bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interview with Brian Dennehy
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: March 2021

This interview was conducted on November 12, 2004, while Mr. Dennehy was visiting Chicago for his performance in Eugene O'Neill's Hughie at the Goodman Theatre.
Reevaluating the Benefits of Performance Goals: The Relation of Goal Type to Optimal Performance for Musicians and Athletes
Authors: Lacaille Nathalie , Whipple Natasha , Koestner Richard
Published: March 2021

Recent educational research suggests that both mastery goals and performance-approach goals are beneficial for students, whereas performance-avoidance goals are harmful. The present study examined whether the same pattern of results would generalize to the domains of music and sports.
High-level musicians and athletes reported their goals prior to a peak performance and a catastrophic performance. The results among athletes mirrored findings in the educational domain, with both mastery and performance-approach goals being associated with optimal functioning. The results
among musicians, however, diverged in showing that performance goals were markedly more detrimental than mastery goals. It was also found that intrinsic goals associated with a focus on enjoyment were particularly helpful for musicians. Mediational analyses showed that musicians' greater vulnerability
to performance-related anxiety accounted for the more damaging impact of performance goals. These findings suggest some possible danger in emphasizing any form of performance goal in domains such as music where performance-related anxiety is prevalent.
Pianist's Rehabilitation: Three Cases
Authors: Lee Sang-Hie , Hanks Kenneth B , Schwartz Joseph
Published: March 2021

Three pianists, each with academic and performing credentials, shared their experiences of physical problems, treatment, and rehabilitation. Preparing for solo performance puts an inordinate demand on mental and physical functioning and family life for the pianist in academia. Pianists,
who must demonstrate technical and artistic prowess while teaching heavy loads, can easily overuse their piano-playing mechanisms by playing difficult works without proper conditioning and necessary rest. This can result in gradual or sudden bodily pain and incapacitation. Minor pains and
injuries of the pianists profiled here were overcome by applying proper piano techniques. More serious injuries needed medical attention, alternative therapies, and combined management programs. With good health care and proper technical approach all three pianists resumed active performing
life.
Beta-Blockers, Stage Fright, and Vibrato: A Case Report
Authors: Packer Clifford D , Packer Diana M
Published: March 2021

This case report describes negative effects of beta-adrenergic blocker treatment of stage fright and hypertension in a professional violinist. A literature search from 1966 to 2005 was performed, and clinical studies of b-blocker treatment for musicians with stage fright were reviewed.
The literature was also searched for clinical and physiologic studies on the effects of b-blockers on tremor and on the production of rapid oscillatory movements. In our patient, daily b-blocker treatment for hypertension caused impairment of vibrato, a form of voluntary tremor that is an
essential part of violin technique. Impairment of vibrato was not seen with intermittent use of a b-blocker for treatment of stage fright, although fatigue and weakness were noted. b-blockers effectively treat many of the sympathetic-overload symptoms that cause stage fright in musicians,
although we postulate that in some cases they may suppress beta2 sympathetic tone below a threshold level for voluntary tremor production, which can impair vibrato technique.
Understanding Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Elite Pianists: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Bragge Peter , Bialocerkowski Andrea , McMeeken Joan
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are a recognised problem in elite (college/conservatory or professional) pianists. The aim of this study was to explore the behavioural, emotional, and physical world of the elite pianist and the interaction between
this world and the experience of having a PRMD. Methods: A qualitative, grounded theory methodology was used. Oneon-one interviews were conducted with 18 elite pianists, 6 health practitioners, and 6 teachers who had had or managed PRMDs. Interview questions focused on the experience
of being an elite pianist, the impact of PRMDs on piano playing and other activities, and the pianists' feelings about the effects of PRMDs. Interviews were transcribed and then analysed using grounded theory. Results: Major categories were “pressure: external,” “pressure:
internal,” and “culture of silence.” The central category was “playing through pain.” Elite pianists experienced many internal and external pressures but were reluctant to declare physical problems due to a culture of silence, and they played through pain. This
situation led to development or worsening of PRMDs, with physical, psychological, and global effects. Worsening symptoms or an impending examination or recital led pianists to seek treatment. Poor medical awareness of musicians' needs often resulted in suboptimal management of PRMDs. Conclusion:
Open discussion of PRMD issues in elite pianists and dissemination of PRMD prevention and management information are warranted to help prevent the physical, psychological, and global effects of such disorders.
A New Method for Quantification of Musician’s Dystonia
Authors: Potter Patrick , Spector June
Published: March 2021

Recognizing that the goal of Drs. Spector and Brandfonbrener’s article, in the December 2005 issue of MPPA, was to develop a useful neurologic rating scale, it would be helpful to the reader to better understand the measure in relation to what the musician appreciates. The comparisons
of the scales allow for some understanding of response to change; however, in applying this scale in practice, it would be helpful to know if the musicians appreciated any change?
Prevalence and Causal Factors of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremity and Trunk among Japanese Pianists and Piano Students
Authors: Furuya Shinichi , Nakahara Hidehiro , Aoki Tomoko , Kinoshita Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) among Japanese female classical pianists of different age groups. The causal factors for PRMDs also were examined. A group of 203 senior pianists, including piano teachers
and students with piano majors at high schools and colleges, were surveyed using questionnaires. Results showed that 77% of these pianists suffered from PRMDs in at least one of their body portions. This value was larger than those reported in Western countries. Forty-four percent of these
were serious enough to warrant medical treatment, which was a lower rate than reported in Western countries. The difference in these numbers may reflect the current state of understanding of PRMDs among Japanese pianists and their educators. The prevalence of PRMDs was found to be age-dependent.
In the student groups, the finger/hand had the highest rate of PRMDs, followed by the forearm and shoulder. The senior group, on the other hand, had the highest PRMD incidence at the neck/trunk, followed by the forearm and hand/finger. Care may need to be exercised for these differences. The
results also indicated that prolonged daily practice (>4 hours), playing chords forcefully, eagerness about practice, and nervous traits were found to contribute to the development of PRMDs in these pianists. Hand size was, on the other hand, not a significant risk factor of PRMDs.
Anterior Interosseous Neuropathy in Instrumental Musicians
Authors: Lederman Richard J
Published: March 2021

The anterior interosseous nerve is a pure motor branch of the median nerve supplying the flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus of the index and middle fingers, and pronator quadratus. Anterior interosseous neuropathy is rare and typically causes weakness of flexion of the
tips of the thumb and index finger. Four instrumentalists, 3 violinists and 1 pianist (3 males, 1 female), seen from 1986 to 2002 at our clinic, are the subjects of this report. Age at onset ranged from 16 to 76 yrs. A possible precipitating factor was identified in each. One violinist could
not hold the bow; two others noted inability to stabilize the distal left first (index) finger. The pianist noted impaired dexterity of the right hand. Examination showed weakness of flexion of the distal phalanx of the index finger and thumb and variable weakness of forearm pronation. Electrodiagnostic
testing confirmed the diagnosis in all four patients. All improved over time. One symphony violinist continued to play for over 15 yrs, despite some persisting difficulty with the left index finger. Another violinist recovered function almost completely but suffered a stroke affecting the
opposite hand 2.5 years later. The third violinist retired from the symphony on disability because his recovery was delayed for >1 yr. The young pianist is playing 4 to 5 hrs/day. It is likely that at least three of the four had a localized form of neuralgic amyotrophy.
Craniomandibular Dysfunction and Violin Playing: Prevalence and the Influence of Oral Splints on Head and Neck Muscles in Violinists
Authors: Steinmetz A , Ridder P H , Reichelt A
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have shown a significant higher prevalence of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) in violin players compared with controls. CMD is related to increased muscular load in the muscles of mastication, the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which can possibly predispose
to overuse syndromes. To examine whether CMD can also cause overuse syndromes in violinists, we investigated a group of 31 violinists by questionnaire, mandibular tracking, and a clinical examination to elicit overuse and CMD symptoms. The influence of CMD on muscular tension during violin
playing was assessed with surface EMG; this was performed twice on each violinist, once with and once without an occlusal splint, in order to work out the effect of CMD on the muscular load. CMD could be diagnosed in 74% of the investigated violinists. The occlusal splints significantly decreased
the load in the masseter, temporalis, trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles during musical performance. Occlusal splints appear to decrease the muscular load in asymptomatic violinists as well, suggesting a possible preventive and therapeutic role in overuse symptoms in the setting of
preexisting CMD.
Letters
Authors: Chesky Kris , Furuya Shinichi , Yoshimura Eri
Published: March 2021

In their recent paper, Furuya and colleagues (Sep 2006) investigated the prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) among Japanese female classical pianists of different age groups. Causal factors were also examined.
Surface EMG Evaluation of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in a Professional Ballet Dancer: A Case Report
Authors: Albisetti Walter , De Bartolomeo Omar , Gabbiadini Stella , Ventura Alberto , Parrini Matteo
Published: March 2021

Objective: Because of the repetitive loading of the lower limb, patellar disorders are common in athletes and performing artists. Although this condition might be ascribed to different factors, the main cause is believed to be patellar maltracking. Design: Patellar maltracking
is believed to be generated by an asymmetric activation of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis obliquus muscles. A professional ballet dancer who suffered from anterior knee pain was examined. After clinical and MRI evaluations, he was subjected to surface electromyography (sEMG) of the
vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis. Results: We found a difference in the latency of onset of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis of the painful right knee as compared to the asymptomatic left knee. Conclusion: Via sEMG, we demonstrate the role of the
vastus medialis in patellar maltracking. sEMG is therefore a useful method to help diagnose and guide treatment in performing artists and elite athletes.
The “Power” of Negative Studies
Authors: Manchester Ralph A
Published: March 2021

Clinical research, like aging, is not for sissies. As everyone who has tried to do studies involving real, free-living human beings knows, it is an endless quest to get just one simple conclusion out of a morass of data that has been collected despite countless obstacles and complications.
Whenever a study actually produces clinically significant results, it should be viewed with respect and wonder. Some studies, no matter how well designed and diligently executed, do not yield the results that were hypothesized at the outset--they are sometimes referred to as "negative"
studies. Such is the case with the paper by Dr. Brandfonbrener in this issue of the journal, according to her own discussion of the results. Despite collecting data on hundreds of freshman music students from four consecutive entering classes and demonstrating that a large majority had already
suffered a performance-related injury, she was unable to find any risk factors that distinguished between those who had had performance-related pain and those who had not. While the simple finding that a majority of entering freshmen have already experienced playing-related pain is important
in and of itself, it is worth looking at this study in greater depth in order to understand why no risk factors could be identified and what the next steps might be.
History of Playing-related Pain in 330 University Freshman Music Students
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G
Published: March 2021

To understand what factors may contribute to the problems experienced by conservatory/music school students, we surveyed incoming freshman music students about their history of playing-related pain from four consecutive entering classes at a midwestern university school of music. A
total of 330 students (46% male, 54% female) participated in the study and completed a 22-item questionnaire. Seventy-nine percent of students reported a history of playing-related pain. Pain frequency varied by instrument class, ranging from 61% among voice students to 100% for percussionists,
but for strings, keyboards, woodwinds, and brass players, it was consistently 84 to 87%. There was no significant association between frequency of pain history and gender (76% for males vs 81% for females), years of instrument study, participation in regular exercise, or occurrence of performance
anxiety. Although this study was unable to identify factors linked to playing-related pain, it does indicate that in a population of incoming freshmen, who are young people presumably in otherwise good health and with a “clean slate,” the majority had already encountered music-induced
pain as high school students or younger.
Bagpiper's Hernia
Authors: Vosk Arno
Published: March 2021

A 65-year-old bagpiper developed onset of inguinal hernia symptoms while playing his instrument. The patient, a nonsmoker and retired from an occupation that involved no heavy lifting, had been an active piper and performer for 10 yrs. He underwent a right inguinal herniorrhaphy with
placement of a mesh implant, with full recovery. The etiology of inguinal hernias and their occurrence in wind musicians are discussed. While there are few reports in the medical literature, many anecdotal descriptions of the problem among musicians can be found.
Abstracts from the Literature, No. 43
Authors: Dawson William J
Published: March 2021

Installment 43.
Assessment of the YKL-40 concentration in patients with tick-borne encephalitis
Authors: Czupryna Piotr , Kulczyńska-Przybik Agnieszka , Mroczko Barbara , Wondim Mulugeta , Grygorczuk Sambor , Borawski Karol , Pancewicz Sławomir , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna
Published: March 2021

Background
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection of the Central Nervous System (CNS) caused by Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV). It might take several clinical courses such as: meningitis, meningoencephalitis or meningoencephalomyelitis. The aim this study was to compare the YKL-40 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with different clinical presentations of TBE and patients with excluded meningitis (control group).
Methods
The concentration of YKL-40 in CSF was determined using Fujirebio tests (Ghent, Belgium) in 32 patients with TBE: group I—patients with meningoencephalitis (n = 16); group II—patients with meningitis (n = 16). The control group (CG) consisted of 17 patients in whom inflammatory process in central nervous system was excluded.
Results
The concentration of YKL-40 was significantly higher in encephalitis group than in CG after 7 days from the last dose of treatment. The concentration in patients with neuroinflammation had significantly different concentration of YKL-40 compared to patients with no neuroinflammation control groups. ROC curve analysis indicates that: CSF YKL-40 concentration at cut off 783.87 differentiated TBE patients from CG with 100% specificity and 70% sensitivity and CSF YKL-40 concentration at cut off 980.11 differentiated meningitis from meningoencephalitis with 87.5% specificity and 62.5% sensitivity.
Conclusions
YKL-40 takes part in TBE pathogenesis, its concentration is the highest at the early stage of Central Nervous System involvement and decreases in the convalescent period. As YKL-40 is significantly higher in meningitis than in meningoencephalitis, it might be used as biomarker in differentiation of these clinical forms of TBE.
Epidemiology of Sepsis-associated Acute Kidney Injury in Beijing, China : a descriptive analysis
Authors: Wang Haiman , Ji Xiaojun , Wang Amanda Y , Wu Patrick , Liu Zhuang , Dong Lei , Liu Jingfeng , Liu Pei , Qi Zhili , Duan Meili
Published: March 2021

Background Sepsis is the most common contributing factor towards development of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is strongly associated to poor prognostic outcomes. There are numerous epidemiological studies about sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI), however current literature is limited with the majority of studies being conducted only in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of S-AKI in all hospitalized in-patients.Methods This was a retrospective population-based study using a large regional population database in Beijing city from January, 2005 to December, 2017. It included patients with S-AKI. Patients with pre-existing end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), previous history of kidney transplantation, or being pregnant were excluded. Patients’ demographic characteristics, incidence, risk factors and outcomes of S-AKI were analyzed. The differences between different time periods, different levels of hospitals, and types of the hospitals (i.e. traditional Chinese medicine hospitals (TCMHs) and Western medicine hospitals (WMHs)) were also compared using Mann-Whitney U test.Results A total of 19,579 patients were included. The overall incidence of S-AKI in all in-patients was 48.1%. The risk factors for AKI included: age (P < 0.001), male (P < 0.001), treatment in a level-II hospital (P < 0.001) and so on. The overall mortality rate in this cohort was 55%. The risk factors for mortality included: age (P < 0.001), female (P < 0.001), pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) (P = 0.023) and so on. The incidence of S-AKI increased over time, but the mortality rate did not. Compared with level-II hospitals, the incidence of S-AKI was similar in tertiary hospitals, but the mortality rate was significantly higher.Although patients treated in TCMHs had a shorter hospital stay and a lower cost of care, this cohort had a higher mortality rate when compared with patients treated in WMHs.Conclusions AKI is a common complication in all hospitalized patients with sepsis, and its incidence increases over time, especially when ICU admission is required. Exploring interventional strategies to address modifiable risk factors will be important to reduce incidence and mortality of S-AKI.
Identification of novel potential biomarkers in hepatocarcinoma cancer; a transcriptome analysis
Authors: kakar Mohib , Mehboob Muhammad , Akram Muhammad , Iqbal Imran , Ijaz Hafza , Aziz Ubair , Lodhi Adil , Rasheed Madiha , Deng Yulin , Dai Rongji
Published: March 2021

Objective

The goal of this study was to understand possible core genes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis and prognosis.
Methods

GEO contains datasets of gene expression, miRNA and methylation patterns of diseased and healthy/control patients. GSE62232 Dataset was selected by employing the server Gene Expression Omnibus. A total of 91 samples were collected, including 81 HCC samples and 10 healthy samples as control. GSE62232 was analyzed through GEO2R, and Functional Enrichment Analysis was performed to extract rational information from a set of DEGs. The Protein-Protein Relationship Networking search method has been used for extracting genes interacting. MCC method was used to calculate the top 10 genes according to their importance. Hub genes in the network were analyzed using GEPIA to estimate the effect of their differential expression on cancer progression.
Results

We identified the top 10 hub genes through Cytohubba plugin. These genes include Cell Cycle Regulatory Cyclins and Cyclin-dependent proteins CCNA2, CCNB1 and CDK1. The pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC may be directly linked with the aforementioned genes.
Conclusion

In this analysis, we found critical genes for HCC that showed recommendations for more diagnostic and predictive biomarkers studies that could promote selective molecular therapy for HCC.
Identification of a nine ferroptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tong Xiwen , Zhang Yujiao , Yang Guodong , Yi Guanghui
Published: March 2021

Background: Recently, mounting of studies has shown that lncRNA affects tumor progression through the regulation of ferroptosis. The current study aims to construct a robust ferroptosis-related lncRNAs signature to increase the predicted value of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) by bioinformatics analysis. Methods: The transcriptome data were abstracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened by comparing 535 LAUD tissues with 59 adjacent non-LAUD tissues. Univariate Cox regression, lasso regression, multivariate Cox regression were conducted to design a ferroptosis-related lncRNA signature. This signature’s prognosis was verified by the log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier curve and the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) in train set, test set, and entire set. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to analyze its independent prognostic ability. The relationship of the ferroptosis-linked lncRNAs' expression and clinical variables was demonstrated by Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to signaling pathways it may involve.Results: 1224 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, of which 195 are ferroptosis-related lncRNAs. A nine ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (AC099850.3, NAALADL2-AS2, AL844908.1, AL365181.2, SMIM25, FAM83A-AS1, LINC01116, AL049836.1, C20orf197) prognostic signature was constructed. This model's prognosis in the high-risk group is obviously worse than that of the low-risk group in train set, test set, and entire set. The AUC of ROC predicting the three years survival in the train set, test set, and entire set was 0.754, 0.716, and 0.738, respectively. Moreover, the designed molecular signature was found to be an independent prognostic variable. The expression of these lncRNAs and the lncRNA signature are related to clinical stage, T stage, Lymph-node status, distant metastasis. Finally, GSEA analysis results show that the signature is involved in eight tumor-related and metabolism-related signaling pathwaysConclusion: The current study constructed, validated, and evaluated a nine ferroptosis-related lncRNA signature which can independently be used to predict the prognosis of LAUD patients, and may become a new therapeutic target.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in groundwater of Thailand: Occurrence, source identification and spatial distribution
Authors: Hongkachok Chanidaporn , Boontanon Suwanna , Boontanon Narin , Sukeesarn Suratsawadee , Polprasert Chongrak , Fujii Shigeo
Published: March 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) have the potential to leach down to the groundwater particularly in areas with potential source pollution such as landfills. The composition patterns of PFAS, distribution and soil characteristics significantly contribute to their source identification. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the levels of PFAS in Thailand groundwater, (2) to identify potential sources, and (3) to study the spatial distribution of PFAS. Groundwater samples were collected around municipal waste disposal sites (MWDS) and industrial waste disposal sites (IWDS). Seven PFAS were extracted by solid phase extraction technique and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer. Total PFAS in groundwater around the MWDSs varied from 1.68 to 7.75 ng L− 1. The total PFAS in groundwater around the IWDS varied from 2.64 to 42.01 ng L− 1. PFOA and PFOS were the most dominant compounds around the MWDS and IWDS areas. PFHxS was frequently observed in the groundwater around the IWDSs, suggesting that it has been used as a substitution of PFOS-based compounds due to it having a shorter chain length or resulting from degradation of fluorotelomers. In addition to source identification, the hierarchical cluster analysis showed that other than the waste disposal site, other factors or activities could have been involved. It was found that livestock farming and an abandoned pond very close to the groundwater well could have affected the levels of PFAS in the groundwater. Moreover, spatial distribution showed that besides the impact of waste sources, soil characteristics and interaction between negative charged PFAS and cation in the soil played an important role in the PFAS contamination in groundwater.
The gut microbiome of 7-37 month old children from The Gambia shows the development of a distinct non-industrial Prevotella-based trophic network
Authors: de Goffau Marcus , Jallow Amadou , Sanyang Chilel , Prentice Andrew , Parkhill Julian , Pereira Dora , Wagner Josef
Published: March 2021

Distinctive bacterial trophic networks exist in the gut microbiota of individuals in industrialized and non- industrialized countries. To study the development of these networks, we investigated the gut microbiota of 7-37 month old children living in rural Gambia (616 children, 1407 stool samples, stratified by 3-month age groups). We found that child age was the largest discriminating factor between samples, and that anthropometric indices WAZ, HAZ, and WHZ, collection timepoints, and iron supplementation did not significantly influence the gut microbiome in this data set. Prevotella copri, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Prevotella stercorea were the most abundant species (35%, 11%, and 7%, respectively). Distinct bacterial trophic network clusters were identified, centered around Prevotella stercorea and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which were found to develop steadily as the gut microbiome matured. The Prevotella stercorea trophic network cluster is distinct from those found in individuals in industrialized countries and therefore this dataset, set within a critical developmental timeframe, provides an excellent opportunity to understand the influence of a high fiber, low-protein diet on the development of a Prevotella-enriched gut microbiome.
Disentangling race, environment and the microbiome in a study of preterm birth risk
Authors: Sun Shan , Serrano Myrna , Fettweis Jennifer , Basta Patricia , Rosen Emma , Ludwig Kim , Sorgen Alicia , Blakley Ivory , Wu Michael , Dole Nancy , Thorp John , Siega-Riz Anna , Buck Gregory , Fodor Anthony , Engel Stephanie
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have investigated the associations between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth (PTB), with the aim of determining whether differences in community patterns meaningfully alter risk, and could therefore be the target of intervention. We report on vaginal microbial analysis on a subset of the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition (PIN) Study, a prospectively enrolled cohort of women in central North Carolina between 1995-2001. We selected a nested case-control subset of this cohort, including 464 White women (375 term birth and 89 spontaneous PTB, sPTB) and 360 Black women (276 term birth and 84 sPTB). Microbial DNA was extracted from genital track swabs collected mid-pregnancy, and subjected to 16S rRNA taxonomic profiling. We found that microbial community structure is associated with race and sPTB, although the influence of race is stronger than the influence of sPTB. The microbiome of Black women has higher alpha-diversity, higher abundance of Lactobacillus iners and lower abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus. These differences were obscured once maternal douching behavior was considered—specifically, among women who douche, there were no significant differences in microbiome by race. The sPTB associated microbiome exhibited a lower abundance of L. crispatus, while alpha diversity and L. iners were not significantly different. Associations between the microbiome and sPTB were only significant in women who do not douche. While race was a strong predictor of microbial community structure, we also observed strong intercorrelations between a range of maternal factors, including poverty, education, marital status, age, douching and race, with microbiome effect sizes in the range of 1.8-5.2% in univariate models. Therefore, race may simply be a proxy for other socially driven factors that differentiate microbiome community structures. Future work will continue to refine reliable microbial biomarkers for preterm birth across diverse cohorts.
Preparation of Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine-Based LB Thin Film: Experimental Characterization, the Determination of Optical Properties and Harmful Organic Vapor Sensing Ability
Authors: Acikbas Yaser , Erdogan Matem , Capan Rifat , Ozkaya Cansu , Baygu Yasemin , Kabay Nilgün , Gök Yaşar
Published: March 2021

Zinc(II) phthalocyanine (Zn(II)Pc) molecule was the first time prepared onto three different substrates utilizing Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition technique to investigate its vapor sensing abilities and some optical properties. We utilized five different and well-known techniques to control monolayer quality of Zn(II)Pc LB film. The obtained the thickness and refractive index values for Zn(II)Pc LB film with coated at different layers vary from 3.2 to 10.9 nm and from 1.42 to 1.71, respectively. The sensing properties were investigated by exposing the Zn(II)Pc-based mass or optical sensor to some organic vapors. Kinetic results presented that this Zn(II)Pc material is a good candidate as a sensor element with a fast and reversible response for dichloromethane sensing devices.
Professionalism in Sudanese Medical Schools: A Situational Analysis as Perceived by Medical Graduates From 22 Medical Schools.
Authors: Iesa Mohamed A. M. , Osman Makarim Elfadil M. , Taha Mohamed Hassan , Salah Elmuntaser T. , Konozy Emadeldin Hassan. E. , Hussein Salwa E. , Mohamedani Ahmed A
Published: March 2021

Background: Professionalism is progressively recognized as an essential component of the medical profession. This study aims to measure the perception and definition of medical graduates on the domains of professionalism with correlation to the teaching strategies reported from 22 medical schools in Sudan. Method: A cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative approaches was performed and covered 22 different medical schools in Sudan, with 500 graduates taking part in the study.Results: 257 of the graduates who participated in this study were taught about professionalism either through formal ways were 175 (68%) or by hidden curricula, 82 of participants (32%). 29 of the graduates who were taught formally had further education about the subject in the clinical setting. Sudanese social-environmental culture is the major influence of professionalism perception among graduates. They preferred mixing both teacher-based and peer-based approaches that encourage interaction when teaching professionalism.Conclusion: Currently there were a blend of approaches to teach professionalism in Sudanese medical schools, including formal and informal method. The details of the arrangement, deepness, elements, and nature by which to integrate professionalism with other curriculum elements remain an infant matter. This apparent deficiency requires immediate attention and cooperation between medical schools and health corporations and agencies across the country to provide a suitable model to teach professionalism at medical schools and in clinical settings.
Behaviour of physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of vertical flow constructed wetland substrate after treating a mixture of urban and Olive Mill Wastewaters
Authors: GHADRAOUI Ayoub EL , OUAZZANI Naaila , SAF Chaima , AHMALI Abdelaali , HEJJAJ Abdessamed , AZIZ Faissal , BUBBA Massimo DEL , MANDI LAILA
Published: March 2021

The aim of the current work is to evaluate the effect of a mixture of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and urban wastewater (UW) on constructed wetland (CW) substrate physicochemical parameters and to study the abundance and behaviour of microbial community at different depths. In this regard, substrate samples were investigated at tree depth levels (0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm) inside a pilot scale CW treating the mixture. In order to compare the obtained results treating the mixture with the conventional case, a control (CW pilot plant treating only UW) was implemented. Result shows that an increase in electrical conductivity (from 134.78 to 222.33µS/cm in 0-10cm and from 131.25 to 283.33 µS/cm in 10-20cm), total dissolved salts (from 65.45 to 108.67 mg/kg in 0-10cm and from 64.33 to 135.3 mg/kg in 10–20 cm), total organic carbon (from 0.86 to 6.84%), total nitrogen (from 0.1 mg/kg to 0.45, 0.43 and 0.41 mg/kg, in 0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30cm respectively), and C/N ratio occurred in the substrate after the treatment of the mixture. As for the microbiological parameters, treating the mixture by CW results in the increasing of yeast and fungi concentration in the substrate which contributes probably to optimize the biodegradation of non-easily degraded organic compound such as polyphenol.
Influence of Au Plasmons and Their Synergistic Effects With ZnO Nanorods for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Applications
Authors: Saboor Sayed Abdul , Sharma Vidhika , Darboe Ebrima L. , Doiphode Vidya , Punde Ashvini , Shinde Pratibha , Jadkar Vijaya , Hase Yogesh , Waghmare Ashish , Prasad Mohit , Jadkar Sandesh R.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, Au plasmons and their synergistic effects with ZnO nanorods (ZNs) have been investigated for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting application. Au plasmons and ZNs are deposited electrochemically. Au modified nanostructures have absorption in the visible region as plasmons enhance charge transfer and inhibit charge recombination. ZNs modified with Au (deposition duration ∼ 60 s) has a photo-current density of ∼ 660 µA cm-2, at a bias of 1.0V/SCE. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the structure and surface morphology of fabricated photoanodes. UV-Visible absorption and Photoluminescence spectroscopy were used for optical characterization. We have recorded current-voltage measurements and photo-conversion efficiency measurements to substantiate our observations of the synthesized photoanodes for prospective application in PEC splitting of water. We have also carried out Mott-Schottky, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. The analysis reveals that Au modified ZNs based photoanodes are a better proposition than their bare counterparts for PEC water splitting application.
Productivity Enhancement of Solar Still using Adaptive Deep Neural Network Model
Authors: Victor Winstor Jebakumar Suthagar Durairaj , Somasundaram Dharmalingam , Gnanadason Koilraj
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Identification of Candidate Genes of Male Sexual Development From Androgenic Gland in Macrobrachium Nipponense Through Performing Long-reads and Next Generation Transcriptome Sequencing After Eyestalk Ablation
Authors: Jin Shubo , Hu Yuning , Fu Hongtuo , Jiang Sufei , Xiong Yiwei , Qiao Hui , Zhang Wenyi , Gong Yongsheng , Wu Yan , Fu Yin
Published: March 2021

The eyestalk of crustacean species contained many neurosecretory structures, affected the process of reproduction, molting, metabolism of glucose and other function in crustaceans. In this study, we aimed to selected important metabolic pathways and candidate genes involved in the male sexual development through performing the long-reads and next generation transcriptome sequencing of androgenic gland after the ablation of eyestalk from Macrobrachium nipponense. qPCR analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of Mn-IAG was significantly increased after ablation both of the single-side (SS) and double-side (DS) eyestalk, compared with that of control group (CG). The long-reads transcriptome generated 49,480 non-redundant transcripts. A total of 1,319, 2,092 and 4,351 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between CG vs SS, SS vs DS and CG vs DS, respectively, indicating the ablation of double-side eyestalk has more important regulatory roles than that of single-side ablation on male sexual development, which was consistent with that of qPCR analysis. Cell cycle, Cellular senescence, Oxidative phosphorylation, Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis and Steroid hormone biosynthesis were the main enriched metabolic pathways in all of these three comparisons, and the important genes from these metabolic pathways were also selected. The qPCR verifications of 10 GEDs were as the same as that of RNA-seq. The qPCR and RNAi analysis of Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 (HSDL1) revealed that HSDL1 has the positive regulatory effected on testis development. This study provided valuable evidences on male sexual development in M. nipponense, promoting the studies on male sexual development in other crustacean as well.
Removal of Sticky Silicone Oil Adhered to the Retinal Surface: Comparison of Methodological Safety and Effectiveness
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Zhang Zongduan , Hu Xuting , Zhang Zhaoliang , Pan Qintuo
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To compare safety and effectiveness among methods to remove sticky silicone oil bubbles adhered to the retinal surface. Methods: This retrospective nonrandomised case series included 14 eyes of 14 patients who had sticky silicone oil residue during silicone oil removal surgery. For small sticky silicone oil bubbles (<2-disc diameter), aspiration was performed with a 23-gauge vitreous cutter. Residual tiny oil bubbles were then removed with a silicone-tipped flute needle or internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. For large sticky silicone oil bubbles (≥2-disc diameter) that could not be removed with a 23-gauge vitreous cutter, we devised a more efficient active removal method involving a modified 22-gauge venous indwelling cannula device. Results: The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) significantly improved from 1.28±0.63 logMAR to 0.77±0.58 logMAR (p=0.014). The postoperative BCVA and improvement in BCVA were significantly better in the ILM peeling group than in the non-ILM peeling group (p=0.004 and p=0.045, respectively). Postoperative complications included residual sticky silicone oil bubbles in seven eyes without ILM peeling (50.0%), retinal neuroepithelial layer damage in two eyes (14.3%), and temporary hypotony in five eyes (35.7%). Conclusion: Various methods can safely and efficiently remove sticky silicone oil bubbles adhered to the retinal surface. A 22-gauge venous indwelling cannula enabled simple and safe removal of large sticky silicone oil bubbles, while small residual sticky silicone oil bubbles could be completely removed by ILM peeling.
The Inflammation of Preexisting Autoimmunity in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a Factor for Malignancy in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Xing Ping , Luo Huarong , Xu Chen , Liang Yong , Cao Feilin
Published: March 2021

Background:The association between thyroid carcinoma (TC) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) remains unclear. This study was designed to increase our understanding of the potential immunological relationship between HT and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A total of 848 patients were enrolled. Clinicopathological factors, pre-operative clinical laboratory data were compared between the various patient groups. The levels of immune-related cytokines and immune cells were measured in serum from patients and the levels of immune-related cell infiltration was investigated.Results: In terms of clinical pathology, patients with PTC and coexisting HT have lower lymph node metastasis rates, and have higher TSH levels (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that extracapsular invasion of tumor and tumor size were risk factors for a PTC diagnosis with positive lymph nodes irrespective of HT status. Secondly, PTC patients coexisting HT have higher pre-operative neutrophil levels than do patients with HT alone (p < 0.05). Thirdly, At the immune molecular level, mean IL-2 and INF-γ levels were significantly higher in the PTC without HT group than in the PTC + HT group (p < 0.05). Only IL-6 levels significantly differed between normal controls and HT patients alone. Patients with PTC and HT have lower percentage of CD4+ cells comparing with HT patients alone. Patients with PTC and HT were characterized by highly lymphocyte infiltration in the intact thyroid. Immune inflammation was only observed in patients with PTC and HT. Immune desert was only observed in patients with PTC without HT. Immune exclusion, characterized high peritumor infiltration, was observed in PTC alone and PTC + HT groups. No significant differences were observed in CD4+ expression in PTC patients with lymph node metastasis. In PTC patients coexisting HT, CD20+ expression was higher while CD8+ and CD4+ expression was lower in patients with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Patients with PTC and HT have the same clinicopathological characteristics as do patients with PTC. HT patients with lower levels of thyroid function destruction have a higher risk of differentiated TC . Patients with PTC have higher levels of CD4+ T cellular immunity than do patients with PTC and HT. In patients with HT, chronic inflammation may contribute the development of PTC.
Low Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance and High Level of Antibiotic Consumption in Rural China: Interdisciplinary Study
Authors: Wang Debin , Shen Xinrong , Chai Jing , Cheng Jing , Feng Rui , Chen Meixuan , Cabral Christie , Oliver Isabel , Shen Jilu , MacGowan Alasdair , Bowker Karen , Hickman Matthew , Kadetz Paul , Zhao Linhai , Pan Yaping , Kwiatkowska Rachel , Hu Xiaowen , Lambert Helen
Published: March 2021

Background: We tested the feasibility of determining the prevalence and epidemiology of antibiotic resistance in rural China and investigated patterns and drivers of antibiotic use for common respiratory and urinary tract infections (RTI/UTI). Methods: (i) Observations and exit interviews in eight village clinics and township health centres and 15 retail pharmacies; (ii) Urine, throat swab and sputum samples from patients to identify potential pathogens and test susceptibility; (iii) 103 semi-structured interviews with doctors, patients, pharmacy workers and antibiotic-purchasing customers; (iv) Assessment of completeness and accuracy of electronic patient records through comparison with observational data. Results: 87.9% of 1123 recruited patients were prescribed antibiotics, most of whom had RTIs. Antibiotic prescribing for RTIs was not associated with presence of bacterial pathogens but with longer duration of infection (OR=3.33) and presence of sore throat (OR=1.64). Fever strongly predicted prescription of intravenous antibiotics (OR=2.87). Resistance rates in bacterial pathogens isolated were low compared with national data. 25.8% of patients reported antibiotics use pre-clinic visit. Only 56.2% of clinic patients and 53% of pharmacy customers could confirm their prescription included antibiotics. Diagnostic uncertainty, economic need, understanding of antibiotics as anti-inflammatory and limited doctor-patient communication were identified as drivers of antibiotic use. Completion and accuracy of e-records was variable. Conclusions: Despite high levels of antibiotic prescribing and self-medication, prevalence of antibiotic resistance in this rural population is currently relatively low. More systematic use of e-records could improve antibiotic surveillance in rural facilities.
Diversity of the BoLA-DRB3 Gene in Cattle Breeds From Tropical and Subtropical Regions of South America
Authors: Valenzano Magali Nicole , Caffaro María Eugenia , Lía Veronica Viviana , Poli Mario , Wilkowsky Silvina Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Background

Bovine leukocyte antigens (BoLA) are widely used as markers of disease and immunological traits in cattle because of their primary function in the recognition of pathogens by the immune system. To date, however, the characterization of BoLA gene polymorphisms in Latin American Zebu and mixed zebuine breeds is scarce. By a sequence-based typing method, here we sequenced exon 2 of BoLA class II DRB3 gene of 264 animals from the five breeds (Creole, Brahman, Braford, Brangus and Nellore) most commonly used in northern Argentina.
Results

The taurine and zebuine breeds contained 61 previously reported alleles. Genetic diversity was high at allelic and molecular levels, particularly in the mixed breeds. Neutrality tests revealed that none of the breeds shows the even gene frequency distribution expected under a balanced selection scenario. The FST index shows significant differences across all populations (FST=0.052, P < 0.001), indicating a substantial differentiation between breeds. UPGMA trees and Metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis show that, as expected, Creole is distantlyrelated to the other zebuinebreeds. Among them, Brahman, Braford and Brangus cluster closer together than with Nellore. These data are consistent with the historical and geographical origin of these breeds. A peptide binding region sequence analysis at the aminoacid level revealed that, despite the nucleotide diversity among the breeds, the key aminoacids involved in peptide recognition are greatly conserved.
Conclusions

This is the first report of BoLA-DRB3 diversity in pure and mixed zebuine cattle breeds from Argentina. Knowledge ofBoLA-DRB3 variability in breeds adapted to tropical and subtropical environments contributes not only to ongoing efforts to catalog bovine MHC allele frequencies by breed and location but also to the design of peptide-based vaccines.