bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Prevalence of Nosocomial Infection Pre- and Post-COVID-19 pandemic from a Tertiary Hospital in China
Authors: Su Chunmei , Zhang Zhiqin , Zhao Xu , Peng Hanlin , Hong Yi , Huang Lili , Huang Jie , Yan Xiangming , Wu Shuiyan , Bai Zhenjiang
Published: February 2021

Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) are an important cause of mortality, and increasing evidence reveals that the prevalence of NIs can be reduced through effective prevention and control measures. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the prevention and control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic on NIs.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the prevalence of NIs before and after COVID-19 pandemic for six months in the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University.Results: A total of 39,914 patients in 2019 and 34,645 patients in 2020 were admitted to the hospital during the study. There were 1.39% (481/34645) of patients with NIs in 2020, which was significantly lower than the 2.56% (1021/39914) of patients in 2019. The rate of critical and fatal cases was also decreased. Except for the ICU, the prevalence of nosocomial infection in most departments decreased from 2019 to 2020. Regarding the source of infections, a significant reduction was mainly observed in respiratory (0.99% vs 0.42%, p=0.000) and digestive tract (0.63% vs 0.14%, p=0.000). The microorganism analysis of respiratory infections indicated an obvious decline in acinetobacters and fungi. The most significant decline of pathogens in gastrointestinal infections was observed for rotavirus. The comparison of catheter-related nosocomial infections between 2019 and 2020 did not show significant differences. Conclusions: The prevention and control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the nosocomial infection in almost all departments, except the ICU, mainly regarding respiratory, gastrointestinal, and oral infections, while catheter-related infections did not show any differences.
A Cross Sectional Analysis of Physical Activity Engagement in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Connolly Leona , Power Joanna McHugh , Lawlor Brian
Published: February 2021

Background

To address the paucity of literature regarding the relationship between mild cognitive impairment and physical activity engagement, this study aimed to understand the relative contribution of cognitive, demographic, physical and psychological variables related to physical activity engagement in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Method

This was a descriptive, cross – sectional study of secondary data from 62 participants with MCI (mean age 70.53, SD = 6.34), 53.2% female, median MoCA 23 (IQR: 20, 24)) from the NeuroExercise study, a 12 – month PA intervention on the outcome of cognitive function. The independent variable of interest was global cognitive function. Age, gender, years of education, number of medications, handgrip strength, depression, and quality of life were treated as covariates. The dependent variable was PA engagement in minutes per week, using the LAPAQ physical activity questionnaire and the Actigraph triaxial accelerometer device.
Results

Hierarchical regression analyses showed no significant effect of cognitive function on physical activity engagement after controlling for the effects of covariates. Physical activity engagement was low relative to global physical activity guidelines ((M = 111.38, SD = 94.29) Actigraph ( t (51) = -2.95, p < .005) and the LAPAQ (M = 51.71, SD = 22.80), t (61) = -33.94, p = < .001)). A Bland- Altman measure of agreement demonstrated that objective and subjective measures of physical activity were not equivalent.
Conclusions

This sample of adults with MCI were not sufficiently physically active. Further, there was substantial variability between objective and subjective measures of physical activity engagement. Objective measurement of PA data may be more reliable for adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Effects of the Liaison Nurse Management on the Infectious Stroke Complications: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kalani Zohreh , Ebrahimi Sedigheh , Fallahzadeh Hossein
Published: February 2021

Background
Two of the most serious complications after stroke are pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. Liaison nurse, from hospital admission to discharge and then at home helps patients with complicated caring issues stroke. This study investigates the effect of liaison nurse management on the incidence of pneumonia and urinary tract infection in patients with stroke after discharge from the hospital.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 patients in a hospital in Iran. The intervention group was assessed and developed a caring program by the liaison nurse and the control group received routine care. Two weeks and two months after discharge, the patients were evaluated for the incidence of pneumonia and urinary tract infection. Collected data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The two groups were homogenous in terms of mean age; gender frequently distribution, and having urinary catheter. The incidence of pneumonia in intervention and control groups (11.6% vs. 19.2%, P = 0.35) had no statistically significant differences, but there was a significant difference in the incidence of urinary tract infection (0% vs. 24.6%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
With liaison nurse performance, there was a significant difference in the incidence of urinary tract infection, in two months after discharge from hospital, but the incidence of pneumonia had no statistically significant differences in two groups. Nurse's evaluation each patient individually according to needs, developing and monitoring the home-based care program, beyond overall education to these patients, could reduce some of complications of a stroke.
Trial registration:
This study is retrospectively registered by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with decree code: IRCT20170605034330N3 on April 4, 2018.
Modeling Grape Leaf Quality Using Image Processing Technique
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad Mohammadi , Bahmani Omid
Published: February 2021

Grapes are familiar fruits in the Mediterranean, Central Europe and Southwest Asia. Various components of this plant have many uses, including leaves used in the preparation of foods. The quality of the grape leaves is especially important for the preparation of food and this requires careful consideration. One of the indicators of grape leaf selection in food is its surface integrity and absence of grooves. In this paper, by using image processing technique, the geometrical characteristics of the grape leaf including its area and perimeter are extracted and numerical value is given based on the defined index. For this purpose, leaves of four grape varieties were collected from different areas of Boroujerd City in Iran and modeling was done according to this research method. By categorizing the results that range between zero and one, two grape varieties have better Quality Index than other varieties and it is suggested as a suitable type for leaf use.
Prediction of Deleterious nsSNPs Causing CHARGE Syndrome Associated with the CHD7 Protein using Computational Approaches
Authors: Rathinam Nithya S. , N Madhana Priya , Ramasamy Magesh
Published: February 2021

The Chromo domain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7) is also known as ATP-dependent helicase CHD7, in humans, the CHD7 gene encodes it. Heterozygous mutations in this protein cause aggregation and has been determined to have an adverse role in causing CHARGE syndrome. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) analysis tends to be deleterious of the protein yet to be employed with computational methods though being the highlight for novel investigations. Various computational methods were used to categorize the 201 identified nsSNPs in the catalytic domain of the CHD7 protein (the nsSNPs are observed to have a damaging effect in the catalytic domain). Pathogenicity analysis determined 81 nsSNPs to be pathogenic and further narrowed down to 61 nsSNPs by stability analysis. Based on the structure availability, the two nsSNPs (P2683S and R2702C) were selected and were checked in the computational tools for sequence analysis (pathogenicity analysis, stability analysis, physiochemical property analysis, and conservational analysis) and were determined to have a high impact over the protein molecule. The molecular dynamics simulation and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to determine the conformational stability and flexibility change of the proteins. Subsequently, a molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) for 100ns was performed to understand the impact of the differences between the native and the mutant structures of the CHD7 protein. The simulation plots disclose very minute changes in patterns of stability, residue fluctuation, structure compactness, and flexibility regarding P2683S and R2702C mutation compared to the native structure. Further, Molecular docking was performed for the native and the mutant structures P2683S and R2702C to study the binding efficacy of the drugs Methyltestosterone and Estradiol resulting in a similar score with a very little difference to each other. The Native and mutants P2683S and R2702C have similar interaction of -5.7 kcal/mol, -5.9 kcal/mol and − 5.6 kcal/mol respectively with Methyltestosterone followed by a binding score of -6 kcal/mol, -5.6 kcal/mol and − 5.8 kcal/mol respectively for Estradiol. Detailed study about the disease, effect of nsSNP’s and the response of the drug towards the mutation are the key factors in order to launch a new personalized medicine. Therefore, in this study using various computational prediction methods, molecular dynamics simulation and molecular docking studies we have determined the nsSNP’s responsible to cause CHARGE syndrome and the drug response with respect to the determined nsSNP mutations. The outcomes acquired from our investigation will provide the data for experimental biologists for the additional procedure for examining the rest of the variations in CDH7 protein.
The Optimal Time of Applying Enteral Immunonutrition in Esophageal Cancer Patients Receiving Esophagectomy: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Tian Xu , Jin Yan-Fei , Zhang Zhao-Li , Chen Hui , Chen Wei-Qing , Jiménez-Herrera Maria F. , Han Yang
Published: February 2021

Background: Enteral immunonutrition (EIN) has been extensively applied in cancer patients, however its role in esophageal cancer (EC) patients receiving esophagectomy remains unclear. We performed this network meta-analysis to investigate the impact of EIN on patients undergoing surgery for EC and further determine the optimal time of applying EIN.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and China National Knowledgement Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify eligible studies. Categorical data was expressed as the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI), and continuous data was expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. Pair-wise and network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of EIN on clinical outcomes using RevMan 5.3 and ADDIS V.1.16.8 softwares. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to rank all nutritional regimes.Results: Total 14 studies involving 1071 patients were included. Pair-wise meta-analysis indicated no difference between EIN regardless of the application time and standard EN (SEN), however subgroup analyses found that postoperative EIN was associated with decreased incidence of total infectious complications (OR=0.47; 95%CI=0.26 to 0.84; p=0.01) and pneumonia (OR=0.47; 95%CI=0.25 to 0.90; p=0.02) and shortened LOH (MD=-1.01; 95%CI=-1.44 to -0.57; p<0.001) compared to SEN, which were all supported by network meta-analyses. Ranking probability analysis further indicated that postoperative EIN has the highest probability of being the optimal option in terms of these three outcomes.Conclusions: Postoperative EIN should be preferentially utilized in EC patients undergoing esophagectomy because it has optimal potential of decreasing the risk of total infectious complications and pneumonia and shortening LOH.OSF registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KJ9UY.
Biocementation Mediated By Stimulated Ureolytic Microbes From Brahmaputra Riverbank For Mitigation of Soil Erosion
Authors: Dubey Anant Aishwarya , Ravi K , Mukherjee Abhijit , Sahoo Lingaraj , Akindele Abiala Moses , Dhami Navdeep Kaur
Published: February 2021

Riverbank erosion is a global problem with significant socio-economic impacts. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has recently emerged as a promising technology for improving the mechanical properties of soils. The presented study investigates the potential of native calcifying bacterial communities of the Brahmaputra riverbank for the first time via biostimulation and explores its effect on the mitigation of soil erosion. The ureolytic and calcium carbonate cementation ability of the enriched cultures were investigated with reference to the standard calcifying culture of Sporosarcina pasteurii (ATCC 11859). 16S rRNA analysis revealed Firmicutes to be the most predominant calcifying class with Sporosarcina pasteurii and Pseudogracilibacillus auburnensis as the prevalent strains. The morphological and mineralogical characterization of carbonate crystals confirmed the calcite precipitation potential of these communities. The erosion resistance of soil treated with native calcifying communities was examined via needle penetration and lab-scale flume erosion test. We found a substantial reduction in soil erosion in the biocemented sample with calcite content of 7.3% and needle penetration index of 16 N/mm. We report cementation potential of biostimulated ureolytic cultures for a cost-competitive and environmentally-conscious alternative to current erosion mitigation practices.
Postoperative transverse sternal nonunion with a chest wall defect managed by a tibial locking plate and a Gore-Tex dual mesh membrane: a case report.
Authors: Malovrh Tomaz , Stupnik Tomaz , Podobnik Boris , Kalisnik Jurij Matija
Published: February 2021

Background: Transverse sternal nonunion is a rare but disabling complication of the chest trauma or less commonly a transverse sternotomy. Fixation methods, which are mainly used to manage the more common longitudinal sternal nonunion, often fail leaving surgical treatment of transverse nonunion as a challenge.Case presentation: We present a case of a highly disabling postoperative chest wall defect resulting from transverse sternal nonunion after a transverse thoracosternotomy (clamshell incision) and a concomitant rib resection. Following unsuccessful surgical attempts, sternal nonunion was fixed by a tibial locking plate and bone grafted, while the chest defect after the rib resection was reconstructed by a Gore-Tex dual mesh membrane. Adequate chest stability was achieved enabling complete healing of the sternal nonunion and a good outcome in our patient.Conclusion: We believe that in a rare combined postoperative transverse sternal nonunion and the chest wall defect after rib resection, it is important to address both. In our patient a good outcome was achieved after fixing nonunion by a properly sized and shaped locking plate with bone grafting and covering the chest defect by a dual mesh membrane.
Development of Rotational Intraperitoneal Pressurized Aerosol Chemotherapy to Enhance Drug Delivery into the Peritoneum
Authors: Park Soo Jin , Lee Eun Ji , Lee Hee Su , Kim Junsik , Park Sunwoo , Ham Jiyeon , Mun Jaehee , Paik Haerin , Lim Hyunji , Seol Aeran , Yim Ga Won , Shim Seung-Hyuk , Kang Beong-Cheol , Chang Suk Joon , Lim Whasun , Song Gwonhwa , Kim Jae Weon , Lee Nara , Lee Jung Chan , Kim Hee Seung
Published: February 2021

Background
Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) has been introduced as palliative therapy for treating peritoneal metastasis (PM) of solid tumors. However, restricted use in the limited countries and the uneven distribution and penetration in various regions of the peritoneal cavity ac as disadvantages of PIPAC. Thus, the KOrean Rotational Intraperitoneal pressurized Aerosol chemotherapy (KORIA) trial group developed rotational intraperitoneal pressurized aerosol chemotherapy (RIPAC) for enhancing drug delivery into the peritoneum to treat PM, and evaluated the drug distribution, tissue concentrations, penetration depth, pharmacokinetic properties, and toxicities after RIPAC with doxorubicin in pigs.
Methods
For delivering doxorubicin as aerosols, we used our prototype for PIPAC, which sprayed about 30-µm sized droplets through the nozzle. The mean diameter of the sprayed region was 18.5 cm, and the penetration depth ranged from 360 to 520 µm, comparable to the microinjection pump (Capnopen®; Capnomed, Villingendorf, Germany). For RIPAC, a conical pendulum motion device was added to PIPAC for rotating the nozzle. RIPAC and PIPAC were conducted using 150 ml of 1% methylene blue to evaluate drug distribution and 3.5 mg of doxorubicin in 50 ml of 0.9% NaCl to evaluate tissue concentration and penetration depth, pharmacokinetic properties, and toxicities. All agents were sprayed as aerosols via the nozzle with a velocity of 5 km/h at a flow rate of 30 ml/min under a pressure of 7 bars, and capnoperitoneum of 12 mmHg was maintained for 30 minutes. As a control, we conducted early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) using 1% methylene blue solution with an infusion flow rate of 100 ml/min for 30 minutes and the drainage of 1 L every 10 minutes.
Results
RIPAC showed a wider distribution and stronger intensity than EPIC and PIPAC. Moreover, the tissue concentration and penetration depth of doxorubicin were higher in RIPAC than in PIPAC. In RIPAC, the pharmacokinetic properties reflected hemodynamic changes during capnoperitoneum, and there were no renal and hepatic toxicities related to RIPAC using doxorubicin.
Conclusions
RIPAC may have the potential to enhance drug delivery into the peritoneum compared to PIPAC.
Long non-coding RNA HCG18 promotes malignant phenotypes of breast cancer (BC) cells by HCG18/miR-103a-3p/UBE2O/mTORC1/HIF-1α positive feedback loop
Authors: Liu Xu , Qiao Kun , Zhu Kaiyuan , Li Xianglan , Zhao Chunbo , Li Jiaqi , Feng Dawei , Fang Yu , Wang Peng , Qian Cheng , Qiao Wenbo
Published: February 2021

Background: In recent years, a growing number of studies have reported that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play crucial roles in breast cancer (BC) progression and metastasis. Another study group of our research center reported that LncRNA HCG18 was one of the 30 upregulated lncRNAs in BC tissues related to normal tissues in TCGA database. However, the exactly biological roles of HCG18 in BC remains unclear. Method: qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression profile of HCG18 in BC tissues and cell lines. In vitro assays were used to evaluate the pro-tumor function of HCG18 in BC cells. Animal study were used to explore the role of HCG18 in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to investigate the regulatory relationship of HCG18, miR-103a-3p, UBE2O in BC. Results: HCG18 was upregulated in BC tissues and cells, and BC patients with high HCG18 expression tended to have poor prognosis. HCG18 could promote BC cells proliferation, invasion and provided BC cells with tumor stemness properties (CSPs) in vitro and facilitate tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. In terms of mechanism, HCG18 functioned as a miRNA sponge which positively regulated the expression of Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2O (UBE2O) by sponging miR-103a-3p and our previous research achievement have already verified UBE2O could promote malignant phenotypes of BC cells through UBE2O/AMPKα2/mTORC1 axis. Furthermore, as a downstream target of HCG18/miR-103a-3p/UBE2O/mTORC1 axis, HIF-1α transcriptionally promoted HCG18 expression and then formed a positive feedback loop in BC. Conclusion: HCG18 played an oncogenic role in BC and it might serve as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for BC treatment.
Facile Synthesis of Hollow Flower-Like SnO and Applications in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Yuxi , Xu Panpan , Xu Manzhang , Deng Ken , Zhang Zhiyong , Wang Yingnan , Zhao Wu
Published: February 2021

Novel hollow flower-like SnO structures have been successfully synthesized by using a facile solvothermal method approach, which injecting LiN(SiMe3)2 to the solution of SnCl2 and oleamine. The as-synthesized hollow flower-like SnO structures were aggregated by ultrathin SnO nanosheets with large surface area and exhibit narrow size distribution of ~2.0 µm. The electrochemical performance of hollow flower-like SnO structures were examined as an anode material in coin cells for lithium-ion batteries. It demonstrates excellent lithium ion batteries performance as characterized by the cycling stability, specific capacity, cyclic voltammetry and rate performance. The measured discharge capacity is 361.4 mAh g-1 after 50 charge/discharge cycles with 46% capacity retention, which indicated a improving in cyclic stability. This result demonstrated that the specific hollow structure has great potential as the electrodes for lithium ion batteries. This work may provide an attractive road to synthesize other hollow-flower structures of transition metal oxides.
Assessment of Hip Involvement in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Reliability Between the HIMRISS and BASRI-Hip System
Authors: Man Siliang , Zhang Liang , Bian Tao , Li Hongchao , Ma Zhuyi , Zhou Yixin
Published: February 2021

Background. The aim is to test the reliability and validity of the Hip Inflammation MRI Scoring System (HIMRISS) in assessing hip involvement of AS patients at different stages of the bath ankylosing spondylitis radiology index (BASRI-hip) scoring system.Methods. Fifty-two outpatients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS) were included in this study. The subjects’ data includes demographics, clinical characteristics, disease activity score, and functional index. Based on the Harris hip scoring (HHS) of involved hip and BASRI-hip score, we devided these patients into no hip involvement group(HHS≥80 and BASRI≤1)(Group A), mild hip involvement subgroup (BASRI=2 or BASRI≤1 and HHS≤79) (Group B) and moderate to advanced hip involvement subgroup (BASRI≥3) (Group C). Data was analyzed statistically by SPSS software.Results. In total of 44 patients (88 hips), group A consisted of 21 hips, group B consisted of 42 hips and group C consisted of 25 hips. The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) in four raters were 0.955~0.977 and interrater ICC was 0.993. HIMRISS correlated moderately with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) (r=0.540, p<0.001), the Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) (r=0.581, p<0.001), ASDAS-ESR (r=0.604, p<0.001) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score(ASDAS)- C reactive protein (CRP) (r=0.575, p<0.001). HIMRISS in group B and C was significantly higher than that in group A: 29.38（17.00，40.94）vs 14.50（11.38，22.25）, p=0.009; 38 (31.13，64.38）vs 14.50（11.38，22.25), p<0.001.Conclusions. HIMRISS applied to patients with AS demonstrated a satisfactory reliability, which means it is a reliable quantitive assessment tool for evaluating early hip involvement in patients with AS.
First Detection and Genetic Characterization of Equus Caballus Papillomavirus 1, 2 and 7 in China
Authors: Tong Panpan , Song Xiaozhen , Ren Meiling , Jia Erken , Zhang Lei , Palidan Nuerlan , Duan Ruli , Jia Chenyang , Kuang Ling , Wang Jinquan , Xie Jinxin
Published: February 2021

Background: Nine species of Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV) have been reported to infect horses, however, there are so far no reports of such infections in China. Results: In our pioneer study with Chinese horses, we found EcPV-1 in intranasal papilloma and nasal swabs, EcPV-2 in nasal swabs and semen, and EcPV-7 primarily in semen. This indicates that EcPVs are indeed hosted by horses in China, and that EcPV-2 and 7 may be getting transmitted though breeding. Sequence analyses for complete genomic sequences of EcPV-1 (G2), EcPV-2 (XJ-KS1391) and EcPV-7 (XJ-zs1) were performed which indicated that EcPV-1, 2 and 7, that infect horses in China, share 99.3% nt identity with the already published sequences for EcPV-1, 2 and 7. These observations indicate that three types of EcPVs identified in the current study are highly similar variants of previously known types of EcPV-1, 2 and 7. Phylogenetic analysis based on L1 genes in GenBank showed that EcPV-1, 2 and 7, found in Chinese horses, are closely related to and clustered together with already known EcPV-1, 2 and 7, respectively. Conclusion: Our study provides a novel evidence for EcPVs infection and circulation in Chinese horses and thus lays the foundation for a systematic and detailed epidemiological study of these infections in Chinese horses.
Structural, Morphological and Thermal Decomposition Studies of Calcium and Hafnium Modified BaTiO3 Electro Ceramics
Authors: Fernandez Jude , Bindhu B , Prabu M. , Sandhya KY
Published: February 2021

Calcium and hafnium co-doped barium titanate could be used as a replacement for lead zirconate titanate, which is a lead-based ferroelectric material. Solid state reaction accompanied by the usual sintering technique is the classical ceramic-processing method, which demands a lot of time and effort. The present work aims to make the process a lot easier and quicker by employing a modified sol-gel combustion technique to synthesize polycrystalline Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti(1-x)HfxO3 (x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) electro ceramics . The molar ration is fixed at 1:1 for metal and citric acid at pH ~ 1. It was found that Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti(1-x)HfxO3 (where x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) crystallizes completely at around 1000 °C which is much lower than traditional methods. The structure supposedly displays a tetragonal symmetry with the P4mm space group as confirmed through x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy.
Higher Mortality from Covid19 in Patients with Renal Dysfunction in A Multicultural Multi-Ethnic Population
Authors: Nair Satish Chandrasekhar , Gasmelseed Huda Imam , Khan Asad Afroz , Khafagy Ibrahim Nageh , Abdrhman Hashim Ibrahim , Saleem Aqeel Aziz , Sreedha Jayadevan , Alhosani Ahmed Husain , Siddiqua Amatur Rahman , Ahmed Amna Riaz , Shubbar Aya Imad , Farajallah Majd Munir , Aleissaee Abdul Rahman , Hamadeh Alan Mohammad , Bashir Khlood Mustafa , Choker Haneen Bassam , Alzaabi Mohamed Nasir , Alshehhi Saif Saeed , Alblooshi Maitha Ali , Safdani Fatmah Ali , Shil Rajish Sanjit , Habbal Fuad Wardan , Alanqar Abdulrahman Wael , Douleh Wafa Fayez
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite previous exposure to coronavirus epidemics a few years ago, limited clinical and epidemiological information is available from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is the second most affected country amongst the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries by Covid19. Distinctly, the UAE has a population of almost 9.2 million, with fewer than 12% UAE nationals, and the rest immigrants, mainly unskilled labourers. The disparate socio-economic structure, crowded housing conditions, multi-ethnic, multicultural population offers a unique set of challenges in Covid19 disease management.
Methods

In order to assess patient characteristics and survival for patients infected with Covid19, electronic patient data was retrospectively abstracted from the medical records of two designated public Covid19 referral hospitals, and subjected to statistical analysis.
Results

From, the total of 3072 patients, less than one-fifth were females, the Asian population (71.2%), followed by Middle Eastern Arabs (23.3%) were the most infected by the virus. Mortality was low among the Asian population. Diabetes Mellitus (26.8%, p < 0.001), hypertension (25.7%, p < 0.001), and heart disease (9.6%, p < 0.01) were the most prevalent comorbidities observed and decreased survival by 2–3 fold. Kidney disease escalated mortality rate by almost eight-fold high (19.4%, p < 0.001), as compared to patients without kidney disease. Higher age of patients between 51 and 65 years, significantly decreased the odds for survival (Crude OR 14.1, p<,0.001) and (Adjusted OR 12.3, p < 0.001), and patient age beyond 66 years, further significantly decreased the odds for survival (Crude OR 36.1, p < 0.001) and (Adjusted OR 26.6,p < 0.001). Kidney disease as comorbidity significantly diminished the survival rates (Crude OR 9.6,p < 0.001) and (Adjusted OR 5.7, p < 0.001), as compared to those without kidney dysfunction.
Conclusion

Although Asian population was the highest infected by Covd19, their mortality rate was low (2.6%), compared to other nationalities. Older ages above 51 years decreased the odds of survival significantly. Despite other comorbidity risks, kidney dysfunction contributed to enhanced mortality by over eight-fold and reduced the odds of survival (Adjusted OR 26.6), compared to those patients without kidney dysfunction. Our findings are important in the management of the Covid19 disease in the region with similar economic, social, cultural and ethnic background.
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy at the Egyptian National Cancer Institute: Overcoming the Challenges in the Initial Case Series
Authors: Zaghloul Ashraf Saad , Abdelbary Ahmed , Fergany Amr , Aboulkassem Hatem , Fadlalla Waleed Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Background

Robotic prostatectomy is showing progressive worldwide spread owing to potential clinical benefits, but at a higher cost.
Objective

This article describes the challenges and clinical outcome of the first group of patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy in Egypt.
Design, setting, participants

From 2017 to 2019, the data of all (55) patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy at the National Cancer Institute of Egypt was analyzed.
Outcome evaluation

Short term operative outcomes, complications, technical difficulties, pathologic data and biochemical recurrence were reported.
Results

Average blood loss was 296 ml; one patient required blood transfusion. One case required open conversion, another required re-docking of the robot. Setup time was significantly improved from an average of 27.7 minutes in the first 27 cases to an average of 17.3 minutes in the final 28 cases (p < 0.0001). Complications developed in 27% of our patients. Continence recovery at catheter removal, first, third, sixth and twelfth months were 32.7%, 50.9%, 65.5%, 74.5%, and 96%, respectively.
Conclusions

Results from the first series of robotic radical prostatectomy were encouraging. Technical challenges can be overcome in a short period. Acceptable complication rate and satisfactory outcomes regarding continence and blood loss were observed.
Relationship Between Loneliness and Internet Addiction: Testing of Serial Mediation and Moderated Mediation Models of Interpersonal Problems and Motivation for Internet Use
Authors: Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Pinyopornpanish Manee , Simcharoen Sutapat , Kuntawong Pimolpun
Published: February 2021

Background

In the era of high-speed internet, using the internet regardless of platform might be considered a part of everyone’s daily activities. A number of factors have been demonstrated to be associated with internet addiction, which is mostly concerned with psychological problems such as loneliness. This study aimed to examine how and in what way loneliness has influenced internet addiction. Specifically, we proposed and tested interpersonal problems and motivation for the internet as intervening variables of the relationship between loneliness and internet addiction.
Methods

Self-report measurement on loneliness, internet addiction test (IAT) and interpersonal problems consisting of domineering, vindictive, cold, socially inhibited, nonassertive, overly accommodating, self-sacrificing and intrusive, were administered to 318 medical students (57% females); mean age was 20.88 (SD, 1.8), to test whether interpersonal problems mediated the relationship between loneliness and internet addiction in the mediation model. In addition, motivation for internet use was added to the mediation model and tested whether it was the second mediator (serial mediation model) or a moderator (moderated mediation model).
Results

After controlling for sex and age, socially inhibited problems exhibited full mediation whereas the remainder had partial mediation effect, with the exception that intrusive and cold interpersonal problems had no mediating role. Negative motivation and motivation for being accepted had mediation effects for all styles of interpersonal problems. Motivation for working was found to be a significant mediator and moderator of the most interpersonal problems. Intrusive and cold styles became a mediator only when some motivation variables were added to the model, implying that not only psychological problems should be included when analysis internet addiction, but also other variables such motivation for internet use. The percent of variance explained, by IAT score, increased from 13% by the mediation model to 33% by the moderated mediation model, and 43% by the serial mediation model.
Conclusion

The study suggested the crucial role of loneliness and interpersonal problems on internet addiction, for which motivation for the internet use explained how each interpersonal problem would be associated. This may provide some insight regarding the pathological characteristics of those using the internet as a coping strategy. Intervention to help students experiencing loneliness to avoid excessive use of the internet is possible when their interpersonal problems and various types of motivation are identified.
Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric properties of Brazilian and Peruvian versions of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Short Form (BADS-SF)
Authors: Aschar Suzana Crismanis Almeida Lopes , Claro Heloísa Garcia , Fernandes Ivan Filipe de Almeida Lopes , Daley Kate , Castro Hellen Carolina Martins , Santos Daniela Vera Cruz dos , Rocha Thais Izabel Ugeda , Hungerbuehler Ines , Araya Ricardo , Menezes Paulo Rossi
Published: February 2021

Background: Behavioral Activation (BA) is an evidence-based treatment that aims to help the individual to stay active and reduce avoidance behaviors, as a means to reduce depressive symptoms. This study aims to describe the adaptation process and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Short Form (BADS-SF) in its Brazilian and Peruvian version.Methods: Data were collected as part of a randomized trial with 880 participants in Brazil and 432 in Peru. The content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method was applied to evaluate the factorial distribution. Sampling adequacy was assessed by Bartlett’s test of Sphericity and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated to assess internal consistency.Results: CVI in Brazil was 0.92 and in Peru 0.87. The two-factor solution of the original scale is sustained (activation and avoidance), accounting for 50.6 and 54% of the total variance in Brazil and Peru, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha in Brazil was 0.55 and 0.66 in Peru for the overall scale. KMO was 0.769 and 0.790 for Brazil and Peru, respectively. Bartlett’s test of Sphericity had significance of 0.000 for both samples. Conclusion: Both studied versions of the BAD-SF showed coherent structure and internal consistency. We recommend different distribution of the items into the subscales.
An Italian individual-level data study investigating on the association between air pollution exposure and Covid-19 severity in primary-care setting
Authors: Pegoraro Valeria , Heiman Franca , Levante Antonella , Urbinati Duccio , Peduto Ilaria
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been focusing on the potential role of atmospheric pollutants in the diffusion and impact on health of Covid-19. This study’s objective was to estimate the association between ≤10 micrometers diameter particulate matter (PM10) exposure and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia due to Covid-19 using individual-level data in Italy.METHODS: Information on Covid-19 patients was retrieved from the Italian IQVIA® Longitudinal Patient Database (LPD), a computerized network of general practitioners (GPs) including anonymous data on patients’ consultations and treatments. All patients with a Covid-19 diagnosis during March 18th, 2020 – June 30th, 2020 were included in the study. The date of first Covid-19 registration was the starting point of the 3-month follow-up (Index Date). Patients were classified based on Covid-19-related pneumonia registrations on the Index date and/or during follow-up presence/absence. Each patient was assigned individual exposure by calculating average PM10 during the 30-day period preceding the Index Date, and according to GP’s office province. A multiple generalized linear mixed model, mixed-effects logistic regression, was used to assess the association between PM10 exposure tertiles and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia.RESULTS: Among 6,483 Covid-19 patients included, 1,079 (16.6%) had a diagnosis of pneumonia. Pneumonia patients were older, more frequently men, more health-impaired, and had a higher individual-level exposure to PM10 during the month preceding Covid-19 diagnosis. The mixed-effects model showed that patients whose PM10 exposure level fell in the second tertile had a 30% higher likelihood of having pneumonia than that of first tertile patients, and the risk for those who were in the third tertile was almost doubled.CONCLUSION: The consistent findings toward a positive association between PM10 levels and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia due to Covid-19 make the implementation of new strategies to reduce air pollution more and more urgent.
Increasing atmospheric helium from fossil fuel exploitation
Authors: Birner Benjamin , Severinghaus Jeffrey , Paplawsky Bill , Keeling Ralph
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Discovery of a novel brown algal genus and species Setoutiphycus delamareoides (Phaeophyceae, Ectocarpales) from the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki
Published: February 2021

A novel brown algal genus and species Setoutiphycus delamareoides (Ectocarpales sensu lato) is described from the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. The species is similar to Delamarea attenuata in gross morphology and anatomy, but distinctive in having longer thalli with rare branching, shorter cortical cells, and occurrence of branches at the tip of plurilocular zoidangia. Erect thalli were epilithic, solitary or caespitose, filiform, simple or rarely branched, attenuated towards the base, blunt at the tip, with uneven surface, yellowish brown in color, up to about 15 cm in height and 2 mm in diameter, parenchymatous, solid when young and later becoming hollow, composed of 1–2 layers of large colorless inner cells, subcortical cells, barrel-shaped large cortical cells of up to 100 µm in height and up to 60 µm in diameter, and phaeophycean hairs. Plurilocular and unilocular zoidangia developed on the same thallus, the former conical to lanceolate, sometimes branched at the tip and projected from the cortical cells, and the latter ovate. Each cell contained many discoidal chloroplasts with projected pyrenoids. In the molecular phylogeny using concatenated DNA sequences of mitochondrial cox1, cox3 and chloroplast atpB, psaA, psbA and rbcL genes, the novel alga nested in the clade composed of ectocarpalean genera of diffuse growth, with parenchymatous thalli with multiple chloroplasts, but was distinctive. Therefore, we propose the establishment of a new genus and species Setoutiphycus delamareoides gen. & sp. nov. for the novel alga, and provisionally place it in Chordariaceae, Ectocarpales sensu lato. As to the biogeography, the Seto Inland Sea repeatedly dried by sea level regression during the glacial periods and the present sea level has recovered after the LGM of ca. 10,000 years ago. Therefore, it is unlikely that the evolution of the genus and species occurred within this area, and its isolated distribution may be explained as a remnant population that survived in the refugia in southern Japan during LGM. It is possible that the species also has a broader distributional range, at least in Japan, such as northern Honshu, but if not, the species can be endangered due to the raise of seawater temperature in the area by global climate change, because the Seto Inland Sea is enclosed at its northern end, so the population cannot spread to colder more northern coasts.
Improvement of three-dimensional motion sickness using a virtual reality simulator for robot-assisted surgery in undergraduate medical students: a prospective observational study
Authors: Takata Ryo , Kanehira Mitsugu , Kato Yoichiro , Matsuura Tomohiko , Kato Renpei , Maekawa Shigekatsu , Obara Wataru
Published: February 2021

Background

A virtual reality (VR) simulator is utilized as an inexpensive tool for gaining basic technical competence in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). We evaluated operator 3D motion sickness while using a VR simulator and assessed whether it can be reduced by repeating the training.
Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Iwate Medical University, a tertiary level training hospital in an urban setting. A total of 30 undergraduate medical students participated in the study. We compared whether the VR simulator improved the students’ skills in operating the da Vinci robot. Fifteen students underwent training with a VR simulator for 4 hours a day for 5 days. Then, motion sickness was ascertained using the Visual Analog Scale and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) before and after the training.
Results

Manipulation time significantly improved after training compared to before training (293.9 ± 72.4 versus 143.6 ± 18.4 seconds, p < 0.001). Although motion sickness worsened after each training session, continuous practice with the VR simulator gradually reduced this. SSQ subscores showed that the VR simulator elicited nausea, disorientation, and oculomotor strain, and oculomotor strain was significantly improved with repeated training.
Conclusion

In undergraduate students, practice with the VR simulator improved the technique of RAS and operator 3D motion sickness caused by 3D manipulation of the da Vinci robot.
Physicochemical characterisation of kafirins extracted from sorghum grain and dried distillers grain with solubles related to their biomaterial functionality
Authors: Shah umar , Dwivedi Deepak , Hackett Mark , Al-Salami Hani , Utikar Ranjeet P. , Blanchard Chris , Gani Adil , Rowles Matthew R. , Johnson Stuart K.
Published: February 2021

Kafirin, the hydrophobic prolamin storage protein in sorghum grain is enriched when the grain is used for bioethanol production to give dried distillers grain with solubles (DGGS) as a by-product. There is great interest in DDGS kafirin as a new source for biomaterials. There is however a lack of fundamental understanding of how the physicochemical properties of DDGS kafirin having been exposed to the high temperature conditions during ethanol production, compare to kafirin made directly form the grain. An understanding of these properties is required to catalyse the utilisation of DDGS kafirin for biomaterial applications. The aim of this study was to extract kafirin directly from sorghum grain and from DDGS derived from the same grain and, then perform a comparative investigation of the physicochemical properties of these kafirins in terms of: polypeptide profile by sodium-dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE); secondary structure by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD), self-assembly behaviour by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface chemical properties by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). DDGS kafirin was found to have very similar polypeptide profile as grain kafirin but contained altered secondary structure with increased levels of β-sheets. The structure morphology showed surface fractals and surface elemental composition suggests enhanced reactivity with possibility to endow interfacial wettability. These properties of DDGS kafirin may provide it with unique functionality and thus open up opportunities for it to be used as a novel food grade biomaterial.
Plasma Fatty Acids and Primary Open-angle Glaucoma in the Elderly: the Montrachet Population-based Study
Authors: Chemaly Alicia , Arnould Louis , Seydou Alassane , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Baudin Florian , Acar Niyazi , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine
Published: February 2021

Background: To compare plasma fatty acids (FAs) between participants with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and participants without neuropathy in an elderly population and to investigate specific FAs pattern in POAG.Methods: We conducted a population-based study in participants older than 75 years. Participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination with optic nerve photographs, visual field test and optic nerve OCT with RNFL thickness measurement. Glaucomatous status was defined according to the International Society for Epidemiologic and Geographical Ophthalmology classification. Lipids were extracted from plasma and FAs methylesters prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Among the 1153 participants of the Montrachet study 810 were retained for analysis and 68 had POAG. The mean age was 82.11 ± 3.67. In multivariable analysis FAs levels were not different between POAG participants and controls (P = 0.078). A FAs pattern characterized by high negative weight of gamma-linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), Cis-7 hexadecenoic acid monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) and high positive weight of eicosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic n-6, alpha linoleic acid PUFAs, eicosenoic acid MUFAs, margaric acid and behenic acid saturated FAs was positively associated with POAG. After adjustment for major confounders, individuals in the upper tertile of FAs pattern scores compared with those in the lower tertile were more likely to present POAG (OR = 3.09 [95% CI 1.29 - 7.40] P = 0.013).Conclusions: We found no significant difference regarding isolated plasma FAs between participants with POAG and participants without neuropathy in elderly but specific FAs pattern might be associated with POAG.