bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workforce Experience of the Implementation of An Advanced Clinical Practice Framework in England: A Mixed Methods Evaluation
Authors: Lawler Jessica , Maclaine Katrina , Leary Alison
Published: August 2020

Background This study aims to understand how the implementation of the Advanced Clinical Practice framework in England (2017) was experienced by the workforce to check assumptions for a national workforce modelling project. The Advanced Clinical Practice framework was introduced in England in 2017 by Health Education England to clarify the role of advanced practice in the National Health Service. Methods: As part of a large-scale workforce modelling project, a self-completed questionnaire was distributed via the Association of Advanced Practice Educators UK aimed at those studying to be an Advanced Clinical Practitioner or who are practicing at this level in order to check assumptions. Semi-structured phone interviews were carried out with this same group. Questionnaires were summarised using descriptive statistics in Excel for categorical responses and interviews and survey freetext were analysed using thematic analysis using NVivo 10. Results: The questionnaire received over 500 respondents (a response rate ten times that expected) and 15 interviews were carried out. Advanced Clinical Practice was considered by many the only viable clinical career progression. Respondents felt that employers were not clear about what practicing at this level involved or its future direction. 54% (287) thought that ACP was the right job title. 19% (98) of respondents wanted their origin registered profession to be included in their title. Balancing Advanced Clinical Practice education concurrently with a full-time role was challenging, participants underestimated the workload and expectations of employers training. There is an apparent dichotomy that has developed from the implementation of the 2017 framework, that of Advanced Clinical Practice as an advanced level of practice within a profession, and that of Advanced Clinical Practitioner as a new generic role in the medical model. Conclusions: Efforts to establish further clarity and structure around advanced clinical practice are needed for both the individuals practising at this level and their employers. A robust evaluation of the introduction of this role should take place.
Prone Positioning in Moderate to Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to COVID-19: A Cohort Study and Analysis of Physiology
Authors: Shelhamer Mehdi , Wesson Paul D. , Solari Ian L. , Jensen Deanna L. , Steele William Alex , Dimitrov Vihren G. , Kelly John Daniel , Aziz Shazia , Gutierrez Victor Perez , Vittinghoff Eric , Chung Kevin K. , Menon Vidya P. , Ambris Herman A. , Baxi Sanjiv M.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) but it is unknown whether prone positioning improves outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with moderate to severe ARDS due to COVID-19.METHODS: A cohort study at a New York City hospital at the peak of the early pandemic in the United States, under crisis conditions. The aim was to determine the benefit of prone positioning in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS due to COVID-19. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. Secondary outcomes included changes in physiologic parameters. Fine-Gray competing risks models with stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting (sIPTW) were used to determine the effect of prone positioning on outcomes. In addition, linear mixed effects models (LMM) were used to assess changes in physiology with prone positioning.RESULTS: Out of 335 participants who were intubated and mechanically ventilated, 62 underwent prone positioning, 199 met prone positioning criteria and served as controls and 74 were excluded. The intervention and control groups were similar at baseline. In multivariate-adjusted competing risks models with sIPTW, prone positioning was significantly associated with reduced mortality (SHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.46-0.80, P < 0.005). Using LMM to evaluate the impact of positioning maneuvers on physiological parameters, the oxygenation-saturation index was significantly improved during days 1-3 (P < 0.01) whereas oxygenation-saturation index (OSI), oxygenation-index (OI) and arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen (PaO2:FiO2) were significantly improved during days 4-7 (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Prone positioning in patients with moderate to severe ARDS due to COVID-19 is associated with reduced mortality and improved physiologic parameters. One in-hospital death could be averted for every eight patients treated. Replicating results and scaling the intervention are important, but prone positioning may represented an additional therapeutic option in patients with ARDS due to COVID-19.
Development of an immunogenomics-based prognostic index model of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shen Yujie , Zhou Han , Dong Shikun , Lu Meiping , Dong Weida , Zhang Liqing
Published: August 2020

Background: The immune system greatly affects the prognosis of various malignancies. Studies on differentially expressed immune-related genes (IRGs) in the immune microenvironment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have rarely been reported.Methods: In this paper, the prognostic potentials of IRGs in LSCC were explored. The RNAseq dataset containing differentially expressed IRGs and corresponding clinical information of LSCC patients was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 371 up-regulated and 61 down-regulated IRGs were identified. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis revealed that the pathway of IRGs was mainly enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Then, 30 IRGs with prognostic potentials in LSCC were screened out, and the regulatory network induced by relevant transcription factors (TFs) were constructed.Results: Finally, multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to assess the prognostic potential of 15 IRGs after adjustment of clinical factors and LSCC patients were classified into 2 subgroups based on different outcomes. The gene expression of the model was verified by other independent databases. Nomogram including the 15 IRGs signature was established and shown some clinical net beneft. Intriguingly, B cells were significantly enriched in the low-risk group. Conclusion:These findings may contribute to the development of potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the new-immunotherapy of LSCC.
Vaginal microbiota and cytokine levels predict preterm delivery in Asian women
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Murugesan Selvasankar , Singh Parul , Saadaoui Marwa , Elhag Duaa Ahmed , Terranegra Annalisa , Kabeer Basirudeen Syed Ahamed , Marr Alexandra K , Kino Tomoshige , Brummaier Tobias , McGready Rose , Nosten François , Chaussabel Damien , Khodor Souhaila Al
Published: August 2020

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately half of PTBs are linked with microbial etiologies, including pathologic changes to the vaginal microbiota, which vary according to ethnicity. Globally more than 50% of PTBs occur in Asia, but studies of the vaginal microbiome and its association with pregnancy outcomes in Asian women are lacking. This study aimed to characterize the vaginal microbiome and cytokine environment of 18 Karen and Burman pregnant women who delivered preterm and 36 matched controls delivering at full term. Results: Using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing we identified a predictive vaginal microbiota signature for PTB that was detectable as early as the first trimester of pregnancy, characterized by higher levels of Prevotella buccalis , and lower levels of Lactobacillus crispatus and Finegoldia , accompanied by decreased levels of cytokines including IFNγ, IL-4 and TNFα. Conclusion: Our findings highlight new opportunities to predict PTB in Asian women in low-resource settings who are at highest risk of adverse outcomes from unexpected PTB, as well as in Burman/Karen ethnic minority groups in high-resource regions.
Challenges and Reforms in Midwifery and Nursing Regulatory Systems in India: Implications for Education and Practice
Authors: Mayra Kaveri , Padmadas Sabu , Matthews Zoë
Published: August 2020

Background: Quality of maternal healthcare is determined by the strength of the regulatory framework in which health workers practice. Nursing regulation is poor and midwifery coexists with nursing in India, where 88% of midwifery and nursing education is provided by the private sector. The Indian health system faces major challenges for maternal health provision, with a 12% share of total maternal deaths globally, poor quality, indeterminate regulatory functions and lack of reforms. Methods: We undertake a qualitative investigation to understand the experiences and perceptions of nurse-midwife leaders on midwifery and nursing regulatory systems in India and further examine their influence on midwifery education and development. Thirty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with senior midwifery and nursing leaders representing administration, advocacy, education, regulation, research and service provision. Results: Our findings shows a lack of importance accorded to midwifery roles within the nursing system. The councils and statutes do not adequately reflect midwifery practice, and hence they are a barrier to good quality care provision. The lack of amendment of Acts and lack of representation of midwives and nurses in key governance positions in councils and committees have restrained or undermined leadership positions, which in turn has also impaired the growth of the profession. The regulatory framework standards for midwifery and nursing education in private institutions appeared imprudent with lack of opportunities for practice and unfair assessment practices. Discrimination against midwifery and nursing students was rampant in the education system in public and private institutions, with limited opportunities for clinical practice when compared to medical students. Conclusions: The study concludes with a reform measure including a recommendation for implementing direct-entry midwifery education, empowering midwives and nurses with autonomy, decision-making powers within health care and workforce governance.
Effectiveness of Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) as Prognostic Marker in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients: an Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Montrucchio Giorgia , Sales Gabriele , Rumbolo Francesca , Palmesino Filippo , Fanelli Vito , Urbino Rosario , Filippini Claudia , Mengozzi Giulio , Brazzi Luca
Published: August 2020

Background Due to the lack of validated biomarkers to predict disease progression and mortality in COVID-19 ICU-patients, we tested the effectiveness of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) in comparison to C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in predicting outcome.Methods All consecutive COVID-19 adult patients admitted between March and June 2020 to the ICU of the ‘Città della Salute e della Scienza’ hospital in Turin (Italy) were enrolled. MR-proADM, clinical and routine laboratory test were measured within 48 hours from ICU admission, on day 3, 7 and 14. Survival curves difference with MR-proADM cut-off set to 1.8 nmol/L were tested using log-rank test. Predictive ability was compared using area under the curve and 95% confidence interval of different receiver-operating characteristics curves. Potential confounding effects were tested using a logistic regression model. Results Fifty-seven patients were enrolled. ICU and overall mortality were 54.4%. Within the first 24 hours, lymphocytopenia was present in 86%; increased D-dimer and CRP levels were found in 84.2% and 87.7% respectively, while PCT values higher than 0.5 μg/L were observed in 47.4%. MR-proADM, CRP and LDH were significantly different between surviving and non-surviving patients and over time, while PCT, D-dimer and NT-pro-BNP did not show any difference between the groups and over time; lymphocytes count was different between surviving and non-surviving patients only.MR-proADM was higher in dying patients (2.65+2.33vs1.18+0.47, p=0.0001) and a higher mortality characterized patients with MR-proADM exceeding 1.8 nmol/L (p=0.0157). The logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and PCT values confirmed an odds ratio equal to 10.274 (95%CI 1.970-53.578) (p=0.0057) for MR-proADM higher than 1.8 nmol/L and equal to 22.206 (95%CI 1.56-316.960) (p=0.0223) for cardiovascular disease. Overall, MR-proADM was found to have the best predictive ability (AUC=0.846 – 95%CI 0.779-0.899).Conclusions In COVID-19 ICU-patients, MR-proADM seems able to provide a more precise stratification of disease severity and mortality risk than other biomarkers. Repeated MR-proADM measurement may support a rapid and effective decision-making. Further studies are needed to better explain the mechanisms responsible of the increase in MR-proADM observed in COVID-19 patients.
Death in Hospital Following ICU Discharge: Insights from the LUNG SAFE Study
Authors: Madotto Fabiana , McNicholas Bairbre , Rezoagli Emanuele , Pham Tài , Laffey John , Bellani Giacomo
Published: August 2020

Background: To determine the frequency of, and factors associated with, death in hospital following ICU discharge.Methods: The Large observational study to UNderstand the Global impact of Severe Acute respiratory FailurE (LUNG SAFE) study was an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients with severe respiratory failure, conducted across 459 ICUs from 50 countries globally. This current study aimed to understand the frequency and factors associated with death in hospital in patients who survived their ICU sta. We examined outcomes in the subpopulation discharged with no limitations of life sustaining treatments (‘treatment limitations’), and the subpopulations with treatment limitations.Results: 2,186 (94%) patients with no treatment limitations discharged from ICU survived, while 142 (6%) died in hospital. 118 (61%) of patients with treatment limitations survived while 77 (39%) patients died in hospital. Patients without treatment limitations that died in hospital after ICU discharge were older, more likely to have COPD, immunocompromise or chronic renal failure, less likely to have trauma as a risk factor for ARDS. Patients that died post ICU discharge were less likely to receive neuromuscular blockade, or to receive any adjunctive measure, and had a higher pre- ICU discharge non-pulmonary SOFA score. A similar pattern was seen in patients with treatment limitations that died in hospital following ICU discharge.Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients die in hospital following discharge from ICU, with higher mortality in patients with limitations of life-sustaining treatments in place. Non-survivors had higher systemic illness severity scores at ICU discharge than survivors. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02010073
­Revisit Eosinopenia as a Biomarker for Diagnosis of Sepsis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Yao , Rong Jiabing , Zhang Zhaocai
Published: August 2020

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening and time-critical medical emergency, therefore, the early diagnosis of sepsis is essential to timely treatment and favorable outcomes for patients susceptible to sepsis. Eosinopenia has been identified as a potential biomarker of sepsis in the past decade. So, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic efficacy of eosinopenia for sepsis.MethodWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL databases to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. Two authors performed data extraction independently. The pooled outcomes were calculated by TP (true positive), FP (false positive), FN (false negative), TN (true negative) by using bivariate meta-analysis model in STATA 14.0 software. ResultsSeven studies were included in the present study with a total number of 3842 subjects. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.66 (95%CI [0.53-0.77]), 0.68 (95%CI [0.56-0.79]), 2.09 (95%CI [1.44-3.02]), 0.49 (95%CI [0.34-0.71]) and 4.23 (95%CI [2.15-8.31]), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operator characteristic curve (SROC) was 0.73 (95%CI [0.68-0.76]). Meta-regression analysis revealed that no single parameter accounted for the heterogeneity of pooled outcomes. For each subgroup of different eosinopenia cutoff values (50, 40, <=25, 100), the sensitivity was 0.61, 0.79, 0.57, 0.54, and the specificity was 0.61, 0.75, 0.83, 0.51, respectively. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that eosinopenia shows no superiority in the diagnosis of sepsis. Further large clinical trials are needed to re-evaluate eosinopenia as a biomarker of sepsis.
Advanced care planning during the COVID-19 pandemic: ceiling of care decisions and their implications for observational data
Authors: Straw Sam , McGinlay Melanie , Drozd Michael , Slater Thomas A , Cowley Alice , Kamalathasan Stephe , Maxwell Nicholas , Bird Rory , Koshy Aaron O , Prica Milos , Patel Peysh A , Relton Samuel D , Gierula John , Cubbon Richard M , Kearney Mark T , Witte Klaus K
Published: August 2020

BackgroundObservational studies investigating risk factors in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not considered the confounding effects of advanced care planning, such that a valid picture of risk for elderly, frail and multi-morbid patients is unknown. We aimed to report ceiling of care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) decisions and their association with demographic and clinical characteristics as well as outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsRetrospective, observational study conducted between 5th March and 7th May 2020 of all hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Ceiling of care and CPR decisions were documented using the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) process. Unadjusted and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with ceiling of care decisions and death during hospitalisation.ResultsA total of 485 patients were included, of whom 409 (84·3%) had a documented ceiling of care which was level one for 208 (50·9%), level two for 75 (18·3%) and level three for 126 (30·8%). CPR decisions were documented for 451 (93·0%) and 336 (74·5%) were not for resuscitation. Advanced age, frailty, White-European ethnicity, a diagnosis of any co-morbidity and receipt of cardiovascular medications were associated with ceiling of care decisions. In a multivariate model only advanced age (odds 0·89, 0·86-0·93 p<0·001), frailty (odds 0·48, 0·38-0·60, p<0·001) and the cumulative number of co-morbidities (odds 0·72, 0·52-1·0, p=0·048) were independently associated. Death during hospitalisation was independently associated with age, frailty and requirement for level two or three care.ConclusionCeiling of care decisions were made for the majority of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, broadly in line with known predictors of poor outcomes in COVID-19, but with a focus on co-morbidities suggesting ICU admission might not be a reliable end-point for observational studies where advanced care planning is routine.
Species detection within the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex by novel probe-based Real-Time PCRs
Authors: Maksimov Pavlo , Bergmann Hannes , Wassermann Marion , Romig Thomas , Gottstein Bruno , Casulli Adriano , Conraths Franz J.
Published: August 2020

Background: Infections with eggs of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) can cause cystic echinococcosis in intermediate host animals and humans. Upon ingestion of viable eggs, oncospheres hatch from the eggs and subsequently develop into fluid-filled larval cysts, most frequently in the liver or the lungs. The slowly growing cysts progressively interfere with organ function. The risk of infection is determined by the host range of the parasite, its pathogenicity and other epidemiologically relevant parameters, which differ significantly among the five species within the E. granulosus s.l. complex. It is therefore essential to diagnose the correct species within E. granulosus s.l. to help understand specific disease epidemiology and to facilitate effective implementation of control measures. For this purpose, simple, fast and cost-effective typing techniques are needed.Methods: Mitochondrial genome sequences from the respective members of E. granulosus s.l. complex were used to identify target regions for the detection and genotyping. The selected primer pairs were first tested in a SYBR-green assay. In the next step, primers discriminating between the genotypes (according to post-amplification melting curves) were tested together with the respective probes in a TaqMan® Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reactions (qPCRs). For the analysis of analytical sensitivity and specificity of the real-time PCRs (SYBR-green and TaqMan), a panel of reference DNAs from various Echinococcus spp. was used.Results: We developed quantitative qPCRs and corresponding sequence-specific hydrolysis DNA probes to target polymorphic regions in the mitochondrial genome of E. granulosus s.l.. In a single-step typing approach, we distinguished E. granulosus s.l. members in four epidemiologically relevant subgroups. These were E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1, G3), E. equinus (G4), E. ortleppi (G5) and the E. canadensis cluster (G6 to G8 and G10). The technique also allowed identification and differentiation of these species from other Echinococcus or Taenia taxa for samples isolated from cysts or faeces. Conclusions: Single-step genotyping techniques for the molecular diagnosis of Echinococcus spp. by qPCRs may not only improve diagnostic performance, but also our knowledge on the epidemiology of the parasites and help controlling the various agents of cystic echinococcosis.
Modelling and Monitoring the Effects of Ground Surface Temperature in the Drought of the Cities of the Urmia Lake Catchment, Iran, Located West of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Safarianzengir Vahid , Sobhani Behrouz
Published: August 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Out-of-Sample Predictability of the Cost Efficiency Measures of US Banks: Evidence of Capital Requirements
Authors: Sakouvogui Kekoura
Published: August 2020

In the evaluation of capital adequacy requirements on the economic efficiency measures of banks, the literature has presented a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis approach. In the first stage, the efficiency measures are estimated. In the second stage, the relationship between capital adequacy requirements and efficiency measures treated as the dependent variable is evaluated using the classical ordinary least squares (OLS) model. However, determining the out-of-sample predictability of capital adequacy requirements has been lacking. Therefore, this paper contributes to the sparse literature of capital adequacy requirements by applying Support Vector Regressions (SVRs) and the routinely used OLS linear model benchmarks. Using a total of 10,380 December quarterly observations of United States' commercial and domestic banks from 2008 to 2019, we estimate the model parameters of SVRs with Linear, Polynomial and Radial basis function kernels and motivated by h-block cross-validation technique. The results reveal that the SVRs provides better benchmarking insights in the evaluation of financial banks' capital adequacy requirements than the benchmark OLS model.JEL classification: C01, C18, C52, Q11.
“Students in public and private schools—which are at higher risk of drug use?”: A survey from Iran
Authors: Bahramnejad Ali , Iranpour Abedin , Nakhaee Nouzar
Published: August 2020

Background Recent evidence from Western countries suggests that private school students are more prone to drug use. Such an evidence is lacking in Muslim countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk of drug use is higher in private schools than public schools.Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 650 tenth grade students of Kerman city, the center of largest province of Iran using cluster sampling. Well-validated questionnaires regarding current, lifetime substance use, and perceived use by classmates were utilized. Substances included in the questionnaire were waterpipe, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamine, and Naas. Drug Use Tendency Scale was used to measure the attitudes of students towards drug use.Results The response rate was 93.7%. More than 82% of sample were public school students (n = 504). Current use of cigarette and marijuana was higher in private schools (12.2% and 3.0%, respectively) than public schools (4.4% and 0.5%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Perceived prevalence of cigarette smoking by classmates was higher among private school students.Conclusion Despite the popular belief that private schools are better than public schools regarding the risk of substance use, students who attend private schools may be at a higher risk of turning to some drugs comparing to public schools in Iran.
Diversification of leech proboscis structure according to prey ingestion behavior
Authors: Kwak Hee-Jin , Kim Jung-Hyeuk , Kim Joo-Young , Jeon Donggu , Lee Doo-Hyung , Yoo Shinja , Kim Jung , Eyun Seong-il , Park Soon Cheol , Cho Sung-Jin
Published: August 2020

Background Adaptive radiation is a phenomenon in which various organs are diversified morphologically or functionally as animals adapt to environmental inputs such as diet and circumstance. Although previous studies have addressed changes caused by various external pressures, the evidence for variation in invertebrates is not well known. Leeches comprise a carnivorous or ectoparasitic group of animals that feed on a wide range of prey. They exhibit a corresponding variety of ingestion behaviors and morphological diversity of mouthparts and gut specializations. However, research on the diversity of ingestion behaviors and the internal structure of feeding organs in leeches is little known. In this study, we use histological analyses, fluorescent labeling and immunohistochemistry to reveal the detailed proboscis structure in the family Glossiphoniidae, while also suggesting the diversification of proboscises.Results We identified the feeding behavior of rhynchobdellid leeches, which have the proboscises. Alboglossiphonia sp. swallows prey whole using its proboscis, whereas other leeches exhibit typical fluid-sucking behavior. Glossiphoniid leeches exhibit fluid ingestion behavior along with clear arrangement of longitudinal muscles, circular muscles surrounding the lumen, and radial muscles, while Alboglossiphonia sp., which displays macrophagous ingestion like salifid Barbronia sp., has a partial circular muscle distribution and spacious lumen that extends to longitudinal muscle layer. To address whether the different feeding behaviors are intrinsic, we investigated the behavioral patterns and muscle arrangements in the earlier developmental stage of glossiphoniid leeches. Juvenile Glossiphoniidae including the Alboglossiphonia sp. exhibit the fluid ingestion behavior and have the proboscis with the compartmentalized muscle layers.Conclusions Genetic, morphological and behavioral differences between juvenile and adult stages of Alboglossiphonia sp. suggest their adult feeding biology has diverged from ancestral glossiphoniid leeches, while retaining developmental vestiges of the typical juvenile feeding morphology currently observed across Glossiphoniidae. This study provides the characteristics of leeches with specific ingestion behaviors, and a comparison of structural differences that serves as the first evidence of the proboscis diversification.
Genome-wide interrogation of gene functions through base editor screens empowered by barcoded sgRNAs
Authors: Xu Ping , Liu Zhiheng , Liu Ying , Ma Huazheng , Xu Yiyuan , Bao Ying , Zhu Shiyou , Cao Zhongzheng , Zhou Zhuo , Wei Wensheng
Published: August 2020

Canonical CRISPR screens rely on Cas9-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to generate targeted gene knockouts. These DSB-dependent methodologies may yield false-positive results by mistakenly assuming targeted loci as essential for cell viability, especially when high-copy-number sites are targeted. Here, we use CRISPR cytosine base editors for genome-scale knockout screens by perturbing gene start codons or splice sites, or by introducing premature termination codons (PTCs). Combining with iBAR strategy we have previously established, we realized an iBARed cytosine Base Editing-mediated gene KnockOut (BARBEKO) screening strategy at a genome-scale (targeting 17,501 genes) in multiple human cell lines. By constructing such a cell library through lentiviral infection at a high MOI (up to 10), we significantly reduced starting cells while producing screening results with improved efficiency and accuracy. More importantly, in comparison with Cas9-mediated cell fitness screens, BARBEKO screens are no longer affected by DNA-cleavage induced cytotoxicity in HeLa, K562, or DSB-sensitive RPE1 cells. We anticipate that BARBEKO offers a valuable tool to complement the current CRISPR screens in various settings.
Mental Health Problems and Related Factors in Chinese University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhou Shuang-Jiang , Qi Meng , Wang Lei-Lei , Yang Xing-Jie , Zhang Li-Gang , Yang Rui , Chen Jing-Xu
Published: August 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a serious threat to global public health, including a wide range of metal health problems. Current research focuses mainly on mental health status and related factors among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Data from 11133 participants was obtained through an online survey of university students in mainland China. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively.Results: In total, 37.0% of the subjects were experiencing depressive symptoms, 24.9% anxiety symptoms, 20.9% comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, and 7.3% suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an increased presence of mental health problems in female students, graduate students, and those with personal COVID-19 exposure. Living with family and awareness of COVID-19 were protective factors against depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, male, depressive and anxiety symptoms were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Living with family, graduate students, prevention and control measures and projections of COVID-19 trends were protective factors against suicidal ideation.Conclusions: The findings underlined that the mental health of university students should be monitored, and provided important information for healthcare planning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study of the corrosion resistance on nano-ZrO2 doped MgO ceramic composites by copper slag.
Authors: García-Quiñonez L.V. , Verdeja L.F. , Fernández-González D. , Castro-Soto E. , Castillo-Rodríguez G.A. , Rodíguez-Castellanos E.A. , Guzmán-Hernández A.M. , Gómez-Rodríguez C.
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the corrosion mechanism on 100 wt. % MgO and 95 wt. % MgO with 5 wt. % nano-ZrO2 ceramic composites. First, MgO powder and powder mixtures (MgO + nano ZrO2) were uniaxially and isostatically pressed and, then, they were sintered at 1650 °C. Corrosion by copper slag was studied with sintered samples. Physical properties, microstructure and penetration of the slag in the refractory were studied. Results reveal that ZrO2 nanoparticles enhanced the densification of the samples, promoting grain growth due to diffusion of vacancies during sintering process. Additionally, magnesia bricks were severely corroded, if compared with those doped with nano-ZrO2, due to the dissolution of MgO grains during the chemical attack by copper slag.
Construction of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Related lncRNA-mRNA Network Based on ceRNA to Identify Functional lncRNAs in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Ma Yue , Zhai Jun
Published: August 2020

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of childbearing age. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) played a vital role in the development of the PCOS. Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), a novel interacting mechanism, in which lncRNA could interact with micro-RNAs (miRNA) and indirectly interact with mRNAs through competing interactions. However, the mechanism of ceRNA regulated by lncRNA in the PCOS was unclear.
Results

We constructed the global background network based on the assumed lncRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA pairs, which were obtained from lncRNASNP, miRTarBase and StarBase database. Then we calculated differentially expressed genes of PCOS using the data of GSE95728. PCOS related lncRNA-mRNA network (PCLMN) was constructed by hypergeometric test, including 41 mRNA nodes, 41 lncRNA nodes and 203 edges. Topological analyses was performed to determine the crucial lncRNAs with the highest centroid. We further identified the subcellular localization, performed functional module analyses and identified putative transfer factors of the key lncRNAs. Functional enrichment analyses were performed by GO classification and KEGG pathway analyses. Finally, 3 key lncRNAs(LINC00667, H19, AC073172.1) and their ceRNA sub-networks, which were involved in NF-kB signaling pathway, inflammatory, apoptotic and immune-related processes, had been found as the potential PCOS related disease genes.
Conclusions

Based on the result above, we speculate that LINC00667, H19, AC073172.1 and their ceRNA sub-networks played an crucial role in PCOS. All these results can help us discover the molecular mechanism and offer new predictive biomarkers for PCOS.
Suppression of Tumorigenicity 5 Ameliorates Tumor Characteristics of Invasive Breast Cancer Cells via Integrating ERK/JNK Pathway
Authors: Cheng Jianghong , Li Mingli , Tzeng Chi-Meng , Gou Xingchun , Chen Shuai
Published: August 2020

Background: Suppression of tumorigenicity 5 (ST5) has been considered as a tumor suppressor gene in HeLa tumor cells. However, there is no report of ST5 expression or function in the progression of breast cancer.Methods: ST5 expression in different subtypes and pathological stages of breast cancer was determined by Oncomine database, Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v4.4 (bc-GenExMiner v4.4) analysis and immunohistochemistry. Cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay and metastatic behavior was assessed using scratch wound model and Transwell. Flow cytometry was employed for cell cycle and apoptosis detection, and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was used to detect methylation level.Results: ST5 was expressed at low level in different subtypes of breast cancer specimens compared to normal breast and there was a negative association between ST5 status and pathological stages of breast cancer patients. Additionally, ST5 was lower in cases of recurrent and invasive breast cancer than that in non-recurrent and non-invasive patients. In in vitro experiment, ST5 status was also negatively associated with the invasive capability of breast cancer cells, showing lower in MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 cell lines than that in MCF-7 cells. ST5-downregulation promoted, while ST5-upregulation inhibited the tumour characteristics of MDA-MB-231 cells including cell viability, cell cycle and migration. And exogenous ST5 also elevated, but ST5 depletion limited the proportion of apoptotic cells in MDA-MB-231 cells. However, the alteration of ST5, no matter upregulation or downregulation, had no impact on tumour behaviors of MCF-7 cells. Mechanistically, ST5 protein ablation activated, while ST5-upregulation repressed the activities of phosphorylated JNK and ERK1/2, and subsequently the expression of c-Myc. Of note, low level of ST5 in breast cancer cells was possibly related with the aberrant methylation of ST5 promoter region.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that ST5 potentially acts as a tumor suppressor gene in invasive breast cancer through regulating ERK/JNK signaling pathway and provide a novel insight for breast cancer treatment.
When the Labs Closed: Graduate Students’ and Postdoctoral Fellows’ Experiences of Disrupted Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suart Celeste , Suart Theresa Nowlan , Graham Katherine , Truant Ray
Published: August 2020

Physical distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread laboratory closures. This study aimed to examine the impact of this disruption on graduate students and postdoctoral fellows completing laboratory-based research in Canada. We used an anonymous online survey and semi-structured interviews to document the experiences of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows during laboratory closures and following the transition to working from home. We employed mixed-method analysis of survey and interview data to identify shared experiences, feelings, concerns, and supports.Respondents’ emotions reported from different points during the COVID-19 laboratory closures align with previously described Kübler-Ross model of grief following change. Respondents describe closure processes as chaotic and confusing, primarily due to inconsistent communication between graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, supervisors, and administration. Respondents reported increased anxiety during closures, however, those who experienced uniform laboratory closures also developed a sense of solidarity and safety while those with staggered shutdowns did not. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows reported increased indications of distress while working from home. Four key barriers to working from home were described; technical issues, domestic distractions, decreased motivation, and poor mental health. Five key supports while working at home were also identified, including financial security, social connections, establishing and maintaining routines, mental health support, and support from supervisors and administration. Respondents had concerns of how COVID-19 might impact them, including decreasing competitiveness applicants while limiting future employment opportunities. Finally, we outline five types of supports which can be implemented by supervisors and administrators to support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to return to the laboratory, including; personal protective equipment and protocols, understanding and empathy, guidance and direction, timeline support, and financial support. Overall, we document shared experiences of respondents during the COVID-19 laboratory shutdown and identify areas of improvement in the event widespread laboratory closures occur in the future.
Assessing Internet-Based Information used to aid patient decision-making for pelvic exenteration for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: Williams Anwen , Cunningham Andrew , Hutchings Hayley , Harris Dean A , Harji Deena , Evans Martyn D
Published: August 2020

Background: To establish what online decision aids are currently available for patients contemplating pelvic exenteration (PE) for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer (LARC and LRRC). Methodology: A grey literature review was carried out using the Google SearchTM engine undertaken using a predefined search strategy (PROSPERO database CRD42019122933). Written health information was assessed using the DISCERN criteria and International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) with readability content assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid score.Results: Google search yielded 27,782,200 results for the predefined search criteria. 131 sources were screened resulting in the analysis of 6 sources. No sources were identified as a decision aid according to the IPDAS criteria. All sources were deemed acceptable quality of written health information, scoring a global score of 3. for the DISCERN written assessment. The median Flesch-Kincaid ease was 50.85 (32.5-80.8) equating to a reading age of 15-18 years. Conclusions: This study has found that there is a paucity of online information for patients contemplating PE. Sources that are available are aimed at a high health literate patient. Given the considerable morbidity associated with this surgery there is a desperate need for high quality relevant information in this area. We would suggest the development of a PDA to improve decision making and ultimately improve patient experience.
Physical Distancing and Hand Washing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The role of fear, perceived seriousness, and health knowledge
Authors: Krägeloh Christian U. , Alyami Mohsen , Alyami Hussain , Alwaily Mohammed , Alhuwaydi Ahmed M. , Henning Marcus A.
Published: August 2020

Background: To reduce the spread of COVID-19, physical distancing and hand washing has been widely promoted. However, more work is needed to understand the predictors of compliance with such health behaviors, such as fear of COVID-19. Methods: The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was administered to a sample of 1,029 Saudi participants recruited for an online survey. Analyses explored associations between fear of COVID-19 with demographic variables, frequency of physical distancing and hand washing, as well as perceived seriousness of COVID-19, and knowledge of recommended health behaviors and government restrictions. Results: Frequency of physical distancing and hand washing was overall very high. Fear of COVID-19 did not predict health behaviors. Knowledge of government restrictions predicted both physical distancing and hand washing, while perceived seriousness of COVID-19 also had a weak association with hand washing.Conclusion: Pandemic-related health behaviors such as physical distancing and hand washing do not appear to be motivated by fear in the present sample from Saudi Arabia. Interventions aimed at increasing compliance with recommended health behaviors thus benefit more from provision of relevant information.
Thermal-Hydraulic Performance of Graphene Nanoribbon and Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles in the Multi-Louvered Radiator for Cooling Diesel Engine
Authors: Nogueira E.
Published: August 2020

Analytical solution for application and comparison of Graphene Nanoribbon and Silicon Carbide for thermal and hydraulic performance in flat tube Multi-Louvered Finned Radiator is presented. The base fluid is composed of pure water and ethylene glycol at a 50% volume fraction. The results were obtained for Nusselt number, convection heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop, for airflow in the radiator core and nanofluids in flat tubes. The main thermal and hydraulic parameters used are the Reynolds number, the mass flow rate, the Colburn Factor, and Friction Factor. In some situations, under analysis, the volume fraction, for Graphene Nanoribbon and Silicon Carbide, were varied. The value of the heat transfer coefficient obtained for Graphene Nanoribbon, for the volume fraction equal 0.05, is higher than twice the amount received by Silicon Carbide. The flow is laminar, for whatever the fraction value by volume of the Graphene nanoparticles when the mass flow of the nanofluid is relatively low. For turbulent flow and relatively small fractions of nanoparticles, the heat transfer coefficient is significantly high for mass flow rates of Graphene Nanoribbon. The pressure drop, for the same volume fraction of nanoparticles, is slightly higher than the pressure drop associated with Silicon Carbide. These high values for the heat transfer coefficient is a favorable result and of great practical importance, since lower values for the fraction in volume can reduce the costs of the compact heat exchanger (radiator).

Keywords: analytical solution, nanofluid, compact exchanger, automotive radiator.
Heliosystem of Auxiliary Heat Supply for a Mining Enterprise
Authors: Shkrylova S. , Kostenko V. , Skrynetska I.
Published: August 2020

In the conditions of the global ecological crisis in the world and Ukraine, the issue of finding alternative energy sources becomes relevant. One of the most common types of renewable energy is solar energy. In Ukraine today, the most promising direction of using solar energy is its direct transformation into low-potential thermal energy. To get electric power, solar radiation is the mere alternative to electric power generated from mined fuel, and without the pollution of air and water, or adverse consequences manifested in global warming. The disadvantage of this type of installation is the limitation of the duration of light time, as well as the effect of cloudiness. During the day, the number of solar radiation changes, to stabilize it is necessary to accumulate and accumulate it for further use, the technical implementation of stable operation of solar installation due to the use of terrestrial radiation and the accumulator of a specific part of solar energy is proposed. The purpose of the work is experimental studies to ensure the stable operation of the solar collector under cloudy conditions. The paper is aimed at the stabilization of the operation of the solar installation and to obtain additional heat after the Sun’s cloud cover. The use of a solar thermal collector is advisable in solar heating and hot water systems in conditions of alternating solar radiation. The results of physical modeling have proved the efficiency of the method of combining types of thermal radiation, due to the accumulation of energy it is possible to increase the quantitative index of solar energy in the conditions of cloudiness by 3 times

Keywords: alternative energy, solar energy, solar collector, thermal energy, clouds, terrestrial radiation, ecology.
Engagement as a Reflection of Communicative Potential
Authors: Kirillina N.V.
Published: August 2020

The paper represents the analysis of the concept of communicative. The choice of topic is determined by the search for criteria and tools for assessing the results of strategic communication, taking into account the development of its interactive forms. The author leads the existing approaches to the definition of the concept of engagement and identifies the areas for further interdisciplinary research of the specified subject, and raises the issue of the appropriateness of using the engagement indicators in the assessment the social potential of communication. The work is based on the phenomenological tradition in the interpretation of communicative processes and the metamodel of communication of R. Craig. The author uses the methods of comparative analysis, analogy, generalization, and combined methodology of interdisciplinary analysis.
Establishment of the Principle of Professional Development in the State Personnel Policy of the Russian Federation: development of communication skills
Authors: Sharkov F.I. , Lugovsky T.N.
Published: August 2020

This article gives a detailed description of the principle of a comprehensive study of the current state of the management system of civil servants’ professional, describes the development of practical measures and recommendations for its optimization, given the effectiveness of improving the professional development of civil servants. The relevance of this article is based on the need to develop a science-based approach to the rapid transformation of the civil service using modern methods of personnel management for the growth of potential and professionalism of civil servants.