bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovering Spatial-temporal Patterns of COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea: A Data-driven Approach using Dynamic Mode Decomposition
Authors: Kim Sungchan , Kim Minseok , Lee Sunmi , Lee Young Ju 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in December 2019, and it took only a few months for WHO to declare COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. It is very challenging to discover complex spatial-temporal transmission mechanisms. However, it is crucial to capture essential features of regional-temporal patterns of COVID-19 to implement prompt and effective prevention or mitigation interventions. In this work, we develop a novel framework of compatible window-wise dynamic mode decomposition (CwDMD) for nonlinear infectious disease dynamics. The compatible window is a selected representative subdomain of time series data, in which compatibility between spatial and temporal resolutions is established so that DMD can provide meaningful data analysis. A total of four compatible windows have been selected from COVID-19 time-series data from January 20, 2020, to May 10, 2021, in South Korea. The spatiotemporal patterns of these four windows are then analyzed. Several hot and cold spots were identified, their spatial-temporal relationships, and some hidden regional patterns were discovered. Our analysis reveals that the first wave was contained in Daegu and Gyeongbuk area but it spread rapidly to the whole of South Korea after the second wave. Later on, the spatial distribution is seen to become more homogeneous after the third wave. Our analysis also identifies that some patterns are not related to regional relevance. These findings have then been analyzed and associated with the inter-regional and local characteristics of South Korea. Thus, the present study is expected to provide public health officials helpful insights for future regional-temporal specific mitigation plans.
A Novel Approach to Safe Special Fitness Testing in Judo Players
Authors: Błach Wiesław , Ambroży Tadeusz , Obmiński Zbigniew , Malliaronopoulos Nikos , Migasiewicz Juliusz , Ozimek Mariusz , Grymanowski Jaromir , Rydzik Łukasz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Measurements of physical fitness indices obtained in laboratory tests using an ergometer or a treadmill are very accurate, but they involve selected groups of muscles and do not reproduce the structure of the sport-specific exercise in judo. For this reason, researchers seek for the tests that use movements similar to the characteristic offensive techniques used during competitions (i.e. throwing). The most commonly recommended is the seoi-nage throwing test, known as SJFT (special judo fitness test).The aim of the study was to develop a new test in which uke is replaced by a dummy, in order to reduce the injury rate and ensure the safety of the participants.Methods: During the 3-week period, competitors from different weight classes performed at the beginning and then after the 2-week period one 1-minute series of continual dummy throws using the o-goshi technique and the seoi-nage technique. Post-exercise physiological responses (heart rate [HR] and blood lactate levels [La]) were evaluated.﻿Results: Significant improvements were reported in o-goshi performance level after the training period. Physiological responses to exercise did not change significantly after training sessions. On both measurement days, post-exercise La levels were similar for o-goshi and seoi-nage throws, whereas post-exercise HR was significantly greater after seoi-nage throws.Conclusions: The dummy throwing test can be a recommended alternative to uke throwing due to the elimination of the risk of injuries to practising athletes.
Evaluation of Standard Dosing for Selected Broad Spectrum Hydrophilic Antibiotics in Critically Ill Patients with Augmented Renal Clearance: An Observational Study
Authors: Almutairi Majed , Sulaiman Khalid Al , Alenazi Sultan , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Aljuhani Ohoud 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Inappropriate antibiotics dosing in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC) may be associated with pathogens resistance and worse outcomes. Unfortunately, studies regarding the relationship between ARC and clinical outcomes in patients treated with antibiotics medication are rare. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of selected broad spectrum hydrophilic antibiotics (Meropenem, Imipinem, Piperacillin/Tazobactam) in augmented renal function critically ill patients with confirmed infections.Methods: A retrospective cohort study in critically ill patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)-Riyadh and received broad-spectrum Hydrophilic antibiotics (Meropenem, Imipenem, or Piperacillin/Tazobactam) with confirmed infection. All the patients who met our inclusion criteria during the study period (01/01/2018 – 31/12/2019) were included. Eligible patients have been divided into two groups (augmented renal clearance (ARC) Vs. Non-ARC) according to the estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) to assess pathogen eradication at 10-14 days. Results: A total of 2682 patients were screened; 133 patients were included in the study. The eradication of pathogen at 10-14 days in ARC group was non-inferior to non-ARC group (OR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.41–2.78 p = 0.88). The Resistance (OR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.25–2.40 p = 0.66), and Persistence after 3 days (OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.35–2.18 p = 0.78) were not significantly different between the groups. In other words, patients with ARC have the same rate of resistance and persistence of pathogen after three days. There was no difference in the 30-day mortality between the two groups (OR 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04–1.40 p = 0.11). Also, there was no difference in the ICU length of stay (LOS) nor in hospital LOS between the two groups (22.0 days vs. 17.5 days, p = 0.37), and (51.0 days vs. 30.0 days, p = 0.07) respectively. Conclusion: Using standard dosing of hydrophilic broad-spectrum antibiotics in ARC patients was not inferior to non-ARC patients in terms of the pathogen eradication, resistance, and persistence. Further randomized clinical and interventional studies are required to confirm our findings.
SOD1 mutation spectrum and natural history of ALS patients in a 15-year Cohort in Southeastern China
Authors: Chen Lu-xi , Xu Hai-feng , Wang Pei-Shan , Yang Xin-Xia , Wu Zhi-Ying , li hongfu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) are the most frequent high penetrant genetic cause for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the Chinese population. A detailed natural history of SOD1-mutated ALS patients will provide key information for ongoing genetic clinical trials.
Methods

We screened for SOD1 mutations using whole exome sequencing (WES) in Chinese ALS cases from 2017 to 2021. Functional studies were then performed to confirm the pathogenicity of novel variants. In addition, we enrolled previously reported SOD1 mutations in our centers from 2007 to 2017. The SOD1 mutation spectrum, age at onset (AAO), diagnostic delay, and survival duration were analyzed.
Results

We found two novel SOD1 variants (p.G17H and p.E134*) that exerted both gain-of-function and loss-of-function effects in vitro. Combined with our previous SOD1-mutated patients, thirty-two probands with 21 SOD1 mutations were included with the four most frequently occurring mutations of p.V48A, p.H47R, p.C112Y, and p.G148D. SOD1 mutations account for 58.9% of familial ALS (FALS) cases. The mean (SD) AAO was 46 ± 11.4 years with a significant difference between patients carrying mutations in exon 1 [n = 5, 34.6 (12.4) years] and exon 2 [n = 8, 51.4 (8.2) years] (p = 0.038). The mean of the diagnostic delay of FALS patients is significantly earlier than the sporadic ALS (SALS) patients [9.5 (4.8) years vs 20.3 (9.3) years, p = 0.0026]. In addition, male patients survived longer than female patients (40 months vs 16 months, p = 0.05).
Conclusion

Our results expanded the spectrum of SOD1 mutations, highlighted the mutation distribution, and summarized the natural history of SOD1-mutated patients in Southeastern China. Male patients were found to have better survival, and FALS patients received an earlier diagnosis. Our findings assist in providing a detailed clinical picture, which is important for ongoing genetic clinical trials.
Molecular Analysis of STin2 (Intron 2) Variant of The SLC6A4 Gene in Children and Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Amiri Shahrokh , Asadian Mahan , Khaniani Mahmoud Shekari , Derakhshan Sima Mansouri , Rahmani Negar Pourhossein , Shafiee-Kandjani Ali Reza , Fanid Leila Mehdizadeh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is recognized as one of the most familiar childhood psychiatric disorders. Many molecular genetic reviews suggest that genes play a crucial role in susceptibility to ADHD. The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) has polymorphisms that seem to correlate with ADHD development. The association between ADHD and the SLC6A4 gene variants in the Iranian population has not been investigated yet. This study analyzes the STin2 (intron 2) variant of the SLC6A4 gene in Iranian children and adolescents with ADHD .
Materials and Methods

In this retrospective case-control study, 86 ADHD patients and 99 healthy volunteers aged 5 to 14 years old were enrolled as the case group and the control group, respectively. The STin2 (intron2) fragment of the SLC6A4 gene was amplified using specific primers by conventional PCR, and three STin2 alleles of the SLC6A4 gene (STin2.9, STin2.10, and STin2.12) were examined using the acrylamide gel method.
Results

We found no significant difference between the ADHD and the control groups in STin2.9(34.9% vs 39.4%, p-value = 0.824), STin2.10(29.1% vs 23.2%, p-value = 1.354), and STin2.12(36% vs 36.4%, p-value = 0.986) variants.
Conclusion

It is concluded that there was no association between the frequency of STin2 variant alleles of the SLC6A4 gene andADHD, but in the study of risk estimation, it was found that allele 10 of this variant is a risk allele in ADHD patients.
Selinexor Improves the Anti-Cancer Effect of Tucidinostat on TP53 Wild-type Breast Cancer
Authors: Xu Shengxi , Shi Yingfang , Li Sen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is closely related to the occurrence and development of breast cancer (BC). Its inhibitor (HDACi) has been used to treat BC, while the efficacy of clinical trials was not reached expectations. HDACi combined with other drugs may be an effective strategy. This study explored the effect of HDACitucidinostat combined with selinexor, anexportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitor, on BC cellsin vitro. Methods: BC cell lines of MCF-7 (wt-TP53), MDA-MB-175 (wt-TP53), MDA-MB-134 (mut-TP53), T47D (mut-TP53) were cultured. The IC50 values of tucidinostat and selinexor on BC cells were calculated. The effects of tucidinostat and selinexor on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of BC cells were observed accordingly. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of p53, p21, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bax.Results:Compared with mut-TP53 BC, both tucidinostat and selinexor showed better inhibitory activitiesonwt-TP53 BC including MCF-7 and MDA-MB-175. Tucidinostat combined with selinexor significantly improved the effects of tucidinostat alone on the proliferation and invasion inhibitions and apoptosis promotionsof MCF-7 and MDA-MB-175 cells in vitro. It also significantly enhanced the effects of tucidinostat on up-regulating the expression levels of acetyl-p53, nuclear p53, total p53, p21 and Bax, and down-regulating the expression levels of Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 in MCF-7 or MDA-MB-175 cells. Conclusion: Taken together, we believe that tucidinostat and selinexor are potentially effective drug combinations for the treatment of wt-TP53 BC, and the molecular mechanism may be throughenhancing the activity of p53 in the nucleus of BC cells to suppress proliferation and invasion and promote apoptosis of BC cells.
Use of cell doublets for studying cytokinesis regulation reveals a new form of cytokinesis regression
Authors:   Nofar Levi-Dadon1, Panet Einat , Shalom Shira Huri Ohev , Kraus Ohad , Shoval Irit , Lahmi Roxane , Shapiro Howard , Tzur Amit 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Cytokinesis mediates separation of daughter cells at the end of cell division. We have developed a high-throughput approach for monitoring cell-autonomous cytokinesis in non-adherent cells. Focusing on cytokinesis termination, we show that chemical inhibition of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and PP2A specifically in late cytokinesis activates cytokinesis regression, which is distinct from any known cytokinesis failure, and is not a by-product of abnormal furrow ingression or chromatin bridges. This process is characterized by the formation of cortical blebs primarily at the intercellular bridge, reopening of the cleavage furrow and reassembly of an interphase-like microtubule network, but not by chromatin recondensation and mitotic spindle formation. Finally, cytokinesis regression is suppressed by chemical inhibition of aurora kinases but not Cdk1 or PLK1. Altogether, our results highlight a hitherto uncharacterized facet of the counter-activity of PP1/PP2A and aurora kinases in the final step of cell division, which ultimately secure the conclusion of cytokinesis, thereby preventing polyploidy and genomic instability.
Energy-based Design Method for Passive Energy Dissipative Bracing Systems
Authors: Rabi Raihan Rahmat , Bianco Vincenzo , Monti Giorgio 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study an energy-based method for the design of passive Energy Dissipative Bracing (EDB) systems is presented, as a retrofit technique for existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. A comprehensive literature overview concerning the design of hysteretic bracing systems based on various design philosophies, such as force-, displacement- or energy-based, is provided. The efficiency of the proposed method is validated by comparing the proposed methodology with two design procedures selected in the literature, applied to three RC frames. The results showed that the proposed method is more effective in avoiding the damage concentration at a single story and in distributing the additional strength provided by the EDBs proportionally to the hysteretic energy demand along the structure height. The validity of each procedure is compared based on non-linear static and non-linear dynamic analyses.
Modulation of Immunological Responses by Aqueous Extract of Datura Stramonium L. Seeds on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Wistar Rats
Authors: Joshua Parker Elijah , Junaidu Yahaya , Ekpo Daniel Emmanuel , Ogidigo Joyce Oloaigbe , Odiba Arome Solomon , Asomadu Rita Onyekachukwu , Oka Samson Ayodeji , Adeniyi Olasupo Stephen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) is used traditionally in West Africa to treat asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, filariasis microbial infections and conjunctivitis. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous seed extract of D. stramonium L. (ASEDS) on Wistar rats.Methods: Following phytochemical analysis of ASEDS and acute toxicity study, thirty Wistar rats of both sexes (180-200 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5). Rats in groups 1, 2 and 3 served as normal, negative and standard controls respectively. Immunosuppression was induced using Cyclophosphamide, 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) orally for 27 days. Group 2 rats were untreated while Groups 3-6 rats received 5 mg/kg b.w. Levamisole, 60, 90 and 120 mg/kg b.w. ASEDS orally for 28 days respectively. The effects of ASEDS on immune cells, immunoglobulins A, G and M levels, lipoproteins, and antioxidant status of immunosuppressed rats were evaluated.Results: ASEDS indicated LD50 above 5000 mg/kg b.w. with moderate contents of carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and high contents of alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols. Cyclophosphamide triggered significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total leucocyte count and differentials, IgA, IgG, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins A, C and E levels of the negative control rats. Treatment with ASEDS led to significant (p < 0.05) increases in immune cell counts, immunoglobulin synthesis, HDL levels, and antioxidant status of the test groups.Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the immunomodulatory benefits of ASEDS and its potential in the development of potent immunomodulatory drugs.
Attitudes of Afghan Civil Servants Towards Learning English: A Case Study of Afghanistan
Authors: Akramy Sayeed Asif , Javed Rohina Rahimzai 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The present study attempts to investigate the attitudes of Afghan civil servants towards learning English in their work environment. It also studies the effects of English for the quality of their work and the tasks they do in their offices. Moreover, the study aims to determine the respondents’ attitudes towards learning English by their gender, age, level of education, and the experience of using English at their work places. The data were collected from 508 Afghan civil servants who were working in different ministries through a questionnaire containing 20 items. For the data analysis, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used. Descriptive statistics, sample T-test, and a one-way ANOVA test were conducted to answer the questions. The findings of the study yielded that Afghan civil servants have positive attitudes towards learning English. The study also revealed that the attitudes of Afghan civil servants towards learning English are positive by their gender, age, level of education, and their experience of using English at their work places. Furthermore, the study reports that there is no any statistically significant difference in the attitudes of Afghan civil servants by their gender, age, level of education, and experience of using English at their work places.
A Wale Optimization Algorithm for Distributed Flow Shop with Batch Delivery
Authors: Li Qinghua , Li Junqing , Zhang Xinjie , Zhang Biao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study, a distributed flow shop scheduling problem with batch delivery constraints is investigated. The objective is to minimize the makespan and energy consumptions simultaneously. To this end, a hybrid algorithm combining the wale optimization algorithm (WOA) with local search heuristics is developed. In the proposed algorithm, each solution is represented by three vectors, namely a job scheduling sequence vector, batch assignment vector, and a factory assignment vector. Then, an efficient neighborhood structure is applied in the proposed algorithm to enhance search abilities. Furthermore, the simulated annealing algorithm and clustering method are embedded to improve the global search abilities of the algorithm. Finally, 30 instances are generated based on realistic application to test the performance of the algorithm. After detailed comparisons with three efficient algorithms, i.e., ABC-Y, ICA-K, and IWOA NS , the superiority of the proposed algorithm is verified.
Sustainable Control Strategy for Detecting Activated Toxins in Sewage Management and Waste Water
Authors: Xu Jin , Duan Guang , Lu Xiujun , Zhou Yan , Sivaparthipan C.B , Muthu BalaAnand 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The causes of diverse, high realization percentages are the Hospital Sewage, and no appropriate therapy for contaminant elimination has been examined. These pollutants and their complicated properties are immune to the laboratory's wastewater treatment plant (WWTPs). In other sentences, certain dynamic chemicals cannot be eliminated by traditional therapy. Environmental chemical contaminants can pose significant threats to global water supplies. In recent times, the wastewater created from medical services, healthcare facilities and laboratories has become more involved with the atmosphere researchers. A Sustainable Control Strategy for Detecting Activated Toxins (SCS-DAT) model is proposed in this research. For three things - traditional drainage features, major priority drug products, and microbiota studies - this analysis picked several multi-speciality facilities with non-identical pre-treatments. The research review assesses innovative processes' effectiveness for disposing of these three components from treated wastewater before being released into a hazardous water Sewage treatment plant (STP). Regarding the test findings, these two procedures effectively lowered the standard and medication variable of direct and indirect approaches in two out of three treatment methods, MBR and CW, excluding microbe restoration, by following stages. These two substances were found. The results showed 100% ibuprofen, carbamazepine, and frusemide reduction, while CW suggested that ofloxacin was 100% eliminated. The medicines' degradation demonstrated two accelerated oxidation variations, ozonation (O3) and peroxisome (O3-H2O2). pH, O3 availability, time of touch and H2O2 quantities are the main operating variables in AOP. Centred on medicinal products efficacy, traditional O3 treatment is more effective than integrating O3- H2O2 therapy. Therefore, the study proved that MBR combined with ozone proven an ideal technology for the chemical treatment of treated wastewater among several innovations.
Characteristics of Individuals with Self-Harm: A Retrospective Descriptive Study from Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Tharani Ambreen , Farooq Salima , Ali Maryam , Talib Uroosa , Khan Murad Moosa 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Self-Harm (SH) is a major global public health problem which is under-researched in Pakistan. A prior act of self-harm is one of the strongest predictors of future suicide.Method: This retrospective descriptive study describes the characteristics of SH cases (n=350) that presented to a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2013 to December 2017. Details related to demography, history, associated factors, access to methods used, and intent to die were collected on a structured proforma and analysed using STATA version 14. Results: It was found that self-harm acts were twice as more common in females than in males. More than half of the reported cases were in the age group 20-39 years. Drug overdose and use of insecticides were the two most common methods used in both genders. Depression was identified in nearly half of the reported SH cases. Intention to die was found to be 3 times greater among patients with psychiatric illness as compared to those with no history of psychiatric illness. Conclusion: This study suggests that limiting access to lethal means, regulating over-the-counter sale of medications, and safe storage of pesticides can possibly serve as effective measures to minimize self-harm incidences. Moreover, integration of suicide assessment and prevention programmes for the general population is also suggested.