bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonfatal injuries in Korean children and adolescents, 2007–2018
Authors: Yeon Gyu Min , Hong Yoo Rha , Kong Seom Gim
Published: September 2021

Background: Injury is the leading cause of death or disability in children and adolescents. Rates of deaths from injuries have recently declined, but studies of the occurrence of nonfatal injuries are lacking.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate nonfatal injuries in children and adolescents younger than 20 years based on data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2007–2018.Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine whether children and adolescents had experienced an injury requiring a hospital visit in the previous year. We investigated each injury’s risk factors and characteristics.Results: Of a total of 21,598 children and adolescents, 1,748 (weighted percentage, 8.1%) experienced one or more injuries in the previous year. There was no yearly difference in the proportion of injuries experienced. Among the male subjects, 10.0% had an injury experience; among the female participants, 6.1% had an injury experience (P<0.001). The highest rate was 9.0% in children aged 1–4 years. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex; having an urban residence; having restricted activity due to visual, hearing, or developmental impairment; and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder were significant risk factors for injury experience. The characteristics of up to 3 injuries per patient were investigated, and 1,951 injuries were analyzed. Falls and slips accounted for 34.9%, collisions for 34.1%, and motor vehicle accidents for 11.3% of the total injuries. Ninety-six percent of injuries were unintentional, 20% caused school absences, and 10% required hospitalization.Conclusion: Among Korean children and adolescents, 8.1% experienced injuries at least once a year with no significant differences in incidence over the past 12 years. Greater attention and effort to prevent injuries are needed.
Planejamento e implementação de uma proposta de estudos para a Geometria na perspectiva do Enfoque Ontosemiótico
Authors: Lemos Andrielly Viana , Kaiber Carmen Teresa
Published: September 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um recorte dos resultados de uma investigação que tomou como referência as ferramentas do Enfoque Ontosemiótico (EOS) para o desenvolvimento e implementação de uma proposta de estudos de recuperação para a Geometria dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental. A investigação, de base qualitativa, foi realizada com estudantes do 9º ano de uma Escola Municipal de São Leopoldo/RS. Serão apresentadas reflexões e análises produzidas sobre o material de estudos Figuras Geométricas. Os resultados apontaram que as dimensões interacional, emocional e mediacional, em grande parte dos seus componentes e indicadores, atingiram um grau alto de idoneidade. Porém, com relação argumentação, relações e síntese, tanto no que se refere ao material produzido como também nos significados atribuídos pelos estudantes, esse grau de idoneidade se revelou médio.
Pengaruh Harga, Kepercayaan dan Kualitas Produk Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Pengguna E-Commerce Tokopedia
Authors: Rahayu Sri
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is: (1) to analyze and know how the effect of price on consumer purchasing decisions e-commerce Tokopedia, (2) to analyze and know how the effect of trust on consumer purchasing decisions e-commerce Tokopedia, and (3) to analyze and know how the effect of product quality on consumer purchasing decisions e-commerce Tokopedia.  The independent variables used are price, trust, and product quality, while the dependent variable is the purchase decision. The sample used in this study was one hundred and seven respondents were selected using the purposing sampling method; those were students of the informatics management study program at the Asian Mahakarya University PSDKU Baturaja Batch 2020. Using questionnaires and documentation collected the data. The data were analyzed by using multiple linear regression analysis. The result showed that R square (R2) was 61,2%, and the significance level was 0.05. This result indicated that price, trust, and product quality positively and significantly affected consumers' purchasing decisions in e-commerce Tokopedia.

 

Abstrak

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah : (1) untuk menganalisis dan mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh harga terhadap keputusan pembelian pengguna e-commerce Tokopedia, (2) untuk menganalisis dan mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh  kepercayaan  terhadap keputusan pembelian pengguna e-commerce Tokopedia, dan (3) untuk menganalisis dan mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh kualitas produk terhadap keputusan pembelian pengguna e-commerce Tokopedia. Variabel independen yang digunakan adalah harga, kepercayaan dan kualitas produk, sedangkan variabel dependen adalah keputusan pembelian.  Sampel  yang diteliti dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 107 responden yang dipilih menggunakan metode purposing sampling  yaitu  mahasiswa  program  studi  Manajemen Informatika Angkatan 2020 Universitas Mahakarya Asia PSDKU Baturaja. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan quisioner dan dokumentasi. Data dianalisis menggunakan Regresi Linier Berganda. Hasil analisis menunjukkan nilai R2 sebesar 61,2% dan tingkat signifikan sebesar 0,05. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Harga produk, Kepercayaan dan Kualitas Produk memberikan pengaruh positif terhadap keputusan pembelian pengguna e-commerce Tokopedia.

Kata Kunci: Harga, Kepercayaan, Kualitas Produk dan Keputusan Pembelian.
Karakteristik dan Motivasi Entrepreneur Terhadap Kinerja Bisnis
Authors: Megracia Sherly
Published: September 2021

In the current era, it can be seen that business actors in Indonesia are dominated mainly by MSMEs. A high challenge for MSME entrepreneurs is that their capacity is required to plan, innovate, and be willing to take risks; it will make it easier for them to develop and grow successfully. This study aims to determine the effect of entrepreneurial characteristics and motivation on business performance. Respondents in this study were 130 samples, using the accidental sampling technique. The technique of collecting data uses a questionnaire that is distributed via a google form. Data analysis techniques using SEM with the help of software WarpPLS 7.0. This research shows that there is an effect of entrepreneurial characteristics and motivation on business performance both simultaneously and partially. The obstacles experienced by online shop entrepreneurs are the ability to innovate or creativity and the courage to take risks.

 

Abstrak

Di era sekarang seperti yang terlihat pelaku usaha di Indonesia sebagian besar didominasi oleh UMKM. Tantangan yang tinggi bagi wirausaha UMKM adalah mereka dituntut kapasitasnya untuk mampu membuat rencana kedepan, berinovasi juga kemauan mengambil risiko, akan memudahkan berkembang dan bertumbuh dengan sukses. Hal ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh karakteristik dan motivasi entrepreneur terhadap kinerja bisnis. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah sebanyak 130 sampel, dengan menggunakan teknik accidental sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner yang disebarkan melalui google form. Teknik analisis data menggunakan SEM dengan bantuan software WarpPLS 7.0. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah terdapat pengaruh karakteristik dan motivasi entrepreneur berpengaruh terhadap kinerja bisnis baik secara simultan dan parsial. Kendala yang dialami oleh wirausahawan online shop adalah kemampuan melakukan inovasi atau dalam hal kreativitas, dan keberanian dalam menanggung risiko.

Kata kunci : Karakteristik, Motivasi Wirausaha, Kinerja Bisnis, Online Shop.
Pemphigusvulgaris in pregnancy. A rare case report
Authors: Kokolakis Ioannis , Makrigiannakis Fanis , Kruger Sabine , Krasagakis Konstantinos , Makrigiannakis Antonios
Published: September 2021

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune, bullous, mucocutaneous and potentially life-threatening disease. During pregnancy the occurrence of PV is exceedingly rare and its condition will become more complicated due to different mother’s hormone level and the effect of treatment on both mother and her fetus. PV may be associated with an adverse outcome, such as fetal growth restriction and preterm births. We report a case of a 33-year-old woman who was firstly diagnosed with PV during pregnancy. Treatment of highdoses systemic corticosteroids was instituted to control the disease. She delivered a healthy live preterm baby, appropriate for gestational age with no skin or mucosal lesions or other apparent complications.
Glycogen storage disease type iv: a case with histologic findings in placental tissue from first trimester miscarriage
Authors: Papakonstantinou Anastasia , Zacharis Konstantinos , Kravvaritis Stavros , Charitos Theodoros , Chrysafopoulou Eleni , Fouka Anastasia
Published: September 2021

Glycogen storage disease Type IV is a rare hereditary autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficient enzymatic activity of glycogen branching enzyme (GBE) which is encoded by GBE1 gene. We hereby report the case of a 32-year-old woman presented with a first-trimester miscarriage. The histologic findings of the placental tissue included intracytoplasmic inclusion vacuoles suggested GSD‐IV. The diagnosis was confirmed by the genetic analysis of the parents, in which mother was found to be carrier of a GBE1 mutation. This variable disorder can be diagnosed by histopathology of the placenta but for its confirmation and prevention in subsequent pregnancies, genetic analysis is needed.
Energy sources in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Kathopoulis Nikolaos , Protopapas Athanasios , Xatzipapas Ioannis , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Zacharakis Dimitrios , Samartzis Konstantinos , Kipriotis Konstantinos , Loutradis Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

A number of energy sources are used in gynecologic laparoscopy. Monopolar electrosurgery, bipolar electrosurgery, advanced bipolar devices, ultrasonic energy and various types of lasers are some of the technologies used nowadays to facilitate surgeons tasks during laparoscopic operations. A lack of basic knowledge or ignorance of principles of electrosurgery and equipment among obstetricians and gynecologists is reported. As a result thermal injuries during laparoscopic electrosurgery occur, which frequently lead to significant morbidity and mortality and medicolegal actions. It is important though that surgeons have an understanding of the biophysics of these technologies in order to understand their limitations and potential dangers and to utilize the most appropriate energy source in the appropriate clinical setting to minimize the risk of a potential complication. This review provides an overview of the basic principles of these energy sources, the tissue effects and the complications that may arise. It aims to highlight any potential advantages or disadvantages of various energy sources and help surgeons to achieve better knowledge of their instrumentation.
Natural Methods to Assist Delivery during the Second Stage of Labour: Part I: Positioning and the Role of Intrapartum Ultrasound
Authors: Papamichail Maria , Antsaklis Panos , Theodora Marianna , Syndos Michael , Daskalakis George , Loutradis Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

Labour has high importance for every woman’s life but also is the moment when many complications might appear increasing significantly morbidity and mortality. Therefore obstetricians have to help women in labour to give birth to their babies naturally, with the highest satisfaction possible. Western standards suggest that women should experience their partirution in the lithotomy or the supine position. However, upright positions have the potential to reduce second stage of labour and to improve neonatal outcomes. Intrapartum ultrasound using different parameters can predict the remaining time to delivery and therefore to make timely interventions in order to decrease instrumental or caesarean deliveries and postpartum hemorrhage as these are the most important complications met in prolonged second stage of labour. In this review the optimal positioning of the women in labour will be presented. Additionally, the ability of intrapartum to shorting second stage duration and to increase maternal satisfaction concerning childbirth will also mentioned.
Myo-inositol supplementation as a preventive consideration for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Asimakopoulos George , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Theodora Mariana , Sindos Michael , Rodolakis Alexandros , Loutradis Dimitrios , Daskalakis George
Published: September 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as impaired glucose tolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy, which is characterized by increased insulin resistance. GDM affects about 10% of pregnancies and its prevalence is rising worldwide mainly due to the advancing maternal age and the increased prevalence of obesity. GDM is associated with pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity (both antenatal and perinatal). Traditional treatments for the GDM include diet and, if it is necessary, insulin. However, the percentage of macrosomic newborns does not appear to be significantly reduced. Safe and effective preventive interventions are therefore, needed in an attempt to lower the incidence of gestational diabetes. Myo-inositol has been suggested to improve insulin resistance in women with insulin resistant syndromes such as GDM, polycystic ovarian syndrome, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Several studies report a significant decrease in GDM incidence in women at risk for GDM comparing to the placebo group. However, the option of myo-inositol supplementation needs to be further explored as the current evidence is relatively limited.
Nerve tissue into mastectomy scar. Its trap may lead to chronic pain?
Authors: Giannos Aris , Stavros Sofoklis , Thanopoulos Ioannis , Stamatakis Emmanouil , Dimitrakakis Konstantinos , Drakakis Peter , Loutradis Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the present article is to present a case of a 64-year old woman that underwent mastectomy and presented with severe pain and palpable nodes on the mastectomy scar 2 years following the operation. Excision of the mastectomy scar and histological evaluation revealed nerve branches that were in contact with the muscular tissue and that resided between the fibrous and adipose tissue. Following the second procedure the pain was alleviated.
Dandy-Walker Malformation: Prenatal sonographic diagnosis
Authors: Zacharis Konstantinos , Kravvaritis Stavros , Papakonstantinou Anastasia , Charitos Theodoros , Chrysafopoulou Eleni , Fouka Anastasia
Published: September 2021

The Dandy-Walker malformation is a rare congenital intracranial malformation that comprises of complete or partial agenesis of the cerebellar vermis, cystic dilatation of the 4th ventricle and an enlarged posterior fossa. Here we report a case of Dandy-Walker malformation detected incidentally during a routine fetal sonographic examination at 18 weeks of gestation. The couple decided termination of pregnancy, after adequate genetic counseling. Detailed postmortem examination revealed correlation between prenatal sonographic imaging and histopathological findings. This case report indicates the fact that fetal magnetic resonance imaging may not be necessary in diagnosis, especially when pregnancy termination is preferred.
Wilson`s disease in pregnancy: presentation of a case report.
Authors: Thanopoulos Ioannis , Pappa Kalliopi
Published: September 2021

Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism causing toxic hepatic and neural accumulation. The gene that regulates the disease is located on chromosome 13 (13q14.3). The signs and symptoms of Wilson’s disease vary depending on the organs that are affected by the disease with almost all the patients showing evidence of progressive liver disease. Its severity varies and is strongly associated with the time of diagnosis. In the present case report we present a rare case presenting with Wilson`s disease during pregnancy and review current management options.
Diagnosis and management of Ogilvie’s Syndrome post Caesarean Section.
Authors: Hawkins Leah , Ajayi Sunny
Published: September 2021

A 36-year-old woman presented to maternity unit two days post caesarean section (CS) with abdominal distension, pain and constipation. She was found to be septic on admission. Imaging demonstrated dilated bowel loops without an identifiable site of obstruction highlighting Ogilvie’s syndrome (OS) as the cause of her symptoms. Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) was identified as the source of infection with accompanying right sided lower lobe collapse. She was reviewed by multiple specialties to aid management and was subsequently managed conservatively for pseudo-obstruction. She made a good recovery and was able to return home after 10 days in hospital.
Tumor Cell-Derived Exosomal Circ-0072088 Suppresses Migration and Invasion of Hepatic Carcinoma Cells Through Regulating MMP-16
Authors: Lin Ye , Zheng Ze-Hao , Wang Jian-Xi , Zhao Zhen , Peng Tian-Yi
Published: September 2021

Background: Tumor-derived exosomes (EXOs), commonly differentially expressed in circular RNAs, have been shown to be crucial determinants of tumor progression and may regulate the development and metastasis of hepatic carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Possibly differentially expressed circRNAs in patients with HCC were screened out from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). EXOs were isolated from the culture medium of HCC cells and plasma of patients with HCC, followed by characterization by transmission electron microscope, NanHCCight, and western blotting. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter gene assays were carried out to explore the molecular mechanism of hsa_circRNA_103809 (circ-0072088) in HCC cells.

Results: The screening results showed that circ-0072088 was highly expressed in patients with HCC, and its increase indicated unfavorable prognosis of patients according to quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, circ-0072088 was mainly secreted by HCC cells via EXOs in plasma of such patients, and its high level in plasma EXOs was closely associated with tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging and tumor size. Moreover, HCC-secreted EXOs mediated the degradation of miR-375 via circ-0072088 and upregulated MMP-16, thus suppressing the metastasis of HCC.

Conclusion: Upregulated in patients with HCC, circ-0072088 may be an index for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. In addition, HCC-derived EXOs coated with circ-0072088 might be a treatment for HCC, with the ability to inhibit the metastasis of HCC cells.
Epidemiology of Geographic Disparities of Myocardial Infarction Among Older Adults in the United States: Analysis of 2000–2017 Medicare Data
Authors: Yu Bin , Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy P. , Kravchenko Julia
Published: September 2021

Background: There are substantial geographic disparities in the life expectancy (LE) across the U.S. with myocardial infarction (MI) contributing significantly to the differences between the states with highest (leading) and lowest (lagging) LE. This study aimed to systematically investigate the epidemiology of geographic disparities in MI among older adults.

Methods: Data on MI outcomes among adults aged 65+ were derived from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention-sponsored Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database and a 5% sample of Medicare Beneficiaries for 2000–2017. Death certificate-based mortality from MI as underlying/multiple cause of death (CBM-UCD/CBM-MCD), incidence-based mortality (IBM), incidence, prevalence, prevalence at age 65, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival, and remaining LE at age 65 were estimated and compared between the leading and lagging states. Cox model was used to investigate the effect of residence in the lagging states on MI incidence and survival.

Results: Between 2000 and 2017, MI mortality was higher in the lagging than in the leading states (per 100,000, CBM-UCD: 236.7–583.7 vs. 128.2–357.6, CBM-MCD: 322.7–707.7 vs. 182.4–437.7, IBM: 1330.5–1518.9 vs. 1003.3–1197.0). Compared to the leading states, lagging states had higher MI incidence (1.1–2.0% vs. 0.9–1.8%), prevalence (10.2–13.1% vs. 8.3–11.9%), pre-existing prevalence (2.5–5.1% vs. 1.4–3.6%), and lower survival (70.4 vs. 77.2% for 1-year, 63.2 vs. 67.2% for 3-year, and 52.1 vs. 58.7% for 5-year), and lower remaining LE at age 65 among MI patients (years, 8.8–10.9 vs. 9.9–12.8). Cox model results showed that the lagging states had greater risk of MI incidence [Adjusted hazards ratio, AHR (95% Confidence Interval, CI): 1.18 (1.16, 1.19)] and death after MI diagnosis [1.22 (1.21, 1.24)]. Study results also showed alarming declines in survival and remaining LE at age 65 among MI patients.

Conclusion: There are substantial geographic disparities in MI outcomes, with lagging states having higher MI mortality, incidence, and prevalence, lower survival and remaining LE at age 65. Disparities in MI mortality in a great extent could be due to between-the-state differences in MI incidence, prevalence at age 65 and survival. Observed declines in survival and remaining LE require an urgent analysis of contributing factors that must be addressed.
Spatial Information in the Emergence of Life
Authors: Cruz-Rosas Hugo I. , Miramontes Pedro
Published: September 2021

Information in living systems is part of a complex relationship between the internal organization and functionality of life. In a cell, both genetic-coding sequences and molecular-shape recognition are sources of biological information. For folded polymers, its spatial arrangement contains general references about conditions that shaped them, as imprints, defining the data for spatial (conformational) information. Considering the origin of life problem, prebiotic dynamics of matching and transfer of molecular shapes may emerge as a flow of information in prebiotic assemblages. The property of carrying information in molecular conformations is only displayed at this system organization level. Accordingly, spatial information is a resource for active system responses toward milieu disturbances. Propagation of resilient conformations could be the substrate for structural maintenance through dynamical molecular scaffolding. The above is a basis for adaptive behavior in potentially biogenic systems. Starting from non-structured populations of carrying-information polymers, in the present contribution, we advance toward an entire theoretical framework considering the active role of these polymers to support the emergence of adaptive response in systems that manage conformational information flow. We discuss this scenario as a previous step for the arising of sequential information carried out by genetic polymers.
Induction of Tolerance to Therapeutic Proteins With Antigen-Processing Independent T Cell Epitopes: Controlling Immune Responses to Biologics
Authors: Schurgers Evelien , Wraith David C.
Published: September 2021

The immune response to exogenous proteins can overcome the therapeutic benefits of immunotherapies and hamper the treatment of protein replacement therapies. One clear example of this is haemophilia A resulting from deleterious mutations in the FVIII gene. Replacement with serum derived or recombinant FVIII protein can cause anti-drug antibodies in 20-50% of individuals treated. The resulting inhibitor antibodies override the benefit of treatment and, at best, make life unpredictable for those treated. The only way to overcome the inhibitor issue is to reinstate immunological tolerance to the administered protein. Here we compare the various approaches that have been tested and focus on the use of antigen-processing independent T cell epitopes (apitopes) for tolerance induction. Apitopes are readily designed from any protein whether this is derived from a clotting factor, enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy or therapeutic antibody.
Chromosome Identification and Cytogenetic Map Construction of Zhikong Scallop (Chlamys farreri) Based on Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
Authors: Hu Liping , Jiang Liming , Xing Qiang , Yang Zujing , Zhao Qiang , Wang Liyong , Huang Xiaoting , Bao Zhenmin
Published: September 2021

Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) is a bivalve species with broad economic and biological value, and an essential species of aquaculture in North China. Recently, efforts have been made to improve knowledge of genome, genetics, and cytogenetics, which is devoted to develop the molecular breeding project for the scallop. In this study, we constructed a cytogenetic map and identified all chromosomes of C. farreri using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A total of 100 Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) clones and 27 fosmid clones, including 58 microsatellite marker-anchored BAC clones, 4 genes-anchored BAC clones, 38 random BAC clones, 22 repetitive sequences-anchored fosmid clones, and 5 gene-anchored fosmid clones, were tested as probes, and 69 of them produced specific and stable signal on one pair of chromosomes. Then, multiple co-hybridizations were conducted to distinguish all the submetacentric and subtelocentric chromosomes with similar morphology by the abovementioned chromosome-specific markers. On this basis, a cytogenetic map of C. farreri containing 69 clones was constructed by co-hybridization and karyotype analysis. The markers covered all 19 pairs of chromosomes, and the average number of markers on each chromosome was 3.6. The cytogenetic map provides a platform for genetic and genomic analysis of C. farreri, which facilitates the molecular breeding project of C. farreri and promotes the comparative studies of chromosome evolution in scallops and even bivalves.
Perioperative Bilateral Medial Medullary Infarction With “Snake Eyes Appearance”: A Case Report
Authors: Xu Yicheng , Li Ke , Yao Xinlu , Yang Qiyan , Wang Peifu
Published: September 2021

Perioperative bilateral medial medullary infarction (BMMI) cases mimicking acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) under general anesthesia have not been reported. We describe a patient who suffered flaccid quadriplegia and could not wean from mechanical ventilation after emergence from general anesthesia in cardiac surgery. A diagnosis of AMAN was considered, but intravenous immunoglobulin showed little efficacy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the patient later revealed BMMI with “snake eyes appearance,” and he was found to have severe vertebral artery stenosis. Considering the association between severe coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular stenosis, we highlight the significance of preoperative evaluation and comprehensive management of the cerebrovascular system for certain patients.
Implementation of Interdisciplinary Province-Wide Webinar Series During the COVID-19 Pandemic by the Federation of Medical Specialists of Quebec (FMSQ): A Survey Study
Authors: Turkdogan Sena , Chen Tanya , McHugh Tobial , Tremblay Martin , Francoeur Diane , Daniel Sam J.
Published: September 2021

Objectives: COVID-19 has forced a transformation in continuing professional development (CPD), shifting to virtual platforms. We report the results of a rapidly-implemented COVID-19 online interdisciplinary CPD webinar series. We aimed to determine if this virtual approach for large-scale CPD was relevant, appreciated, and effective for specialist physicians in Quebec.

Methods and Analysis: This was a retrospective descriptive online survey-based study. The weekly virtual educational webinars took place between March 3, 2020 to June 15, 2020, resulting in a total of 26 webinars over 16 weeks. The study included all individuals who attended any of the webinar sessions, namely specialist physicians and department chiefs. Number of participants and overall appreciation of webinar sessions were data points collected.

Results: Across all webinars, there were 8,500 unique specialist physicians which comprises 80.7% of the entire specialist practicing population in Quebec. Of note, every medical and surgical specialty was represented by attendance in at least one session. In total, 27,504 evaluation forms were completed out of all the sessions, meaning a 78.4% response rate. In post-webinar surveys, 97.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the webinars were pertinent to their practice and 94.6% agreed or strongly agreed that the presentation met their continuing professional needs.

Conclusions: This novel interdisciplinary COVID-19 webinar series is a successful and appreciated strategy to maintain CPD amidst a global pandemic. One year later, it has become a mainstay in our toolbox and we trust this unique model of large-scale interdisciplinary CPD via webinar sessions is useful in normal times as well as in times of crisis.
VicPred: A Vibrio cholerae Genotype Prediction Tool
Authors: Lee Imchang , Ha Sung-Min , Baek Min-gyung , Kim Dong Wook , Yi Hana , Chun Jongsik
Published: September 2021

Genomic information can be used to predict major pathogenic traits of pathogens without the need for laboratory experimentation. However, no Vibrio cholerae genome-based trait identification tools currently exist. The aim of this study was to develop a web-based prediction tool to identify Vibrio pathogenic traits using publicly available 796 whole-genome sequences of V. cholerae. Using this application, 68 structural O-antigen gene clusters belonging to 49 serogroups of V. cholerae were classified, and the composition of the genes within the O-antigen cluster of each serogroup was identified. The arrangement and location of the CTX prophage and related elements of the seventh cholera pandemic strains were also revealed. With the versatile tool, named VicPred, we analyzed the assemblage of various SXTs (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim resistance element) and major genomic islands (GIs) of V. cholerae, and the increasing trend in drug-resistance revealing high resistance of the V. cholerae strains to certain antibiotics. The pathogenic traits of newly sequenced V. cholerae strains could be analyzed based on these characteristics. The accumulation of further genome data will expedite the establishment of a more precise genome-based pathogenic traits analysis tool.
Neurophysiological Biomarkers of Persistent Post-concussive Symptoms: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mortaheb Sepehr , Filippini Maria Maddalena , Kaux Jean-François , Annen Jitka , Lejeune Nicolas , Martens Géraldine , Calderón Maria Antonia Fuentes , Laureys Steven , Thibaut Aurore
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives: Persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) consist of neurologic and psychological complaints persisting after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It affects up to 50% of mTBI patients, may cause long-term disability, and reduce patients' quality of life. The aim of this review was to examine the possible use of different neuroimaging modalities in PCS.

Methods: Articles from Pubmed database were screened to extract studies that investigated the relationship between any neuroimaging features and symptoms of PCS. Descriptive statistics were applied to report the results.

Results: A total of 80 out of 939 papers were included in the final review. Ten examined conventional MRI (30% positive finding), 24 examined diffusion weighted imaging (54.17% positive finding), 23 examined functional MRI (82.61% positive finding), nine examined electro(magneto)encephalography (77.78% positive finding), and 14 examined other techniques (71% positive finding).

Conclusion: MRI was the most widely used technique, while functional techniques seem to be the most sensitive tools to evaluate PCS. The common functional patterns associated with symptoms of PCS were a decreased anti-correlation between the default mode network and the task positive network and reduced brain activity in specific areas (most often in the prefrontal cortex).

Significance: Our findings highlight the importance to use functional approaches which demonstrated a functional alteration in brain connectivity and activity in most studies assessing PCS.
Directed Information Flow Analysis Reveals Muscle Fatigue-Related Changes in Muscle Networks and Corticomuscular Coupling
Authors: Liang Tie , Zhang Qingyu , Hong Lei , Liu Xiaoguang , Dong Bin , Wang Hongrui , Liu Xiuling
Published: September 2021

As a common neurophysiological phenomenon, voluntary muscle fatigue is accompanied by changes in both the central nervous system and peripheral muscles. Considering the effectiveness of the muscle network and the functional corticomuscular coupling (FCMC) in analyzing motor function, muscle fatigue can be analyzed by quantitating the intermuscular coupling and corticomuscular coupling. However, existing coherence-based research on muscle fatigue are limited by the inability of the coherence algorithm to identify the coupling direction, which cannot further reveal the underlying neural mechanism of muscle fatigue. To address this problem, we applied the time-delayed maximal information coefficient (TDMIC) method to quantitate the directional informational interaction in the muscle network and FCMC during a right-hand stabilized grip task. Eight healthy subjects were recruited to the present study. For the muscle networks, the beta-band information flow increased significantly due to muscle fatigue, and the information flow between the synergist muscles were stronger than that between the synergist and antagonist muscles. The information flow in the muscle network mainly flows to flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor carpi ulnar (FCU), and brachioradialis (BR). For the FCMC, muscle fatigue caused a significant decrease in the beta- and gamma-band bidirectional information flow. Further analysis revealed that the beta-band information flow was significantly stronger in the descending direction [electroencephalogram (EEG) to surface electromyography (sEMG)] than that in the ascending direction (sEMG to EEG) during pre-fatigue tasks. After muscle fatigue, the beta-band information flow in the ascending direction was significantly stronger than that in the descending direction. The present study demonstrates the influence of muscle fatigue on information flow in muscle networks and FCMC. We proposes that beta-band intermuscular and corticomuscular informational interaction plays an adjusting role in autonomous movement completion under muscle fatigue. Directed information flow analysis can be used as an effective method to explore the neural mechanism of muscle fatigue on the macroscopic scale.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xinhe , Guan Lin , Tian Haoyu , Zeng Zilu , Chen Jiayu , Huang Die , Sun Ji , Guo Jiaqi , Cui Huipeng , Li Yiling
Published: September 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer in the world, and its incidence is increasing yearly. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are important causes of HCC. Liver cirrhosis, age, sex, smoking and drinking, and metabolic risk factors will increase the risk of cancer in HBV/HCV patients. And viral load, APRI, FIB-4, and liver stiffness can all predict the risk of HCC in patients with viral infection. In addition, effective prevention strategies are essential in reducing the risk of HCC. The prevention of HCC involves mainly tertiary prevention strategies, while the primary prevention is based on standardized vaccine injections to prevent the occurrence of HBV/HCV. Eliminating the route of transmission and vaccination will lead to a decrease in the incidence of HCC. Secondary prevention involves effective antiviral treatment of HBV/HCV to prevent the disease from progressing to HCC, and tertiary prevention is actively treating HCC to prevent its recurrence.
A Five-MicroRNA Signature Predicts the Prognosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Shixiong , Zhang Cen , Xie Jing , Li Shuang , Huang Shuo
Published: September 2021

Background

There is no effective prognostic signature that could predict the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

We constructed a prognostic signature based on five microRNAs using random forest and Least Absolute Shrinkage And Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm on the GSE32960 cohort (N = 213). We verified its prognostic value using three independent external validation cohorts (GSE36682, N = 62; GSE70970, N = 246; and TCGA-HNSC, N = 523). Through principal component analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and C-index calculation, we confirmed the predictive accuracy of this prognostic signature.

Results

We calculated the risk score based on the LASSO algorithm and divided the patients into high- and low-risk groups according to the calculated optimal cutoff value. The patients in the high-risk group tended to have a worse prognosis outcome and chemotherapy response. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the 1-year overall survival rate of the five-microRNA signature had an area under the curve of more than 0.83. A functional annotation analysis of the five-microRNA signature showed that the patients in the high-risk group were usually accompanied by activation of DNA repair and MYC-target pathways, while the patients in the low-risk group had higher immune-related pathway signals.

Conclusions

We constructed a five-microRNA prognostic signature, which could accurately predict the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and constructed a nomogram that could conveniently predict the overall survival of patients.
Identification of a Ferroptosis-Related Signature Model Including mRNAs and lncRNAs for Predicting Prognosis and Immune Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zi-An , Tian Hui , Yao Dong-Mei , Zhang Yuan , Feng Zhi-Jie , Yang Chuan-Jie
Published: September 2021

Background

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death involved in tumor progression. The role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Methods

RNA-seq and clinical data for HCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Genomic Data Commons (GDC) portal. Bioinformatics methods, including weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), Cox regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, were used to identify signature markers for diagnosis/prognosis. The tumor microenvironment, immune infiltration and functional enrichment were compared between the low-risk and high-risk groups. Subsequently, small molecule drugs targeting ferroptosis-related signature components were predicted via the L1000FWD and PubChem databases.

Results

The prognostic model consisted of 2 ferroptosis-related mRNAs (SLC1A5 and SLC7A11) and 8 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (AC245297.3, MYLK-AS1, NRAV, SREBF2-AS1, AL031985.3, ZFPM2-AS1, AC015908.3, MSC-AS1). The areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.830 and 0.806 in the training and test groups, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed that the ferroptosis-related signature performed better than all pathological characteristics. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. The survival probability of low- and high-risk patients could be clearly distinguished by the principal component analysis (PCA) plot. The risk score divided HCC patients into two distinct groups in terms of immune status, especially checkpoint gene expression, which was further supported by the Gene Ontology (GO) biological process, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Finally, several small molecule drugs (SIB-1893, geldanamycin and PD-184352, etc) targeting ferroptosis-related signature components were identified for future reference.

Conclusion

We constructed a new ferroptosis-related mRNA/lncRNA signature for HCC patients. The model can be used for prognostic prediction and immune evaluation, providing a reference for immunotherapies and targeted therapies.
Efficiency Boosting by Thermal Harvesting in InGaN/GaN Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lu Shunpeng , Zhang Yiping , Qiu Ying , Liu Xiao , Zhang Menglong , Luo Dongxiang
Published: September 2021

On the same micro-LED display panel, LED pixels are always operated with high and low biased voltages simultaneously to show different brightness and colors. Thus, it is vitally important to understand the effect of the heat transmission between LEDs under high and low biased voltages. In this work, we design two different LED groups: Group A is two LEDs bonded together for heat transmission and Group B is two LEDs separated from each other. Then, the two LEDs are operated at one fixed and one tuned biased voltage respectively in each group in a vacuum chamber and the efficiency of the two groups is studied both experimentally and numerically. Here, our experimental results demonstrate that Group A exhibits a maximum improvement of 15.36% in optical output power compared with Group B. The underlying reason is that the wall-plug efficiency of the LED with a voltage lower than photon voltage (V < ℏω/q) is surprisingly enhanced by elevated temperature owing to the heat transmission by the LED under a high biased voltage in Group A. Our further study shows that in such a low voltage region the improvement in the efficiency is attributed to the enhanced carrier concentrations with elevated temperature. On the other hand, the LED in Group A under a high biased voltage further raises the overall efficiency by alleviating the thermal droop due to reduced temperature. Device temperature measurement and numerical calculation of radiative recombination under different temperatures further support the superior performance of Group A LEDs. Our research results can act as the research prototype to design the high-efficient LED arrays for better energy recycling and thermal control.
Proteome and Nutritional Shifts Observed in Hordein Double-Mutant Barley Lines
Authors: Bose Utpal , Juhász Angéla , Yu Ronald , Bahmani Mahya , Byrne Keren , Blundell Malcolm , Broadbent James A. , Howitt Crispin A. , Colgrave Michelle L.
Published: September 2021

Lysine is the most limiting essential amino acid in cereals, and efforts have been made over the decades to improve the nutritional quality of these grains by limiting storage protein accumulation and increasing lysine content, while maintaining desired agronomic traits. The single lys3 mutation in barley has been shown to significantly increase lysine content but also reduces grain size. Herein, the regulatory effect of the lys3 mutation that controls storage protein accumulation as well as a plethora of critically important processes in cereal seeds was investigated in double mutant barley lines. This was enabled through the generation of three hordein double-mutants by inter-crossing three single hordein mutants, that had all been backcrossed three times to the malting barley cultivar Sloop. Proteome abundance measurements were integrated with their phenotype measurements; proteins were mapped to chromosomal locations and to their corresponding functional classes. These models enabled the prediction of previously unknown points of crosstalk that connect the impact of lys3 mutations to other signalling pathways. In combination, these results provide an improved understanding of how the mutation at the lys3 locus remodels cellular functions and impact phenotype that can be used in selective breeding to generate favourable agronomic traits.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Optimism and Labor Law on Business Performance of New Ventures
Authors: Li Shuai , Wu Dongshuo , Sun Youxia
Published: September 2021

The purpose is to study the internal relationship between entrepreneurial optimism and business performance of new ventures, and the impact of entrepreneurial optimism on the business performance of new ventures. Based on the literature review, the hypotheses that entrepreneurial optimism has a positive impact on the business performance of new ventures and that labor law plays a mediating role in the impact are put forward. Then, the questionnaire is designed according to the maturity scale, and 200 questionnaires are collected. Finally, the descriptive statistical analysis, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis of the theoretical model and hypothesis are carried out by using the statistical analysis software spsss22.0. The results show that each dimension of entrepreneurial optimism has a significant positive impact on the business performance of new ventures, and labor law plays a mediating role between them. This study provides a new idea for the establishment of the performance impact mechanism of new ventures and helps new entrepreneurs realize the importance of maintaining an optimistic attitude, improving the business performance of new ventures.
Heightened Stress Reactivity in Response to an Attachment Related Stressor in Patients With Medically Treated Primary Hypertension
Authors: Balint Elisabeth M. , Jarczok Marc N. , Langgartner Dominik , Reber Stefan O. , Endes Simon , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno , Funk Alexandra , Klinghammer Julia , Campbell Susanne , Gündel Harald , Waller Christiane
Published: September 2021

Background: A heightened stress reactivity to mental stress tasks has been shown in hypertensive patients and might contribute to a higher disease risk. We investigated this hyperreactivity with regard to an attachment related stressor that focuses on emotions instead of performance and we examined whether this effect can also be found in patients on antihypertensive drugs.

Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with primary hypertension, treated with at least one antihypertensive drug, were compared with 25 healthy individuals. After 10 min of rest, they participated in an attachment-related interview (Adult Attachment Projective picture system, AAP) and were exposed to an attachment-related stressor (Separation Recall, SR), a short-time stressor which activates attachment-related emotions and thoughts by talking 5 min about a personal experience of loneliness. Blood samples to measure adrenocorticotrope hormone (ACTH), cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine were taken. Blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness were measured at rest, after AAP, after SR and 10 min after recovery. Standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) were calculated. Parameters were compared using Mann Whitney U-test and linear mixed-effects regression models controlling for age and body mass index (BMI) after logarithmic transformation if appropriate.

Results: Healthy test persons were younger and had lower BMI than patients. Comparing the two groups there were no significant differences in blood pressure and heart rate at rest. Both stressors provoked a significant response in almost all parameters. Results of the post-estimation of contrasts from linear mixed-effects regression models showed a steeper rise in systolic BP and arterial stiffness as well as a more pronounced decline in SDNN in hypertensive patients than in healthy controls. Levels of cortisol rose earlier and higher in hypertensive patients than in healthy controls.

Conclusion: Vascular, autonomic, and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis response is heightened in medicated subjects with hypertension in response to attachment-focused stressors compared to healthy subjects. We conclude that the remaining hyper-reactivity even with sufficient antihypertensive medication still poses a substantial risk for affected patients. New ways to diminish this risk should be developed.