bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA Repair-related Gene Signature In Predicting Prognosis Of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Lv Min-Yi , Wang Wei , Zhong Min-Er , Cai Du , Fan Dejun , Li Cheng-Hang , Kou Wei-Bin , Huang Ze-Ping , Duan Xin , Zhu Qi-Qi , Hu Chuling , He Xiaosheng , Gao Feng
Published: January 2021

Background: Increasing evidence has depicted that DNA repair-related genes (DRGs) are associated with the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of DNA repair-related gene signature (DRGS) in predicting the prognosis of CRC patients.Method: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the gene expression profiles from six CRC cohorts. A total of 1,768 CRC patients with complete prognostic information were divided into training cohort (n=566) and 2 validation cohorts (n=624 and 578, respectively). LASSO-Cox model was applied to construct a prediction model.Results: Among 1,376 DRGs, a prognostic DRGS consisting of 11 distinct genes stratified patients into high and low -risk groups. In all cohorts, patients in the high -risk groups had significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) compared with those in the low-risk groups (training cohort: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.67-3.44, P < 0.001; validation-1: HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.38-3.49, P < 0.001; validation-2 cohort: HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.40-3.21, P < 0.001). After adjusting for clinical features and molecular types, DRGS still remained as an independent prognostic marker in multivariable analysis (training cohort: HR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.22-2.64, P = 0.0028; validation-1: HR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.13-3.02, P = 0.015; validation-2 cohort: HR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.15-2.65, P = 0.0085). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed significant dysregulated pathways in the high-risk involved in angiogenesis, KRAS signaling, epithelial mesenchymal transit (EMT) and myogenesis (P < 0.001).Conclusions: DNA repair-related gene signature is a favorable prognostic model for patients with CRC, and further studies are necessary to validate the exact biological mechanism.
Impact Of Pre-event Testing And Quarantine On Reducing The Risk Of COVID-19 Epidemic Rebound: A Modelling Study
Authors: WONG Ngai Sze , LEE Shui Shan , MITCHELL Kate M. , Yeoh Eng-kiong , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND With the evolving growth of the COVID-19 epidemic, travel restriction policies would need to be adjusted accordingly. Prohibition of mass event may be relaxed for social and economic benefits when virus transmission stops but could bear the risk of epidemic rebound. Against the background of the varied SARS-CoV-2 prevalence internationally, we modelled the potential impacts of pre-event interventions on epidemic risk of holding a mass event when COVID-19 is under control. METHODS We developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Guangdong Province, China, where local virus transmission ceased to occur. A large-scale international trade fair was assumed to be held, with influx of people from overseas and rest of China over a short period of time, who participated for 2-week. Scenarios of pre-event intervention (none, quarantine arrangement and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for participants) were compared. The influence of contact pattern, SARS-CoV-2 prevalence outside the province and China, and testing coverage were examined in sensitivity analyses. RESULTS In basecase scenario (no event), the epidemic has been under control since March 2020. The event would lead to the detection of 1% more confirmed cases by 31 July when community contact rate increased to pre-epidemic level. In event scenario without additional interventions, there would be 599 (93%) more new infections comparing with basecase scenario. To avert new infections, quarantining all participants before the event would be the most effective strategy, followed by quarantining all overseas participants and testing all other participants, and testing all participants before the event and on day 7. However, testing strategy is likely to be affected by the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence outside the event province. CONCLUSIONS Pre-event interventions are effective for reducing the risk of epidemic rebound caused by an international large-scale event. Universal testing for participants is likely to be an effective and feasible intervention.
Machine Learning-based CT Radiomics Model Distinguishes COVID-19 From Non-COVID-19 Pneumonia 
Authors: Chen Hui Juan , Mao Li , Chen Yang , Yuan Li , Wang Fei , Li Xiuli , Cai Qinlei , Qiu Jie , Tian Jie , Chen Feng
Published: January 2021

Background: To develop a machine learning-based CT radiomics model is critical for the accurate diagnosis of the rapid spread Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 326 chest CT exams from 134 patients (63 confirmed COVID-19 patients and 71 non-COVID-19 patients) were collected from January 20 to February 8, 2020. A semi-automatic segmentation procedure was used to delineate the region of interest (ROI), and the radiomic features were extracted. The Support Vector Machine(SVM) model was built on the combination of the 4 groups of features, including radiomic features, traditional radiological features, quantifying features and clinical features, by repeated cross-validation procedure and the performance on the time-independent testing cohort was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Results: For the SVM model that built on the combination of 4 groups of features(integrated model), the per-exam AUC of 0.925(95% CI: 0.856 to 0.994) was reached for differentiating COVID-19 on the testing cohort, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.816(95% CI: 0.651 to 0.917) and 0.923(95% CI: 0.621 to 0.996), respectively. For the SVM models that built on radiomic features, radiological features, quantifying features and clinical features individually, the AUC on the testing cohort reached 0.765, 0.818, 0.607 and 0.739 respectively, significantly lower than the integrated model, except for the radiomic model.Conclusion: The machine learning-based CT radiomics models may accurately detect COVID-19, helping clinicians and radiologists to identify COVID-19 positive cases.
The Magnitude and Profile, Distribution Patterns and Associated Factors of AIDS-related Opportunistic Diseases in Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy in Malawi
Authors: Salema Hemson Hendrix
Published: January 2021

Background

Over one million people in Malawi are HIV infected and many suffer from AIDS-related opportunistic diseases (ODs). However, little is known about the clinical profiles of these ODs and their associated risk factors. We describe the burden and spectrum of ODs in HIV-infected adults on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) since the countrywide scale-up of free HIV treatment.
Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted across all three regions in Malawi. Clinical data on prevalent and incident AIDS-related ODs in patients commenced cART from 2004–2015 were abstracted from case notes between March and May 2016.
Results

A total of 9,953 patients were included in the analysis. 60.84% were females and relatively younger than males with mean age difference of 4.75 ± 2.9 years. Overall mean age was 40.72 ± 12.19 years. 86.85% were young and middle-aged adults of productive age-group (15–54 years). 65.08% were urban residents and 59.55% were from Southern region. 12,814 AIDS-related opportunistic events were extracted: 56.54% were prevalent AIDS-defining clinical conditions and the rest were incident AIDS-recurrent cases. 7.65% of patients had no OD manifestation. Commonly occurring aetiological agents were mycobacterial (36.31%), bacterial (20.77%), fungal (15.77%) and viral (15.11%) pathogens. Overall, the most prevalent ODs were mycobacterium tuberculosis (34.39%), bacterial pneumonia (11.21%), nontyphoid Salmonella bacteraemia (9.57%), HIV-wasting syndrome (8.93%), candidiasis (6.81%), isosporiasis (5.24%), pneumocystis pneumonia (4.02%) and cryptococcal meningitis (3.72%). In the multivariable logistic regression, healthcare facility types, gender, age-group, geographical location, CD4 cell count, viral load levels, treatment initiation eligibility criteria and low socio-economic status were statistically significantly associated with manifestation of AIDS-related opportunistic diseases.
Conclusion

ODs were highly pervasive among HIV-infected adults in Malawi including treatment-experienced patients which affect largely the productive population. Strategies for effective prevention, early detection and proactive management of AIDS-related opportunistic diseases need to be established and strengthened across all patient groups, in all regions and across all ART health facilities regardless of their levels.
Fatty Acid Composition and Eco-Agronomical Traits of Lallemantia Species Modulated Upon Exposed To Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Nano Iron Chelate Fertilizers Under Water Deficit Conditions
Authors: Paravar Arezoo , Farahani Saeideh Maleki , Rezazadeh Ali Reza
Published: January 2021

Background: Application nano iron chelate and AMF fertilizer can increase plants' tolerance against water deficit stress. The main objectives of the current study were to investigate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nano iron chelate fertilizer under drought stress on grain yield, leaf chlorophyll contents, root colonization, oil percentage, and fatty acids profile of Lallemantia species. The experiment was carried out as a factorial based on a complete randomized block design consisting of three factors of irrigation levels of 90 (I90), 60 (I60), and 30% (I30) depletion of available soil water (ASW)), fertilizer levels of control (no fertilizer), AMF inoculation, and nano iron chelate, and plant species of Lallemantia (L. iberica and L. royleana) at the Research Farm of College of Agriculture, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran, in 2018/2019. Results: The results showed that increasing water deficit stress significantly decreased the above traits while applying nano iron and AMF fertilizers significantly increased them across water treatments. AMF fertilizer inoculation significantly improved both species yield. Higher root colonization by AMF inoculation enhanced seed oil and fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidic acid, and Eicosenoic acid). In contrast, applying nano iron chelate by increasing chlorophyll content in any irrigation regime could enhance seed oil and some fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid. Conclusions: Water deficit stress and application of fertilizers had different effects on both species. L. iberica, compared to L. royleana, had the most tolerance to water deficit stress and the highest dependence on AMF inoculation. Overall, these results demonstrated that the application of AMF could improve major features of Lallemantia species under deficit irrigation conditions, especially at the I60 irrigation level.
Sugar Sweetened Beverages Attributable Disease Burden and the Potential Impact of Policy Interventions: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological and Decision Models
Authors: Alcaraz Andrea , Pichon-Riviere Andres , Palacios Alfredo , Bardach Ariel , Balan Dario , Perelli Lucas , Augustovski Federico , Ciapponi Agustín
Published: January 2021

Background Around 184 000 deaths per year could be attributable to sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption worldwide. Epidemiological and decision models are important tools to estimate disease burden. The purpose of this study was to identify models to assess the burden of diseases attributable to SSBs consumption or the potential impact of health interventions.Methods We carried out a systematic review and literature search up to August 2018. Pairs of reviewers independently selected, extracted, and assessed the quality of the included studies through an exhaustive description of each model features. Discrepancies were solved by consensus. The inclusion criteria were epidemiological or decision models evaluating SSBs health interventions or policies, and descriptive SSBs studies of decision models. We excluded studies published before 2003, cost of illness studies and economic evaluations based on individual patient data.Results We identified a total of 2766 references. Out of the 40 included studies, 45% were models specifically developed to address SSBs, 82.5% were conducted in high income countries and 57.5% considered a health system perspective. The most common model’s outcomes were obesity/overweight (82.5%), diabetes (72.5%), cardiovascular disease (60%), mortality (52.5%), direct medical costs (57.35%), and healthy years -DALYs/QALYs- (40%) attributable to SSBs. 67.5% of the studies modelled the effect of SSBs on the outcomes either wholly through BMI or through BMI plus diabetes independently. Models were usually populated with inputs from national surveys -like obesity prevalence, SSBs consumption-; and vital statistics (67.5%). Only 55% reported results by gender and 40% included children; 30% presented results by income level, and 25% in selected vulnerable groups. Most of the models evaluated at least one policy intervention to reduce SSBs consumption (92.5%), being taxes the most frequent (75%).Conclusions There is a wide range modelling approaches with different complexity and information requirements to evaluate the burden of disease attributable to SSB. The majority consider the impact on obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, mortality, and economic impact. Incorporating these tools to different countries could generate useful information for decision makers and the general population to promote the deeper implementation of policies to diminish SSB consumption.
Analysis of the Ex-vivo transformation of Semen, Saliva and Urine as they dry out using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometric Approach
Authors: Das Tanurup , Harshey Abhimanyu , Srivast Ankit , Nigam Kriti , Yadav Vijay , Sharma Kapil , Sharma Arun
Published: January 2021

The ex-vivo biochemical changes of different body fluids are potential marker for the estimation of TSD. Infrared spectroscopy has great potential to reveal the biochemical changes in these fluids as previously reported by several researchers. Present study is focused to analyze the spectral changes in the ATR-FTIR spectra of three body fluids, commonly encountered in violent crimes i.e., Semen, Saliva and Urine as they dry out. The whole analytical timeline is divided into relatively slow phase I due to major contribution of water and faster Phase II due significant evaporation of water. Two spectral regions i.e., 3200-3400 cm-1 and 1600-1000 cm-1 are the major contributor to the spectra of these fluids. Several peaks in the spectral region between 1600-1000 cm-1 showed highly significant regression equation with higher coefficient of determination values in the Phase II in contrary to the slow passing Phase I. Principal component and Partial Least Square Regression analysis are the two chemometric tool used to estimate the TSD of the aforesaid fluids as they dry out. This study potentially estimates the TSD of an offence at the early stages after is occurrence as well as work as the precursor for further studies on extended timeframe.
Possible Involvement Of L-Arginine-Nitric Oxide Pathway In The Antidepressant Activity Of Auraptene In Mice
Authors: Amini-khoei Hossein , Boroujeni Shakiba Nasiri , Maghsoudi Forough , Bijad Elham , Moradi Mohammadtaghi , Lorigooini Zahra
Published: January 2021

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses around the world. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Auraptene (a coumarin derivative) has been shown to have pharmacological effects on neurological diseases. porpuse: The present study aimed to investigate the possible role of NO pathway in Auraptene antidepressant effects in male mice.Methods: Behavioral tests were used to assess depression-like behaviors. The mice received Auraptene at 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg, the combination of the sub-effective dose of Auraptene (10 mg/kg) and L-NAME, and the combination of the effective dose of Auraptene (30 mg/kg) and L-arginine. Finally, brain and serum MDA level and antioxidant capacity, as well as hippocampus and serum NO level was measured.Results: Auraptene (30 mg/kg) improved depression-like behaviors. Auraptene (30 mg/kg) also significantly reduced serum NO levels (P<0.05) and significantly increased serum MDA (10 mg/kg, P<0.05). Auraptene at 30 mg/kg also increased serum antioxidant capacity (P<0.01). Co-administration of L-NAME and the sub-effective dose of Auraptene enhanced the effects of Auraptene. However, co-administration of the effective dose of Auraptene and L-arginine reduced the effects of Auraptene.Conclusion: The results showed that Auraptene causes antidepressant effects in a dose-dependent manner and acts as a prooxidant at 100 mg/kg and exacerbates oxidative stress. The antidepressant effects of this active molecule are exerted by reducing the NO level in the hippocampus and serum, increasing the antioxidant capacity and reducing the MDA level in the serum.
PIK3R1 Promotes Lung Cancer Proliferation Through Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chen Yuewei , Du Qiurong , He Yujuan , Wen Chengcai , Hu Hai-Bo , Wang Wei , Cheng Hongyun
Published: January 2021

Background: Lung cancer is a common malignant neoplasm worldwide. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase, regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) plays as a therapeutic target in many cancers. The role PIK3R1 plays in lung cancer still remains unclear. Our study aims to explore the role of PIK3R1 in lung cancer.Methods: We used quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to detect the PIK3R1 mRNA expression level in our 20 paired lung cancer patients. We then used A549sh-PIK3R1, H1299sh-PIK3R1, H1650LV-PIK3R1, H292LV-PIK3R1, A549sh-PIK3R1+LV-PIK3R1 and H1299sh-PIK3R1+LV-PIK3R1 cells for in vitro analysis. Cell viability assay was used to detect the ability of PIK3R1 in regulating proliferation of lung cancer. Western blot analysis was used to detect the PIK3R1 protein expression level and proteins in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.Results: PIK3R1 mRNA expression level was higher in tumour tissues than the corresponding adjacent noncancerous among the 20 lung cancer patients. Increased PIK3R1 promoted lung cancer proliferation and downregulated PIK3R1 inhibited lung cancer proliferation. Furthermore, PIK3R1 downregulation suppressed p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR in A549sh-PIK3R1 and H1299sh-PIK3R1 cells. Overexpressed of PIK3R1 upregulated p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR in H1650LV-PIK3R1 and H292LV-PIK3R1 cells. Cell viability was increased in both A549 and H1299 cells following sh-PIK3R1+LV-PIK3R1 co-transfection, thus reversed the effect of sh-PIK3R1 on cell proliferation.Conclusions: We identified that overexpressed of PIK3R1 could promote lung cancer proliferation via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thus may provide PIK3R1 as a therapeutic target for effective strategy in lung cancer.
C3 Glomerulonephritis With Chronic Urinary Tract Infection: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Xu Chao , Ma Hong-Zhen , Ye Li-Qing , Xia Cong , Xia Hong , Fan Jun-Fen
Published: January 2021

Background: C3 glomerulonephritis(C3GN) is one type of C3 nephropathy(C3G) which is a rare glomerular disease associated with abnormal regulation of the alternative complement pathway. This review reports a rare case of C3GN with repeated urinary tract infection and summarizes the clinical features, differential diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with C3GN. Case Presentation: A 44-years-old woman was pathologially diagnosed as C3GN. We were confused with her recently upper respiratory tract infection and repeated urinary tract infection before the diagnosis is confirmed. We conducted gene testing and found C3 and CD46 gene mutations, which were related to C3G and atypical thermochemical syndrome in previous reports. After antibiotic treatment, the level of complement C3 was higher than before. We strongly suspect that the urinary tract infection are related to C3 glomerulonephritis.Conclusion: Clinical diagnosis of C3GN is difficult to make due to there are many differential diagnosis, especially post infection nephritis. This case emphasizes the importance of renal biopsy in the diagnosis of C3GN, but the relationship between gram-negative bacilli and C3GN is still unclear. In addition, gene mutation is also involved in the pathogenesis of C3GN, and the treatment of C3GN still needs to be explored.
Impacts and Burden of Niemann Pick Type-C: A Patient and Caregiver Perspective
Authors: Mengel Eugen , Patterson Marc C , Chladek Michael , Guldberg Christina , íDali Christine , Symonds Tara , Lloyd-Price Lucy , Mathieson Toni , Crowe Joslyn , Burbridge Claire
Published: January 2021

Background Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a debilitating condition that impacts patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life (QOL) and reduces the patient’s life expectancy. Since there is little qualitative research from the perspective of patients and family caregivers, this study explored the impact of NPC on patients’ and caregivers’ daily lives to understand the burden of disease.Results A survey of caregivers for patients with NPC and adult patients with NPC (n = 49; patient age: 13 months – 65 years) assessed NPC severity, importance of NPC symptoms, and how symptoms impacted patients’ and caregivers’ activities of daily living (ADLs) and health-related QOL (HRQOL). Follow-up interviews with a subset of survey participants (n = 28) explored the ranking of NPC symptom importance and impact on ADLs and HRQOL.Findings indicated that the most important manifestations of NPC were ambulation, swallowing, speech, fine motor skills, and cognition, which were those that had the most significant impact on ADLs and HRQOL. A wide range of ADLs were affected by NPC, mainly eating/drinking and ability to perform daily tasks, including self-care, communicating, participating in school or work, and moving indoors as well as outside the home. Along with these impacts, there was an increased risk of experiencing dangerous or life-threatening situations leading to loss of patient independence and additional caregiver burden, often requiring changes in lifestyle such as giving up work. All aspects of patients’ and caregivers’ HRQOL were affected. Participants reported feelings of social isolation, loss of enjoyment in activities (patients), and feelings of sadness or worry (caregivers).ConclusionsAmbulation, swallowing, speech, fine motor skills, and cognition are important manifestations of NPC. ADLs and HRQOL were impaired in the majority of patients as well as their caregivers. The findings were independent of current age, age of onset of symptoms, and level of NPC disease-related disability; however, the impact increased at higher levels of disease disability. Knowing the impact of NPC on patients and caregivers is important for understanding the lived experience of NPC and for identifying potential areas of support.Trial registrationNCT02612129. Registered 23 November 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02612129
Predicting Peatland Net Ecosystem Exchange of CO2 during the Non-Growing Season using Machine Learning
Authors: Rafat Arash , Rezanezhad Fereidoun , Quinton William L. , Humphreys Elyn R. , Webster Kara , Cappellen Philippe Van
Published: January 2021

The world’s cold regions are experiencing some of the fastest warming, especially during the winter and shoulder seasons. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the non-growing season (NGS) to the annual carbon budgets of northern peatlands. Because of the positive feedback of soil microbial respiration to warming, a warmer NGS may be expected to alter the carbon balance of peatlands, which are estimated to store about one-third of global terrestrial organic carbon stocks. However, estimates of NGS net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) remain highly uncertain. In this study, we determine key environmental variables affecting the NGS-NEE from a temperate peatland (Mer Bleue Bog; Ottawa, Canada) and predict future NGS-NEE under three climate scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) using a variable selection methodology, global sensitivity analysis, and data-driven model. The model successfully reproduces the observed NGS-NEE fluxes using only 7 variables, with NGS-NEE being most sensitive to changes in net radiation. Our projections estimate that mean NEE during the NGS could increase by up to 103% by the end of the 21st century; thus, reinforcing the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of peatlands as evolving sources of atmospheric CO2 in a warming world.
Formation and Comparative Analysis of Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing In Medicago Sativa L. Roots Under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Fang Zhi-hong , Shi Yonghong , Wu Xin-ming , Ren Bin-lin , Zhang Yan , Guo Pu , Chi Hui-wu , Liu Jian-ning , Wang Yun-qi
Published: January 2021

Background: Medicago sativa L. (M. sativa L.) is a legume with high salt tolerance and a major forage crop with high biomass production. However, the large-scale full-length cDNA sequences of M. sativa L. in response to abiotic stress remain unclear. Results: We provided the complete transcriptome for M. sativa L. roots under different abiotic stressors using a combination of single-molecule real-time sequencing and next generation sequencing. Our results indicated that there were 21.53 Gb clean reads, which consisted of 566,076 insert reads and 409,291 full-length non-chimeric reads. We obtained 194,286 consistent transcripts based on a cluster analysis of full-length reads, and 41,248 high quality transcript sequences based on non-full-length reads. After correction using second-generation data for third-generation low-quality data, we obtained 81,017 transcript sequences according to a cogent analysis. The sequence structural analysis acquired 33,058 simple sequence repeats and 42,725 complete coding sequence regions. In addition, 77,221 transcripts were annotated by eight functional databases; 3,043 lncRNAs were predicted and 4,971 alternative splicings were acquired. Moreover, we confirmed the levels of highly differentially expressed transcripts (ADH1, PEPC, MJG19.6, PCKA and GAPC1) in M. sativa L. roots under NaCl and polyethylene glycol stress. Conclusions: Therefore, we fully and massively exposed the full-length transcripts related to abiotic stress in M. sativa L., which will lay the foundation for understanding gene regulation in M. sativa L. under abiotic stress.
Professional Identity of Chinese Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yang Xingjie , Gao Lan , Zhang Suoyuan , Zhang Libin , Zhang Ligang , Qi Meng , Chen Jingxu
Published: January 2021

Background: Although professional identity is a strong predictor of career choice, only a few studies report on career attitudes of medical students during a public health emergency. This study investigates the changes in medical students’ professional identity and career attitude during the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluates their mental health and social support system under stress, and explores the relationship between their career attitude and other factors. Method: An online survey of 6226 Chinese medical students was conducted to collect information on demographics, professional identity, and career attitudes. The collected data were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Results: The results revealed that most participants had their professional identity strengthened, did not change their career attitude, and preferred to participate in the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Low social support, depressive symptoms, male gender, and senior year residency were factors that affected career attitude negatively. Conclusions: After the outbreak of the pandemic, it was necessary to carry out diversified professional identity research to support medical students, especially those with low social support and depressive symptoms.
Career Choice and Influential Factors Among Medical Students Majoring in Psychiatry in China
Authors: Zhang Ying-Jian , Kai Yuan , Chang Su-hua , Yan Wei , Que Jian-Yu , Deng Jia-Hui , Gong Yi-Miao , Luo Jia-Ming , Yang Shi-Chang , An Cui-Xia , Kang Yi-Min , Xu Hua-Shan , Wang Yi-Ming , Zhang Li-Fang , Zhang Wen-Fang , Song Yin-Li , Xu Dong-Wu , Liu Huan-Zhong , Wang Wen-Qiang , Liu Chuan-Xin , Yang Wen-Qiong , Zhou Liang , Zhao Jiu-Bo , Yu Miao-Yu , Chen Jun-Yu , Tang Hong , Peng Juan , Zhang Xiu-Jun , Xu Yong , Zhang Ning , Kuang Li , Li Zhan-Jiang , Wang Yu-Hua , Shi Jie , Ran Mao-Sheng , Bao Yan-Ping , Shi Le , Lu Lin
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe undergraduate program of psychiatry has been widely established in recent years to improve the education and recruitment of psychiatrists in China. We aim to investigate the career choice of medical students majoring in psychiatry in China and the influential factors.MethodThis multicenter study was conducted in 26 medical schools in China that offered undergraduate education in psychiatry in 2019. Participants included 4610 medical students majoring in psychiatry and 3857 medical students majoring in clinical medicine. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the influential factors of students’ choices of psychiatry at matriculation and as a career.Results44.08% of psychiatry majored students gave psychiatry as a first choice at matriculation, and 56.67% of them would choose psychiatry as a career, which was in sharp contrast to the proportion of clinical medicine majored students who would choose psychiatry as a career (0.69%). Personal interest (59.61%), suggestions from family members (27.96%), and experiencing mental problems (23.19%) were main reasons for choosing psychiatry major at matriculation. Personal interest (odds ratio [OR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.87-2.40), experiencing a psychiatry clerkship (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.28-3.08), being female (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.30-1.68), experiencing mental problems (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.28-1.56), and suggestions from family members (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.08-1.46) correlated positively with students’ choice of psychiatry as career. Students who lacked psychiatry knowledge (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.29-0.85) or chose psychiatry because of lower admission scores (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.63-0.97) were less likely to choose psychiatry as a career.ConclusionMore than half of psychiatry majored medical school students planned to choose psychiatry as their career, whereas very few students in the clinic medicine major would make this choice. Increasing students’ interest in psychiatry, strengthening psychiatry clerkships, and popularizing psychiatric knowledge are modifiable factors to increase the psychiatry career intention. The extent to which medical students’ attitudes toward psychiatry can be changed through medical school education and greater exposure to psychiatry will need further investigation.
Systematic THz Study of the Substrate Effect in Limiting the Mobility of Graphene
Authors: Scarfe Samantha , Cui Wei , Luican-Mayer Adina , Ménard Jean-Michel
Published: January 2021

We explore the substrate-dependent charge carrier dynamics of large area graphene films using contact-free non-invasive terahertz spectroscopy. The graphene samples are deposited on seven distinct substrates relevant to semiconductor technologies and flexible/photodetection devices. Using a Drude model for Dirac fermions in graphene and a fitting method based on statistical signal analysis, we extract transport properties such as the charge carrier density and carrier mobility. We find that graphene films supported by substrates with minimal charged impurities exhibit an enhanced carrier mobility, while substrates with a high surface roughness generally lead to a lower transport performance. The smallest amount of doping is observed for graphene placed on the polymer Zeonor, which also has the highest carrier mobility. This work provides valuable guidance in choosing an optimal substrate for graphene to enable applications where high mobility is required.
Increased whiB7 Expression and Antibiotic Resistance in Mycobacterium Chelonae Carrying Two Prophages
Authors: Cushman Jaycee , Freeman Emma , McCallister Sarah , Schumann Anna , Hutchison Keith , Molloy Sally
Published: January 2021

Background: The global increase in the incidence of non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections is of increasing concern due their high levels of intrinsic antibiotic resistance. Although integrated viral genomes, called prophage, are linked to increased antibiotic resistance in some bacterial species, we know little of their role in mycobacterial drug resistance. Results: We present here for the first time evidence of increased antibiotic resistance and expression of intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes in a strain of Mycobacterium chelonae carrying prophage. Strains carrying the prophage McProf demonstrated increased resistance to amikacin. Resistance in these strains was further enhanced by exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic, acivicin, or by the presence of a second prophage, BPs. Increased expression of the virulence gene, whiB7, was observed in strains carrying both prophage, BPs and McProf, relative to strains carrying a single prophage or no prophages. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that prophage alter expression of important mycobacterial intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes and additionally offers insight into the role prophage may play in mycobacterial adaptation to stress.
Nurses’ Experiences of Blood Sample Collection from Children: A Qualitative Study from Swedish Paediatric Hospital Care
Authors: Hjelmgren Henrik , Ygge Britt-Marie , Nordlund Björn , Andersson Nina
Published: January 2021

Background: Blood sampling collections are necessary and important for diagnosis and treatment in paediatric hospital care. Nurses play an active role in helping the children with the blood sampling experience. Unfortunately, the blood sampling collection procedure is often affected by pre-analytical errors, leading to consequences such as delayed diagnosis, treatment and hospital stay, as well as repeated sampling. Moreover, children state that needle procedures are the worst experience of their hospital stay. Nurses working in children’s hospitals are responsible for conducting most of the needle related procedures but their experience of errors occurring during blood sample collection is unknown. The aim of this study therefore was to describe paediatric nurses’ experiences of blood sampling collections from children. Method: We used a qualitative study design with a (reflexive) thematic analysis (TA) method. Three focus group interviews were conducted, with 19 nurses from Sweden working at two different paediatric hospitals, focusing on their experiences of the blood sample collection procedure. Results: From the three focus group interviews we analysed patterns and meanings of the following themes: Paediatric blood sampling is a challenge for the nurses, Nurses’ feelings of frustration with unsuccessful samplings, Nurses believe in team work, Venous blood sampling was experienced as the best option, and Nurses’ thoughts and needs regarding skills development in paediatric blood sampling. Conclusion: The narrative results of this study illustrate that nurses working in paediatric hospital care face a big challenge in blood sampling collection from children. The nurses felt frustrated due to unsuccessful blood samplings and frequently could not understand why pre-analytical errors occurred. Nevertheless, they felt strengthened by colleagues in their team and shared feelings of responsibility to help each other with this complex procedure. The implications of this study are that paediatric hospital care needs to focus on improving guidelines for and increasing competence in blood sampling children and helping nurses to understand why samplings may be unsuccessful and how this can be avoided.
Somatic Genomic Defects And Tumor Progression In NF1-associated Tumors 
Authors: Wu-Chou Yah-Huei , Hung Tzu-Chao , Lin Yin-Ting , Lin Chih-Hung , Yu Chung-Chih , Huang Shih-Chiang , Chen Kuo-Ting , Chen Yu-Ray
Published: January 2021

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common inherited tumor predisposition syndrome. Many genetic and biochemical evidences considered NF1 gene as a tumor suppressor gene that inactivation of both NF1 alleles would lead to tumorigenesis. However, the clinical evaluation and early detection of malignant transformation from plexiform neurofibromas is often challenging. Methods: We used Affymetrix’s OncoScan FFPE Assay to record copy number gains and losses of common cancer genes in 24 NF1-associated tumors and compared with their NF1 mutation status. In addition, we carried out immunohistochemical studies of NF1, SUZ12 and H3K27me3 to evaluate gene expression in NF1-associated tumors to elucidate their potential roles during neurofibromatosis.Results: The most common Copy number alterations (CNAs) identified in this study were copy number loss (bi-allelic loss) of NF1 (N=8) and SUZ12 (N=7). Many concurrent alterations of both NF1 and SUZ12 were also observed in these NF1-associated tumors. We found that the molecular events contributing to these tumors (both PNFs and MPNST) are very heterogeneous and not all MPNST harbour biallelic NF1 inactivation. We also observed some unexplained features need to be clarified in a set of NF1-associated tumors with the genetic results and NF1, SUZ12 and H3K27me3 proteins expression. Conclusions: We suggest that dividing NF1-associated tumors into subsets by the genetic spectrum of coordinate signaling pathway and tumor pathology may have practical implications for further choice of therapies.
Machine Learning Associated With Respiratory Oscillometry: A Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for the Detection of Respiratory Abnormalities in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Andrade Domingos , Ribeiro Luigi , Lopes Agnaldo , Amaral Jorge , de Melo Pedro Lopes
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe use of machine learning (ML) methods would improve the diagnosis of respiratory changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This paper evaluates the performance of several ML algorithms associated with the respiratory oscillometry analysis to aid in the diagnostic of respiratory changes in SSc. We also find out the best configuration for this task.MethodsOscillometric and spirometric exams were performed in 82 individuals, including controls (n=30), and patients with systemic sclerosis with normal (n=22) and abnormal (n=30) spirometry. Multiple instance classifiers and different supervised machine learning techniques were investigated, including k-nearest neighbours (KNN), random forests (RF), AdaBoost with decision trees (ADAB), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB).Results and discussionThe first experiment of this study showed that the best oscillometric parameter (BOP) was dynamic compliance. In the scenario Control Group versus Patients with Sclerosis and normal spirometry (CGvsPSNS), it provided moderate accuracy (AUC=0.77). In the scenario Control Group versus Patients with Sclerosis and Altered spirometry (CGvsPSAS), the BOP obtained high accuracy (AUC=0.94). In the second experiment, the ML techniques were used. In CGvsPSNS, KNN achieved the best result (AUC=0.90), significantly improving the accuracy in comparison with the BOP (p<0.01), while in CGvsPSAS, RF obtained the best results (AUC=0.97), also significantly improving the diagnostic accuracy (p<0.05). In the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth experiments, the use of different feature selection techniques allowed us to spot the best oscillometric parameters. They all show a small increase in diagnostic accuracy in CGvsPSNS, respectively 0.87,0.86, 0.82, 0.84, while in the CGvsPSAS, the performance of the best classifier remained the same (AUC=0.97). ConclusionsOscillometric principles combined with machine learning algorithm provides a new method for the diagnosis of respiratory changes in patients with systemic sclerosis. The findings of the present study provide evidence that this combination may play an important role in the early diagnosis of respiratory changes in these patients.
PERSonality, Ehical, and PROfessional Quality of Life in Pediatric/Adult Intensive Nurses Study: PERSEPRO PAIN Study
Authors: Matsuishi Yujiro , Mathis Bryan , Hoshino Haruhiko , Enomoto Yuki , Shimojo Nobutake , Kawano Satoru , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: January 2021

Background Burnout syndrome (BOS) is emotional exhaustion that reduces both professional quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction derived from work. The World Health Organization (WHO) included BOS criteria in its 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2019 and nursing bodies have issued calls to action to prevent BOS. Despite of this importance, the effect of social factors, personality traits and cross- interaction on professional QOL is still unclear.Method An online survey whose enrollment criteria included registered nurses working in adult, pediatric or both ICUs. We used the ten-item personality measure (TIPI) and Type-D personality Scale-14 (DS14) then measured the ethical climate by using the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey (HECS) and the professional QOL domains BOS, secondary traumatic stress (STS), and compassion satisfaction (CS) by the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (Pro-QOL V) simultaneously. Multivariate analysis of factors, including demographic data and interaction terms, confirmed the triangle association of hospital ethical climate, personality traits and professional QOL.Result We enrolled 310 participants from September 2019 to February 2020. Mean age was 33.1 years (± 5.9) and about 70% were female. In the multivariate analysis, neuroticism (p=0.03), Type D personality (p<0.01) were associated with BOS, and BOS-associated factors and agreeableness (p<0.01) was associated with STS. On the other hand, extraversion (p=0.01), agreeableness (p<0.01) and openness (p<0.01) were associated with CS. We also observed interactions between hospital ethical climate and conscientiousness (p=0.01) for BOS and STS. neuroticism (p<0.01) for BOS and CS, Type D personality (p<0.01) for BOS and STS.Conclusion Hospital ethical climate strongly affects the magnitude of professional QOL in nurses with specific personality traits. Therefore, it is important for management to maintain an ethical hospital climate and consider individual personalities to maintain professional QOL and prevent BOS.
Insight Into the Binding Mode Knowledge of New Possible Anti-Hypertensive Compounds Designed in Silico Using Neutral Endopeptidase (NEP) As A Target.
Authors: Lamazares Emilio , Cañizares-Carmenate Yudith , Castillo-Garit Juan , Mena-Ulecia Karel
Published: January 2021

Arterial hypertension is a health problem that affects millions of people around the world. Particularly in Chile, according to the last health survey in 2019, 28.7% of the population had this condition, and arterial hypertension complications cause one in three deaths per year. In this work, we have used molecular simulation tools to evaluate new compounds designed in silico by our group as possible anti-hypertensive agents, taking Neutral Endopeptidase (NEP) as a target, a key enzyme in the arterial hypertension regulation at the level kidney. We use docking experiments, molecular dynamics simulation, free energy decomposition calculations means of Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann (MM-PBSA) method and ligand efficiency analysis. To identify the best anti-hypertensive agent we realized pharmacokinetic and toxicological predictions (ADME-Tox). The principal results obtained shown the ligands designed in silico were adequately oriented in the thermolysin active centre. The Lig783, Lig2177, and Lig3444 compounds were those with better dynamic behaviour. The energetic components that contribute to the complexes stability are the electrostatic and Van der Waals components; however, when the ADME-Tox properties were analyzed, we conclude that the best anti-hypertensive candidate agents are Lig783 and Lig3444, taking Neutra Endopeptidase as a target.
Incentives for Mothers, Health Workers and “Boda-Boda” Riders to Improve Community-Based Referral Process and Deliveries in the Rural Community: A Case of Busoga Region in Uganda
Authors: Muluya Kharim Mwebaza , Mugisha John Francis , Kithuka Peter , Kibaara Kenneth Rucha , Muwanguzi David Gangu , Ochieng Otieno George , Yitambe Andre , Wananda Irene
Published: January 2021

Background: This study set out to investigate how incentives for mothers, health workers and boda-boda riders can improve the community-based referral process and deliveries in the rural community of Busoga region in Uganda.Methods: The study was a 2-arm cluster non-randomized control trial study design; with intervention and control groups from selected health centres and communities as the units of non-randomization. The study interventions involved the provision of incentives for mothers, health workers and boda-boda riders for duration of six months. The study used a mixed methods research design with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Descriptive statistical analysis was computed using STATA version 14 for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: Findings revealed that incentives strongly improved community-based referrals and health facility deliveries in the study area. Mothers who delivered from health centres and transported by boda-boda transport were 70.5% in the intervention arm and only 51.2% in the control arm. Of the 70.5% of the mothers above, 69.4% were transported by trained boda-boda riders and only 30.6% were transported by un-trained boda-boda riders. The 69.4% mothers transported by trained boda-boda riders to health centres stated that boda-boda riders’ response to their calls for transport improved from 4.3% to 21.3% in the 5 – 20 minutes interval. For the 21 – 30 minutes interval, the response improved from 31.4% to 69.6% in the intervention arm compared to 37.1% to 40.3% in the control arm. As the time interval increased, the boda-boda riders who delayed to respond to mothers’ calls reduced. In the intervention arm, only 6.2% of the mothers stated that boda-boda riders’ response took 31 – 60 minutes time interval after the intervention compared to 54.9% before the intervention. There was little change in the control arm from 53.2% pre intervention to 41.2% post intervention. Similarly, the boda-boda riders’ response to mothers’ calls for transport reduced for the time interval of 60 minutes and above. Conclusion: Incentives and creation of partnerships are very critical in achieving better health facility-based deliveries as a result of proper referral processes.