bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handheld ECG Tracking of in-hOspital Atrial Fibrillation (HECTO-AF): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mancinetti Marco , Schukraft Sara , Faucherre Yannick , Cook Stéphane , Arroyo Diego , Puricel Serban
Published: December 2020

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent and causes substantial morbidity through AF-related strokes. Given the increasing prevalence of AF, screening methods are of interest given the potential to initiate timely appropriate anticoagulation. The HECTO-AF trial aims to determine the efficacy of AF screening with a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) handheld device in naïve in-hospital patients.Methods. The HECTO-AF is a single-centre, open label, randomized controlled trial. Patients admitted to the general medicine ward of the University and Hospital Fribourg without previous diagnosis of AF were invited to participate in a screening program with a 1:1 allocation to either the screening group with intermittent single-lead handheld ECG recordings vs. a control group undergoing detection of AF as per routine clinical practice. Primary outcome was prevalence of newly diagnosed AF. Enrolment was terminated for poor patient recruitment and apparent futility before a sufficient sample for powered efficacy comparisons was enrolled. Results. A total 804 patients were included of whom 381 were allocated to the intervention and 423 to the control group. Mean age was 65±16 and 464 (58%) were male. Median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3 (13% heart failure, 57% hypertension, 19% diabetes mellitus, 14% prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, 29% arterial disease) and all CHA2DS2-VASc risk factors were equally distributed between groups. Seven patients (1.8%) were diagnosed with AF in the intervention group versus 3 (0.7%) in the control group (p-value=0.20). Conclusion. There was a trend towards a higher AF detection in the intervention group, but a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn due to the early termination of the present study. Systematic screening for AF in the hospital setting is resource-consuming, and of uncertain clinical benefit. The interpretation of single-lead handheld ECG is challenging and may result in inaccurate AF diagnosis. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03197090.
Alcohols Enrichment Enables Their Electrooxidation Coupled with H2 Production at High Current Density
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Yan Yifan , Xu Si-Min , Zhou Hua , Xu Ming , Ma Lina , Kong Xianggui , Wang Bin , Zheng Lirong , Duan Haohong
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical alcohols oxidation offers a promising approach to produce industrial-relevant chemicals and facilitate coupled H 2 production. However, the corresponding current density is very low at moderate cell potential that substantially limits the overall productivity. Here, we report enrichment of alcohols in local environment over a cooperative catalyst of Au nanoparticles supported on cobalt oxyhydroxide nanosheets (Au/CoOOH), enabling alcohols electrooxidation at high current density. Specifically, the current density of benzyl alcohol electrooxidation can reach 523 mA cm− 2 at potential of 1.5 V vs. RHE. Experimental and theoretical results suggest that benzyl alcohol molecules are enriched on Au/CoOOH interface via strong d-π interaction. The enrichment has a broad substrate scope that involves alcohols with α-π bond including α-phenyl, C = C and C = O groups. Based on these findings, we design an intermittent potential (IP) strategy for long-term alcohol enrichment, achieving electrooxidation with current density of > 250 mA cm− 2 over 24 hours and promoted productivity.
Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocyte Compositions and Prognostic Immune-Related Genes in Pancreatic Cancer.
Authors: Teng Buwei , Yang Yuhan , Guo Zengya , Zhang Kundong , Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Weiwei , Qiu Zhengjun
Published: December 2020

Background:Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers，which has poor prognosis.At present, abundant genetic PC samples can be obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to finish comprehensive and reliable immunogenomic analysis. Thus, there is an urgent need to systematically explore the immunogenome of PC to obtain good prognosis.Methods: In this study, according to TCGA and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases, we investigated the different compositions of leukocytes between PC and normal pancreas tissues, and analyzed the expressions of immune-related genes (IRGs) and the overall survival (OS) of 178 PC patients. Subsequently, computational difference algorithm and COX regression analyses were employed to assess the differentially expressed and OS-related IRGs in PC patients. Moreover, the underlying action mechanisms and properties of these IRGs were investigated by using computational biology. Finally, multivariable COX analysis was used to develop a novel prognostic biomarker for PC according to these IRGs.Results:The results showed that CD4+ memory T cells and M0 macrophages were more common and highly dominated in PC tissues relative to the non-tumor tissues. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed and OS‐related IRGs were actively involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. A prognostic signature according to these differentially expressed IRGs (CD2AP, IL20RB, MYEOV, NUSAP1, PCDH1, RAB27B, TNFSF10, TOP2A, TPX2, TYK2, WNT7A and BUB1B) was moderately used for prognostic predictions. Further study indicated that RAB27B was negatively related to CD4 T cells while TYK2 was positively correlated with CD4 T cells. Conclusions: Taken together, this study screened several significant IRGs, demonstrated the drivers of immune repertoire, and indicated the importance of these PC-specific IRGs in the prognosis of PC.
A New Human Anatomy Teaching Mode Combining Virtual Anatomy System and Dissection to Promote Active Learning and Improve Learning Efficiency.
Authors: Chen Na , Fang Bin , Tan Wen , Li Ying , Luo Na , Liu Jun , Zhang Xiang , Wu Yi
Published: December 2020

Background: Education of human anatomy has always experienced many difficulties, including the lack of anatomical specimens and limitations imposed by anatomical dissection techniques that damage and change the shape and position of the anatomical structures. Methods: A digital virtual anatomy system may be the solution to these difficulties. Based on high-resolution sectional anatomical images from the Chinese Visible Human dataset, a virtual anatomy system was created. In total, 170 undergraduate students from the Third Military Medical University were divided into two groups, namely the combining virtual anatomy (CVA) group and the traditional anatomy (TA) group. The CVA group was taught using both the virtual anatomy system and the traditional anatomy course, while the TA group was taught using only the traditional course. After completing the course, the teaching outcomes were assessed by written and practical examinations, and the satisfaction levels of the students and teachers were also assessed with questionnaires.Results: The examination scores and questionnaires showed that the CVA anatomy course provided a comfortable studying environment for medical students and greatly improved their self-learning ability, active thinking ability, 3D spatial thinking ability and interest in learning. Conclusions: The teaching mode adding the virtual anatomy course with the traditional anatomy course is a new and effective way to advance the teaching of human anatomy, which is better than traditional dissection.
Upregulation of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Meixensberger Sophie , Kuzior Hanna , Fiebich Bernd , Süß Patrick , Runge Kimon , Berger Benjamin , Nickel Kathrin , Denzel Dominik , Schiele Miriam , Michel Maike , Maier Simon , Bechter Karl , Domschke Katharina , Elst Ludger Tebartz van , Endres Dominique
Published: December 2020

IntroductionImmunological explanatory approaches are becoming increasingly important in schizophrenia research. In this context, the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) play an essential role. Different adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), are key elements in sustaining the integrity of the BBB and BCSFB. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the levels of different cell adhesion molecules in the CSF of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders to those of patients with unipolar depression and (2) to analyze their association with the established markers of the BBB/BCSFB function (total protein and albumin quotient [AQ]).Patients and methodsA total of 40 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder and 39 age- and sex-matched control patients with unipolar depression were analyzed. The levels of soluble ICAM-1 (s-ICAM-1), soluble VCAM-1 (s-VCAM-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in the CSF were measured using a magnetic bead multiplexing immunoassay.ResultsThe levels of sICAM-1 (p<0.001), sVCAM-1 (p<0.001), and PAI-1 (p<0.001) in the CSF were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder than in patients with unipolar depression. Correlation analyses revealed a significant correlation of protein concentrations with sVCAM-1 levels (r=0.505, p=0.001) and of AQs with the sVCAM-1 (r=0.583, p<0.001) and PAI-1 (r=0.337, p=0.033) levels in patients with schizophrenia.LimitationThe significance of the study is limited by the retrospective research design and by the absence of a healthy control group. The assay used was not previously established for the measurement of CSF.DiscussionResults revealed that sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in the CSF are higher in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder than in patients with depression. These circulating signaling molecules may indicate endothelial dysfunction causing impaired BBB/BCSFB function in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Consistent with this view, a highly significant correlation of sVCAM-1 with CSF protein and AQs was detected. Upregulation of these cell adhesion molecules might be indicative of a proinflammatory immune response underlying the BBB/BCSFB disturbance in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Further translational and controlled studies on the role of different cell adhesion molecules in schizophrenia are needed.
Bioactivity-Guided Separation of Potential α-glycosidase Inhibitor from Clerodendranthus Spicatus based on HSCCC with Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhu Chunsheng , Niu Hongjuan , Nie Anzheng , Bian Meng
Published: December 2020

Clerodendranthus Spicatus is a traditional Dais medi-edible plant and it has been proven to have good blood glucose-lowering efficacy. However, the material basis of Clerodendranthus Spicatus has not been clarified yet. Therefore, in this paper, the compounds were purified by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) and the potential activity of compounds were determined by molecular docking. In the separation process, the solvent system was determined by a 9 × 9 map-based solvent selection strategy and the solvent system hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3:5:3:5, v/v) was used for HSCCC. Finally, five compounds were purified and identified as 2-Caffeoyl-L-tartaric acid (1), N-(E)-caffeoyldopamine (2), rosmarinc acid (3), Methyl rosmarinate (4), 6,7,8,3',4'-Pentamethoxyflavone (5). Then, the identified compounds were individually docked with α-glycosidase. The affinity energies of the identified compounds ranged from -7.6 to -8.6 kcal/mol, which are all better than acarbose (-6.6 kcal/mol). In particularly, rosmarinc acid with the lowest affinity energy of -8.6 kcal/mol was wrapped by the active site of α-glycosidase. The docking results indicated that the target compounds have potential α-glycosidase inhibitory activity and may be responsible for the blood glucose-lowering activity of Clerodendranthus Spicatus. The results indicated that the bioactivity-guided method is practical for the effective separation of active compounds from natural resources.
Complications of Polycystic Kidney Disease and Relation With Disease Progression: An Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Pérez-Mir Mònica , Carreras-Planella Laura , Borràs Francesc , Bonet Josep , Troya Maribel
Published: December 2020

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a renal inherited disease characterized by the growth of bilateral renal cysts that lead to deterioration in renal function and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). These patients frequently present complications like urinary tract infection, acute pyelonephritis, acute or chronic pain, renal lithiasis or high blood pressure (HBP). The aim of this study is to compare the renal evolution in ADPKD patients with renal complications and/or HBP compared to those without complications nor HBP.Methods: Observational retrospective study of 29 ADPKD patients with normal renal function and <70 years followed up in our center. Clinical and analytical information of 2010, 2015 and 2017 were determined.Results: 29 patients were enrolled with a median age of 41 years [34-54], eighteen women (62,1%) and eleven men. Median of estimation of glomerular function rate (eGFR) was 85.8ml/min [70.7-115.6] in 2010, 76.0 ml/min [57.0-99.9] in 2015 and 63.1ml/min [45.0-95.8] in 2017. Eight patients (27.6%) have never had kidney complication nor HBP. Nine patients (31.0%) have normal blood pressure, 6 others (20.7%) have well controlled high blood pressure (HBP) and 14 (48.3%) have badly controlled HBP. When patients were divided between those who have never presented a complication (C-) and those who present renal complication and/or HBP (C+), the first group presented better kidney function. When patients were segregated into those who have never presented complication or well-controlled HBP (CHBP-) and those with renal complication and/or badly-controlled HBP (CHBP+) no differences were found at the initial eGFR, but a faster worsening of kidney function in CHBP+ group.Conclusions: In ADPKD patients, the decrease in eGFR is significantly important in individuals showing complications (including HBP) compared to those who did not present complications. Individuals with complications and badly-controlled HBP show even greater differences in kidney function decrease compared with patients without complications or well controlled HBP.
Higher Survival Rate Associated with Thymosin Alpha 1 use in Critical COVID-19: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yichen , Li Jie , Ke Jia , Cheng Sijing , Zhu Lixin , Shen Lihan , Fu Rao , Gu Jieruo , Jiao Na , Huang Yibo , Zou Yifeng , Yan Guangjun , Zhu Ruixin
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCurrently no satisfactory pharmaceutical intervention is available for COVID-19. This retrospective study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of thymosin alpha1 in critical COVID-19. ResultsWe enrolled 109 critically ill severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 RNA positive patients from 15 hospitals. The mortality rate in critical patients treated with thymosin alpha1 was 11%, compared to 56% in critical patients not treated with thymosin alpha1. With confounding factors adjusted in multivariate logistic regression, thymosin alpha1 treatment was identified as a protective factor for critical COVID-19. ConclusionOur observation advocates the treatment of critical COVID-19 with thymosin alpha1.
Photocatalytic aerobic oxidative carbonylation of methane by iron terpyridine catalysts
Authors: Zuo Zhiwei , Pan Hui , An Qing , Chen Hui , Chen Yuegang , Made Alexander van der , Smits Joost , Bavel Sander van
Published: December 2020

Employing methane as a C1 feedstock for commodity chemicals represents a sustainable and empowering opportunity for chemical catalysis. However, practical demands of industrial development have imposed serve challenges to utilize co-effective catalysts and reagents as well as ecologically benign conditions for highly efficient and selective C(sp3)–H bond functionalizations, constantly driving the development of catalytic strategies. The aerobic oxidative carbonylation of methane represents an ideal approach for sustainable acetic acid synthesis, yet poses a longstanding challenge in selectivity for C2:C1 products. In recent years, metallaphotocatalysis in which photoredox catalysts operate in synergy with transition metal catalysts to facilitate both 1- and 2-electron reaction steps, has provided intriguing opportunities to achieve selective cross-couplings otherwise unattainable. Here, we demonstrate the utilization of an iron terpyridine catalyst to facilitate multiple 1- and 2-electron processes, including photoexcitation, radical generation, oxidative radical capture and carbonylation, in the form of methane aerobic carbonylation to acetic acid. High levels of catalytic efficiency (turnover numbers up to 31480) and selectivity (C2/C1 ratio up to 142:1) have been achieved with a robust iron terpyridine photocatalyst at ambient temperature under LED irradiation. Importantly, this practical catalytic manifold has been adapted to the selective oxidative carbonylation of various feedstock alkanes.
Prevalence and Correlates of Suicide Attempt in Chinese Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Guangyun , Zhang Shufang , Tong Jun
Published: December 2020

Background: The suicidal behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been extensively studied in western countries. However, few data are available on the suicidal behaviors, especially suicide attempt (SA), in Chinese BPD patients. Methods: 84 Chinese BPD patients were included and the following data were collected: the demographics, comorbidity of DSM-Ⅳ axis Ⅰ and axis Ⅱ diagnoses of mental disorders, times of hospitalization, and history of SA. All patients self-completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Ⅱ, Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ, Buss & Perry Aggression Questionnaire, Child Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Results: 52 (61.9%) patients reported SA(s) during their lifetime. Univariate logistic regression analysis found eleven variables associated with SA in BPD patients, including female, unemployment, times of hospitalizations, major depressive disorder (MDD), motor impulsiveness, hostility, self-aggression, total score of aggression, depressive symptoms, emotional neglect and total score of abuse. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified three correlates of SA from variables above: MDD, hostility, and self-aggression. Self-aggression showed a weak correlative trend. Conclusions: Chinese BPD patients are at a great risk of suicide; the treatment of MDD and reduction of aggression might be helpful for the suicide prevention in clinical management of Chinese BPD patients.
An Ego-Centred Approach for the Evaluation of Spatial Effects on Health in Urban Areas Based on Parametric Semi-Variogram Models: Concept and Validation
Authors: Sauzet Odile , Breiding Janne , Zolitschka Kim , Breckenkamp Jürgen , Razum Oliver
Published: December 2020

Background: Neighbourhood is a complex structure but of high relevance for health. Its operationalisation remains however a challenge. The aim of this work is to present an approach for the evaluation of spatial eﬀects on health. For this, we propose to estimate two parameters providing a measure of an average neighbourhood or spatial eﬀect at city level without having to predeﬁne any notion of physical neighbourhood. Methods: We present the statistical method to estimate the parameters of this correlation neighbourhood by ﬁtting an exponential model to the empirical semi-variogram at short distances. With a simulation study, we show for which sample size and sampling density the method performs well and illustrate how to use the method with data from a birth cohort using the outcome birthweight. Results: For small sample sizes (500) the method provides reliable estimates if the density of observations is high. For larger sample sizes other parameters inﬂuencing the quality of estimates are the maximal distance at which the semi-variograms are estimated. Conclusions: Given the complexity of spatial scales relative to neighbourhood spatial processes, our approach oﬀers the possibility to incorporate existing approaches to the operationalisation of neighbourhood in quantitative analyses while providing a measure of the part of health inequalities which could be possibly due to unmeasured spatial exposure as well as a measure of their spatial scale.
Understanding Patient Journey in Ulcerative Colitis Prior to Biologic Initiation: A 5-Year Exploration
Authors: Wang Yiting , Makadia Rupa , Knoll Christopher , Hardin Jill , Voss Erica , Fife Daniel , Davis Kourtney , Sloan Sheldon
Published: December 2020

Background There has been a more pronounced shift toward earlier, more aggressive therapies in Crohn’s disease than in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to describe the pre-biologic treatment and health care experience, including co-morbidities and overall health care utilization, for UC patients who initiated biologic therapies in the five years prior to the initiation of the first biologic agent.MethodsUC patients who initiated a biologic agent approved for UC between 9/15/2005 and 1/30/2018 were identified from the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial claims database. The date of the first recorded UC biologic exposure was defined as the index date, and ≥ 5 years of pre-index records were required to evaluate patients’ treatment, disease progression and overall health care utilization prior to initiating biologic agents.ResultsAmong the 1891 eligible patients, treatment with oral corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylates, and other non-biologic immunomodulators all increased progressively across the five years prior to the index. From within year-five to within year-one prior to the index, the median duration of oral corticosteroids increased from 34 to 88 days per year and the proportion of patients who experienced more extensive/pancolitis disease increased from 16% to 59%. Overall, the frequency of all-cause health care visits also increased.ConclusionsPatients with UC experienced increasing morbidity and treatment burden in the five years prior to initiating biologic therapy. To achieve sustained remission and mucosal healing with reduced corticosteroids in UC management, better risk stratification is needed to help identify patients for more timely biologic treatment.
The Role of Different Linkage Disequilibrium Patterns in Genomic Prediction: The gBULP Based Exploratory Method in Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study
Authors: Akbarzadeh Mahdei , Dehkordi Saeid , Roudbar Mahmoud , Riahi Parisa , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Guity Kamran , Sedaghati-khayat Bahareh , Lanjanian Hossein , Azizi Fereidoun , Daneshpour Maryam
Published: December 2020

Background: Current GWAS discoveries have discovered novel clinical improvements in recent decades, such as estimating whole-genome risk. Genetic prediction of traits has substantial impacts on public health care and disease prevention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns on genomic prediction accuracy and SNP-based heritability estimation for four lipid profile traits.Results: This family-based study included 11,798 individuals ranging from 3 to 80 ys, extracted from Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS). LD patterns were considered on different thresholds (0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9) to create subsets of SNPs. We have compared the prediction accuracy and SNP-based heritability estimation of the selected SNPs within these patterns as well as randomly selected SNPs with equal sizes. Subsets of SNPs selected based on LD patterns had a higher prediction accuracy level than subsets of SNPs selected randomly, and when the LD threshold increases, the difference tends to zero. The results were consistent when the prediction accuracy of subsets were adjusted for their SNP numbers in all traits. For all traits, when the number of SNPs was adjusted, between LD threshold 0.01 and 0.2, both prediction accuracy and SNP-based heritability have a dramatic rise. After substantial growth, there was a steady decline, and they reach a peak at an LD threshold between 0.2 and 0.3.Conclusions: This research indicated that having selected subsets of SNPs based on the LD threshold always outperform randomly selected SNPs for prediction objectives. However, determining the specific LD threshold for prediction purposes might be controversial since achieving the highest level of prediction accuracy, when the number of SNPs is adjusted, prompts different results (in our case, 0.3 when the SNP number was adjusted and 0.9 when the SNP number is not adjusted). Finally, we concluded that choosing the LD threshold as a tool to boost genetic prediction accuracy should be used with intense care.
Parental Experiences in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Mengesha Endalkachew , Zelellw Desalegne , Asfaw Likawunt , Tesfa Mulugeta , Debela Mitiku , Ambaw Fentie
Published: December 2020

Background: Neonatal intensive care settings are important to save the lives of sick neonates; however, parents are challenged by many stressful conditions during their stay outside the rooms of intensive care units. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents in a neonatal intensive care unit at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: In this study, a phenomenological qualitative approach was used to explore parental experience and data were collected using in-depth interviews from purposively selected parents. In addition, a thematic approach was used to analyze the data using Open Code Software Version 4.02. Results: In this study, parents found to developed psychological problems like anxiety, stress, worry, hopelessness and state of confusion. Emotional related conditions were anger, crying, sadness, frustration, dissatisfaction, regret, disappointment, feeling bad, self-blaming, nervousness, disturbance and lack of self-control. Parents expressed that health care providers showed indiscipline, lack of commitment and not cooperative at all. Conclusion: Parents of neonates in the intensive care unit were challenged due to a shortage of money and traveling a long distance. Psychological and emotional factors were identified as major stressors of parents during their stay in the NICU. Hence, providing psycho-emotional supports, strengthening parents–healthcare providers’ interaction, and scale up neonatal intensive care unit service into the primary health care unit are recommended.
Ecosystem Services in Short Rotation Coppice Forestry on Former Arable Land
Authors: Krēsliņa Vita , Lazdiņa Dagnija , Brumelis Guntis
Published: December 2020

The rising global population size has placed increasing demands for acquisition and sustainable use of renewable resources and carbon sink. One of the ways to meet this demand and realise Green deal is by planting fast growing trees such as Alnus incana, Betula pendula, Salix sp., Populus tremuloides x Populus tremula for short rotation forestry (SRF) or short rotation coppice (SRC). The area of these plantations is increasing. The main benefit of these plantations is renewable wood energy. There can be also additional benefits for ecosystem services if the plantation is fully used. The aim of the study was to describe the ecosystem services offered by SRC and SRF in comparison to intensive agriculture. We studied the occurrence of herbaceous plant species in an experimental tree stand in Skriveri district in Latvia. The cover of plants was estimated in plots. The results showed a multitude of other ecosystem services offered by the plantation. In grassland belts between tree rows, provisioning ecosystem services included plants for medicinal purposes and teas, as well as forage species for livestock feed. Regulating ecosystem services included nectar plants for pollination with added value of honey production. The most intensive blooming and pollen season was from April to October, when 20 species of nectar plants were blooming. Trees and herbs with microbial nitrogen fixing associations had potential for soil improvement. The fast-growing trees can sequester carbon and mitigate climate change. Compared to cultivated grassland with one or a few species, SRC and SRF provides a greater variety of ecosystem services.
Sniffer Worm, C. elegans, as a Toxicity Evaluation Model Organism with Sensing and Locomotion Abilities
Authors: Kim Jun Sung , Park Sang-Kyu , Lee Haeshin
Published: December 2020

The probability of objects fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing exhibiting local defects is higher than that detected in products of conventional casting-based manufacturing. Multistep layer-by-layer procedures in additive manufacturing are the main reason. Light intensity and/or penetration depth, inhomogeneity of components, and variations in nozzle temperature are factors that create local defects. Defect regions are sources of toxic component release, but methods to identify them in printed materials have not been reported. Existing assays for evaluating material toxicity are based on extraction, and these toxicological assays use living creatures to passively detect harmful agents in extracted solutions. Thus, the development of an active system for identifying sites of toxicity sources is a critical and urgent issue in 3D printing technologies. Herein, we introduce an animal model system, C. elegans, for toxicity evaluation. C. elegans crawls toward safe regions but avoids toxically dangerous areas. The ‘sensing’ and ‘locomotion’ abilities of C. elegans are unparalleled among existing underwater and animal models, providing immediate indications to help find toxicity source sites.
Cooperation or Confrontation? —— Prediction of COVID-19 Pandemic Situation via Deep Learning
Authors: Hong Zhonghua , Fan Ziyang , Tong Xiaohua , Zhou Ruyan , Zhang Yun , Han Yanling , Wang Jing , Yang Shuhu , Xu Lijun , Luan Kuifeng , Xie Huan , Feng Yongjiu , Liu Shijie , Chen Peng , Jin Yanmin , Xu Xiong , Liu Sicong , Wei Chao , Wang Chao
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious catastrophe since the Second World War. To more accurately observe the epidemic under the influence of policies and provide policy adjustments before the official presidential transition in the United States, we use a three-layer superimposed Long-Short-Term-Memory (LSTM) model to predict the epidemic development trend to mid-January, 2021. The proposed model provides more accuracy and stability relative to Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Recovered (SEIR), modified stacked au-to-encoder, and single-layer LSTM models. The performance effects of the measures in China and five countries with severe epidemics are analysed and summarised. The model shows that the error rate of China, five countries and the world is less than 1.4%. According to forecasts, the epidemic situations in the United States, India, and Brazil, caused by untimely, inappropriate policies, lax regulations and insufficient public cooperation, remain very severe, with cases continuing to increase by tens of thousands. The number of cumulative confirmed cases worldwide will exceed 84.58 million by mid-January, 2021; however, the mortality rate will gradually decrease. Based on analysis of measures (including China’s effective prevention and control policies), we found that there are performed tremendous different efficiency even using same positive policy for different countries because of various cooperation between people and governments. It is essential to maintain self-protection to prevent the epidemic from deterioration or regenerating, especially, wearing mask and maintaining a safe distance.
Effect of Sterilization on 3-point Dynamic Response to in Vitro Bending of an Mg Implant
Authors: Becerra Luis Humberto Campos , Rodríguez Marco Antonio Loudovic Hernández , Arroyo Raúl Lesso , S Hugo Esquivel , Castro Alejandro Torres
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of the study is to characterize a biomedical magnesium alloy and highlighting the loss of mechanical integrity due to the sterilization method. Ideally, when using these alloys is to delay the onset of degradation so that the implant can support body loads and avoid toxicological effects due to the release of metal ions into the body. Methods: The experimentation was carried out according to the standards of ASTM-F-1264 and ISO-10993-5 for mechanical and biological tests respectively, this testing methodology is carried out in accordance with the monographs of the Pharmacopoeia for the approval of medical devices and obtaining a health registration. An intramedullary implant (IIM) manufactured in magnesium (Mg) WE43 can support loads of the body in the initial period of bone consolidation without compromising the integrity of the fractured area. A system with these characteristics would improve morbidity and health costs by avoiding secondary surgical interventions. As a property, the fatigue resistance of Mg in aggressive environments such as the body environment undergoes progressive degradation, however, the autoclave sterilization method drastically affects fatigue resistance, as demonstrated in tests carried out under in vitro conditions. Coupled with this phenomenon, the relatively poor biocompatibility of Mg WE43 alloys has limited applications where they can be used due to low acceptance rates from agencies such as the FDA. However, Mg alloy with elements such as yttrium and rare earth elements (REEs) have been shown to delay biodegradation depending on the method of sterilization and the physiological solution used.Results: With different sterilization techniques, it may be possible to keep toxicological effects to a minimum while still ensuring a balance between the integrity of fractured bone and implant degradation time. Therefore, the evaluation of fatigue resistance of WE43 specimens sterilized and tested in immersion conditions (enriched Hank's solution) and according to ASTM F-1264, along with the morphological, crystallinity, and biocompatibility characterization of the WE43 alloy allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and biological properties of WE43. Conclusions: These results will support decision-making to generate a change in the current perspective of biomaterials utilized in medical devices (MDs), to be considered by manufacturers and health regulatory agencies. An implant manufactured in WE43 alloy can be used as an intramedullary implant, considering keeping elements such as yttrium-REEs below as specified in its designation and with the help of a coating that allows increasing the life of the implant in vivo.
Clinical Outcomes of T4a Papillary Thyroid Cancer With Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Involvement: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Na Han-Seul , Kwon Hyun-Keun , Shin Sung-Chan , Cheon Yong-Il , Seo Myeonggu , Lee Jin-Choon , Sung Eui-Suk , Lee Minhyung , Kim In-Joo , Kim Bo-Hyun , Lee Byung-Joo
Published: December 2020

Preoperative vocal cord palsy (VCP) may indicate locally invasive papillary thyroid cancer (PTC); using this relationship, we evaluated the clinical outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in post-thyroidectomy T4a PTC patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) involvement. We retrospectively investigated thyroidectomy patients, recorded their clinical factors, recurrence rate, and pathological findings, and analysed the relationship between recurrence rate and clinical factors. Of 72 patients, 37 (51%) had preoperative VCP and 35 (49%) had normal preoperative vocal cord movement with confirmed intraoperative RLN invasion. Tracheal and esophageal invasion was observed in 13 (18%) and 15 (21%) patients, respectively. Thyroid cancer recurred in 18 (25%) patients over 58 months, resulting in 2 (3%) deaths. Recurrence was not associated with surgical extent, organ invasion, enlarged tumour size, or lymph node infiltration (p > 0.05). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with positive resection margins (p < 0.05). T4a PTC patients with RLN involvement showed a poor prognosis. The recurrence rate was not affected by preoperative VCP, intraoperative detection of RLN invasion, nerve resection, nerve preservation by shaving, lymph node metastasis, or tracheal or esophageal invasion. The most important prognostic factor for recurrence was a positive resection margin.
Novel LncRNA OXCT1-AS1 Indicates Poor Prognosis and Contributes to Tumorigenesis by Regulating miR-195/CDC25A Axis in Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhong Chen , Yu Qian , Zhou Shengjun , Peng Yucong , Liu Zhendong , Deng Yong , Guo Leiguang , Zhao Shiguang , Chen Gao
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIt’s well known that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to multiple biological processes of human glioblastoma (GBM). However, identifying a specific lncRNA target is still the major difficulty. In this study, bioinformatics methods and competing endogenous RNA network (ceRNA) regulatory rules was used to identify GBM related lncRNAs, and found OXCT1 antisense RNA 1 (OXCT1-AS1) may acted as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of glioma.MethodsBased on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) date set, we identified differential lncRNAs, microRNAs and mRNAs and constructed a lncRNA associated ceRNA network.Novel lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 was proposed to exercise its function as a ceRNA, and its potential targeted miRNAs was predicted through the database LncBase Predicted v.2. The expression pattern of OXCT1-AS1 was measured in glioma and normal tissue samples. Effect of OXCT1-AS1 on glioma cells were checked by cell count kit 8 assay, cell clone formation assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry in vitro, respectively. The dual-luciferase activity assay was performed to investigate the potential mechanism of ceRNA network. Finally, orthotopic mouse models of glioma was created to evaluate the influence of OXCT1-AS1 on tumor growth in vivo.ResultsIn this study, it was found that the expression of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 is upregulated in both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) GBM cases and GBM tissue samples we collected, and a high expression of OXCT1-AS1 predicts poor prognosis of gliomas. Suppressing OXCT1-AS1 expression significantly decreased the proliferation of GBM cells and inhibited cell migration and invasion. We further investigated the potential mechanism and found OXCT1-AS1 may acted as a ceRNA of miR-195 to enhance CDC25A expression and attenuate glioma cells progression. Finally, knocking down of OXCT1-AS1 notably attenuated the severity of glioma in vivo.ConclusionOXCT1-AS1 inhibited glioma progression by regulating miR-195-5p/ CDC25A axis and can be a specific tumor marker and a novel potential therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
Prognostic Relevance of Elevated Plasma Osmolality on Admission in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From PURSUIT-HFpEF Registry
Authors: Nakagawa Akito , Yasumura Yoshio , Yoshida Chikako , Okumura Takahiro , Tateishi Jun , Yoshida Junichi , Tamaki Shunsuke , Yano Masamichi , Hayashi Takaharu , Nakagawa Yusuke , Yamada Takahisa , Nakatani Daisaku , Hikoso Shungo , Sakata Yasushi
Published: December 2020

BackgroundComplicated pathophysiology makes it difficult to identify the prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). While plasma osmolality has been reported to have prognostic importance, mainly in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), its prognostic meaning for HFpEF has not been elucidated. MethodsWe prospectively studied 960 patients in PURSUIT-HFpEF, a multicenter observational study of acute decompensated HFpEF inpatients. We divided patients into three groups according to the quantile values of plasma osmolality on admission. During a follow-up averaging 366 days, we examined the primary composite endpoint of cardiac mortality or heart failure re-admission using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and Cox proportional hazard testing. Results216 (22.5%) patients reached the primary endpoint. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that the highest quantile of plasma osmolality on admission (higher than 300.3 mOsm/kg) was significantly associated with adverse outcomes (Log-rank P = 0.0095). Univariable analysis in the Cox proportional hazard model also revealed significantly higher rates of adverse outcomes in the higher plasma osmolality on admission (hazard ratio [HR] 7.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25–23.92, P = 0.0009). Multivariable analysis in the Cox proportional hazard model also showed that higher plasma osmolality on admission was significantly associated with adverse outcomes (HR 4.70; 95% CI 1.33–17.35, P = 0.0160) independently from other confounding factors such as age, gender, comorbid of atrial fibrillation, hypertension history, diabetes, malnutrition, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide elevation. ConclusionsHigher plasma osmolality on admission was prognostically important for acute decompensated HFpEF inpatients.
Renal dysfunction and prognosis of COVID-19 patients: a hospital-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xiang Hui-Xian , Xiang Ying , Fei Jun , Xu Zheng , Zheng Ling , Li Xiu-Yong , Fu Lin , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Increasing evidence indicate that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is companied by renal dysfunction. However, the association of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced renal dysfunction with prognosis remains unclear.Materials and methods: This prospective case-cohort study analyzed 154 COVID-19 patients from the Second People’s Hospital of Fuyang City in Anhui Province. Clinical and demographic information were collected. Renal function was evaluated and its prognosis was followed up. Results: Of 154 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 125 were common and 29 were severe patients. On admission, 16 (10.4%) patients were with renal dysfunction. Serum creatinine and cystatin C were increased, eGFR was decreased in severe patients compared with those in common patients. Renal dysfunction was more common in severe patients. By multivariate logistic regression, male, higher age and hypertension were three importantly independent risk factors of renal dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. Follow-up study found that at least one renal function marker of 3.33% patients remained abnormal in two weeks after discharge. Conclusion: Male elderly COVID-19 patients with hypertension elevates the risk of renal dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2-induced renal dysfunction are not fully recovered in two weeks after discharge.
CT-based classification systems for intra-articular calcaneal fractures: the inter- and intra-observer variations as well as integrality
Authors: wang zhongzheng , Liang Shaobo , Wang Yuchuan , Gao Ze , Tian Siyu , Zhao Kuo , Chen Wei , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yingze
Published: December 2020

Background: Several primary fracture classification systems (FCSs) have been widely used for intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The purpose of this study was to measure the inter- and intra-observer variations as well as integrality of the Zwipp, Crosby-Fitzgibbons, Sanders, and Eastwood-Atkins classification systems based on more accurate CT scans. Methods: 549 patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures taken from a database in our level-I trauma centre (3 affiliated hospitals) were included from January 2018 to December 2019. For each case, normative CT (1 mm slices) scans were available. Four different observers reviewed all CT scans two times according to these 4 most prevalent FCSs within a 2-month interval. For these four FCSs, the kappa [κ] coefficient was used to evaluate interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility, and the percentage that can be classified was used to indicate integrality. Results: The κ values were measured for Zwipp (κ= 0.38 interobserver, κ= 0.61 intraobserver), Crosby-Fitzgibbons (κ= 0.48 interobserver, κ= 0.79 intraobserver), Sanders (κ= 0.40 interobserver, κ= 0.57 intraobserver), and Eastwood-Atkins (κ= 0.44 interobserver, κ= 0.72 intraobserver). Furthermore, the integrality were calculated for Zwipp (100 %), Crosby-Fitzgibbons (100 %), Sanders (92 %) as well as Eastwood-Atkins (89.6 %). Conclusion: Compared with previous literatures, CT scanning with higher accuracy can significantly improve intraobserver reproducibility of Zwipp and Eastwood-Atkins FCSs, but it has no positive effect on variability of Sanders FCS and interobserver reliability of Crosby-Fitzgibbons FCS. While in terms of integrality, Zwipp and Crosby-Fitzgibbons FCSs appear to be superior to the other two FCSs.
The Ethylene Response factor SmERF1 Improves Salinity Tolerance and Impacts Seed Size in Tobacco
Authors: Hua Wenping , Chen Chen , Kong Weiwei , Wang Zhezhi
Published: December 2020

Background Ethylene response factor (ERF) proteins play vital roles in plant resistance and plant development. However, little is known about the ERF transcription factors of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is a famous Chinese herb with good resistance to stress. Result Screened from our previous transcriptome data, SmERF1, an ERF transcript factor, was isolated from S. miltiorrhiza. SmERF1 had a single AP domain and was classified in the ERF E3 subfamily. SmERF1-expressing tobacco plants showed slower growth, less biomass and a decrease in chlorophyll only at the seedling stage, and there was no significant difference in other growth stages. In addition, seeds of tobacco plants with SmERF1 expression were smaller and lighter than those of wild plants, similar to some AP2 TFs. Under NaCl treatment, transgenic tobacco lines showed better tolerance to salinity, and the proline content, SOD and POD activities of transgenic lines were higher than those of wild-type plants, while MDA content was lower than that of wild-type plants. Furthermore, we determined the phytohormones related to plant resistance and showed that transgenic tobacco plants had higher ABA levels and lower GA levels than wild tobacco. The expression of SmERF1 regulated the expression of key enzyme genes related to plant hormone biosynthesis, such as NtSDR, NtGA20ox, NtACO and NtACS. Conclusions The SmERF1-expression in tobacco affect plant growth at seedling stage, and increase plant tolerance to salt. And the expression of SmERF1 cause tobacco seeds smaller and lighter. Our study suggested that SmERF1 enhanced tobacco tolerance to salt and impacted seed size through an ABA-dependent pathway.
Prediction and minimization of the heat treatment induced distortion in 8620H steel gear – Simulation and experimental verification
Authors: Shao Wen , Yi Mohan , Tang Jinyuan , Sun Siyuan
Published: December 2020

The considerable heat treatment induced runout value in the end face of the automobile main reducer gear is always dimensionally out of tolerance. It directly affects the dimensional accuracy, the grade of carburized and hardened gears, and the post-quenching manufacturing costs. In this study, three dimensional numerical models were developed to simulate the carburizing-quenching process of gear based on the multi-field coupling theory using DEFORM software. The results indicated that the ununiform cooling rate of the gear caused by the asymmetry of the web structure was the determinant of severe deformation of the gear. Therefore, a novel method was proposed to minimize the heat treatment induced runout value. It was found that the heat treatment induced runout value could be effectively controlled by the addition of a compensation ring and the support of a rod structure. Further experiments showed that the average runout value of the gear end face before and after the proposed heat treatment method were about 0.023 mm and 0.059 mm respectively, which was in good agreement with the simulated results. The novel approach proposed in this study led to a reduction of the gear runout value by 70.0%-76.9% compared to that of the original heat treatment process, which may serve as a practical and economical way to predict and minimize the heat treatment induced distortion in drive gear.