bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A shift towards an immature myeloid profile in peripheral blood of critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Vadillo Eduardo , Lopez-Macias Constantino , Carvente-Garcia Roberto , Mayani Hector , Ferat-Osorio Eduardo , Flores-Padilla Guillermo , Torres Javier , Gonzales-Bonilla Cesar Raul , Majluf Abraham , Albarran-Sanchez Alejandra , Galan Juan Carlos , Peña-Martínez Eduardo , Silva-Román Gloria , Vela-Patiño Sandra , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo , Ramirez-Renteria Claudia , Espinoza-Sanchez Nancy Adriana , Pelayo-Camacho Rosana , Bonifaz Laura , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , Mata-Lozano Carlos , Andonegui-Elguera Sergio , Wacher-Rodarte Niels , De-Lira-Barraza Roberto , Villanueva-Compean Humberto , Esquivel-Pi Alejandra , Ramírez-Montes-de-Oca Rubén , Anda-Garay Carlos , Noyola-García Maura , Guizar-García Luis , Cerbulo-Vazquez Arturo , Zamudio-Meza Horacio , Marrero-Rodríguez Daniel , Mercado Moises
Published: June 2020

SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent causing COVID-19, has infected more than 8.7 million people with over 461000 deaths worldwide since its emergence in December 2019. Factors for severe disease, such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity have been identified however, the precise pathogenesis is poorly understood. In order to understand its pathophysiology and to develop effective therapeutic strategies, it is essential to define the prevailing immune cellular subsets. We performed circulating immune cells scRNAseq from five critically ill COVID-19 patients. Immature myeloid populations, such as promyelocytes-myelocytes, metamyelocytes, band neutrophils, monocytoid precursors and activated monocytes predominated. Trajectory with pseudotime analysis supported the finding of immature cell states. Gene ontology showed myeloid cell activation in immune response, DNA and RNA processing, defense response to virus and response to type 1 interferon. Lymphoid lineage was scarce. Our results uncover a transcriptomic profiles related to immature myeloid lineages and suggest the potential induction of trained immunity.
Experimental Study of Operational Parameters on Product Size Distribution of Tumbling Mill
Authors: soleymani moslem mohammadi
Published: June 2020

To assess the effects of the mill operating parameters such as mill speed, ball filling, slurry concentration and slurry filling on grinding process and size distribution of mill product, it was endeavored to build a pilot model with smaller size than the mill. For this aim, a pilot mill with 1m × 0.5m was implemented. There are 15 lifters with 50mm height and face angle of 30˚. In the present work, the combination of the balls (40% of the balls with 60mm diameter, 40% of the balls with 40mm diameter and 20% of the balls with 25mm diameter) was used as grinding media with 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% of the total volume of the mill. The experiments were carried out at 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% of the critical speed. The feed of the mill is copper ore with the size smaller than 25.4 mm, which d80 and d50 of them are 12.7 and 8 mm, respectively and slurries with 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% of solid and the slurry filling between 0.5 and 2.5. The results showed that the best grinding and grading occurs at 70-80% of the critical speed and ball filling of 20-25%. Optimized grinding was observed when the slurry volume is 1-1.5 times of the ball bed voidage volume and the slurry concentration is between 60% and 70%. The mill grinding mechanism in this work is a combination of both impact and abrasion mechanisms.
Quality of Life of Resident Physicians at a Public University Hospital
Authors: Regazzi Isabel Cristina Ribeiro , Pernambuco Carlos Soares , Ribeiro Luiz Cláudio Pereira , Silva Alexandre Sousa da , Knupp Virginia Maria de Azevedo Oliveira , Siqueira Kamile Santos , Valentim-Silva João Rafael , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin
Published: June 2020

Objective: compile a quality of life profile of medical residents in clinical and surgical specialties at a public university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 74 doctors who enrolled in the 2015 residency program at the Graffrée Guinle University Hospital, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The data collection questionnaire used was the WHOQOL-100, developed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life group in an expanded format. Conclusion: The quality of life profile of resident physicians is unsatisfactory, since four of the quality of life domains were negative when evaluated by the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire. Religion (∆% = 16.6%) and social relations (∆% = 11.9%) can be considered protective factors related to better quality of life during the medical residency program.
Dexmedetomidine Addition For Pediatric Hernia Repair: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Wei , Yuan Liang
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The efficacy of dexmedetomidine addition for pain control after pediatric hernia repair remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of dexmedetomidine addition on pain management for pediatric hernia repair.Methods: We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through March 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of dexmedetomidine addition on pain management for pediatric hernia repair. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.Results: Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for pediatric hernia repair, dexmedetomidine addition is associated with significantly reduced analgesic consumption (SMD=-1.0; 95% CI=-1.40 to -0.61; P<0.00001) and number of rescue analgesics (SMD=0.16; 95% CI=0.06 to 0.41; P=0.0002), prolonged time to first analgesia (SMD=8.16; 95% CI=4.58 to 11.73; P<0.00001) and decreased the incidence of emergence agitation (RR=0.12; 95% CI=0.03 to 0.44; P=0.001), but has no obvious impact on pain scores at 1 h (SMD=-2.00; 95% CI=-5.78 to 1.79; P=0.30) or 2 h (SMD=-0.73; 95% CI=-2.33 to 0.87; P=0.37).Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine addition is beneficial to pain control after pediatric hernia repair.
Relative Contributions of Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors on Mosquito Microbiota
Authors: Bogale Haikel Nasser , Cannon Matthew V. , Keita Kalil , Camara Denka , Barry Yaya , Keita Moussa , Coulibaly Drissa , Kone Abdoulaye K , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Thera Mahamadou A. , Plowe Christopher V. , Travassos Mark , Irish Seth , Serre David
Published: June 2020

Background
The commensal microbiota of mosquitoes impacts their development, immunity, and competency, and could provide a target for alternative entomological control approaches. However, despite the importance of the mosquito/microbiota interactions, little is known about the relative contribution of genetic and non-genetic factors in shaping the bacterial communities of mosquitoes.
Methods
We used a high-throughput sequencing based assay to characterize the bacterial composition and diversity of 665 individual field-caught mosquitoes, as well as their species, genotype at an insecticide resistance locus, blood meal composition, and the eukaryotic parasites and viruses they carry. We then used these data to rigorously estimate the individual effect of each parameter on the bacterial diversity as well as their relative contribution to the microbial composition.
Results
Overall, multivariate analyses did not reveal any significant contribution of the mosquito species, insecticide resistance or blood meal to the bacterial composition of the mosquitoes surveyed. Infection with parasites and viruses only contributed very marginally and the main driver of the bacterial diversity was the location where each mosquito was collected which explained roughly 20% of the variance observed.
Conclusions
This analysis shows that, when confounding factors are taken into account, the sites where the mosquitoes are collected is the main driver of the bacterial diversity of wild-caught mosquitoes, although further studies will be needed to determine how the specific components of the local environment affecting the bacterial composition.
A Rare Presentation of Schwannoma as a Purely-Cystic Superficial-Intermuscular Extra-Spinal Swelling over Upper Back.
Authors: Saha Srinjoy
Published: June 2020

Schwannomas are rare tumours arising from peripheral nerve sheath. Here, a 44-year-old lady came to our clinic with an asymptomatic progressively-enlarging swelling over her upper back. It was fluctuant, with an absence of pain and tenderness. MRI showed a benign, purely-cystic, superficial-intermuscular, extra-spinal swelling nearby upper thoracic vertebrae. Complete surgical excision proceeded smoothly through a well-defined plane between the swelling and the muscles. It was not attached to any identifiable nerve. A 6.5x5.0x2.5 cm ovoid lesion with a glistening whitish-grey capsule was excised and wound reconstructed in layers. Histopathology showed hypercellular areas with nuclear palisading or oval-shaped Verocay bodies. Only S-100 tested positive amongst the five-antigen immunohistochemistry, thus establishing the diagnosis of a schwannoma. Postoperatively, a one-year follow-up period was uneventful. Schwannomas can surprise clinicians by arising anywhere and with atypical presentations. It needs to be in the differential diagnoses of any asymptomatic slowly-growing lesion.
Levobupivacaine inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of breast cancer cells through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.
Authors: Kwakye Akosua Kotaa , Kampo Sylvanus , Lv Jiaxin , Ramzan Muhammad Noman , Richard Seidu A. , Falagán Aglais Arredondo , Agudogo Jerry , Atito-Narh Evans , Yan Qiu , Wen Qing-Ping
Published: June 2020

Objective This study aimed to test the hypothesis that levobupivacaine has anti-tumour effects on breast cancer cells Results Colony formation and transwell assay were used to determine breast cancer cells proliferation, whereas flow Cytometry (annexin V and PI staining) was used to investigate breast cancer cells apoptosis. The effects of levobupivacaine on cellular signalling and molecular response were studied with Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and western blot. Induction of apoptosis was confirmed by cell viability, morphological changes showed cell shrinkage, rounding, and detachments from plates. The results of the western blot and qPCR indicated activation of Caspase-3 and inhibition of FOXO1. The results of the flow Cytometry confirmed that levobupivacaine inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot analysis showed increased p21 and decreased cyclin D. However, the qPCR and western blot analysis showed that levobupivacaine significantly increased Bax expression, accompanied by a significant decreased Bcl₂ expression and inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. These findings suggested that levobupivacaine inhibits proliferation and promotes breast cancer cells apoptosis in vitro.
Gray Matter Volume Alterations Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts in Patients with Mood Disorders
Authors: Wang Pengshuo , Zhang Ran , Jiang Xiaowei , Wei Shengnan , Wang Fei , Tang Yanqing
Published: June 2020

Background: Mood disorders are severe mental disorders related to increased suicidal behavior. Finding neural features for suicidal behavior, including suicide attempts (SAs) and suicidal ideation (SI), in mood disorders may be helpful in preventing suicidal behavior. Methods: Subjects consisted of 70 patients with mood disorders and suicidal behavior, 128 patients with mood disorders without suicidal behavior (mood disorders control, MC), and 145 health control (HC) individuals. All participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) techniques to examine gray matter volumes (GMVs).Results: Significant differences were found in GMVs of the left and right middle frontal gyrus among the patients with mood disorders and suicidal behavior, MC, and HC. Post hoc comparisons showed significant differences in the GMVs of the above regions across all three groups (P < 0.01): HC > MC > mood disorders with suicidal behavior. However, there were no significant differences in the GMVs of the left and right middle frontal gyrus between the mood disorders with SI and mood disorders with SAs groups. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that abnormal regional GMV in the middle frontal gyrus is associated with suicidal behavior in mood disorders. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the GMV alterations in mood disorders with SI are different from these in mood disorders with SAs.
Robust association between short-term ambient PM2.5 exposure and COVID prevalence in India
Authors: Singh Prachi , Dey Sagnik , Purohit Bhavesh , Dixit Kuldeep , Chakraborty Sikim
Published: June 2020

Novel coronavirus (COVID) outbreak is the deadliest pandemic in our lifetime. The COVID prevalence risk may be enhanced due to comorbidity from other health risk factors like air pollution. However, such evidence is still lacking in India. Using daily confirmed cases, ambient PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) exposure and meteorological parameters from 28 major states of India between March 14-June 9, 2020, in a generalized additive model, we estimate the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and daily COVID confirmed cases. We find that a 10 mg m-3 increase in ambient PM2.5 exposure (with a lag of 0-14 days) is significantly associated with an increased COVID incidence [relative risk (RR) of 1.135 (95% uncertainty interval: 1.091-1.180)] after adjusting for the meteorological factors. A non-linear association between PM2.5 (lag 0-14) and COVID infection predicts an RR of 4.482 (3.357-5.983) for exposure at 60 mg m-3 relative to 25 mg m-3. Our results indicate a significant positive association between ambient PM2.5 exposure and COVID prevalence in India. As India is easing lockdown measures, higher outdoor air pollution may have implications on COVID transmission, information which can be helpful for general public and policymakers alike.
Enhanced Antitumor Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor-Mediated Hexokinase-2 Depletion on Ovarian Cancer Mediated by A Shift in Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Qiyu , Zhang Mingxing , Cao Cong , Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Mengyu , Li Guiling , Xu Congjian , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: June 2020

Background: Most cancers favor glycolytic-based glucose metabolism. Hexokinase-2 (HK2), the first glycolytic rate-limiting enzyme, shows limited expression in normal adult tissues but is overexpressed in many tumor tissues, including ovarian cancer. HK2 has been shown to be correlated with the progression and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer and could be a therapeutic target. However, the systemic toxicity of HK2 inhibitors has limited their clinical use. Since follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (FSHR) is overexpressed in ovarian cancer but not in nonovarian healthy tissues, we designed FSHR-mediated nanocarriers for HK2 shRNA delivery to increase tumor specificity and decrease toxicity. Results: HK2 shRNA was encapsulated in a polyethylene glycol-polyethylenimine copolymer modified with the FSH β 33-53 or retro-inverso FSH β 33-53 peptide. The nanoparticle complex with FSH peptides modification effectively depleted HK2 expression and facilitated a shift towards oxidative glucose metabolism, with evidence of increased oxygen consumption rates, decreased extracellular acidification rates, and decreased extracellular lactate and glucose consumption in A2780 ovarian cancer cells and cisplatin-resistant A2780CP counterpart cells. Consequently, cell proliferation, invasion and migration were significantly inhibited, and tumor growth was suppressed even in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. No obvious systemic toxicity was observed in mice. Moreover, the nanoparticle complex modified with retro-inverso FSH peptides exhibited the strongest antitumor effects and effectively improved cisplatin sensitivity by regulating cisplatin transport proteins and increasing apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Conclusions: These results established HK2 as an effective therapeutic target even for cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer and suggested a promising targeted therapeutic approach.
Multi-compartment chemical characterization and risk assessment of chemicals of emerging concern in freshwater systems of western Kenya
Authors: Kandie Faith Jebiwot , Krauss Martin , Massei Riccardo , Ganatra Akbar , Fillinger Ulrike , Becker Jeremias , Liess Matthias , Torto Baldwyn , Brack Werner
Published: June 2020

Background
Within the last decades, there has been increasing research on the occurrence of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) in aquatic ecosystems due to their potential adverse effects on freshwater organisms and risk to human health. However, information on CECs in freshwater environments in sub-Saharan countries is very limited. Here, we investigated the occurrence of CECs in snails and sediments collected from 48 sites within the Lake Victoria South Basin, Kenya, which have been previously investigated for water contamination. Samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) with a target list of 429 compounds.
Results
In total, 30 compounds have been detected in snails and 78 in sediment samples, compared to 79 previously identified compounds in water. By extending the monitoring of CECs to snails and sediments, we found 68 compounds that were not previously detected in water. These compounds include the anti-cancer drug anastrozole, detected for the first time in the Kenyan environment. Individual compound concentrations were detected up to 480 ng/g wet weight (N-ethyl-o-toluenesulfonamide) in snails and 110 ng/g organic carbon (pirimiphos-methyl) in sediments. Higher contaminant concentrations were found in agricultural sites than in areas not impacted by anthropogenic activities. Crustaceans were the organisms at greatest toxic risk from sediment contamination (toxic unit (TU) up to 0.99) with diazinon and pirimiphos-methyl driving this risk. Acute and chronic risks to algae were driven by diuron (TU up to 0.24), whereas fish were found to be at low to no acute risk (TU up to 0.007).
Conclusions
The compound classes present at highest frequencies in all matrices were pesticides and biocides. This study shows substantial contamination of surface water in rural western Kenya. By filling data gaps on contamination of sediments and aquatic biota, our study reveals that CECs pose a substantial risk on environmental health in Kenya demanding for monitoring and mitigation.
Early predictors and screening tool developing for severe patients with COVID-19
Authors: Fang Le , Xie Huashan , Liu Lingyun , Lu Shijun , Lv Fangfang , Zhou Jiancang , Xu Yue , Ge Huiqing , Yu Min , Liu Limin
Published: June 2020

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a declared global pandemic, causing a lot of death. How to quickly screen risk population for severe patients is essential for decreasing the mortality. Methods This retrospective study included all the 813 confirmed cases diagnosed with COVID-19 before March 2nd, 2020 in a city of Hubei Province in China. Data of the COVID-19 patients including clinical and epidemiological features were collected through Chinese Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Predictors were selected by logistic regression, and then categoried to four different level risk factor. A screening tool for severe patient with COVID-19 was developed and tested by ROC curve. Results Seven early predictors for severe patients with COVID-19 were selected, including chronic kidney disease (OR=14.7), age above 60 (OR=5.6), lymphocyte count less than <0.8 × 109 per L (OR=2.5), Neutrophile to Lymphocyte Ratio larger than 4.7 (OR=2.2), high fever with temperature ≥38.5℃ (OR=2.2), male (OR=2.2), cardiovascular related diseases (OR=2.0). The Area Under the Curve of the screening tool developed by above seven predictors was 0.798 (95%CI: 0.747~0.849), and its best cut-off value is >4.5, with sensitivity 72.0% and specificity 75.3%. Conclusions This newly developed screening tool can be a good choice for early prediction and alert for severe case especially in the condition of overload health service.
Acupuncture as a complementary therapy for cancer care: acceptability and preferences of patients and informal caregivers
Authors: Lefebvre Tessa , Tack Laura , Blieck Virginie , Cool Lieselot , Pottel Hans , Eygen Koen Van , Derijcke Sofie , Vergauwe Philippe , Schofield Patricia , Chandler Rebecca , Lane Pauline , Boterberg Tom , Debruyne Philip
Published: June 2020

Background: Acupuncture provides a possible complementary therapy which can be used alongside or following cancer treatment to relieve side-effects for cancer patients and survivors, such as pain and depression. Equally, it can provide relief from symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disturbance, which are recognised as significant issues among caregivers of those with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability and preferences of cancer patients, disease survivors and their informal caregivers in relation to acupuncture.Methods: A questionnaire was developed to explore acceptability and preferences of cancer patients, disease survivors and their caregivers in relation to acupuncture, including motivations to use acupuncture, preferred symptoms to be addressed, and practical issues (location; cost).Results: A participation rate of 94.5% was obtained, with 116 participating patients and survivors, and 54 caregivers. Acceptability of acupuncture was around 1/3 for patients (34.5%; 40/116) and almost half for informal caregivers (48.0%; 26/54). In terms of preferences, the day care clinic was the favoured location for patients (52.5%; 21/40) to undergo acupuncture, while there was no specific preference on location observed for caregivers. A large number of patients indicated they would be willing to pay to receive the complementary therapy (60%; 24/40). Symptoms of fatigue, feeling listless, and pain were most often identified as complaints patients and survivors would use acupuncture for (60.0%, 57.5%, and 47.5% respectively). For informal caregivers, 48.0% (26/54) expressed an interest in using acupuncture for their pain, stress and sleeping difficulties.Conclusions: This study indicates that many cancer patients, disease survivors and informal caregivers would accept acupuncture as a complementary therapy. They could further identify many symptoms they felt this therapy could relieve. This openness to acupuncture, and expressed preferences provide the foundations for this complementary therapy to be incorporated into holistic and supportive cancer care, both for patients and those supporting them.
Heparanase regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells with multiple signaling pathways involved
Authors: Yang Chuanjia , Zhang Siyang , Chang Xiaoying , Huang Yonglian , Cui Dongxu , Liu Zhen
Published: June 2020

Background

Heparanase (HPSE) is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase, which is found overexpressed in various human cancers. The purpose of our work was to investigate the possible role of HPSE and the involved signaling molecules in the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
Methods

The expression of HPSE was examined in 80 samples of PTC by immunohistochemistry. In cell studies, the expression plasmid of HPSE and RNA interference with shRNA specific for HPSE were used to elucidate the effects of HPSE on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in PTC cells of B-CPAP and KTC-1. The probable downstream signaling molecules of HPSE were also explored.
Results

75.0% (60 out of 80) of PTC samples was detected high expression of HPSE, which was significantly correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and stage status. In cell studies, the upregulation of HPSE significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion of B-CPAP and KTC-1 cells, and interfered with cell apoptosis. On the contrary, knockdown of HPSE exhibited the opposite effects. Compared with the parental cells, HPSE silencing cells showed attenuated capabilities of proliferation, migration and invasion, yet the apoptotic rate of transfected cells was increased. The activations of various signaling molecules correlated with cell biological behavior were found to be regulated by HPSE upregulation or knockdown.
Conclusions

Our results suggested that HPSE probably contributed to the progression and metastasis of PTC, which were associated with multiple signaling pathways. HPSE could be a potent molecular target for the therapeutic strategy of PTC.
Fine structure of the silk spinning system in the caddisworm, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jeong , Sun Yan , Moon Myung-Jin
Published: June 2020

Silk is produced by a variety of insects, but only silk made by terrestrial arthropods has been examined in detail. To fill the gap, this study was designed to understand the silk spinning system of aquatic insect. The larvae of caddis flies, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus produce silk through a pair of labial silk glands and use raw silk to protect themselves in the aquatic environment. The result of this study clearly shows that although silk fibers are made under aquatic conditions, the cellular silk production system is quite similar to that of terrestrial arthropods. Typically, silk production in caddisworm has been achieved by two independent processes in the silk glands. This includes the synthesis of silk fibroin in the posterior region, the production of adhesive glycoproteins in the anterior region, which are ultimately accumulated into functional silk dope and converted to a silk ribbon coated with gluey substances. At the cellular level, each substance of fibroin and glycoprotein is specifically synthesized at different locations, and then transported from the rough ER to the Golgi apparatus as transport vesicles, respectively. Thereafter, the secretory vesicles gradually increase in size by vesicular fusion, forming larger secretory granules containing specific proteins. It was found that these granules eventually migrate to the apical membrane and are exocytosed into the lumen by a mechanism of merocrine secretion.
The Anxious Aspects of Insecure Attachment Styles are Associated with Depression Either in Pregnancy or in the Postpartum Period
Authors: Bianciardi Emanuela , Vito Cristina , Betrò Sophia , De Stefano Alberto , Siracusano Alberto , Niolu Cinzia
Published: June 2020

Background: Perinatal depression (PND) is a major complication of pregnancy and many risk factors have been associated with its development both during pregnancy and postpartum. The transition to motherhood activates the attachment system. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between women`s attachment style (AS) and PND in pregnancy, and 1-month after childbirth, in a large cohort of women. We hypothesized that different patterns of AS were associated with either antenatal or postnatal depression. We, further, explored the role of other possible risk factors such as life stress events.Methods: A final sample of 572 women was enrolled. At the third trimester of pregnancy, clinical data sheet and self-report questionnaires (ASQ, PSS, LTE-Q, EPDS) were administered. One month after delivery, EPDS was administered by telephone interview.Results: We found 10.1% of the women with depression during pregnancy and 11.1% in the postpartum period. The first logistic regression showed that ASQ-CONF subscale (OR=0, respectively, .876, p<0.0001), ASQ-NFA subscale (OR=1.097, p=0.002), foreign nationality (OR=2.29, p=0.040), low education levels (OR=0.185, p=0.012), PSS total score (OR=1.376, p=0.010), and recent life adversities (OR=3.250, p=0.012) were related to EPDS ≥14 during pregnancy. The second logistic regression showed that ASQ-PRE subscale (OR=1.077, p<0.001) and foreign nationality (OR=2.88, p=0.010) were related to EPDS ≥12 in the postpartum period.Conclusions: Different dimensions of anxious insecure AS were, respectively, associated with either antenatal or postnatal depression. These findings support the literature investigating subtypes of perinatal depression. The PND may be heterogeneous in nature, and the comprehension of psychopathological trajectories may improve screening, prevention and treatment of a disorder which has a long-lasting disabling impact on the mental health of mother and child. We provided a rationale for targeting an attachment-based intervention in this group of women.
Machine learning techniques for mortality prediction in critical traumatic patients: anatomic and physiologic variables from the RETRAUCI study
Authors: Serviá Luis , Montserrat Neus , Badia Mariona , Llompart-Pou Juan Antonio , Barea-Mendoza Jesús , Chico-Fernández Mario , Sánchez-Casado Marcelino , Jimenez-Moragas José Manuel , Mayor-García Dolores María , Cabello Javier Trujillano
Published: June 2020

Background: Interest in models for calculating the risk of death in traumatic patients admitted to ICUs remains high. These models use variables derived from the deviation of physiological parameters and the intensity of anatomical lesions. Our objective is to create different predictive models of the mortality of critically traumatic patients using machine learning techniques.Methods: We used 9625 records from the RETRAUCI database (National Trauma Registry of 52 Spanish ICUs in the period of 2015–2019). Hospital mortality was 12.6%. Data on demographic variables, affected anatomical areas and physiological repercussions were used. The Weka Platform was used, along with a ten-fold cross-validation for the construction of nine supervised algorithms: logistic regression binary (LR), neural network (NN), sequential minimal optimization (SMO), classification rules (JRip), classification trees (CT), Bayesian networks (BN), adaptive boosting (ADABOOST), bootstrap aggregating (BAGGING) and random forest (RFOREST). The performance of the models was evaluated by accuracy, specificity, precision, recall, F-measure, and AUC.Results: The most important factors are those associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and organic failures. The LR finds thorax and limb injuries as independent protective factors of mortality. The CT generates 24 decision rules and uses those related to TBI as the first variables (range 2.0–81.6%). The JRip detects the eight rules with the highest risk of mortality (65.0–94.1%). The NN model uses a hidden layer of ten nodes, which requires 180 weights for its interpretation. The BN find the relationships between the different factors that identify different patient profiles. Models with the ensemble methodology (ADABOOST, BAGGING and RandomForest) do not have greater performance. All models obtain high values ​​in accuracy, specificity, and AUC, but obtain lower values ​​in recall. The greatest precision is achieved by the SMO model, and the BN obtains the best recall, F-measure, and AUC.Conclusion: Machine learning techniques are useful for creating mortality classification models in critically traumatic patients. With clinical interpretation, the algorithms establish different patient profiles according to the relationship between the variables used; determine groups of patients with different evolutions, and alert clinicians to the presence of rules that indicate the greatest severity.
Practical Tracking Control of Piezoelectric Actuators with Time-delay Estimation and Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Lin Hai-Ping , Gu Han-Lie , Yu Shengdong , Ma Jin-Yu , Wu Hong-Tao
Published: June 2020

A novel type of nonlinear robust control strategy is proposed in view of uncertain nonlinear factors, such as hysteresis, creep, and high-frequency vibration, of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs). This strategy can be used for the precise trajectory tracking of PEAs. The Bouc–Wen dynamic model is reasonably simplified to facilitate engineering application. The hysteresis term is summarized as an unknown term to avoid its nonlinear parameter identification. The controller robustness is achieved due to the nonsingular terminal sliding mode control, and the online estimation of unknown disturbances is realized because of the delay estimation technology; thus, no prior knowledge of the unknown boundary of the system is required. The precision robust differentiator is used to estimate the speed and acceleration signals in real time on the basis of the obtained displacement signals. The closed-loop stability of the system is proved by the Lyapunov criterion. Experimental results show that the proposed control strategy performs better than the traditional time-delay estimation control in terms of control accuracy and energy conservation. Therefore, the proposed control strategy can play an important role in the micro/nanofield driven by PEAs.
Nationwide study of mortality and survival in pregnancy-related streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Authors: Hayata Eijiro , Nakata Masahiko , Hasegawa Junichi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Murakoshi Takeshi , Mitsuda Nobuaki , Sekizawa Akihiko , Ikeda Tomoaki , Ishiwata Isamu
Published: June 2020

Background
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is associated with the highest rates of infection-related maternal mortality. We conducted a comparative analysis of background factors and treatment course between patients who survived and those who did not to improve our understanding of the optimal initial treatment approach for this fulminant disease.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted based on clinical data collected from two national organizations. Clinical data of patients who died and of those who survived, including background information, clinical course, and treatment administered, were collated.
Results:
No statistical differences were found between groups for age, parity, season, gestational age, or the patient’s location at the onset of symptoms. After the onset of initial symptoms, survivors were administered antibiotics systematically during their first visit to a clinic (p = 0.006). More survivors had received treatment within 1 hour of onset of fulminant disease (p = 0.069). The number of fetal deaths was significantly higher in the mortality group (p = 0.003), while that of fetal survival was higher in the group of maternal survivors (p = 0.055). Maternal survivors with non-specific initial symptoms received early intervention if there was a family history of group A streptococcal infection or a positive rapid antigen test result.
Conclusions
Intensive care, including systemic administration of antibiotics, may contribute to maternal survival when administered immediately (within 1 hour) after the onset of fulminant streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Eliciting a family history of streptococcal infection and conducting a rapid antigen test can identify patients needing early intervention.
SARS-CoV-2 and Obesity: “CoVesity” - A Pandemic Within A Pandemic
Authors: Zakka Kimberley , Chidambaram Swathikan , Mansour Sami , Mahawar Kamal , Salminen Paulina , Almino Ramos , Schauer Philip , Kinross James , Purkayastha Sanjay
Published: June 2020

Individuals who are overweight or obese are in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, making them particularly susceptible to developing severe forms of respiratory failure. Studies conducted in past pandemics link obesity with worse health outcomes. This population is thus of particular concern within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the cessation of obesity management services. This systematic review highlights (1) the reciprocal link between the obesity and COVID-19 pandemics (2) obesity as a risk factor for more severe disease in past pandemics, (3) potential mechanisms that make obese individuals more susceptible to severe disease and higher viral load, (4) the need to safely resume bariatric services as recommended by expert guidelines, in order to mitigate the health outcomes of an already vulnerable population.
Association between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Long-Term All-Cause Mortality in Thyroid Cancer Survivors: An Israeli Population-Based Study
Authors: Izkhakov Elena , Keinan-Boker Lital , Barchana Micha , Shacham Yacov , Yaish Iris , Neiderman Narin N. Carmel , Fliss Dan M. , Stern Naftali , Meyerovitch Joseph
Published: June 2020

Background: The global incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has risen considerably during the last three decades, while prognosis is generally favorable. We assessed the association between long-term all-cause mortality and cardiovascular risk factors in TC survivors compared to the general population.
Methods: Individuals diagnosed with TC during 2001-2014 (TC group) and age- and sex-matched individuals from the same Israeli healthcare system without thyroid disease or a cancer history (non-TC group) were compared. Cox regression hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for all-cause mortality were calculated by exposure status.
Results: During a 15-year follow-up (median 8 years), 577 TC survivors out of 5,677 (10.2%) TC patients and 1,235 individuals out of 23,962 (5.2%) non-TC patients died. The TC survivors had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.89, 95%CI 1.71-2.10), after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors already present at follow-up initiation. This increased risk was most pronounced in the 55- to 64-year-old age group (HR=1.49, 95%CI 1.33-1.67). The TC survivors who died by study closure had more hypertension (14.6% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.002), more dyslipidemia (11.4% vs. 7.2%, P < 0.001), and more cardiovascular disease (33.6% vs. 22.3%, P = 0.05) compared to those who died in the non-TC group.
Conclusions: This large cohort study showed higher all-cause mortality with a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease among TC survivors compared to matched non-TC individuals. Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular risk factors in TC survivors is mandatory.
Evaluation and Comparison of Postharvest Cooling Methods on the Microbial Quality and Storage of Florida Peaches
Authors: De Jaysankar , Bertoldi Bruna , Jubair Mohammad , Gutierrez Alan , Brecht Jeffery K. , Sargent Steven A. , Schneider Keith R.
Published: June 2020

Florida peaches (Prunus persica) typically are picked and placed in a cold room on the day of harvest, then packed and shipped the next day. This room cooling (RC) is slow, requiring ≈24 hours or more for the fruit to reach optimal temperature (6 to 7 °C). There is currently limited research on the effect of cooling practices on microbial quality of peaches, yet this study is essential for decision making in areas such as upgrading packing house facilities and the implementation of improved handling procedures. This research compared the efficacies of postharvest cooling by RC, forced-air cooling (FAC), and hydrocooling with sanitizer (HS) treatment of peaches to reduce their surface microbial population and to determine the effect on shelf life and microbial quality. Three trials for RC and two trials each for FAC and HS were performed. Following cooling, fruit were stored at 1 °C. The average aerobic plate count (APC) from field samples was 5.29 log cfu/peach, which remained unchanged after RC or FAC but was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) to 4.63 log cfu/peach after HS. The average yeast and mold counts (Y&M) from field samples (6.21 log cfu/peach) were reduced highly significantly (P < 0.001) to 4.05 log cfu/peach after HS. Hydrocooling significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the APC and Y&M counts from the peaches and showed promise in maintaining the microbiological quality of the fruit throughout storage. However, at the end of the 21-day storage period, there was no significant difference in APC or Y&M counts from peaches, irrespective of the cooling methods. Peaches that went through the hydrocooling process and were subsequently packed showed an increase (P < 0.05) in both APC and Y&M counts, while fruit that were not hydrocooled showed no such increase. Information obtained will be used to recommend the best temperature management practices for maintaining the postharvest quality of peaches. A detailed cost-benefit analysis of different cooling methods and the time interval between harvest and shipment are both necessary for a more conclusive recommendation.
HIV/AIDS: PERCEPÇÕES, SIGNIFICADOS E CONSEQUÊNCIAS DA ASSISTÊNCIA DE TRABALHADORES DA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA
Authors: Costa Kemily Benini , Formenton Yaisa França , Ogata Marcia Niituma
Published: June 2020

O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as percepções e significados de HIV/aids de trabalhadores da saúde da família. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida com os 14 profissionais da equipe multiprofissional da Estratégia Saúde da Família num município paulista. Os dados foram coletados por entrevista semiestruturada e interpretados por análise de conteúdo. Construíram-se 3 categorias de análise. 1. Relação com o cuidado em que o HIV/aids refere-se à condição de anormalidade; 2. Impacto individual, familiar e social marcada pelo preconceito e julgamento pela forma de contágio e 3. HIV/aids e sexualidade em prevalece como causa de contaminação os atos sexuais ilícitos e a quantidade de parceiros, bem como culpabilização da pessoa a adquirir a condição. Apesar das mudanças no perfil epidemiológico da doença ao longo do tempo e introdução da terapia antirretroviral, os profissionais reproduzem e carregam percepções estigmatizantes resultando em discursos falsamente modificados que trazem a tona simbolismos primários da infecção relacionadas ao incorreto, medo e preconceito. A percepção e significados atribuídos podem refletir na sua prática de cuidado impactando na eficácia da atenção integral à saúde.
THE GOVERNMENT'S INTERNAL AUDIT PLANNING STRATEGY IN PREVENTING CORRUPTION IN THE PROCUREMENT SECTOR IN THE ERA OF DISRUPTION
Authors: Kamal Mustafa , Nasarudin Nasarudin
Published: June 2020

This study aims to disclose not only the APIP's internal audit planning strategy in accordance with the mandate of the SAAIPI 2014, Law 30/2014, Law 23/2014, Government Regulation 60/2008, Presidential Regulation 16/2018, Presidential Regulation 54/2018, but also the synergy strategy among APIP, LKPP and APH in preventing corruption in the procurement sector. The research method used is a qualitative method with the literature studies, surveys, and retrospective studies. The results show that the mandate of internal supervision can be identified through the relationship matrix between SAAIPI 2014 and several regulations. The strategy in the synergy of supervision planning conducted by APIP, LKPP and APH can be determined through a SWOT analysis of the role of APIP. There are 4 choices of strategies for optimizing the role of APIP. APIP that has a capability score of 3 can use the SO and ST strategies. Whereas APIP that has capability scores of 1 and 2 can use the WO and WT strategies. Whole of Government can be built by APIP, APH and LKPP, either in the form of coordination between institutions, the formation of task forces, or social coalitions.
ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS USING FRAUD PENTAGON THEORY APPROACH (A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK)
Authors: Ramadhan Dona
Published: June 2020

Fraud and corruption are two types of crimes that can harm others. According to Transparency International, the perceived level ofpublic sector corruption in Indonesia was ranked 89 out of 180 countries in the world in 2018. Seeing this condition, more attention should be paid to the prevention and deterrence process to reduce the more losses. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for fraud prevention and deterrence by developing root cause analysis using the pentagon fraud approach. Through a literature review, researcher tries to combine root cause analysis with fraud pentagon, called RCA-FP Matrix (Root Cause Analysis - Fraud Pentagon Matrix) as an effective tool to prevent and deter fraud and corruption. This study also provides an example of the application of RCA-FP Matrix. First, determining the list of root causes associated with Fraud Pentagon; second, choosing one of the causes, as the root cause of fraud findings. In this study, fraud findings are calculated based on account numbers. Finally, the frequency of all causes can be counted, and the main root causes can be found. The results using the RCA-FP matrix show that there aredifferent dominant causes in different regions. Capability is the most frequent case in company-wide. The RCA-FP matrix can be applied in all types of industries and government agencies. As an anti-fraud measure, the RCA-FP Matrix can be adjusted according to the nature of the organization.
Medical image registration based on PCA and M_PSNR
Authors: Jin Jin , Bi Xinrui , Jiang Miaomiao , Chang Jincai , Cui Jianzhong
Published: June 2020

Medical image registration is not only the premise of medical image fusion, but also the focus of medical image processing. It plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. Aiming at the problem of mutual information value in image registration, a PCA neural network and M_PSNR based method for rigid registration of reference and floating images was proposed. In this method, the centroid of the image needs to be figured out through the image matrix, and the rotation Angle and translation of the image registration can be calculated by PCA method to obtain the optimal rotation transformation and the initial registration value. Finally, M_PSNR method improved by PSNR was used for similarity test to increase the speed and efficiency of registration and simplify the calculation process.
Tumor in 3D: In Vitro Complex Cellular Models to Improve Nanodrugs Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fernandes Soraia , Cassani Marco , Pagliari Stefania , Filipensky Petr , Cavalieri Francesca , Forte Giancarlo
Published: June 2020

Nanodrugs represent novel solutions to reshuffle repurposed drugs for cancer therapy.
They might offer different therapeutic options by combining targeted drug delivery and
imaging in unique platforms. Such nanomaterials are deemed to overcome the limitations of
currently available treatments, ultimately improving patients’ life quality. However, despite
these promises being made for over three decades, the poor clinical translation of nanoparticle-
based therapies calls for deeper in vitro and in vivo investigations. Translational issues
arise very early during the development of nanodrugs, where complex and more reliable cell
models are often replaced by easily accessible and convenient 2D monocultures. This is particularly
true in the field of cancer therapy. In fact, 2D monocultures provide poor information
about the real impact of the nanodrugs in a complex living organism, especially given the
poor mimicry of the solid Tumors Microenvironment (TME). The dense and complex extracellular
matrix (ECM) of solid tumors dramatically restricts nanoparticles efficacy, impairing
the successful implementation of nanodrugs in medical applications. Herein, we propose a
comprehensive guideline of the 3D cell culture models currently available, including their potential
and limitations for the evaluation of nanodrugs activity. Advanced culture techniques,
more closely resembling the physiological conditions of the TME, might give a better prediction
of the reciprocal interactions between cells and nanoparticles and eventually help reconsider
the use of old drugs for new applications.