bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does benefit finding evolve over time among Chinese women breast cancer survivals: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bi Weiyun , Wang Huaning , Yang Guitao , Zhu Cailin
Published: March 2021

Objective: Even though the prevalence of benefit finding (BF) has been empirically shown to exist among breast cancer (BC) survivals, how does benefit finding evolve over time remains inadequately investigated. This objective of this study is to examine how BF evolves over time among Chinese breast cancer survivals and determine the demographic, medical and psychosocial factors that can sustain BF increase over time, thus bring about higher level of long-term post-traumatic growth among breast cancer survivals.

Methods: Participants were 486 women with different stages of breast cancer (stages I, II and III) followed from completion of primary treatment. Analysis were performed on the data collected at the 3-year assessment during 2014-2019. Participants completed self-report questionnaires of characteristics and benefit finding at six time points with the interval of six months since BC diagnosis. The relationships between demographic, medical and psychosocial characteristics and benefit finding evolution over time were examined using mixed models.

Results: Participants reported mixed results on the evolving patterns of benefit finding: 28% reported an upward trend in BF scoring over time, 49% instead reported an downward trend, and the remaining 23% reported no obvious change. Our study has shown that some well-known covariates of benefit finding, e.g. education, income, and social support, are not associated with BF trends. In comparison, levels of spirituality and disease coping at diagnosis can more reliably predict BF evolution over time. Our results strongly indicate that benefit finding can be sustained and increased by encouraging attempts at meaning-making and active disease coping during breast cancer treatment. To our knowledge, this study is among the first to examine trends of benefit finding evolution over time on breast cancer survivals and determine their psychosocial predictors in developing countries.

Conclusion: Identifying the sustaining factors of benefit finding in the experience of breast cancer is the key to design psycho clinical solutions for patients’ long-term post-traumatic growth. As time goes by, cancer patients may experience less benefit finding. However, active disease coping and meaning-making by patients can effectively counter this undesired trend and boost their higher long-term post-traumatic growth.
Controlled-Synthesis of Hierarchical NiCo2O4 Anchored on Carbon Nanofibers Mat for Free-Standing and Highly-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Elshafei Mohamed , Deen Ahmed Gamal  El , Elmoneim Ahmed Abd , Hessein Amr
Published: March 2021

In this work, a versatile one-step hydrothermal technique was used to produce a hybrid standalone electrode of NiCo2O4 hierarchical nanostructures anchored on CNFs mat for highly-performance and substrate-free supercapacitors. The CNFs mat was working as a conductive and a three-dimensional template for hierarchical NiCo2O4 nanostructures deposition at the same time. The morphological and structural data analysis revealed a pure spinel NiCo2O4 nanostructures with a unique surface morphology comprising interconnected ultrathin nanoneedles and nanoflowers were successfully anchored to the CNFs mat. Real supercapacitors consist of two-symmetrical hybrid electrodes with different NiCo2O4 loading ratios were assembled and tested. The electrochemical performances of the assembled devices in terms of specific capacitance, energy, and power densities were systematically evaluated. Increasing the NiCo2O4 loading on the CNFs mat had shown a positive impact on improving the overall electrochemical performance of the assembled supercapacitors. A hybrid electrode loaded with NiCo2O4 twice as much as CNFs possess a specific capacitance value of 540 F g−1 along with an energy density of 30 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 515.6 W kg−1. In addition, the device showed excellent cycling stability and high capacitance retention against 6000 charge-discharge cycles at a charging current of 1.0 A g−1.
Institutions Powers, financial development and environmental factors influence on Carbon emission: Evidence from a Global Perspective
Authors: khan hayat , weili Liu , khan itbar
Published: March 2021

This study explores the moderating power of institutional quality on carbon emission through renewable energy consumption, foreign direct investment, economic growth and financial development in the globe for the period of 2002 to 2019. By using two Step System Generalized Method of Moments, the results illustrate that renewable energy usage and foreign direct investment inflow enhance environmental quality while financial development and economic growth lowers environmental quality in the panel. The results shows that quality institutions in countries are still not yet adequate to defend the harmful impact of every environmental factor and protect environment however, the interaction term of institutional quality confirms the significant moderating effect of all explanatory variables on environmental quality in the panel. The findings also confirm the existence of Environmental Kuznets Curve and evidence the pollution halo hypothesis. The findings of this paper can be useful for policy makers whereas conducting stricter environmental regulation.
Antimicrobial-associated Organ Injury among the Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chinzowu Tichawona , Roy Sandipan , Nishtala Prasad S
Published: March 2021

Background: Older adults (aged 65 years and above) constitute the fastest growing population cohort in the western world. There is increasing evidence that the burden of infections disproportionately affects older adults, and hence this vulnerable population is frequently exposed to antimicrobials. There is currently no systematic review summarising the evidence for organ injury risk among older adults following antimicrobial exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between antimicrobial exposure and organ injury in older adults. Methodology: We searched for Psych INFO, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for relevant articles using MeSH terms where applicable. After removing duplicates, articles were screened for inclusion into or exclusion from the study by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias for cohort and case-control studies. The Cochrane collaboration's tool for risk of bias (version 2) was used to assess the risk of bias for randomised control trials. We explored the heterogeneity of the included studies using the Q test and I2 test and the publication bias using the funnel plot and Egger's test. Results: The overall absolute risks of acute kidney injury among older adults prescribed aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, and macrolides were 15.1%, 19.1%, and 0.3%, respectively. Only 3 studies reported antimicrobial associated drug-induced liver injury. Studies reporting on the association of organ injury and antimicrobial exposure by age or duration of treatment were too few to meta-analyse. The funnel plot and Egger's tests did not indicate evidence of publication bias.Conclusion: Older adults have a significantly higher risk of sustaining acute kidney injury when compared to the general adult population. Older adults prescribed aminoglycosides have a similar risk of acute kidney injury to the general adult population.
The Nature of Infill Material on the Discontinuities of the Muntele Mare Granite (Beliş-Fantânele, Romania)
Authors: Har Nicolae , Gheorghiu Robert
Published: March 2021

The stability of rock massifs is strongly influenced by natural degradation processes. In combination with hydrothermal activity or atmospheric exposure, rock alteration processes can lead to the formation of secondary phases that ultimately control the rock quality and slope stability, which are particularly important for engineering works (e.g., road cuts, open pits, quarries, tunnels). The Bozgai open quarry in the Muntele Mare granite massif in the northern Apuseni Mountains (Romania) offers an excellent opportunity to investigate the influence of alteration processes on rock properties, especially owing to the extensive exposure of granite and specific mineral assemblages of hydrothermal genesis to atmospheric conditions. The alteration processes generated secondary phases located on the primary minerals of the affected rocks or deposited as infill material along the granite discontinuities. Natural and oriented samples of the Bozgai quarry infill material were investigated using polarized light, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy to obtain images and identify their mineralogical composition. The hydrothermal vein material consists of kaolinite, illite, pyrite, marcasite, quartz, iron hydroxides, albite, and microcline. These samples were exposed to atmospheric oxygen and meteoric water and secondary sulphates (jarosite and gypsum) formed in an acidic environment generated by the oxidization of pyrite and marcasite. The sheeted structure of kaolinite and geochemical behavior of the sulphates in the presence of water play a particularly important role in the reduced rock slope stability in the Bozgai quarry.
Do Equidistant Energy Levels Necessitate a Harmonic Potential?
Authors: Teichert Fabian , Kuhn Eduard , Thränhardt Angela
Published: March 2021

Experimental results from literature show equidistant energy levels in thin Bi films on surfaces, suggesting a harmonic oscillator description. Yet this conclusion is by no means imperative, especially considering that any measurement only yields energy levels in a finite range and with a nonzero uncertainty. Within this study we review isospectral potentials from the literature and investigate the applicability of the harmonic oscillator hypothesis to recent measurements. First, we describe experimental results from literature by a harmonic oscillator model, obtaining a realistic size and depth of the resulting quantum well. Second, we use the shift-operator approach to calculate anharmonic non-polynomial potentials producing (partly) equidistant spectra. We discuss different potential types and interpret the possible modeling applications. Finally, by applying n th o rder perturbation theory we show that exactly equidistant eigenenergies cannot be achieved by polynomial potentials, except by the harmonic oscillator potential. In summary, we aim to give an overview over which conclusions may be drawn from the experimental determination of energy levels and which may not.
Loss of REST in Breast Cancer Promotes Tumor Progression Through Estrogen Sensitization, MMP24 and CEMIP Overexpression.
Authors: Cloud Ashley S , Vargheese Aditya M , Gunewardena Sumedha , Shimak Raeann M , Ganeshkumar Sornakala , Kumaraswamy Easwari , Jensen Roy A , Chennathukuzhi Vargheese M
Published: March 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and is both pathologically and genetically heterogeneous, making early detection and treatment difficult. A subset of breast cancers express normal levels of REST (repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor) mRNA but lack functional REST protein. Loss of REST function is seen in ~20% of breast cancers and is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis. Despite the frequent loss of REST, little is known about the role of REST in the molecular pathogenesis of breast cancer.Methods: TCGA data was analyzed for the expression of REST target genes in breast cancer patient samples. We then utilized gene knockdown in MCF-7 cells in the presence or absence of steroid hormones estrogen and/ progesterone followed by RNA sequencing, as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation and PCR in an attempt to understand the tumor suppressor role of REST in breast cancer. Results: We show that REST directly regulates CEMIP (cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein, KIAA1199) and MMP24 (matrix metallopeptidase 24), genes known to have roles in invasion and metastasis. REST knockdown in breast cancer cells leads to significant upregulation of CEMIP and MMP24. In addition, we found REST binds to RE-1 sites (repressor element-1) within the genes and influences their transcription. Furthermore, we found that the estrogen receptor (ESR1) signaling pathway is activated in the absence of REST, regardless of hormone treatment.Conclusions: We demonstrate a critical role for the loss of REST in aggressive breast cancer pathogenesis and provide evidence for REST as an important diagnostic marker for personalized treatment plans.
Large Plasmonic Resonance Shifts From Metal Loss in Slits
Authors: Sharifi Zohreh , Gordon Reuven
Published: March 2021

The impact of loss on the plasmonic resonances in metal-insulator­metal slits is analyzed, particularly the signiﬁcant effect of loss on the reﬂection phase. The reﬂection is calculated analytically using single mode matching the­ory with the unconjugated form of the orthogonality relation. This theoretical calculation agrees well with comprehensive simulations, but differs substan­tially from the conjugated orthogonality result, as was used in past analytical works. This reﬂection phase has a large impact on the plasmonic resonance wavelengths, which are calculated using a Fabry-Pérot theory and compared with past experiment and ﬁnite-difference time-domain simulations.
Kink-Soliton, Singular-Kink-Soliton and Singular-Periodic Solutions for a New Two-Mode Version of the Burger-Huxley Model: Applications in Nerve Fibers and Liquid Crystals
Authors: Alquran Marwan , Sulaiman Tukur Abdulkadir , Yusuf Abdullahi
Published: March 2021

New two-mode version of Burger-Huxley equation is derived using Korsunsky's operators. The new model arises in the applications of nerve fibers and liquid crystals and describes the interaction of two symmetric waves moving simultaneously in the same direction. Kink-soliton, singular-kink-soliton and singular-periodic solutions are obtained to this model by means of the simplified bilinear method, polynomial-function method and the Kudryashov-expansion method. A comprehensive graphical analysis is conducted to show the physical aspects of this new type of nonlinear equations. Finally, all obtained solution are verified by direct substitution in the model.
Laser Performance and Investigation the Optimal Density Functional and the Dependence of the Basis Sets for (E, E)-2, 5-bis (3, 4-Dimethoxystyryl) Pyrazine (BDP) Molecule.
Authors: sakr mahmoud , Gawad Sayed Abdel , Eldaly Samy , Kana Maram Abou , Ebeid El-Zeiny
Published: March 2021

This manuscript includes some photophysical parameters and some optical properties such as absorption and emission spectra of the (E, E)- 2,5-bis (3,4-dimethoxystyryl) pyrazine (BDP) by applying sol-gel and copolymer matrices. The BDP molecular structure is incorporated in sol-gel matrix and copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-hydroxy metylmethacrylate (HEMA). In case of sol-gel matrix, the BDP molecular structure has higher quantum yield in addition to photostability maxima. The laser behavior of this molecular structure containing sol-gel matrix is good senior compared to copolymer one via using diode laser (450nm) as pumping laser of power 160 mW. Also, the fluorescence profile of the BDP molecular structure is sensitized via using cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) by applying sol-gel host. The optimized structure of the BDP molecule is obtained via applying B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. The electronic absorption and emission spectra of the BDP molecular structure in ethanol solvent, were calculated using time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) at CAM-B3LYP /6-31G++(d, p) level. The obtained theoretical results were compared to experimental ones.
Needs Assessment For Continuing Professional Education Among Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons: Evidence From An Economically Developed Region in China
Authors: Qiu Jun , Yi Yanhua , Jia James , Miao Yong , Hu Zhiqi
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aims to survey the demographic status of aesthetic plastic surgeons in an economically developed region and to investigate their continuing professional education needs in contents, training methods, and barriers in private and public hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted from January to December, 2020 in Guangdong, China. An in-depth key informant interviews were conducted to gain insights on the current demographic status. Demographic data and training needs assessment were collected and compared with the chi-square test, Fisher’s test, Mann-Whitney U-test using R software. Results: The disparity of surgeons’ demographic data between private and public hospitals was small. Over 60% of practicing aesthetic plastic surgeons transferred from other specialties, and one third of them had less than three years of working experience. Half surgeons attended training less than three times with an affordable expense of 1000-5000RMB. Almost 80% of them had strong willingness to attend a continuing professional education program. They prefer to attending further study in a tertiary hospital, short topic-focused training course with operation demonstrations. Their favorable training contents were rhinoplasty, eye surgery, and new technologies. Questionnaire survey revealed the likelihood that the surgeons had a graduate degree in public hospitals outweighed those in private hospitals (P<0.05). In-depth interview showed that the public hospitals focused more on repair and reconstructive surgery, academic research, whereas, private hospitals focused on market needs and were more profit-driven, where the organizational needs had influence on their different training needs for aesthetic plastic surgeons.Conclusion: It would be favorable to take the demographic status of aesthetic plastic surgeons and organizational needs into consideration in designing a continuing professional education program in plastic surgery.
Comparison of Survivors and Nonsurvivors of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: Risk Factors for In-hospital Death
Authors: Sangli Swathi , Baqir Misbah , Ryu Jay
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality among patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 89 patients hospitalized for DAH at our institution between 2001 and 2017: 49 patients who died during hospitalization and 40 patients who survived were compared. We reviewed their presenting signs and symptoms, clinical course, radiologic and pathologic findings, along with medical management. We then performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality.ResultsWe identified 12 factors to be associated with mortality when comparing survivor vs non-survivor cohorts: smoking (27 [67%] vs 21 [42%], p = 0.02), malignancy (7 [17%] vs 24 [49%], p = 0.002), interstitial lung disease (0 vs 7 [14%], p = 0.01), liver failure (1 [2%] vs 14 [28%], p = 0.001), autoimmune diseases (16 [40%] vs 4 [8%], p =0.0006), thrombocytopenia (3 [7%] vs 35 [71%], p <0.0001), ICU admission (23 [57%] vs 40 [85%], p=0.004), mean duration of ICU stay (3.5 days [± 6.7] vs 5.5 days [± 5.5], p = 0.4), steroid use (36 [90%] vs 31 [63%], p = 0.003), use of plasma exchange (6 [15%] vs 0, p = 0.005), use of mechanical ventilation (15 [37%] vs 36 [75%], p value = 0.0007) and development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (9 [22%] vs 37 [77%], p <0.0001), respectively. On multivariate analysis, thrombocytopenia (OR 52.08: 95% CI, 8.59-315.71; p <0.0001) and ARDS (OR 11.71: 95% CI, 2.60-52.67; p = 0.0013) were associated with higher odds of mortality in DAH while steroid use (OR 0.05: 95% CI, 0.007-0.39; p = 0.0004) was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with DAH.ConclusionIn DAH, thrombocytopenia and ARDS were predictors of in-hospital mortality whereas the use of steroid was associated with a more favorable prognosis.
Novel Pathogenic Mutations of FERMT1 in two Chinese Kindler Syndrome Families
Authors: Li Min , Li Weisheng , Zhu Dan , Lu Likui , Liu Jingliu , Shi Yajun , Lin Zhimiao , Sun Miao
Published: March 2021

Background: Kindler syndrome (KNDLRS) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by bullous poikiloderma with photosensitivity. Loss-of-function mutations in FERMT1, which located on chromosome 20p12.3, were responsible for KNDLRS. Numerous mutations in FERMT1 have been reported to be associated with KNDLRS. Results: The present study reported two Chinese KNDLRS families, and affected individuals from both families presented with poikiloderma, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, and diffuse cigarette paper like atrophy on hands. Skin biopsy of the proband from family 2 showed atrophy of epidermis, hyperkeratosis, dilated blood vessels in upper dermis, and microbubbles at the dermis and epidermis junction. Medical Whole Exome Sequencing V4 combined with Sanger sequencing revealed mutations in FERMT1 with affected individuals. Compound heterozygous nonsense mutations (c.193C>T, c.277C>T) were found with family 1, and a homozygous frameshift mutation (c.220delC) was observed in family 2. According to the clinical features and genetic analysis, KNDLRS was diagnosed in two Chinese families. Conclusions: This study revealed two novel pathogenic mutations in FERMT1 that caused KNDLRS and briefly summarized all pathogenic mutations in FERMT1 that have been documented via the PubMed.
Development of a Prognostic Model Based on Identification of EMT-related LncRNAs in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Guo Jiani , Yi Xuesong , Ji Zhuqing , Yao Mengchu , Yang Yu , Song Wei , Huang Mingde
Published: March 2021

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most incurable subtype of breast cancer owing to high heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and lack of treatment options. It is generally acknowledged that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key step in tumor metastasis. Methods: With the application of TCGA and GEO database, we identified EMT-related lncRNAs by Cox univariate regression analysis. Optimum risk scores were calculated and used to divide TNBC patients into high/low-risk subgroups by the median value using lasso regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier and ROC curve analyses were applied for model validation. Then we assessed the risk model from multi-omic aspects including immune infiltration, drug sensitivity, mutability spectrum, signaling pathways, and clinical indicators.Results: The risk model was composed of 22 EMT-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which seemed to be valuable in prognostic prediction of TNBC patients. The model could act as an independent prognostic factor of TNBC, and showed a robust prognostic ability in the stratification analysis. Conclusions: Together, our study successfully established a risk model with great accuracy and efficacy in prognosis prediction of TNBC patients.
Temperature and Rainfall Partial Trends in Oxford, 1870-2019
Authors: Şişman Eyüp , KIZILÖZ Burak
Published: March 2021

In this study, the trends and stabilities of temperature and precipitation hydro-meteorology time series recorded since 1870 in Oxford city of England were analyzed in detail. The Innovative Triangular Trend Analysis (ITTA) method has been inspired to identify and analyze the trends and stabilities of the selected time series. To compare the results obtained by the above-mentioned method, the Classical Mann Kendall (MK) method has been applied to each series determined for ITTA design. Thanks to the innovative design of ITTA which is preferred by the Classic MK and Sen slope methods, the trends of time series could be analyzed in detail. In this study, the first draft structure has been improved with the help of ± 5-±10 % percentage change levels which were added to the ITTA method, and thus more objective evaluations about the trend magnitudes in time series is possible. For the same draft, the monotonic trend slopes which were found by the classical MK were also calculated through the Sen slope method. The data trends could explain in more detail with the help of the draft used in this study, compared to the studies in the literature. Climate change, which has been the most important factor in trend formation in recent years, has been taken into consideration while determining the design series. The thirty-year period up to 2019, a year in which the climate change was felt much more, constitutes the most important reference years for the analysis beginning from 1990, a year in which the climate change effects started to emerge. When the data trends of one hundred fifty years are examined for the different sub-time series, it is seen that the temperature increase in during1990-2019 period is much higher than the past hundred and twenty years, according to the analysis results. The highest average precipitation occurred in the 1990–2019 and 1900–1929 periods, and their amounts and patterns are nearly similar.
Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms With Insulin Secretion, Insulin Sensitivity, and Diabetes in Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Prasad Rashmi , Kristensen Karl , Katsarou Anastasia , Shaat Nael
Published: March 2021

Aims: This study investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reported by previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to be associated with impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and/or type 2 diabetes are associated with disposition index, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and/or development of diabetes following a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods: Seventy-two SNPs were genotyped in 374 women with previous GDM from Southern Sweden. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed 1–2 years postpartum, although data on the diagnosis of diabetes were accessible up to 5 years postpartum. HOMA-IR and disposition index were used to measure insulin resistance and secretion, respectively. Results: The risk A-allele in the rs11708067 polymorphism of the adenylate cyclase 5 gene (ADCY5) was associated with decreased disposition index (beta = -0.90, SE 0.38, p = 0.019). This polymorphism was an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in islets for both ADCY5 and its antisense transcript. The risk C-allele in the rs2943641 polymorphism, near the insulin receptor substrate 1 gene (IRS1), was associated with increased HOMA-IR (beta = 0.36, SE 0.18, p = 0.050), and the T-allele of the rs4607103 polymorphism, near the ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9 gene (ADAMTS9), was associated with postpartum diabetes (OR = 2.12, SE 0.22, p = 0.00055). All analyses were adjusted for age, body mass index, and ethnicity.Conclusions: This study demonstrated the genetic susceptibility of women with a history of GDM to impaired insulin secretion and sensitivity and, ultimately, to diabetes development.
A synthetic receptor platform enables rapid and portable monitoring of liver dysfunction via engineered bacteria.
Authors: Chang Hung-Ju , Zuniga Ana , Conejero Ismael , Voyvodic Peter , Gracy Jerome , Fajardo-RUiz Elena , Cohen-Gonsaud Martin , Cambray Guillaume , Pageaux Georges-Philippe , Meszaros Magadalena , Meunier Lucy , Bonnet Jerome
Published: March 2021

Bacterial biosensors, or bactosensors, are promising field-deployable agents for medical and environmental diagnostics. However, the lack of scalable frameworks to systematically program ligand detection limits their applications. Here we present a synthetic receptor platform, termed EMeRALD (Engineered Modularized Receptors Activated via Ligand-induced Dimerization) which supports the modular assembly of sensing modules onto a high-performance, generic signaling scaffold controlling gene expression in E. coli. We applied EMeRALD to detect bile salts, a biomarker of liver dysfunction, by repurposing sensing modules from enteropathogenic Vibrio species. We improved the sensitivity and lowered the limit-of-detection of the sensing module by directed evolution. We then engineered a colorimetric bactosensor detecting pathological bile salt levels in serum from patients having undergone liver transplant, providing an output detectable by the naked-eye. The EMeRALD technology enables functional exploration of natural sensing modules and rapid engineering of synthetic receptors for diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and control of therapeutic microbes.
A New Multi-level Algorithms for Balanced Partition Problem on Large Scale Directed Graphs
Authors: Li Xianyue , Pang Yufei , Zhao Chenxia , Liu Yang , Dong Qingzhen
Published: March 2021

Graph partition is a classical combinatorial optimization and graph theory problem, and it has a lot of applications, such as scientific computing, VLSI design and clustering etc. In this paper, we study the partition problem on large scale directed graphs under a new objective function, a new case of graph partition problem. We firstly propose the modeling of this problem, then design an algorithm based on multi-level strategy and recursive partition method, and finally do a lot of simulation experiments. The experimental results verify the stability of our algorithm and show that our algorithm has the same good performance as METIS. In addition, our algorithm is better than METIS on unbalanced ratio.
WITHDRAWN: Supplementation With Purple Corn Anthocyanin Improves Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Muscle Antioxidant Status and Unsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles in Growing Goat
Authors: Tian Xingzhou , Li Jiaxuan , Zhou Di , Luo Qingyuan , Wang Xu , Lu Qi , Chen Xiang
Published: March 2021

Background: There are abundant anthocyanin compounds in purple corn, which has a wide range of biological activity in terms of antioxidation, scavenging free radicals, and preventing lipid peroxidation. However, the impact of anthocyanins on the meat quality, muscle antioxidant activity and fatty acid profiles in growing goats has not been studied. This experiment was conducted to observe the effects of anthocyanin from purple corn pigment (PCP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, muscle antioxidant activity and fatty acid profiles of goats during the growing period. It aimed to provide the important rationale for anthocyanin preventing lipid peroxidation in goats.Results: A total of eighteen Qianbei Ma wether kids (body weight, 21.38 ± 1.61 kg; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly allotted into three groups using a completely randomized design with six duplicates per group. The dietary treatments were: 1) the control group was provided with basal diet; 2) treatment 1 (LA) was provided basal diet with 0.5 g/d PCP; and 3) treatment 2 (HA) was provided basal diet with 1 g/d PCP. The results showed that supplementation of PCP anthocyanin could increase (P < 0.05) CP and GE digestibilities compared to the control. The addition of PCP tended to drop (P < 0.05) shear force during the growing goat phase. Goat receiving PCP showed higher (P < 0.05) levels of reduced glutathione, DPPH scavenging activity, and peroxidase in Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) relative to the control. Compared with the control, LA and HA displayed lower (P < 0.05) concentrations C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0 and saturated fatty acid (SFA), but increased (P < 0.05) various individual unsaturated FA of C14:1, C16:1, C17:1, C18:1n9, C18:1n12, C18:2n6, C18:3n3, C20:4n6, C22:1n9, C22:4, C22:5n6, C22:6n3, C24:1, PUFA, n-6 PUFA, MUFA/SFA and PUFA/SFA. Specifically, some stronger (P < 0.05) positive correlations were detected between antioxidant status and UFA profiles (GSH-Px, GSH, catalase, DPPH scavenging activity with C14:1, C15:1, C16:1, C18:1n9, C20:4n6, C22:1n9, C22:4, C22:5n6, C24:1, MUFA) in LD of goats.Conclusion: Results indicated that anthocyanin could be used as a source of natural functional additive because anthocyanin-rich PCP had the potential to improve growth performance, meat quality, and enhance muscle antioxidant status and unsaturated FA profiles in the growing goats.
FAP-Imaging in Rare Cancer Entities - First Clinical Experience in a Broad Spectrum of Malignancies
Authors: Dendl Katharina , Finck Rebecca , Giesel Frederik Lars , Kratochwil Clemens , Lindner Thomas , Mier Walter , Cardinale Jens , Kesch Claudia , Röhrich Manuel , Rathke Hendrik , Gampp Heike , Ristau Jonas , Adeberg Sebastian , Jäger Dirk , Debus Jürgen , Haberkorn Uwe , Koerber Stefan Alexander
Published: March 2021

Purpose: 68Ga-FAPI (fibroblast activation protein inhibitor) is a rapidly evolving and highly promising radiotracer for PET/CT imaging, presenting excellent results in a variety of tumor entities, particularly in epithelial carcinomas. This retrospective analysis sought to evaluate the potential and impact of FAPI-PET/CT in rare cancer diseases with respect to improvement in staging and therapy, based on tracer uptake in normal organs and tumors.Material and Methods: 55 patients with rare tumor entities, defined by a prevalence of 1 person out of 2000 or less, received a 68Ga-FAPI-PET/CT scan. 14 women and 41 men (median age 60) were included within the following subgroups: cancer of unknown primary (n=10), head-and-neck-cancer (n=13), gastro-intestinal and biliary-pancreatic cancer (n=17), urinary tract cancer (n=4), neuroendocrine cancer (n=4) and others (n=7). Tracer uptake was quantified by standardized uptake values SUVmax and SUVmean and the tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) was determined (SUVmax tumor/ SUVmean organ). Results: In 20 out of 55 patients the primary tumor was identified and 31 patients presented metastases (n=88), characterized by a high mean SUVmax in primary (10.1) and metastatic lesions (7.6). Highest uptake was observed by liver metastases (n=6) with a mean SUVmax of 9.8 and a high TBR of 8.7, closely followed by peritoneal carcinomatosis (n=16) presenting a mean SUVmax of 9.8 and an excellent TBR of 29.6. In terms of the included subgroups the highest uptake regarding mean SUVmax was determined in gastro-intestinal and biliary-pancreatic cancer with 9.8 followed closely by urinary tract cancer with 9.5 and head-and-neck cancer (9.1). Conclusion Due to excellent tumor visualization and, thereby, sharp contrasts in terms of high TBRs in primary and metastatic lesions in different rare malignancies, 68Ga-FAPI-PET/CT crystallizes as a powerful and valuable imaging tool, particularly with respect to epithelial carcinomas, and therefore an enhancement to standard diagnostics imaging methodologies. The realization of further and prospective studies is of large importance to confirm the potential of FAP-imaging in oncology.
Emerging New Climate Extremes Over Europe
Authors: Ossó Albert , Allan Richard P. , Hawkins Ed , Shaffrey Len , Maraun Douglas
Published: March 2021

Human society and natural systems are intrinsically adapted to the local climate mean and variability. Therefore, changes relative to the local expected variability are highly relevant for assessing impact and planning for adaptation as the climate changes. We analyse the emerging climate signal relative to the diagnosed internal variability (signal-to-noise ratio, S/N) of a set of recently published climate indices over Europe. We calculate the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to a recent baseline (1951-1983) which relates to recent societal experience. In this framework, we find that during the 2000-2016 period, many areas of Europe already experienced significant changes in climate extremes, even when compared to this recent period which is within living memory. In particular, the S/N of extreme temperatures is larger than 1 and 2 over 34% and 4% of Europe, respectively. We also find that about 15% of Europe is experiencing more intense winter precipitation events, while in summer, 7% of Europe is experiencing stronger drought-inducing conditions.
Development of Retinal Degenerative Model Using Lead Acetate (PbAc) in Zebrafish: Morphological and Behavioral Aspects
Authors: Garg Vincy , Kaur Ravneet
Published: March 2021

Lead intoxication reduces cGMP phosphodiesterase activity and enhances the influx of Ca2+ in photoreceptor cells that trigger ATP loss. Thus, releasing proapoptotic factors and activating caspase cascade results in retinal cell apoptosis. In the current study, lead acetate (PbAc) induced retinal degenerative model which mimics ocular degenerative disorders like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of retinal histology, with dose and time response parameters, showed 0.08mg/L concentration for 15 days of treatment was the appropriate dose to develop the retinal degeneration model. Its intoxication affected the photoreceptor cells thus contributing to above mentioned disorders. At an ultrastructural level, it was observed that PbAc induce retinal degeneration by damaging outer and inner segments of the photoreceptors especially the rod cells. Escape response behavior also showed a significant decrease in visual response to changing contrasts. Thus, PbAc was inducing degeneration of retina between pigmented epithelium and photoreceptor layer for further retinal regenerative studies. Lead intoxication reduces cGMP phosphodiesterase activity and enhances the influx of Ca2+ in photoreceptor cells that trigger ATP loss. Thus, releasing proapoptotic factors and activating caspase cascade results in retinal cell apoptosis. In the current study, lead acetate (PbAc) induced retinal degenerative model which mimics ocular degenerative disorders like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of retinal histology, with dose and time response parameters, showed 0.08mg/L concentration for 15 days of treatment was the appropriate dose to develop the retinal degeneration model. Its intoxication affected the photoreceptor cells thus contributing to above mentioned disorders. At an ultrastructural level, it was observed that PbAc induce retinal degeneration by damaging outer and inner segments of the photoreceptors especially the rod cells. Escape response behavior also showed a significant decrease in visual response to changing contrasts. Thus, PbAc was inducing degeneration of retina between pigmented epithelium and photoreceptor layer for further retinal regenerative studies.
Evolution Under Domestication of Correlated Attributes in Two Edible Columnar Cacti in Mexico
Authors: Bravo-Avilez David , Zavala-Hurtado José Alejandro , Rendón Beatriz
Published: March 2021

Stenocereus pruinosus and S. stellatus are columnar cacti from central Mexico, distributed in the Valle de Tehuacán and the Mixteca Baja regions. Both species have populations subject to three different forms of human management: wild, in situ and cultivated, growing in sympatry. The objectives of the present study were to compare variation in damage levels, defense mechanisms and fitness components between 1) both species due to differences in the intensity of management; 2) populations of both species subject to different forms of management; 3) two regions with different management practices and physical conditions, in these two columnar cacti. We estimated the percentage of damage, abundance of spines as resistance, and branching rate as a tolerance component, number of fruits produced in one year, number of seeds per fruit and percentage of seed germination as fitness components. The differences between species, forms of management and regions were estimated with ANOVA tests. A paired correlation with the measured variables within each form of management was used to observe the correlated attributes in both species. We found differences between species, forms of management and regions, mostly concordant with the domestication syndromes. More managed populations, present more damage and less resistance, without compromising fitness, which is the target attribute. Correlated attributes exhibited significant correlations in both species and forms of management. Some of them were concordant with domestication syndrome: More damage/less resistance, or more damage/more branching rate. Our results show that human management can influence the evolution of the interaction of correlated attributes like defense mechanisms, damage and fitness in these columnar cacti.
Lifetime Prevalence and Risk Factors for Perinatal Depression in a Large Cohort of Women with Depression
Authors: Kiewa Jacqueline , Meltzer-Brody Samantha , Milgrom Jeanette , Bennett Elizabeth , Mackle Tracey , Guintivano Jerry , Hickie Ian B , Colodro-Conde Lucía , Medland Sarah , Martin Nicholas G , Wray Naomi R , Byrne Enda M
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHistory of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, is the strongest risk factor for perinatal depression (PND). Yet many women without such history experience their first depression episode perinatally, whilst other women with depression history do not experience any episodes during the perinatal period. PND may itself be heterogenous, according to differences in psychiatric history. However, a comprehensive investigation of characteristics of women with PND, with and without a prior psychiatric history, has not been attempted.MethodsIn a large sample of parous women with depression, we sought to identify risk factors associated with PND after previous depression episodes, or as first-onset depression. Using data from the Australian Genetics of Depression Study, we identified two subgroups of PND cases (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score >= 13) with and without prior depression history. For both subgroups, we investigated lifetime prevalence, length and severity of PND. Logistic regression compared a range of characteristics of cases to those of a comparison group with major depression without any perinatal episodes. ResultsCriteria for PND was met by 5,058 (70%) of 7,182 parous women who met criteria for major depression. Of women reporting depression onset before first pregnancy, 2,261 (77%) PND cases were compared to 672 (23%) without PND. Among women reporting their first depression episode during or after their first pregnancy, 878 women for whom this first episode was PND were compared to 2,124 parous women who had experienced depression but never perinatally. Of women who experienced depression prior to first pregnancy, PND cases were significantly more likely to report more episodes of depression (OR=1.1 per additional depression episode, CI=[1.1-1.1], P=1.3E-13), non-European ancestry (OR=1.8, CI=[1.3-2.5], P=1.2E-03), severe nausea during pregnancy (OR=1.3, CI=[1.1-1.6], P=6.6E-03) and emotional abuse (OR=1.4, CI=[1.1-1.7], P=2.0E-03). Women without any depression before their first perinatal episode were significantly more likely to report emotional abuse (OR=1.3, CI=[1.1-1.6], P=1.1E-02) than women with depression without PND.ConclusionsThe majority of parous women in this study experienced PND, associated with more complex, severe depression. Results highlight the importance of perinatal assessments of depressive symptoms, particularly for women with a history of depression or childhood adverse experiences.
A Systematic Review of the Patient Burden of Crohn’s Disease-related Rectovaginal and Anovaginal Fistulas
Authors: Iglay Kristy , Bennett Dimitri , Kappelman Michael , Thai Sydney , Aldridge Molly , Karki Chitra , Cook Suzanne
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCrohn’s disease (CD)-related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) and anovaginal fistulas (AVFs) are rare, debilitating conditions that present a substantial disease and treatment burden for women. This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed the burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF, summarizing evidence from observational studies and highlighting knowledge gaps.MethodsThis SLR identified articles in PubMed and Embase that provide data and insight into the patient experience and disease burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF. Two trained reviewers used pre-specified eligibility criteria to identify studies for inclusion and evaluate risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies.ResultsOf the 582 records identified, 316 full-text articles were assessed, and 16 studies met a priori eligibility criteria and were included. Few epidemiology studies were identified, with one study estimating the prevalence of RVF to be 2.3% in females with Crohn’s disease. Seven of 12 treatment pattern studies reported that patients had or required additional procedures before and/or after the intervention of interest, demonstrating a substantial treatment burden. Seven of 11 studies assessing clinical outcomes reported fistula healing rates between 50% and 75%, with varying estimates based on population and intervention.ConclusionsThis SLR reports the high disease and treatment burden of Crohn’s-related RVF and AVF and identifies multiple evidence gaps in this field. The literature lacks robust, generalizable data, and demonstrates a compelling need for substantial, novel research into these rare and debilitating sequelae of CD.RegistrationThe PROSPERO registration number for the protocol for this systematic literature review is CRD42020177732.
Descriptions of the mechanical behaviour of the Xigeda formation in Zhaizi village, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Fu Xiaodong , Du Yuxiang , Sheng Qian
Published: March 2021

The Xigeda formation is a set of Cenozoic lacustrine semi-rock discontinuously distributed in Southwest China. As a typical hard soil or soft/weak rock, the Xigeda formation causes problems when encountered in engineering practice due to its previously unknown mechanical behaviour. Typical samples taken from Zhaizi village along the Jinsha River have been studied. Influences of both the water content and the confining pressure on strength indices of the Xigeda formation were investigated by performing triaxial tests, and the statistical correlations between the shear strength index and the water content of the Xigeda formation, and its soft rock and soil are analysed. By introducing the tenets of the theory of damage mechanics, a damage constitutive model for the deformation of the Xigeda formation and the influence of the water content thereon was established. The results show that: (a) the peak strength, the cohesion and the friction angle decrease linearly with increasing water content; (b) the sensitivity of cohesion to water content is ranked (in ascending order) as: soft rock, the Xigeda formation, then soil, and the sensitivity of friction angle to water content is ranked (in ascending order) as: soil, the Xigeda formation, then soft rock; (c) the damage constitutive model requires few input variables, has a simple form, and can reflect the deformation and strength characteristics of the Xigeda formation under different confining pressures and water contents. The results provide a mechanism with which to understand and model (for both theoretical study and engineering application) the Xigeda formation.