bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential Damage Assessment of the Posterolateral Complex of the Knee Joint: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Wu Cong-Cong , Ye Li-Mei , Li Xiao-fei , Shi Lin-Jun
Published: December 2021

Background.

The posterolateral complex (PLC), which consists of the popliteus tendon (PT), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and popliteofibular ligament (PFL), is an indispensable structure of the knee joint. The aim of this study was to explore the functionality of the PLC by determining the specific role of each component in maintaining posterolateral knee stability.
Methods.

A finite element (FE) model was generated based on previous material property data and magnetic resonance imaging of a volunteer’s knee joint. The injury order of the PLC was set as LCL, PFL, and PT. A 134 N anterior load was applied to the tibia to investigate tibial displacement (TD). Tibial external rotation (TER) and tibial varus angulation (TVA) were measured under bending motions of 5 and 10 Nm. The instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR) of the knee joint under different rotation motions was also recorded.
Results.

The TD of the intact knee under a 134 N anterior load matched the values determined in previous studies. Our model showed consistent increases in TD, TVA, and TER after sequential damage of the PLC. In addition, sequential disruption caused the IAR to shift superiorly and laterally during varus rotation, and medially and anteriorly during external rotation. In the dynamic damage of the PLC, LCL injury had the largest effect on TD, TVA, TER, and IAR.
Conclusions.

Sequential injury of the PLC caused considerable loss of stability of the knee joint according to an FE model. The most significant structure of the PLC was the LCL.
Heterogeneity in Subnational Mortality in The Context of The COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Belgian Districts
Authors: Schlüter Benjamin-Samuel , Masquelier Bruno , Camarda Carlo Giovanni
Published: December 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major shocks in mortality trends in many countries. Yet few studies have evaluated the heterogeneity of the mortality shock at the sub-national level, rigorously accounting for the different sources of uncertainty.Methods: Using death registration data from Belgium, we first assess the change in the heterogeneity of subnational standardized mortality ratios in 2020, when compared to previous years. We then measure the shock of the pandemic using district-level values of life expectancy, comparing the observed and projected districts life expectancy, accounting for all sources of uncertainty (related to the life-table construction at district level and to the projection methods at country and district level). The Bayesian modelling approach makes it easy to combine the different sources of uncertainty in the assessment of the shock. This is of particular interest at a finer geographical scale characterized by high stochastic variation in annual death counts.Results: The heterogeneity in the impact of the pandemic on all-cause mortality across districts is substantial, with some districts barely showing any impact whereas the Bruxelles-Capital and Mons districts experienced a decrease in life expectancy at birth of 2.24 (95% CI:1.33-3.05) and 2.10 (95% CI:0.86-3.30) years, respectively. The year 2020 was associated with an increase in mortality levels ' heterogeneity at a subnational level in comparison to past years measured by both the standardized mortality ratios and the life expectancies at birth. Decisions on uncertainty thresholds have a large bearing on the interpretation of the results.Conclusion: Developing sub-national mortality estimates with their uncertainty is key to understanding why certain areas have been hard hit in comparison to others.
Endometriosis Does not Seem to Be an Influencing Factor of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in IVF / ICSI Cycles
Authors: Lee Pingyin , Zhou Canquan , Li Yubin
Published: December 2021

IntroductionTo evaluate whether the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in pregnant women was related to endometriosis (EM), ovulation and embryo vitrification technology. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on the clinical data of 3674 women who were treated with IVF / ICSI in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and maintained clinical pregnancy for more than 20 weeks. All pregnancies were followed up until the end of pregnancy. The follow-up consisted of recording the course of pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and basic situation of newborns.ResultsCompared with NC-FET without EM, HRT-FET without EM was found to have a higher incidence of HDP during pregnancy (2.7% V.S. 6.1%, P<0.001); however, no significant difference was found in the incidence of HDP between NC-FET and HRT-FET combined with EM (4.0% V.S. 5.7%, P>0.05). In total frozen-thawed embryo transfer (total-FET), the incidence of HDP in the HRT cycle without ovulation (HRT-FET) was observed to be higher than that in the NC cycle with ovulation (NC-FET) (2.8% V.S. 6.1%, P<0.001). In patients with EM, no significant difference was found in the incidence of HDP between fresh ET and NC-FET (1.2% V.S. 4.0%, P>0.05). ConclusionEM does not seem to have an effect on the occurrence of HDP in assisted reproductive technology. During the FET cycle, the formation of the corpus luteum may play a protective role in the occurrence and development of HDP. Potential damage to the embryo caused by cryopreservation seems to have no effect on the occurrence of HDP.
Genomic analyses identify biological processes of pancreatic cancer after radiotherapy
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Wei , Liu Guangqi , Gu Hanming
Published: December 2021

Radiotherapy is a crucial component in the treatment of pancreatic cancer such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the key molecules and mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, our objective is to identify the significant molecules and potential signaling pathways in the processes of PDAC after radiotherapy by analyzing the RNA sequence. The GSE185311 dataset was created by using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (Homo sapiens). The KEGG and GO analyses indicated that "apoptosis", "TNF signaling", and "NF-κB signaling" are the main functional processes during radiotherapy. Moreover, we determined numerous genes including FDXR, DDB2, LY6H, ZMAT3, GPR174, LYNX1, CD300C, SPATA18, HLA-DQB1, and CEND1 by using the String and PPI network. Thus, our study may guide the clinical work on the treatment of PDAC through radiotherapy.
Bridging the Gap in Learning Differences Among Biology Students Using 4 Mode Application Techniques
Authors: Obiajulu Queendaline Ibenegbu , Ugwu Chidinma Blessing , Ibenegbu Christopher Ifeanyi , Muojekwu Helen Onyinye , Odionye Nonye , Ngwu Anthonia Ngozi , Ijeoma Okafor Blessing , Loretta Nwankwo Amaka , Aniaku Obiageli Loretta , Enebechi Regina Ijeamasi , Ugochi Chukwunta Regina
Published: December 2021

This study is on bridging the gap in learning differences among biology students using 4MAT Application Techniques. We carried out the study in Abakaliki, Nigeria. We adopted a quasi-experimental design for the study. We used 138 SS-II students from two schools. Two hypotheses were tested. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and Hierarchical Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that there was a significant main effect of instructional method on students' achievement in biology F (7, 121) = 12.654, p =.000, partial η2 =.39; there was no significant main effect of gender on students' achievement in biology F (1, 121) = 1.240, p =.268, partial η2 =.004. We highlighted the educational implications of the findings and the recommendations. We also made some limitations of the study and suggestions for further studies.
Latent disconnectome prediction of long-term cognitive symptoms in stroke
Authors: Talozzi Lia , Forkel Stephanie , Pacella Valentina , Nozais Victor , Corbetta Maurizio , Nachev Parashkev , de Schotten Michel Thiebaut
Published: December 2021

Stroke significantly impacts quality of life. However, the long-term cognitive evolution in stroke is poorly predictable at the individual level. There is an urgent need for a better prediction of long-term symptoms based on acute clinical neuroimaging data. Previous works have demonstrated a strong relationship between the location of white matter disconnections and clinical symptoms. However, rendering the entire space of possible disconnections-deficit associations optimally surveyable will allow for a systematic association between brain disconnections and cognitive-behavioural measures at the individual level. Here we present the most comprehensive framework, a composite morphospace to predict neuropsychological scores one year after stroke. Linking the latent disconnectome morphospace to neuropsychological outcomes yields biological insights available as the first comprehensive atlas of disconnectome-deficit relations across 86 neuropsychological scores. Out-of-sample prediction derived from this atlas achieved average accuracy over 80%, which is higher than any other framework. Our novel predictive framework is available as an interactive web application, the disconnectome symptoms discoverer (http://disconnectomestudio.bcblab.com), to provide the foundations for a new and practical approach to modelling cognition in stroke. Our atlas and web application will reduce the burden of cognitive deficits on patients, their families, and wider society while also helping to tailor personalized treatment programs and discover new targets for treatments. We expect the range of assessments and the predictive power of our framework to increase even further through future crowdsourcing.
Estimating the proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in an Italian region with intermediate incidence during the first pandemic wave: an observational retrospective study
Authors: Martinelli Domenico , Fortunato Francesca , Mazzilli Sara , Bisceglia Lucia , Lopalco Pier Luigi , Prato Rosa
Published: December 2021

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, asymptomatic transmission represented an important challenge for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through the traditional public health strategies. Further understanding of the contribution of asymptomatic infections to SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been of crucial importance for pandemic control. We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study to characterize asymptomatic COVID-19 cases occurred in the Apulia region, Italy, during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19 outbreak (February 29 - July 7, 2020). We analyzed data collected in a regional platform developed to manage surveillance activities, namely investigation and follow-up of cases and contacts, contact tracing, laboratory and clinical data collection. We included all asymptomatic cases that were laboratory-confirmed during the appropriate follow-up, defined as persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 who did not develop symptoms/clinical signs of the disease. Between February 29 and July 7, 2020, a total of 4,536 cases were diagnosed with COVID-19 among 193,757 tests performed. The group of persons with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection consisted of 903 cases; the asymptomatic proportion was 19.9% (95%CI: 18.8-21.1%); this decreased with increasing age (OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.83-0.96; p=0.001), in individuals with underlying comorbidities (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.41-0.73; p<0.001), and in males (OR: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.54-0.87; p=0.002). The median asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive period was 19 days (IQR: 14-31) and the cumulative proportion of persons with resolution of infection 14 days after the first positive PCR test was 74%. As the public health community is debating the question of whether asymptomatic and late spreaders could sustain virus transmission in the communities, such cases present unique opportunities to gain insight into SARS-CoV-2 adaptation to human host. This has important implications for future COVID-19 surveillance and prevention.
Development of a Disposable Pipette Extraction Method Using Coffee Silverskin as an Adsorbent for Chromium Determination in Wastewater Samples by Solid Phase Extraction
Authors: Silva Weida , Costa Bruno , Batista Alex , Alves Vanessa , Coelho Nivia
Published: December 2021

A procedure using disposable pipette tips adapted for solid-phase extraction, known as DPX‑SPE, was used as an alternative way for the chromium determination in wastewater samples. DPX-SPE consists of a device which allows a dynamic contact between the sample and the solidphase. A residue obtained from the processing of coffee beans, denominate coffee silverskin, was used as a new adsorbent. Characterization techniques revealed properties of lignocellulosic materials with potential application for chromium adsorption. The parameters including adsorbent mass (25.00 mg), elution solvent (0.1 mol L−1 HCl, 200 μL) and pH (2.0) were optimized. Thus, 1.00 mL of deionized water for conditioning, 4.00 mL of sample, 2 extraction cycles and 1 elution cycle were the employed conditions. Enrichment factor of 12, limit of detection of 6.00 μg L−1 and relative standard deviation (RSD) 1.3% (n = 3) were obtained. The method proved to be fast, cheap, environmentally friendly, and simple, providing good recoveries (104-113%), and it was satisfactorily applied in real samples.
Desafíos constitucionales de las ciudades inteligentes
Authors: Rodriguez Samudio Ruben Enrique
Published: December 2021

Las ciudades inteligentes son un nuevo modelo de urbanismo que utiliza tecnologías de información y comunicación para analizar los datos personales a fin de solucionar problemas de administración municipal y mejorar el nivel de vida de los ciudadanos. Sin embargo, los modelos constitucionales occidentales están basados en una sociedad análoga, en la cual las interacciones se dan de manera presencial y donde la información ciudadana no es un elemento fundamental del modelo urbanístico. Particularmente, las constituciones con una fuerte protección de derechos individuales tienen la difícil tarea de balancear las garantías fundamentales con un esquema social que requiere del uso de datos ciudadanos. Igualmente, el rol de la empresa privada en una ciudad inteligente ya no se limita a la prestación de servicios, sino que, dependiendo del modelo, se extiende a labores de administración usualmente reservadas a entidades públicas. Este nuevo panorama implica la necesidad de replantearse las relaciones Estado-individuo-empresa privada.
Por un reconocimiento constitucional de la responsabilidad por actos lícitos en el derecho chileno
Authors: Harris Moya Pedro
Published: December 2021

Salvo excepciones, la jurisprudencia chilena actual ha sido reticente en reparar daños y perjuicios causados por actos lícitos. Debido a que esta posición ha sido justificada en base a la ausencia de disposiciones expresas en la Constitución de 1980, y a una reinterpretación de sus normas indirectamente aplicables, el proceso de cambio constitucional ofrece una oportunidad para facilitar tales reparaciones en Chile, superando de esta forma ciertos límites de su responsabilidad estatal, que se alejan de las soluciones que influencian su Derecho administrativo.
El uso de materias colorantes en el Paleolítico superior de la cueva de Lumentxa (Lekeitio, Bizkaia, Norte de la Península Ibérica)
Authors: Arribas Pastor José Luis , Berganza Gochi Eduardo , Betanzos Trojaola Jon Mirena
Published: December 2021

El ocre es un material colorante utilizado desde épocas antiguas por los cazadores-recolectores de todo el planeta. Estudiamos 34 objetos recuperados en los niveles magdalenienses de la cueva de Lumentxa durante las intervenciones de los años veinte del siglo pasado. En 14 ejemplares hemos reconocido huellas de modificación antropogénica. Las características de las huellas indican que éstas se produjeron por un desgaste ocasionado por tres acciones diferentes: la molienda sobre superficies abrasivas, el rayado con instrumentos afilados y el frotado de materias blandas. Molienda y rayado son procedimientos para la obtención de polvo de ocre destinado a actividades domésticas o simbólicas. Las marcas de frotado evidencian, entre otros usos, la aplicación directa del colorante con finalidades funcionales u ornamentales.
ATIVIDADE DE CAMPO E O ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA FÍSICA: UMA PROPOSTA DE ROTEIRO CIENTÍFICO PARA A CHAPADA DO ARARIPE, CEARÁ, NE DO BRASIL
Authors: FERREIRA Joyce Clara Vieira , PRAXEDES Bárbara Danielle Andrade de Castro , CHAVES Marcelo dos Santos , LIMA Zuleide Maria Carvalho
Published: December 2021

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma proposta de roteiro de campo voltada para os conteúdos das disciplinas relativas à Geografia Física, no Geopark do Araripe, Estado do Ceará, NE do Brasil. Na metodologia foram definidas quatro etapas de pesquisa: etapa pré-campo, destinada ao planejamento da atividade, originando um roteiro preliminar; etapa interação, momento de conscientizar os alunos sobre a importância da aula de campo e definir a atuação dos mesmos durante o desenvolvimento das atividades; e etapa pós-campo, análise das informações obtidas durante a excussão e elaboração da proposta desse artigo. Portanto, o resultado deste trabalho consistiu na apresentação do roteiro científico, atentando para as informações referentes à logística das atividades, bem como, para o conteúdo apresentado pelos professores em campo, sempre aliados à teoria estudada em sala de aula.
AMPLIAÇÃO E DIVERSIFICAÇÃO DO CONSUMO EM MARÍLIA-SP E MOSSORÓ-RN
Authors: COUTO Edna
Published: December 2021

No sentido de contribuir para os estudos sobre as cidades médias, propomos uma análise da expansão do consumo nas cidades de Marília-SP e Mossoró-RN. Diante da introdução de um conjunto de bens e serviços ao consumo familiar e individual, produzindo, ao mesmo tempo, uma homogeneização – dos valores, ideias e práticas – e uma diversificação do consumo – maior variedade dos produtos e serviços especializados, objetivamos compreender os processos de expansão e diversificação do consumo em cada uma destas cidades, reconhecendo generalidades e particularidades no que tange a estes processos, articulando-os às diversas escalas geográficas e aos processos de reestruturação urbana e da cidade.
Działalność Towarzystwa Polska Sztuka Stosowana (1901-1913) – próby nawiązania współpracy między producentami, projektantami i odbiorcami
Authors: Wójcik Agata
Published: December 2021

Active between 1901–1903, the Polish Applied Art Society (the TPSS), sought to achieve three essential aims: ‘to spread admiration for Polish applied art, to facilitate its development and to introduce it to the industry’. This article presents the activities of the TPSS, whose aim was to establish cooperation with manufacturers and workshops as well as to acquire commissions from institutions and private individuals. Under this cooperation, the TPSS opened competitions, provided designs or employed artists as artistic directors. The Society succeeded in establishing cooperation with a number of printing and publishing houses; it also finalised an agreement with Antonina Sikorska’s kilim workshop, Czernichów. What is more, by employing TPSS members as artistic directors, it exerted influence on ceramics manufacturing in J. Niedźwiecki & Co. Faience Factory in Dębniki and on that of stained glass in Stanisław Gabriel Żeleński’s Stained Glass and Mosaic Works in Krakow. The TPSS was also commissioned to design interiors and furniture by private individuals and by institutions. However, no cooperation was established with any furniture factory. Contrary to its plans, the Society did not succeed in directly influencing furniture manufacturing; its activities had the features of exclusive artistic craft. This is also how they were received by the audience. Summing up and closing its activities, the Society set a goal for Polish applied art, which would be to create two types of businesses – ones which would manufacture things ‘of quality, in design, material, and workmanship’ and others for ‘machine manufacturing’ and producing cheap objects without, however, ‘lowering standards of taste and workmanship
National Tendencies In Lithuanian Interwar Interior Design (1918–1940)
Authors: Preišegalavičienė Lina
Published: December 2021

After proclaiming independence in 1918, one of the most important tasks was creation of new visual-architectural and design identity which was called ‘Lithuanian Style’ or ‘National Style’. That search for a new image had to be established by an intentional, wilful act which could be able to create a desired object in accordance with the pre-planned model. Because of the multi-national origin of the artists, their distinct education in various countries (Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, etc.), and the multiculturalism of customers, the same idea of countries’ identity was realised in very different visual forms. This variety of Lithuanian interior design approaches was strived to be untangled for the first time in the scientific monograph Lithuanian Interwar Interiors 1918–1940. Meanwhile, the current article (due to the space limit) presents the idea of national tendencies in the interior design. The latter prompts the understanding that theoretical formulation of Lithuanian National Style was ultrarational, attractive, and suitable for different aesthetic tastes – above all, it truly represented various social strata and nations living in Lithuania at that time.
Exploring Current Role of Nanotechnology Used in Food Processing Industry to Control Food Additives and their Biochemical Mechanisms
Authors: Dey Sudatta , Samadder Asmita , Nandi Sisir
Published: December 2021

Background:

With the advent of food additives centuries ago, the human race has found ways to improve and maintain the safety of utility, augment the taste, color, texture, nutritional value, and appearance of the food. Since the 19th century, when the science behind food spoilage was discerned, food additives in food preservation have been increasing worldwide and at a fast pace to get along with modern lifestyles. Although food additives are thought to be used to benefit the food market, some of them are found to be associated with several health issues at an alarming rate. Studies are still going on regarding the mechanisms by which food additives affect public health. Therefore, an attempt has been made to find out the remedies by exploiting technologies that may convey new properties of food additives that can only enhance the quality of food without having any systemic side effects. Thus, this review focuses on the applications of nanotechnology in the production of nano-food additives and evaluates its success regarding reduction in the health-related hazards by collaterally maintaining the food nutrient value.

Methodology:

A thorough literature study was performed using scientific databases, like PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science, for determining the design of the study, and each article was checked for citation and referred to formulate the present review article.

Conclusion:

Nanotechnology can be applied in the food processing industry to control the unregulated use of food additives and intervene in the biochemical mechanisms at a cellular and physiological level for ensuring the safety of food products. The prospective of nano-additive of chemical origin could be useful to reduce risks of hazards related to human health that are caused majorly due to the invasion of food contaminants (either intentional or non-intentional) into food, though this area still needs scientific validation. Therefore, this review provides comprehensive knowledge on different facets of food contaminants and also serves as a platform of ideas for encountering health risk problems about the design of improved versions of nano-additives.
Comparing Antibiotic Pastes with Electrospun Nanofibers as Modern Drug Delivery Systems for Regenerative Endodontics
Authors: Serdaroğlu Dilek Çökeliler , Brimo Nura , Uysal Busra
Published: December 2021

:

Nanomaterials can be applied in different biomedical applications like diagnosis, treatment,
and drug delivery due to their unique features. Using such materials in the endodontic treatment processes
may prove challenging as these materials must exhibit antibacterial effects without posing any
harm to the host cells. The approach involving nanofibers loaded with various antibacterial drugs offers
a potential treatment method to enhance the elimination procedure of intracanal biofilms. Clinically,
many models of bacterial biofilms were prepared under in vitro conditions for different aims. The process
of drug delivery from polymeric nanofibers is based on the principle that the releasing ratio of drug
molecules increases due to the increase in the surface area of the hosted structure. Our review discusses
diverse approaches to loading/releasing drugs on/from nanofibers; we summarized many studies on
electrospun nanofibers loaded with various drugs applied in the endodontic field. Moreover, we discussed
both the advantages and the limitations of these modern endodontic treatment materials, comparing
them with the traditional ones.
Systematic Characterization of Heterogeneity Caused by Neuroinflammation
in Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Integrative Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Yingying , Liu Jianfeng , Li Yufeng , Yang Yu , Li Keshen
Published: December 2021

Background:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. As a heterogenous disease, there are several clinically and pathobiological defined subtypes with different molecular signatures. Neuroinflammation contributed to AD pathogenesis, however, the roles it played in the heterogeneity of AD was unclear.

Objective:

We aimed to illustrate the roles neuroinflammation played in the heterogeneity of AD.

Method:

An integrative network analysis based on transcriptomics, miRNOmics, and proteomics was performed to illustrate the heterogeneous characters of AD. Combined-functional-networks and hypothesis-network were constructed and analyzed to explore the roles neuroinflammation played in AD heterogeneity.

Results:

Astrocytes, microglia, ‘M2 macrophage-Neuron’, and ‘Microglia- Neuron’ were shown to be enriched in neuroinflammation related functional terms in a cell- and spatial-specific way. The microglia and neurons could interact with each other in three different ways including indirect interactions via intermediate cells, indirect interactions via soluble factors, and direct interactions established localized and functionally distinct signaling, all of which were used to control different biological processes. The combined network analyses exhibited the key roles neuroinflammation plays in the 'AD hypothesis network’.

Conclusion :

The AD heterogeneity may be caused by the heterogeneous cells involved in neuroinflammation and the crosstalks between spatial-specific molecular signatures.
Network Analysis of Dengue NS1 Interacting Core Human Proteins Driving
Dengue Pathogenesis
Authors: Elumalai Elakkiya , Muthuvel Suresh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Aim:

We aimed to identify critical human proteins involved in cathepsin L regulation

Background:

It has been shown that Dengue Virus (DENV) NS1 activates cathepsin L (CTSL). The CTSL activates heparanase, which cleaves heparan sulfate proteoglycans and causes dengue pathogenesis. NS1 directly interacts with PTBP1 and Gab proteins. Gab protein activates the Ras signaling pathway. Still, no known direct interaction partners are linking GAB1 to cathepsin L.

Objective:

Our objective includes three main points.1-Network analysis of NS1 interacting human proteins 2- Identification of protein-drug and protein-disease interactions 3- Identification of core proteins involved in cathepsin L regulation.

Method:

We collected NS1 interacting Human proteins from DenHunt, Int-Act Molecular Interaction Database, Virus Mentha, Virus Pathogen Database and Analysis Resource (ViPR), and Virus MINT. We employed Pesca, cytohubba, and centiscape as the significant plug-ins in Cytoscape for network analysis. To study protein-diseases and protein-drugs interaction, we used NetworkAnalyst.

Result:

Based on the prior knowledge on the interaction of NS1 with GAB1 and PTBP1 human proteins, we found several core proteins that drive dengue pathogenesis. The proteins EED, NXF1, and MOV10, are the mediators between PTBP1 and CTSL. Similarly, DNM2, GRB2, PXN, PTPRC, and NTRK1 mediate GAB1 and PTBP1. The common first neighbors of MOV10, NXF1, and EED were identified, and the common primary pathways in all three subnetworks were mRNA processing and protein translation. The common interaction partners were considered for drug and disease network analysis. These proteins were; PARP1, NFKB2, HDAC2, SLC25A4, ATP5A1, EPN1, CTSL, UBR4, CLK3, and ARPC4. PARP1 was the highly connected node in the protein-drug network. The highest degree protein, LMNA, was associated with many diseases. The NXF1 is connected with LMNA. Here, we reported one essential protein, namely, NXF1 protein, which links PTBP1 with CTSL. The NXF1 is also connected with TPM3, which is connected to CTSL.

Conclusion:

We listed functionally important proteins which are involved in cathepsin L activation. Based on network properties, we proposed, NXF1 and TPM3 are the important high centrality proteins in dengue infection.
COVID-19 Outbreak in India: A Review of Preventive Measures and Challenges during the First Wave
Authors: Kumar Rajan
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in India, the world's second most populous country, have been increasing rapidly in recent months, challenging India's ability to deal with this viral pandemic. The Government of India (GoI) and the States/UTs have taken a number of “pre-emptive, pro-active and graded” measures to prevent, contain, and manage COVID-19 in the country. These preventive measures and decisions taken by the GoI helped to stem the first wave of COVID-19 in the nation. Such measures and decisions were reviewed and monitored on a regular basis. The GoI followed a graded response approach, and ensured that there is no shortage of supplies of critical items, including medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), N95 masks, test kits, medications, and ventilators, across the country. The government ensured the establishment of COVID-19 hospitals at both the Center and the State to take care of the infected patients. Nations like India are at higher risk due to their large population density, inadequate infrastructure, and healthcare systems to satisfy extremely high demands.
Temporal Relationship between Nystagmus and Perception during Bithermal Alternate Caloric Test
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Kwon Eun-Jin , Jo Hyunjin , Jeong Seong-Hae
Published: December 2021

Objectives: During caloric irritation, the spinning/rotating sensation is predominant. However, there is no report on the temporal relationship between caloric nystagmus and perception.Methods: Consecutive 57 participants underwent bithermal caloric test in the dizziness clinic of Chungnam National University Hospital from February 2018 to September 2018. For vestibular perception, we asked the subject to report feelings of rotation and/or linear sensation during each warm and cold water irrigation period. Besides routine caloric parameters, the duration of nystagmus and vestibular sensation were analyzed.Results: In most participants, the caloric nystagmus preceded the vestibular sensation (79.6% in right warm, 83.3% in left warm, 88.5% in right cool, and 84.6% in left cool stimuli). The precedence of perception was observed in 5 normal persons and 15 patients with vestibular migraine (n=4), unilateral vestibulopathy (n=3), and Menière’s disease (n=2), multiple systemic atrophy (n=2), cerebellar ataxia (n=2), vertebrobasilar insufficiency (n=1), and post-earthquake dizziness (n=1). The mean latency between nystagmus and perception was 11.7 seconds. And the duration of nystagmus was longer than that of perception in all conditions. Non-spinning sensations during the caloric test were also observed in some participants (26.8% in right warm, 30.3% in left warm, 29.1% in right cool, and 24.1% in left cool stimuli).Conclusions: During the bithemal alternate caloric test, various vestibular perception and temporal relationship between perception and nystagmus suggest the bithermal caloric stimulation does not reflect only the signal originating from the horizontal canal pathway. A further validation study is needed.
Study on Platelet Indices in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Lee Byeong Min , Yim Chae Dong , Hur Dong Gu , Ahn Seong-Ki
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of dizziness. Even though the etiology of BPPV has been widely studied, the exact mechanism remains still unclear. One of the possible factors explaining the pathophysiology of BPPV is ischemia of vestibule. In the present study, we have focused on the platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet crit (PCT) to assess a risk of vestibule ischemia causing BPPV.Methods: From January 2021 to March 2021, a retrospective review was performed on 39 patients diagnosed with BPPV through vestibular nystagmography. For each platelet indices, a comparative analysis was conducted between the patient group and control group.Results: There were no significant differences when the platelet, MPV, PDW, and PCT values were compared between the study and control group. Rather, the control group showed higher PDW value than the study group.Conclusions: Ischemia of vestibule is one of the well-known causes of BPPV, but the current study showed that BPPV cannot be explained by the vestibule ischemia itself. Further studies are needed to identify the potential of ischemia regarding BPPV by approaching with other methods with a large study group.
A Veteran-Centric Web-Based Decision Aid for Lung Cancer Screening: Usability Analysis
Authors: Schapira Marilyn M , Chhatre Sumedha , Prigge Jason M , Meline Jessica , Kaminstein Dana , Rodriguez Keri L , Fraenkel Liana , Kravetz Jeffrey D , Whittle Jeff , Bastian Lori A , Vachani Anil , Akers Scott , Schrand Susan , Ibarra Jennifer V , Asan Onur
Published: December 2021

Background

Web-based tools developed to facilitate a shared decision-making (SDM) process may facilitate the implementation of lung cancer screening (LCS), an evidence-based intervention to improve cancer outcomes. Veterans have specific risk factors and shared experiences that affect the benefits and potential harms of LCS and thus may value a veteran-centric LCS decision tool (LCSDecTool).

Objective

This study aims to conduct usability testing of an LCSDecTool designed for veterans receiving care at a Veteran Affairs medical center.

Methods

Usability testing of the LCSDecTool was conducted in a prototype version (phase 1) and a high-fidelity version (phase 2). A total of 18 veterans and 8 clinicians participated in phase 1, and 43 veterans participated in phase 2. Quantitative outcomes from the users included the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) in phase 1 and the SUS, EUCS, and Patient Engagement scale in phase 2. Qualitative data were obtained from observations of user sessions and brief interviews. The results of phase 1 informed the modifications of the prototype for the high-fidelity version. Phase 2 usability testing took place in the context of a pilot hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial.

Results

In the phase 1 prototype usability testing, the mean SUS score (potential range: 0-100) was 81.90 (SD 9.80), corresponding to an excellent level of usability. The mean EUCS score (potential range: 1-5) was 4.30 (SD 0.71). In the phase 2 high-fidelity usability testing, the mean SUS score was 65.76 (SD 15.23), corresponding to a good level of usability. The mean EUCS score was 3.91 (SD 0.95); and the mean Patient Engagement scale score (potential range 1 [low] to 5 [high]) was 4.62 (SD 0.67). The median time to completion in minutes was 13 (IQR 10-16). A thematic analysis of user statements documented during phase 2 high-fidelity usability testing identified the following themes: a low baseline level of awareness and knowledge about LCS increased after use of the LCSDecTool; users sought more detailed descriptions about the LCS process; the LCSDecTool was generally easy to use, but specific navigation challenges remained; some users noted difficulty understanding medical terms used in the LCSDecTool; and use of the tool evoked veterans’ struggles with prior attempts at smoking cessation.

Conclusions

Our findings support the development and use of this eHealth technology in the primary care clinical setting as a way to engage veterans, inform them about a new cancer control screening test, and prepare them to participate in an SDM discussion with their provider.
Media Source Characteristics Regarding Food Fraud Misinformation According to the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) in China: Comparative Study
Authors: Chang Angela , Schulz Peter Johannes , Jiao Wen , Yu Guoming , Yang Ya
Published: December 2021

Background

Ongoing rumors and fake news regarding food fraud, adulteration, and contamination are highly visible. Health risk information circulating through media and interpersonal communication channels has made health crisis an important research agenda.

Objective

This study explored the issue of food fraud and the effect of misinformation. Further, it assessed whether and how these issues have provided evidence-based interventions for food handlers and regulators to mitigate fraud misinformation.

Methods

The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) was adopted for a collaborative study in China, after which a cross-sectional survey with door-to-door interviews was performed. Participants from Beijing and Hefei were selected using multistage sampling of adults in May 2017. Based on 4 government surveillance reports on food rumors and safety incidents, a descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance were performed on the data.

Results

A total of 3090 results were gathered and analyzed. Among the respondents, 83.6% (2584/3090) heard at least one food rumor. Learning about food fraud was correlated with interpersonal connections (eg, doctors or health specialists) for accessing food health information. Overall, Chinese citizens with a higher level of interpersonal connection were more likely to be concerned about food incidents with a statistical difference (P<.001). Interpersonal connection was the most frequent communication source (698/1253, 55.7%), followed by traditional media (325/1253, 25.9%) and internet portals (144/1253, 11.5%). There was a significant relationship between media use and media category in Beijing (P<.001) and Hefei (P<.001). Overall, responses to food fraud and incident risks were lower in Beijing than in Hefei (P=.006). The respondents in Beijing were confronted more frequently by food rumors (range 346-1253) than those in Hefei (range 155-946). The urban dwellers in Beijing and their rural counterparts in Hefei also differed in terms of perceiving different levels of food risks from different media sources. The food rumor narratives that examined the conspiracy belief showed that social media played more important roles in influencing attitudes against misinformation for users in Hefei than in Beijing.

Conclusions

This study shows that consumers have to be on guard against not only fake food, but also spreading fake information and rumors, as well as conspiracy beliefs involving fake food. This study focused on characterizing media sources, types of food fraud misinformation, and risk perceptions of food safety, which mix urgency and suspicion, and attempted to provide evidence-based interventions for risk management guidance, with the hypothesis of significant correlations between media types and sources, and consumer exposure and perception levels of food rumors and risks.
Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Among Dermatologists in Morocco: A National Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Chakiri Radia , Lahlou Laila
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic, and the use of AI in our day-to-day lives has increased exponentially. AI is becoming increasingly important in dermatology, with studies reporting accuracy matching or exceeding that of dermatologists in the diagnosis of skin lesions from clinical and dermoscopic images. However, little is known about the attitudes of dermatologists in Morocco toward AI.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the attitudes of dermatologists in Morocco toward AI.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed through Google Forms (Google LLC) to dermatologists in Morocco and was open from January to June 2021. Statistical analysis of the data collected was performed using Jamovi software. Any association for which the P value was <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In total, 183 surveys were completed and analyzed. Overall, 79.8% of respondents were female, and the median age was 35 years (IQR 25-74 years). A total of 30.6% stated that they were not aware of AI, and 34.4% had a basic knowledge of AI technologies. Only 7.7% of the respondents strongly agreed that the human dermatologist will be replaced by AI in the foreseeable future. Of the entire group, 61.8% agreed or strongly agreed that AI will improve dermatology, and 70% thought that AI should be part of medical training. In addition, only 32.2% reported having read publications about AI. Female dermatologists showed more fear pertaining to the use of AI within dermatology (P=.01); this group also suggested that AI has a very strong potential in the detection of skin diseases using dermoscopic images (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate an overall optimistic attitude toward AI among dermatologists in Morocco. The majority of respondents believed that it will improve diagnostic capabilities.
Privacy Protection With Facial Deidentification Machine Learning Methods: Can Current Methods Be Applied to Dermatology? (Preprint)
Authors: Jeong Hyeon Ki , Park Christine , Henao Ricardo , Kheterpal Meenal
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

In the era of increasing tools for automatic image analysis in dermatology, new machine learning models require high-quality image data sets. Facial image data are needed for developing models to evaluate attributes such as redness (acne and rosacea models), texture (wrinkles and aging models), pigmentation (melasma, seborrheic keratoses, aging, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation), and skin lesions. Deidentifying facial images is critical for protecting patient anonymity. Traditionally, journals have required facial feature concealment typically covering the eyes, but these guidelines are largely insufficient to meet ethical and legal guidelines of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for patient privacy. Currently, facial feature deidentification is a challenging task given lack of expert consensus and lack of testing infrastructure for adequate automatic and manual facial image detection.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to review the current literature on automatic facial deidentification algorithms and to assess their utility in dermatology use cases, defined by preservation of skin attributes (redness, texture, pigmentation, and lesions) and data utility.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search using a combination of headings and keywords to encompass the concepts of facial deidentification and privacy preservation. The MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via Elsevier), and Web of Science (via Clarivate) databases were queried from inception to May 1, 2021. Studies with the incorrect design and outcomes were excluded during the screening and review process.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies, largely focusing on general adversarial network (GANs), were included in the final review reporting various methodologies of facial deidentification algorithms for still and video images. GAN-based studies were included owing to the algorithm’s capacity to generate high-quality, realistic images. Study methods were rated individually for their utility for use cases in dermatology, pertaining to skin color or pigmentation and texture preservation, data utility, and human detection, by 3 human reviewers. We found that most studies notable in the literature address facial feature and expression preservation while sacrificing skin color, texture, pigmentation, which are critical features in dermatology-related data utility.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, facial deidentification algorithms have made notable advances such as disentanglement and face swapping techniques, while producing realistic faces for protecting privacy. However, they are sparse and currently not suitable for complete preservation of skin texture, color, and pigmentation quality in facial photographs. Using the current advances in artificial intelligence for facial deidentification summarized herein, a novel approach is needed to ensure greater patient anonymity, while increasing data access for automated image analysis in dermatology.
Authors' Response to Peer Reviews of “COVID-19 Outcomes and Genomic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Isolated From Veterans in New England States: Retrospective Analysis” (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Megan , Sallah Ya Haddy , Petrone Mary , Ringer Matthew , Cosentino Danielle , Vogels Chantal B F , Fauver Joseph R , Alpert Tara D , Grubaugh Nathan D , Gupta Shaili
Published: December 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

These are author responses to peer review of ms#31503.
Peer Review of “COVID-19 Outcomes and Genomic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Isolated From Veterans in New England States: Retrospective Analysis” (Preprint)
Authors: Guo Lei
Published: December 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report for ms#31503.
Status iodium pada anak usia sekolah berdasarkan ekskresi iodium urin dan asupan iodium
Authors: Putri Widya Ayu Kurnia , Briawan Dodik , Syarief Hidayat , Amelia Leily
Published: December 2021

Iodine status in school-age children determined from iodine urine excretion and iodine intakeBackground: School-age children are more at risk if they experience deficiencies and excess iodine. The concentration of iodine in urine is a good biomarker for assessing iodine intake, 90% of iodine intake will be excreted through urine. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the iodine status of school-age children based on urinary iodine excretion (UIE) and iodine intake.Method: The study design used a cross-sectional study on 44 healthy school-aged children in Bogor Regency. Subject selection was done purposively in healthy 5th-grade elementary school students. The data taken in this study was urine iodine excretion concentration and food recall (1x24 hours). Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation test.Results: Median iodine excretion concentration in urine was 157 μg/l and the average daily iodine intake of children was 83.29 mg/day. Conclusion: The concentration of iodine excretion in the urine of the children is in the category of sufficient iodine as recommended by WHO / UNICEF / ICCID while the daily intake of iodine for children is still in the less category. The results showed that there was no association of iodine daily intake with iodine excretion concentration in urine(p=0.469).