bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost Increments of Electricity Supply to Achieve Carbon Neutrality in China
Authors: Zhuo Zhenyu , Du Ershun , Zhang Ning , Nielsen Chris , Lu Xi , Xiao Jinyu , Wu Jiawei , Kang Chongqing
Published: August 2021

The Chinese government has set long-term carbon neutrality and renewable energy (RE) development goals for the power sector. Despite a precipitous decline in the costs of RE technologies, the external costs of renewable intermittency and the massive investments in new RE capacities needed to achieve carbon neutrality would drive electricity costs up. Here, we develop a power system expansion model to comprehensively evaluate changes in the costs of electricity supply over a 30-year transition to carbon neutrality, including the effects on the costs of various factors. RE supply curves across China, operating security constraints, and characteristics of various generation units are modelled in detail to assess the cost variations as accurately as possible. According to our results, approximately 5.5 TW of wind and solar photovoltaic capacities would be required to achieve carbon neutrality in the power system by 2050. The electricity supply costs would increase 21.5%, or 10.4 CNY¢/kWh (1.51 USD¢/kWh), which equates to a rise in the effective marginal price of carbon to 1082.6 CNY/t (157.0 USD/t) in 2050. The major cost increments would result from substantial investments in the new RE capacities, flexible generation resources, and network expansion that would be required to achieve carbon neutrality.
Evaluating The Contribution of Wetlands To Food Security And Livelihoods Improvement In The Savelugu Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Atiim Justice Awen-Natey , Alhassan Elliot Haruna , Abobi Seth Mensah
Published: August 2021

The study was conducted on three wetlands and four fringe communities in the Savelugu Municipality in Ghana's Northern Region. The study evaluated the importance of wetlands to food security and livelihoods in the Savelugu Municipality using primary and secondary data sources. The contingent valuation method was used to determine respondents' value of wetlands, whereas Kendall's Coefficient was used to identify the factors influencing the reliance or utilisation of wetlands. The study results showed that wetlands were critical resources in study communities and contributed to people livelihoods and food security and determining the kinds of livelihoods that existed in these communities. Furthermore, the study established that despite the potential contributions of these ecosystems to the people's overall development, the wetlands are yet to be accorded the needed recognition as valuable resources by policymakers at the community and district levels. The disregard of wetland ecosystems by authorities, and as a consequence, the lack of attention/clear-cut regulations on their use, lead to overexploitation and degradation. It was observed in especially the Bunglung and Nabogu wetlands that siltation was having a toll on their capacity and would take only higher authorities to dredge considering the cost involved. Key among the factors influencing wetland dependence and utilisation were climate change, soil fertility of wetlands and household income levels. Inhabitants' activities such as obsolete fishing tools and farming practices, channelisation and indiscriminate waste disposal were identified to be detrimental to the wetlands' sustainability.
CIGB-300 Synthetic Peptide, an Antagonist of CK2 Kinase Activity, as a Treatment for Covid-19. A Computational Biology Approach
Authors: Miranda Jamilet , Bringas Ricardo , Fernandez-de-Cossio Jorge , Perera-Negrin Yasser
Published: August 2021

Background: Similarities in the hijacking mechanisms used by SARS-CoV-2 and several type of cancer, suggest the repurposing of cancer drugs to treat Covid-19. CK2 kinase antagonists have been proposed for the treatment of cancer. A recent study in cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus found a significant CK2 kinase activity, and the use of a CK2 inhibitor showed antiviral responses. CIGB-300, originally designed as an anticancer peptide, is an antagonist of CK2 kinase activity that binds to CK2 phospho-acceptor sites. Recent preliminary results show an antiviral activity of CIGB-300 versus a surrogate model of coronavirus. Here we present a computational biology study that provides evidences at the molecular level of how CIGB-300 might interfere with SARS-CoV-2 life cycle inside infected human cells. Methods: Sequence analysis and phosphorylation studies data were combined to predict infection-induced molecular mechanism that can be interfered by CIGB-300. Next we integrated multi-omics data on SARS-CoV-2 infection and data on the antagonistic effect on CK2 kinase activity of CIGB-300 to predict the potential benefits of its treatment in COVID-19 patients. A combination of network and functional enrichment analysis was used.Results: First, from SARS-CoV studies, we infer the potential incidence of CIGB-300 in SARS-CoV-2 interference on immune response. Next, from the analysis of multiple Omics data, we propose the action of CIGB-300 since early stage of viral infections perturbing the virus hijacking of RNA splicing machinery. It was also predicted the interference of CIGB-300 in virus-host interactions responsible for the high infectivity and the particular immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further, we provide evidences of CIGB-300 attenuation of phenotypes related to muscle, bleeding, coagulation and respiratory disorders.Conclusions: We have evidenced the potential benefits of using CIGB-300 to treat COVID-19 patients and strongly suggest its use since early stages of viral infection.
Surgical Treatment of Periprosthetic Acetabular Fracture: A 5 Cases Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Cong Yuxuan , Han Shuang , Deng Hongli , Zhang Binfei , Ke Chao , Fei Chen , Zhuang Yan , Huang Hai
Published: August 2021

Background: With the increasing number of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty(THA) in recent years, the incidence of periprosthetic acetabular fractures is increasing, which is one of the most serious complications after THA. Periprosthetic acetabular fracture caused by trauma is rare, and it requires orthopedic surgeons to deal with acetabular fracture and component loosening at the same time. This article summarizes 5 cases of periprosthetic acetabular fracture that have undergone surgical treatment, we propose the reverse press-fit technology to increase the stability of fixation for this clinical rare diseases. And the literature for treatment recommendations is reviewed.Case presentation: A total of 5 patients (3 female) were included, the average patient age at the time of injury was 66.2 years (range 54–78 years). All patients received surgical treatment, 4 cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF), 1 case was treated with revision surgery. There were no postoperative complications. All patients could walk independently on the latest follow-up.Conclusions: The surgical treatment option of periprosthetic acetabular fracture is ORIF or revision surgery, and the purpose is to make the component stabilized. The reverse press-fit technology could improve the fixation strength between the component and bone, and it can be performed in appropriate situation.
Awareness and Community Response To Stroke Signs and Symptoms Following the National ‘Act Fast’ Campaign in An Ethnically Diverse Population
Authors: Bhutta Zain A. , Pathan Sameer A. , Puolakka Tuukka , Akhtar Naveed , Thomas Stephen H. , Harris Tim , Shuaib Ashfaq , Cameron Peter A. , Castren Maaret
Published: August 2021

Background

Evaluation of public education stroke campaigns and behavioral studies to assess emergency response at stroke onset are scarce. We aimed to assess patient’s and bystanders’ foreknowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and their response at stroke onset. We also enquired if ‘Act FAST’ stroke campaign in Qatar contributed to their foreknowledge.
Methods

In Qatar, the first national stroke awareness campaign, ‘Act FAST’, was launched in May 2015. The study population included a convenience sample of stroke patients admitted to the stroke service in Qatar’s largest tertiary care hospital from November 2015-February 2016. We interviewed patients with acute onset stroke admitted to the stroke unit using a validated questionnaire. If the patient had disabling stroke, we interviewed relatives/bystanders present at stroke onset. The primary outcome was the correct response of calling Emergency Medical Services (EMS), recognizing the possibility of stroke.
Results

The questionnaire was administered to 165 participants, 142 (86.1%) stroke patients, and 23 (13.9%) bystanders. The mean age of the study population was 52.6 (SD = 11.7), and sex (male-female) ratio was 7:1. Ethnic categories were South-Asian (n = 101, 62.2%), Middle-Eastern (n = 14, 8.5%), Far-Eastern (n = 26, 15.8%), African (n = 16, 9.7%) and Others (n = 8, 4.9%). From the study group, 33 (20.1%) participants had foreknowledge of stroke signs and symptoms, and of these, 27 (16.5%) knew about the Act FAST campaign in Qatar. The behavioral responses of the participants (total n = 165) on stroke onset included; immediately activated EMS (n = 55, 33.3%), called friends/relatives (n = 69, 41.8%), drove to hospital (n = 33, 20%), decided to rest and waited for improvement in condition (n = 21, 12.7%), and 12 (7.3%) responded as none of the above. Of the participants who admitted having watched the Act FAST campaign, 92.6% (25/27) reported that the campaign affected their response to stroke onset. There was no association of ethnicity, marital status or FAST campaign awareness with behavioral response of EMS activation on stroke onset.
Conclusions

The foreknowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and the Act FAST campaign was low in the community. However, seeking help by activating EMS at stroke onset was generally high in the study population irrespective of the awareness to the campaign.
Full quantum state tomography of high-dimensional on-chip biphoton frequency combs with randomized measurements
Authors: Lu Hsuan-Hao , Myilswamy Karthik , Bennink Ryan , Seshadri Suparna , Alshaykh Mohammed , Liu Junqiu , Kippenberg Tobias , Leaird Daniel , Weiner Andrew , Lukens Joseph
Published: August 2021

Owing in large part to the advent of integrated biphoton frequency combs (BFCs), recent years have witnessed increased attention to quantum information processing in the frequency domain for its inherent high dimensionality and entanglement compatible with fiber-optic networks. Quantum state tomography (QST) of such states, however, has required complex and precise engineering of active frequency mixing operations, which are difficult to scale. To address these limitations, we propose a novel solution that employs a pulse shaper and electro-optic phase modulator (EOM) to perform random operations instead of mixing in a prescribed manner. Incorporating state-of-the-art Bayesian statistical method, we successfully verify the entanglement and reconstruct the full density matrix of BFCs generated from an on-chip Si3N4 microring resonator (MRR) in up to an 8×8-dimensional two-qudit Hilbert space, the highest dimension to date for frequency bins. Overall, our method furnishes an experimentally powerful approach for frequency-bin tomography with readily implementable operations.
Genetic Relationship And Species Identification of Dioscorea Polystachya Turcz. In Yams Determined By ISSR, ISAP, SRAP And SCAR Markers
Authors: Yue Wang , Zixia Gu , Min Chen , Yanmei Zhang , Xiaoqin Sun , Yifeng Zhou , Peng Bin
Published: August 2021

Dioscorea polystachya Turcz. is the authentic herb Yam in Chinese traditional medicine. In the medicine market, some relative species are misused as “Yams”, such as D. alata L., D. exalata C.T. Ting & M.C. Chang, D. persimili Prain et Burkill, D. fordii Prain et Burkill and D. japonica Thunb. In order to estimate the genetic relationships among those species and develop a rapid and accurate method for D. polystachya identification, Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), Intron Sequence Amplified Polymorphism (ISAP), Sequence-Related Ampliﬁed Polymorphism (SRAP) and Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) were conducted in this study. Combining ISSR, ISAP and SRAP markers, a high degree of variation among the Dioscorea species was detected. Moreover, a relatively high gene flow (Nm = 0.3293) in those species was observed. The main reason for this phenomenon might be there were genepools exchanging in the wild materials. The phylogenetic tree and genetic similarity results showed D. japonica had the closest genetic relationship with D. polystachya. Considering the lowest inter-species variation observed in D. polystachya and the highest genetic divergence within D. japonica, we suggested the taxonomy of one species complex D. polystachya-D. japonica for breeding and conservation purpose. The phylogeny data in this study indicated D. alata and D. persimilis should be independent species respectively instead of cultigens. Furthermore, a SCAR marker was developed and could be used to discriminate the authentic herb D. polystachya from other confused Dioscorea species. Overall, the results are useful as guidelines for breeding programs and conservation actions.
Prevalence of Stroke Risk Factors in an Urban Community at Parakou (Northern Benin) in 2016
Authors: Houehanou Yèssito Corine Nadège , Agbetou Mendinatou , Kossi Oyéné , Agonnoudé Maurice , Hountada Hospice , Adoukonou Thierry
Published: August 2021

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa faces a high burden of stroke due to growing of their risk factors. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of stroke risk factors and to identify associated factors in the district of Titirou in Parakou (northern Benin), in 2016.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. It included adults living in Titirou and having given their consent. A door-to-door survey was performed from 15 march to 15 July 2016 in each neighbourhood or village until the expected number reached. We recorded the socio-demographic data, medical histories, anthropometric and blood pressure measures using WHO steps approach. Prevalences of stroke risk factors were calculated and a logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with metabolic risk factors.Results: A total of 4671 participants was included with a mean age of 27.7±12.9 years and a sex ratio of 0.97. Prevalences of behavioural risk factors were estimated at: 17.2% of alcohol consumption, 21.5% of low fruits and vegetables consumption, 51.1% of low physical activity practice, and 3.5% of smoking. Metabolic risk factors prevalence’s amounted to: 8.7% of obesity, 7.1% of high blood pressure, 1.7% of self-reported diabetes and 2.2% of dyslipidaemia. Age (p<0.001), sex (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001) and professional occupation (p=0.010) were associated with obesity. Age was also associated with high blood pressure (p<0.001) and diabetes (p<0.001). Dyslipidaemia varied according to smoking (p=0.033) and low physical activity practice (p=0.003). Conclusion: The study showed high prevalences of low physical activity practice and obesity. Targeted local interventions focused on these factors should be conducted for primary prevention of stroke in this community, or even beyond in Benin.
Online Learning During Corona Virus 2019: Empirical Analysis
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Tariq , Teevno Roshan , Bukhari Syed Gulzar Ali Shah
Published: August 2021

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on mid of March 2020. Globally, most governments - including Pakistan - approved extraordinary social control measures to stem the tide of this pandemic disease. These actions required social segregation and a temporary suspension of education. As with all other institutions of higher education, public and private universities will also be required to offer distance learning to students by the end of the academic year 2020–2021. Universities suspended physical classes and implemented online teaching for university students. And, this spontaneous, quick, and uncertain nature of the teaching created difficulties for students. Data on accepted procedures for directing such sudden transitions to university education were scarce, and there was no consensus on the best way to proceed. Students at public and private universities have been impacted by a shift to distance education. Studying students' academic difficulties and the unexpected benefits of distance education, and then using that information to develop strategies that could be used in emergency situations in university education, was the goal of the study.
Association between deposit of abdominal adipose tissues and metabolic abnormality in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Chen Qiannan , Sun Xiaohui , Wu Qiong , Cheng Zongxue , Lv Qingguo , Zhou Jiaqiang , Zhu Yimin
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies indicated that deposit of abdominal adipose tissue associated with the abnormalities of cardiometabolic components. However, the results were inconsistent on the effects of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and difference between men and women. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of VAT, SAT with metabolic status and the different effects between male and female. Methods1388 eligible subjects were recruited from the baseline investigation of metabolic syndrome investigation in China. Areas of abdominal VAT and SAT were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Total triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by biochemical auto-analyzer. Metabolic abnormality (MA) was defined more than one of abnormally metabolic components, which were based on the definition of metabolic syndrome (IDF 2005). Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The predictive values were assessed with area under the curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), respectively. ResultsSubjects with MA had higher levels of VAT in both of men and women, and higher levels of SAT in men than those with metabolic normality (MN) (P< 0.05). Different associations of SAT in women depended of levels of BMI. Higher levels of VAT were significantly correlated with higher risks for MA (p for trend <0.05). Comparing with the subjects of the first quartile (Q1) of VAT, OR in fourth quartile (Q4) was 6.537 (95% CI= 3.394 -12.591) in men and 3.364 (95% CI=1.898-5.962) in women. However, no significance was found in SAT. In men, VAT improved the predictive value of MA with the AUC of 0.727 (95% CI= 0.687-0.767), and NRI of 0.139 (95%CI=0.070-0.208) and 0.106 (95%CI=0.038-0.173), IDI of 0.074 (95%CI = 0.053-0.095) and 0.046 (95%CI=0.026-0.066) comparing with BMI and WC, respectively. Similar results were found in women.Conclusions VAT and SAT linked increased risks for metabolic abnormality in men no matter in the BMI＜24kg/m2 or in BMI≥24kg/m2, but in women, SAT only increased the risk of MA in BMI≥24kg/m2.Deposit of abdominal adipose tissue associated with the metabolic abnormalities. VAT improved the predictive ability of MA.
The Prognostic Value of a Glycolysis -Related lncRNA Signature in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dong Yongquan , Xia Wenping , Zhu Hefei , Lu Feijie , Wei Lijuan , Li Qianjun , Zhao Qiong
Published: August 2021

Backgroud: Long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) is a new modulatory factor for glycolysis, which affect the development and progression of varities of cancers. However, poor attention has been drawn to the role of glycolysis-related lncRNAs in Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) . Methods: The RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) data of NSCLC patients was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database. Glycolysis-related genes were identified using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA). Cox regression analysis was used to construct the glycolysis-related signature. GSEA analysis was used for function assessment. Results: Firstly, a signature consisting of 8 glycolysis-related lncRNAs(AC090559.1, AC099850.3,AL365181.3, AL049555.1, AC024075.3, LINC01843, ATP13A4-AS1 and LINC01133)were estimated. Moreover, on the basis of this signature, we found that overall survival(OS) in high-risk group was markedly lower than that in low-risk group, and the prognostic prediction accuracy was further verified by Multi-parameter ROC curve analysis. Lastly, the 8 glycolysis-related lncRNAs were found to be closely associated with many cancer-related pathways. Conclusion: The 8 glycolysis-related lncRNAs could be promising prognostic and potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
Visual Classification of Three Computed Tomography Lung Patterns to Predict Prognosis of COVID-19: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yamada Daisuke , Ohde Sachiko , Ikejima Kengo , Matsusako Masaki , Kurihara Yasuyuki
Published: August 2021

Background: Quantitative evaluation of radiographic images has been developed and suggested for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are limited opportunities to use these image-based diagnostic indices in clinical practice. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the utility of a visually-based classification of pulmonary findingsfrom computed tomography (CT) images among COVID-19 patients that we developed, with the following three patterns defined: peripheral, multifocal, and diffuse findings of pneumonia. We also evaluated the prognostic value of this classification to predict the severity of COVID-19. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between January and September 2020, who presented with suspicious findings on CT lung images (n=69). We compared the association between the three predefined patterns (peripheral, multifocal, and diffuse) and admission to the intensive care unit, tracheal intubation, and death. The following demographic and clinical variables were compared between the three groups: sex, age, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, c-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, Krebs von den Lungen-6 antigen, D-dimer, platelet count, steroid administration, heparin administration, favipiravir administration, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score, and sequential organ failure assessment score.Results: Patients with a diffuse pattern were intubated more frequently and for a longer duration than patients with a peripheral or multifocal pattern. The following clinical variables were significantly different between the diffuse pattern and peripheral and multifocal groups: body temperature, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, c-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, Krebs von den Lungen-6 antigen, D-dimer, and steroid and Avigan administration.Conclusions: Our simple visual assessment of CT images can predict a systemic cytokine storm, a resulting decrease in respiratory function, and the need for supplemental respiratory ventilationamong patientswith COVID-19.
Prone Versus Supine Position in Intubated COVID-19 Patients With ARDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aditianingsih Dita , Sugiarto Adhrie , Manggala Sidharta Kusuma , Angkasa Hansen , Natanegara Ahmad Pasha
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThis review determined the effect of prone positioning in changes of partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), mortality rate, ICU length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation in intubated COVID-19 patients with severe ARDS.MethodsA computer-aided comprehensive electronic bibliographic search from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Direct were conducted. The search comprised the articles written in English and intubated adults (≥ 18 years old) patients with COVID-19. The primary outcome was comparing PaO2/FiO2 ratio between prone and supine position group. Secondary outcomes were PaCO2, ICU discharge, and mortality rate. Review Manager version 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration) was used for statistical analyses of the included studies.ResultsA total of 7 articles were determined to be eligible, consisting of 1403 intubated COVID-19 patients with ARDS that showed prone position was associated with a higher PaO2/FiO2 ratio compared to supine position (MD 60.17, 95% CI 46.86 - 73.47; p < 0.00001). Four studies reported the PaCO2 measurement and showed no significant difference between prone and supine position (MD 2.07, 95% CI -2.79 - 6.92; p <0.40). Only two studies reported mortalities, one study had 262 deaths out of 648 patients (40.4%) and one study lost 11 out of 20 patients (55%). One study reported median ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration (16 days) were significantly longer in prone position group.ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that prone position improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio in intubated COVID-19 patients with ARDS.
Development of a Prognostic Model for 1-year Survival of Fragile Hip Fracture in Chinese
Authors: FU Hairui , Liang Bin , Qin Wei , Qiao Xiaoxiong , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2021

Background: No prognostic model for survival of fragile hip fracture has been developed for Asians. The goal of this study is to develop a simple and practical prognosis model to predict the survival within 1 year after fragile hip fracture of Asians.Methods: A single Center and retrospective cohort study was designed. Under a multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Model, we used the preoperative characteristics of patients to predict survival within 1 year after hip fracture. We built a full model, then used the “least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)” method to further shrink the model coefficients and achieved variable screening. Finally, we got a LASSO model. The model performance was evaluated with the Nagelkerke’s R2 and the concordance (c) statistic. We assessed internal validity with a bootstrapping procedure of 1 000 repetitions.RESULTS: 735 eligible patients were admitted to our department for hip fracture from January 2015 to December 2020. 11(1.5%) patients lost follow-up. Among the rest, 68(9.3%) died within 1 year after hip fracture. We finally identified 12 candidate predictors from preoperative characteristics of patients. The last model contains 9 predictors; that are surgery, age, albumin, sex, serum creatinine, malignancy, hypertension, the ability of living independence, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Among them, surgery, age and albumin are the effective predictors of survival. The discrimination c statistic of the model is 0.814 (95% confidence interval 0.762-0.865); the corrected value through internal validation is 0.795. CONCLUSIONS: This prognostic model can provide a 1-year survival rate for patients with fragile hip fractures. This information can help clinicians develop a reasonable and personalized treatment plan.
Screening and Identification of Potential Biomarkers Associated with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Su Wenxing , Huang Biao , Zhang Qingyi , Han Wei , An Lu , Guan Yi , ji jiang , Yu Daojiang
Published: August 2021

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the leading cause of death in patients with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). However, unclear pathogenesis of cSCC limits the application of molecular targeted therapy. We downloaded three microarray data (GSE2503, GSE45164 and GSE66359) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and screened out their common difference genes between tumor and non-tumor tissues. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID. The STRING online website was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network (PPI), and then Cytoscape performed module analysis and degree calculation.A total of 146 DEGs was identified with significant differences, including 113 up-regulated genes and 33 down-regulated genes. The enriched functions and pathways of the DEGs include microtubule-based movement, ATP binding, cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, oocyte meiosis and PLK1 signaling events. Nine hub genes were identified, namely CDK1, AURKA, RRM2, CENPE, CCNB1, KIAA0101, ZWINT, TOP2A, ASPM. The differential expression of these genes has been verified in other data sets. By integrated bioinformatic analysis, the hub genes identified in this study elucidated the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis and progression of cSCC, and are expected to become future biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
A Methodology for Industrial Robot Calibration Based on Measurement Sub-Regions
Authors: Toquica Juan Sebastian , Motta José Maurı́cio
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a methodology for calibration of industrial robots that uses a concept of measurement sub-regions, allowing low-cost solutions and easy implementation to meet the robot accuracy requirements in industrial applications. The solutions to increasing the accuracy of robots today have high-cost implementation, making calibration throughout the workplace in industry a difficult and unlikely task. Thus, reducing the time spent and the measured workspace volume of the robot end-effector are the main benefits of the implementation of the sub-region concept, ensuring sufficient flexibility in the measurement step of robot calibration procedures. The main contribution of this article is the proposal and discussion of a methodology to calibrate robots using several small measurement sub-regions and gathering the measurement data in a way equivalent to the measurements made in large volume regions, making feasible the use of high-precision measurement systems but limited to small volumes, such as vision-based measurement systems. The robot calibration procedures were simulated according to the literature, such that results from simulation are free from errors due to experimental setups as to isolate the benefits of the measurement proposal methodology. In addition, a method to validate the analytical off-line kinematic model of industrial robots is proposed using the nominal model of the robot supplier incorporated into its controller.
Pancreatic Head Sparing Surgery for Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor in Patients with Agenesis of the Dorsal Pancreas
Authors: Shyr Bor-Shiuan , Shyr Bor-Uei , Chen Shih-Chin , Shyr Yi-Ming , Wang Shin-E
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed to clarify the feasibility and justification of pancreatic head sparing (PHS) enucleation for patients with agenesis of the dorsal pancreas (ADP) associated with a solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT).Methods: Data of the SPT patients with and without ADP, including clinical presentations, surgical options, and surgical and survival outcomes, were recruited for comparison.Results: A total of 31 patients with SPTs were included, 3 of whom displayed ADP and underwent PHS enucleation. Surgical complications were comparable between the groups. Overall, the 5-year and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 100% and 90%, respectively. The 20-year and 25-year overall survival rates were 100% and 66.7%, respectively. Only one patient (3.2%) developed tumor recurrence 7.3 years after pancreatectomy for an SPT with lymph node involvement, and the patient survived 24.5 years after the initial operation. No tumor recurrence occurred in any patient with ADP after PHS enucleation.Conclusion: The association between tumorigenesis and ADP suggests that every congenital ADP patient should be observed for the early detection of pancreatic neoplasia. PHS enucleation seems to be feasible and justifiable for SPT patients with ADP in terms of surgical and survival outcomes, and this approach could be recommended to avoid pancreatic insufficiency.
Anti-inflammatory Role of GM1 and Other Gangliosides on Microglia
Authors: Sipione Simonetta , Galleguillos Danny , Wang Qian , Steinberg Noam , Zaidi Asifa , Shrivastava Gaurav , Dhami Kamaldeep , Daskhan Gour C. , Schmidt Edward N. , Dworsky-Fried Zoë , Giuliani Fabrizio , Churchward Matthew , Power Christopher , Todd Kathryn , Taylor Anna , Macauley Matthew S.
Published: August 2021

BackgroundGangliosides are glycosphingolipids highly enriched in the brain, with important roles in cell signaling, cell-to-cell communication, and immunomodulation. Genetic defects in the ganglioside biosynthetic pathway result in severe neurodegenerative diseases, while a partial decrease in the levels of specific gangliosides was reported in Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. In models of both diseases and other conditions, administration of GM1 - one of the most abundant gangliosides in the brain – provides neuroprotection. Most studies have focused on the direct neuroprotective effects of gangliosides on neurons, but their role in other brain cells, in particular microglia, is not known. In this study we investigated the effects of exogenous ganglioside administration and modulation of endogenous ganglioside levels on the response of microglia to inflammatory stimuli, which often contributes to initiation or exacerbation of neurodegeneration.MethodsIn vitro studies were performed using BV2 cells, mouse, rat, and human primary microglia cultures. Modulation of microglial ganglioside levels was achieved by administration of exogenous gangliosides, or by treatment with GENZ-123346 and L-t-PDMP, an inhibitor and activator of glycolipid biosynthesis, respectively. Response of microglia to inflammatory stimuli (LPS, IL-1b, phagocytosis of latex beads) was measured by analysis of gene expression and/or secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The effects of GM1 administration on microglia activation were also assessed in vivo in C57Bl/6 mice, following intraperitoneal injection of LPS.ResultsGM1 decreased inflammatory microglia responses in vitro and in vivo, even when administered after microglia activation. These anti-inflammatory effects depended on the presence of the sialic acid residue in the GM1 glycan headgroup and the presence of a lipid tail. Other gangliosides shared similar anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro models, including GD3, GD1a, GD1b, and GT1b. Conversely, GM3 and GQ1b displayed pro-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory effects of GM1 and other gangliosides were partially reproduced by increasing endogenous ganglioside levels with L-t-PDMP, whereas inhibition of glycolipid biosynthesis exacerbated microglial activation in response to LPS stimulation.ConclusionsOur data suggest that gangliosides are important modulators of microglia inflammatory responses and reveal that administration of GM1 and other complex gangliosides exerts anti-inflammatory effects on microglia that could be exploited therapeutically.
Emergency collision avoidance control strategy based on four-wheel steering and differential braking
Authors: Li Haiqing , Li Yongfu , Zheng Taixiong , Luo Jiufei , Guo Zonghuan
Published: August 2021

Path tracking control strategy of emergency collision avoidance is the research hotspot for intelligent vehicles, and active four-wheel steering and integrated chassis control such as differential braking are the development trend for the control system of intelligent vehicle. Considering both driving performance and path tracking performance, an active obstacle avoidance controller integrated with four-wheel steering (4WS), active rear steering (ARS) and differential braking control (RBC) based on adaptive model predictive theory (AMPC) is proposed. The designed active obstacle avoidance control architecture is composed of two parts, a supervisor and an MPC controller. The supervisor is responsible for selecting the appropriate control mode based on driving vehicle information and threshold of lateral and roll stability. In addition, a non-linear predict model is employed to obtain the future states of the driving vehicle. Then the AMPC is used to calculate the desired steering angle and differential braking toque when the driving stability indexes exceed the safety threshold. Finally, the proposed collision avoidance path tracking control strategy was simulated under emergency conditions via Carsim-Simulink co-simulation. The results show that the controller based on AMPC can be used to tracking the path of obstacle avoidance and has good performance in driving stability under emergencies.
Caller ID for Risso's and Pacific White-Sided Dolphins
Authors: Al-Badrawi Mahdi , Liang Yue , Seger Kerri D. , Foster Christopher M. , Kirsch Nicholas J.
Published: August 2021

Climate change affects the distributions of marine mammals1, and some temperate water species are spreading northward into the Arctic Ocean2, 3. Tracking expanding species is crucial to conservation efforts and using automatic detectors and classifiers to track the locations of their vocalizations could help. Risso’s (Gg) and Pacific white-sided (Lo) dolphins were documented spreading poleward2 and make very similar sounds, making it difficult for both human analysts and classification algorithms to tell them apart. Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) has provided both an easier visualization tool4 for human analysts and offers promising capabilities in separating call types of similar spectral and temporal properties. Here we show a new visualization tool and feature extraction technique using VMD that achieves 81.3% accuracy, even when using audio files with faint signals and high background noise levels and without context clues. Because not all dolphins whistle5–7, being able to distinguish between just their pulsed signals is important for tracking them using as many files as possible from under-sampled areas of the ocean. Automating the VMD method and expanding it to other dolphin species that have very similar pulsive signals will lead to a faster understanding of ecosystem dynamics under a changing climate than can currently be achieved.
An ultrasensitive planar array p24 Gag ELISA to detect individual HIV-1 viral particles and infected cells
Authors: Bosque Alberto , Levinger Callie , Howard J Natalie , Tang Pingtao , Joshi Amit
Published: August 2021

Human Immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) persistence in the presence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has halted the development of curative strategies. Measuring HIV persistence is complex due to the low frequency of cells containing virus in vivo. Most of the commercially available assays to date measure nucleic acid. These assays have the advantage of being highly sensitive and allow for the analysis of sequence diversity, intactness of the HIV genome or evaluation of diverse RNA species. However, these assays are limited in evaluating translational competent viral reservoirs. In here, we developed an ultrasensitive p24 ELISA that uses the SimoaTM planar array technology that can detect as low as a single HIV-1 particle and a single HIV-1 infected cell. Furthermore, the assay is optimized to measure very low levels of p24 in different biological fluids without a major loss of sensitivity or reproducibility. Our results demonstrate that the ‘homebrew' planar p24 ELISA immunoassay is a broadly applicable new tool to evaluate HIV persistence in diverse biological fluids.
Municipal Wastewater Irrigation Quality and Its Impacts on Selected Soil Properties Around Harar City, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tolossa Tasisa Temesgen
Published: August 2021

In many arid and semiarid countries, wastewater irrigation is becoming a common practice in agriculture. Commitment of government and social intervention for more effective waste management are the major constraints. The study was conducted in eastern Ethiopia to identify the impacts of municipal wastewater soil physicochemical properties and irrigation water quality. Soil samples were collected from different farm fields to determine the physical and chemical properties of soil, and heavy metal accumulation at different irrigation farms and wastewater samples were also analyzed. Manusipal wastewater taken from different study sites was categorized into three groups: control (nonirrigated), municipal wastewater irrigated farmland and municipal wastewater irrigated farmland. The results showed that bulk density was negatively decreased and moisture contents and total porosity were significantly increased. The soil EC, cadmium, lead available phosphorus, OM, and CEC levels significantly increased with increasing wastewater application. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb and Cr are highwere higher in irrigated effluent than in nonirrigated effluent. Untreated and treated MWW were tested for heavy metal presence and accumulation. In the present study, soil OM increased as the content in the soil also increased as the number of irrigations increased. The most effective way to eliminate the impact of this municipal wastewater on the soil is to develop and implement an effective wastewater management plan. Limited studies have been done, and they should be encouraged to address municipal wastewater impacts on plants and farmers. The government should be focused on awareness of creation and management systems.
Integrate analysis of the prognostic values of COL4As to human gastric cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiaojia , Chen Pingping , Liu Yang , Wang Bin , Liu Qiquan
Published: August 2021

Collagen type IV (Col IV) is the main constituent of the basement membrane. Under physiological conditions, Col IV plays an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity and stabilizing epithelial function of the gastric mucosa. Under pathological conditions, Col IV can be free from the basement membrane under the influence of tumor cells and play a pro-metastatic role. Although there is a increasing number of investigations on Col IV, no studies to date have directly uncovered the prognostic role and potential regulatory role of the six isoforms of Col IV in gastric cancer. In the present experiment, we aimed to analyze the role of COL4A family genes in gastric cancer. COL4A1/2/3/4 was significantly overexpressed, while COL4A5/6 was decreased in gastric cancer tissues according to TCGA data and our immunohistochemical staining results. And COL4A1 had a positive correlation with tumor stage, while COL4A5/6 had negative correlations with tumor stage. COL4A1/2/4/5/6 can be considered as a diagnostic indicator of gastric cancer. High levels of COL4A1/2/4/5/6 expression may be predictive of a poor prognosis of gastric cancer. The percentages of genetic alterations in COL4As for stomach cancer varied from 3 to 17% based on the TCGA data (COL4A1, 10%; COL4A2, 8%; COL4A3, 3%; COL4A4, 5%; COL4A5, 17%; COL4A6, 17%). Besides, COL4As may modulate tumor progression by participating in classical cancer pathways: COL4A1/2/3/4/5/6 can activate the EMT process; COL4A2/3/4/6 can inhibit apoptosis and cell cycle; COL4A3/4/5 can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study implied that COL4As have diagnostic and prognostic value for gastric cancer.
SOX2 Maintains the Stemness of Retinoblastoma Stem-like Cells Through Hippo/YAP Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhou Lei , Lu Qinkang , Wang Shengzhan , Sun Yanli , Ding Yi , Liu Mengyun , He Hengqian , Lang Tingyuan
Published: August 2021

Background: Cancer stem cells are responsible for tumor initiation and progression in various types of cancer, while, although the existence of retinoblastoma stem cells had been reported, the mechanisms supporting retinoblastoma stemness are poorly understood. In this study, a modified method for isolating retinoblastoma stem-like cells for mechanistic study was first established and an important mechanism underlying SOX2-drived retinoblastoma stemness was subsequently revealed.Methods: The retinoblastoma stem-like cells were isolated by single cell cloning in combination of examination of sphere-forming capacities. The stemness of isolated retinoblastoma stem-like cells were characterized by sphere-forming capacities and the expression of cancer stem cell markers. The SOX2 gene was overexpressed or knocked down by lentivirus system. The transcriptional regulation was identified by qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter, nuclear run-on and DNA pull down assay. Spearman analysis was employed for correlation analysis of genes in tumor tissues of retinoblastoma patients. Results: The isolated retinoblastoma stem-like cells exhibited significantly enhanced sphere-forming capacity and constantly higher levels of CD44, ABCG2, SOX2 and PAX6, but not CD133. SOX2 positively regulated the stemness of retinoblastoma stem-like cells as identified by gene manipulation technology. SOX2 directly binds to the promoters of WWTR1 and YAP1, transcriptionally activates WWTR1 and YAP1, and thereby activating Hippo/YAP signaling. Knockdown of WWTR1 or YAP1 partially abolished the effect of SOX2 on the stemness of retinoblastoma stem-like cells. Conclusion: An effective method for isolation of retinoblastoma stem-like cells was established. The mechanistic study demonstrated that SOX2, as a key deriver, maintains retinoblastoma stemness by activating Hippo/YAP signaling. Inhibition of Hippo/YAP signaling would be an effective strategy for human retinoblastoma caused by aberrant upregulation of SOX2.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) of Preventive COVID-19 Vaccines by Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)
Authors: Khan Rabnawaz
Published: August 2021

This paper merely presents the dynamic boost of the COVID-19 vaccines. The intensive approach is indicating how the effective COVID-19 vaccine promotes and distributes into various official channels. It enables the exclusive authority to devise a possible way to reduce the economic cost of COVID-19 vaccines and facilitate to a maximum level. The Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) method approached with Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). The key findings are revealing the length of life improves the quality of life of the middle family. The results of QALYs show that Utility Value (UV) by health and the value of statistics in countries in the term of coexistent causation of vaccines. The Pfizer (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNA-1273) have instantly created favorable and significant effects probably on many patients, comparatively SARS-CoV-2, AstraZeneca (AZD1222), Russia’s Sputnik (AstraZeneca), and Sinopharm Sinovac Biotech. The opportunity cost provides a valuable benefit in the future.
Pan-cancer analysis of BLM as a prognostic and immunological marker in human tumors
Authors: hou yifu , LAN Chuan , Ren Dongme , Wang Xi
Published: August 2021

BackgroundBloom syndrome helicase (BLM) is critical for DNA replication, repair, transcription, telomere maintenance and other cellular metabolic processes. Studies reported that BLM is closely related to the development of some types of tumors, however there is no pan-cancer analysis of BLM. ResultsBLM was over-expressed in almost all types of cancers and associated with overall survival and disease-free survival in multiple cancers . We found a stage-specific expression of BLM among them. A correlation of BLM expression with the estimated infiltration value of cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immunostimulator, and immunoinhibitor was discovered in part types of cancers. Finally, we found that BLM was associated with cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, and other mechanisms. ConclusionOur study provided a relatively comprehensive understanding of BLM as an oncogene and predictor of prognosis in various tumor types. MethodsWe analyzed data from TCGA (The cancer genome atlas), GEO (Gene expression omnibus), and GTEx databases by using bioinformatic tools, to evaluate the expression difference, prognostic value, genetic alterations, immune infiltrates, and biological functions of BLM in 33 types of cancers.