting and responding to the false information they publish, which is aimed at discouraging people from taking vaccines.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to gather, assess, and synthesize evidence related to the current state of knowledge about antivaccine social media users’ web-based activities.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed English-language papers from 3 databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed). A data extraction form was established, which included authors, year of publication, specific objectives, study design, comparison, and outcomes of significance. We performed an aggregative narrative synthesis of the included studies.

RESULTS

The search strategy retrieved 731 records in total. After screening for duplicates and eligibility, 18 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Although most of the authors analyzed text messages, some of them studied images or videos. In addition, although most of the studies examined vaccines in general, 5 focused specifically on human papillomavirus vaccines, 2 on measles vaccines, and 1 on influenza vaccines. The synthesized studies dealt with the popularity of provaccination and antivaccination content, the style and manner in which messages about vaccines were formulated for the users, a range of topics concerning vaccines (harmful action, limited freedom of choice, and conspiracy theories), and the role and activity of bots in the dissemination of these messages in social media.

CONCLUSIONS

Proponents of the antivaccine movement use a limited number of arguments in their messages; therefore, it is possible to prepare publications clarifying doubts and debunking the most common lies. Public health authorities should continuously monitor social media to quickly find new antivaccine arguments and then create information campaigns for both health professionals and other users.

CLINICALTRIAL
Early Identification of COVID-19 Infection Using Remote Cardiorespiratory Monitoring: Three Case Reports (Preprint)
Authors: Polsky Michael , Moraveji Neema
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The adoption of remote patient monitoring (RPM) in routine medical care requires increased understanding of the physiologic changes accompanying disease development and the proactive interventions that will improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to present three case reports that highlight the capability of RPM to enable early identification of viral infection with COVID-19 in patients with chronic respiratory disease.

METHODS

Patients at a large pulmonary practice who were enrolled in a respiratory RPM program and who had contracted COVID-19 were identified. The RPM system (Spire Health) contains three components: (1) Health Tags (Spire Health), undergarment waistband-adhered physiologic monitors that include a respiratory rate sensor; (2) an app on a smartphone; and (3) a web dashboard for use by respiratory therapists. The physiologic data of 9 patients with COVID out of 1000 patients who were enrolled for monitoring were retrospectively reviewed, and 3 instances were identified where the RPM system had notified clinicians of physiologic deviation due to the viral infection.

RESULTS

Physiologic deviations from respective patient baselines occurred during infection onset and, although the infection manifested differently in each case, were identified by the RPM system. In the first case, the patient was symptomatic; in the second case, the patient was presymptomatic; and in the third case, the patient varied from asymptomatic to mildly symptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

RPM systems intended for long-term use and that use patient-specific baselines can highlight physiologic changes early in the course of acute disease, such as COVID-19 infection. These cases demonstrate opportunities for earlier diagnosis, treatment, and isolation. This study supports the need for further research into how RPM can be effectively integrated into clinical practice.
Correction: Mobile Insight in Risk, Resilience, and Online Referral (MIRROR): Psychometric Evaluation of an Online Self-Help Test (Preprint)
Authors: van Herpen Merel Marjolein , Boeschoten Manon A , te Brake Hans , van der Aa Niels , Olff Miranda
Published: June 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Most people who experience a potentially traumatic event (PTE) recover on their own. A small group of individuals develops psychological complaints, but this is often not detected in time or guidance to care is suboptimal. To identify these individuals and encourage them to seek help, a web-based self-help test called Mobile Insight in Risk, Resilience, and Online Referral (MIRROR) was developed. MIRROR takes an innovative approach since it integrates both negative and positive outcomes of PTEs and time since the event and provides direct feedback to the user. The goal of this study was to assess MIRROR’s use, examine its psychometric properties (factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent and divergent validity), and evaluate how well it classifies respondents into different outcome categories compared with reference measures. MIRROR was embedded in the website of Victim Support Netherlands so visitors could use it. We compared MIRROR’s outcomes to reference measures of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), depression, anxiety, stress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21), psychological resilience (Resilience Evaluation Scale), and positive mental health (Mental Health Continuum Short Form). In 6 months, 1112 respondents completed MIRROR, of whom 663 also completed the reference measures. Results showed good internal consistency (interitem correlations range .24 to .55, corrected item-total correlations range .30 to .54, and Cronbach alpha coefficient range .62 to .68), and convergent and divergent validity (Pearson correlations range –.259 to .665). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA+CFA) yielded a 2-factor model with good model fit (CFA model fit indices: χ219=107.8, P<.001, CFI=.965, TLI=.948, RMSEA=.065), conceptual meaning, and parsimony. MIRROR correctly classified respondents into different outcome categories compared with the reference measures. MIRROR is a valid and reliable self-help test to identify negative (PTSD complaints) and positive outcomes (psychosocial functioning and resilience) of PTEs. MIRROR is an easily accessible online tool that can help people who have experienced a PTE to timely identify psychological complaints and find appropriate support, a tool that might be highly needed in times like the coronavirus pandemic.