bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking Cessation by Combined Medication and Counselling in Lung Cancer Patients Effectiveness in A High Prevalence Real Life Setting
Authors: Reinhardt Christian , Harden Markus , Herrmann-Lingen Christoph , Rittmeyer Achim , Andreas Stefan
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Anisotropy of a Selective Laser-Melted Ti–6Al–4V Lattice Structure
Authors: YAO Dingye , ZHOU Weixing , MA Yuli , He Bo
Published: November 2021

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a widely adopted additive manufacturing process for the preparation of metallic lattice structures. However, it causes a build-direction-dependent anisotropy of morphologies, microstructures, and mechanical properties, making it difficult to predict the behavior and performance of lattice structures. In this study, tensile samples with different cross-sections and build directions (BDs) were fabricated by SLM. The anisotropic morphology, microstructure, and tensile properties were observed and measured using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and three-dimensional digital image correlation to determine the effects of the size and BD of SLMed materials. The extracted data were sequentially used to modify the geometric and physical models of the lattice. Body-centered cubic lattice structures were fabricated by SLM, and compression tests were performed to verify the modified compression model. In addition to the BD-related grains, the cross-sectional area of the SLMed sample affects its mechanical properties. The small cross-section makes the microstructure finer because the proportion of the contour path that uses higher power is no longer negligible. The sample with small cross-section has more anisotropy because of the lack of tolerance to heterogeneity and macro defects like roughness. In this study, by analyzing samples with small cross-sections, a model consisting of an isotropic hardening law and Hill’s anisotropic yield function is established to describe the yield and plasticity behavior of the as-built SLMed Ti–6Al–4V lattice. The simulated and experimental data fit very well, verifying the methodology employed in this study.
A comparison of clinical pathologic characteristics between alpha-fetoprotein negative and positive liver cancer patients from Eastern and Southern China
Authors: Chi Xiaowei , Jiang Liejun , Yuan Yulin , Huang Xinyan , Yang Xuemei , Hochwald Steven , Liu Jie , Huang Huayi
Published: November 2021

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a biomarker used in clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, approximately 40% of HCC patients do not present with elevated serum AFP levels. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics between AFP positive and negative primary liver cancer (PLC) patients to allow for improved clinical management and prognostication of the disease.
Methods

This study observed a cohort of PLC patients from Eastern and Southern China with comparisons of the clinical and pathologic features between serum AFP positive and negative patient groups; patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis, those with chronic hepatitis B, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) asymptomatic carrier patients were used as controls. Data included the laboratory results, pathology diagnosis, clinical staging and scores were obtained from routine clinical diagnostic methods.
Results

Patients with HCC, larger tumor sizes, liver cancer with hepatic cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis, metastasis, high Child-Pugh score, high Barcelona-Clínic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and advanced clinical stage had significantly higher serum AFP levels. Also, patients with HBsAg and HBeAg positive, high HBV DNA levels had significantly higher serum AFP levels. Patients with high serum AFP levels had higher protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alpha-l-fucosidase (AFU), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), γ-GT /ALT, direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IDBIL), fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels. Serum AFP status was inversely associated with serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Patients with AFP positive had higher white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte, and platelet count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR).
Conclusions

The are significant differences in clinical pathologic characteristics between AFP positive and negative PLC patients which may be helpful for the management and prognostication of the disease.
Prediction of stand carbon (C) storage and net primary production (NPP) of secondary forests in subtropical China: the effect of climate change and its contribution to carbon neutrality in 2060
Authors: Jin Jia , Xiang Wenhua , Zeng Yelin , Ouyang Shuai , Zhou Xiaolu , Hu Yanting , Zhao Zhonghui , Chen Liang , Lei Pifeng , Deng Xiangwen , Wang Hui , Liu Shirong , Peng Changhui
Published: November 2021

Background

Forest ecosystems play an important role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, as well as achieving target for carbon neutrality in 2060 proposed by the Chinese government. However, changes in carbon storage and net primary production in natural secondary forests stemming from tree growth and future climate change have not yet been investigated in subtropical areas in China with complex compositions of tree species. Here, we used data from inventory plots in four secondary forests (evergreen broad-leaved forest, deciduous and evergreen broad-leaved mixed forest, deciduous broad-leaved forest, and coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest) at different restoration stages and run a hybrid model (TRIPLEX 1.6) to predict changes in stand carbon storage and net primary production under two future climate change scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5).
Results

There was a high correlation between predicted and observed values (R2 > 0.87) for average stand diameter at breast height (1.3m), stand density, carbon storage, and net primary production in the four forests, indicating that the simulations by TRIPLEX1.6 were accurate. Net primary production was highest in deciduous and evergreen broad-leaved mixed forest (3.95 t ha−1 yr−1 in 2030 and 3.81 t ha−1 yr−1 in 2060), indicating a high carbon storage capacity. Evergreen broad-leaved forest is the subtropical climax community and can store large amounts of carbon (85.22 t ha−1 in 2030 and 135.76 t ha−1 in 2060). Net primary production in coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests increased gradually over time but decreased over time in the other three forests. Net primary production was greater in young forest compared with mature forest. The effects of climate change (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) on carbon storage significantly differed between coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest and the other three forest types (p < 0.001).
Conclusions

Stand carbon storage of evergreen broad-leaved forest was predicted to be the largest. Nevertheless, the carbon sequestration potential under future climate change was still limited in the short and medium-term. The floristic composition and tree growth of existing forests should be properly managed in order to enhance carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation.
A Cluster of Genes at the Terminal Region of Chromosome 1 Contributes to Silk Yield in Bombyx Mori.
Authors: Luan Yue , Li Chunlin , Liu Yanyu , Zhang Bili , Gao Rui , Zuo Weidong , Hu Hai , Tong Xiaoling , Lu Cheng , Dai Fangyin
Published: November 2021

Background:

The silk yield is the most economically important trait in sericulture. In the domestication of the silkworm, traits related to silk yield are the main selective targets. In previous studies, linkage and association analyses were performed, which narrowed the region of the locus controlling the cocoon shell weight (CSW), an important index of silk yield, to the interval of 0–134 kb on the 1st chromosome.
Results

In this study, selection pressure analysis showed that most of the loci in this interval were co-selected during silkworm domestication. Association analysis conducted with 95 strains found that there is a 110 kb region that was significantly associated with CSW. An expression profile correlation analysis of eight genes in the region showed that their expression patterns were very similar. Sequence variation analysis detected mutations in the exon regions of BMgn002066 and BMgn002073, leading to premature termination of translation. The sequence variation was significantly correlated with CSW. In addition, another two genes, BMgn002067 and BMgn002071, had significantly different expression levels in the posterior silk glands of 11 high-yield strains and 11 low-yield strains. Therefore, we speculate that the abovementioned four genes and the gene BmAbl1 detected in previous studies may co-regulate CSW.
Conclusions

This study is the first to identify the gene clusters that affect CSW by forward genetics, thereby providing new evidence for gene clusters that regulate quantitative traits.
Palmitate-Induced S1P Signaling Pathway Attenuates by Cchicoric Acid in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Sadeghabadi Zahra Arab , Samani Keihan Ghatreh , Yaghoubi Fatemeh , mohseni rooholla
Published: November 2021

Objective: Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). So, targeting S1P signaling pathway could be considered as potential therapeutic target for T2D. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of palmitate and chicoric acid (CA) on S1P signaling pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from newly diagnosed patients with T2D and healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: 20 newly diagnosed patients with T2D and 20 healthy subjects, aged 40-60 years, were enrolled in the study. PBMCs were isolated and treated with palmitate and CA. Then, Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) genes expression were evaluated by real-time PCR and S1PR1 protein levels were quantified using ELISA.Results: Palmitate significantly increased SPHK1 and S1PR1 genes expression and S1PR1 protein levels in PBMCs of both patients and healthy subjects. However, CA ameliorates palmitate-increased SPHK1 and S1PR1 genes expression and S1PR1 levels in these cells. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between SPHK1 and S1PR1 genes expression with the S1PR1 protein levels was observed. Conclusions: These data indicate that CA could be considered as a novel S1P signaling pathway inhibitor through down regulation of SPHK1 and S1PR1.
Multi-stage Inner Conical Hole Hydraulic Self Driving Rotating Magnetic Field Assisted Electrolytic Machining
Authors: Tang Lin , Ge Xingchen , Shi Chengjin , Zhang Lifeng , Zhai Kaige
Published: November 2021

Aiming at the problem of poor surface quality of multi-stage inner conical hole parts in electrochemical machining, a hydraulic self driving rotating magnetic field assisted electrochemical machining method is proposed, a hydraulic self driving rotating flow field model is established and simulated, and the structure of cathode tail blades is optimized. The simulation results show that when the number of cathode blades is 3 and the thickness of blades is 0.8mm, When the electrolyte flow rate is not less than 5m/s, the impeller at the tail of the cathode mandrel can rotate stably. A hydraulic self driving rotating magnetic field assisted electrochemical machining cathode is designed. When the machining voltage is 10V, the electrolyte temperature is 30 ℃, the electrolyte pressure is 1.6Mpa, the cathode feed speed is 5mm / min, and the electrolyte is 5%NaCl+16%NaNO3+4%NaClO3 composite electrolyte, the comparative experimental study of multi-stage inner conical hole electrochemical machining process with and without rotating magnetic field is carried out, The results show that the surface roughness of the workpiece without magnetic field is Ra0.847μm under the same processing parameters . With the addition of rotating magnetic field, the surface roughness of the workpiece is Ra0.437μm. The surface quality was improved by 48.41%.
Perioperative Safety of Gastrectomy for Patients Receiving Antithrombotic Treatment
Authors: Kudo Takuya , Kanaji Shingo , Sawada Ryuuichiro , Harada Hitoshi , Urakawa Naoki , Goto Hironobu , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Yamashita Kimihiro , Matsuda Takeru , Oshikiri Taro , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: November 2021

Background: With the aging population, more patients are expected to receive antithrombotic treatment. Although many studies have investigated the perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy, few have targeted gastrectomy. Hence, the safety of gastrectomy for patients receiving antithrombotic agents remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study sought to compare outcomes between patients who did and did not receive antithrombotic agents.Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included 548 patients who underwent gastrectomy for primary gastric adenocarcinoma from January 2011 to December 2019. Patients were subsequently classified into two groups according to whether they received antithrombotic therapy (n = 121) or not (n = 427), after which surgical outcomes were compared. Propensity score analysis was performed based on age, sex, body mass index, open versus laparoscopic surgery, and total versus distal gastrectomy. After propensity score matching, 121 patients were included in each group.Results: Among the entire cohort, receiving antithrombotic therapy group was significantly older than those who did not (age ≥ 75 years, 48% vs. 33%; p ≤ 0.0001). Those receiving antithrombotic therapy had significantly higher postoperative complication rates than those who did not (33.1% vs. 23.9%; p = 0.046). After matching, no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate was observed between both groups.Conclusion: Despite having a high risk for postoperative complications, patients receiving antithrombotic therapy can safely undergo gastric resection.
The Construction and Analysis of ceRNA Network in H pylori infection atrophic gastritis
Authors: BAI Wen-jun , LIANG Jun-wei , WANG Xiao-yan
Published: November 2021

Background：Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is an established pre-cancerous lesion of intestinal type gastric cancer(GC),H pylori infection is the main pathogenic cause,this study intends to study the pathogenesis of atrophic gastritis(Hp+) from the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulatory network, in order to provide the oretical basis and data support for the treatment of atrophic gastritis.Results:GSE111762 downloaded from GEO database was used to analyze the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs(DEGs).A total of 395 differentially expressed lncRNA (225 upregulated,170 downregulated) and 1093 DEGs ( 674 upregulated, 419 downregulated) are obtained. Through the cross-mapping of miRcode, starBase, Sponescan,miRTarBase and miRBase databases,16 miRNAs were predicted,and the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulatory network consisting of 71 IncRNAs,16 miRNAs and 597 mRNAs was constructed.597 DEGs were analyzed by David database for functional enrichment. A total of 250 GO enrichment items were obtained, including 160 BP entries, 48 CC entries and 42 MF entries,29 signal pathways were obtained by enrichment analysis of KEGG pathways, mainly p53 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Using Cytoscape plug-in CytoHubba to filter 597 DEGs with "MCC, MNC, Degree" top20 as screening conditions, Eleven key hub targets are obtained from the intersection of jvenn.Protein interaction analysis of key hub targets through Cytoscape plug-in GeneMania, it was found that 87.65% displayed similar co-expression characteristics.Construct ceRNA regulatory network of the key hub targets,11 mRNAs(such as BRCA1, RAD54L),12 miRNAs(such as hsa-miR-340-5p,hsa-miR-182-5p) and 58 lncRNAs(such as PCGEM1,FTX) were predicted. Conclusions:Clarify the complex reticular regulation of atrophicgastritis with multi-targets, multi-pathways and multi-pathways.Which provides a new idea for the study of the mechanism of action of atrophicgastritis (Hp+) and a potential target for its treatment,thus to further early diagnosis and reversal of gastric cancer.
Identifying Predictors of Patient Safety Competency Based on Teamwork and Psychological Safety among emergency nurses.
Authors: Soola Aghil Habibi , Ajri-Khameslou Mehdi , Mirzaei Alireza , Bahari Zahra
Published: November 2021

AimsTo identify factors that predict the patient safety competency of emergency nurses.BackgroundThe role of emergency nurses is to provide high-quality health care to patients and ensure their safety. The patient safety competency includes the absence of unnecessary or potential harm when providing health care to patients. In providing health care, effective teamwork can affect patient safety and outcome. Psychological safety is essential to effective teamwork. Psychological safety allows health care workers to accept the interpersonal risks needed to perform effective teamwork and maintain patient safety.MethodsThis descriptive correlation study included 254 emergency department nurses from five educational hospitals using convenience sampling. Patient Safety in Nursing Education Questionnaire was used to measure the patient safety competency, the teamwork questionnaire to examine the teamwork, and Edmondson psychological safety questionnaire was used to measure psychological safety. Descriptive statistics, t-Test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and Stepwise multiple regression were performed using SPSS 14.0.ResultsThe findings of the present study showed that the level of patient safety competency among emergency nurses is at a desirable level. Of the 18 independent variables evaluated in the multiple regression analysis, seven had a significant effect on the patient safety competency of emergency nurses (R2: 0.39, p < .001).ConclusionsThe patient safety competency of emergency department nurses was primarily related to the structure and leadership of the team and secondary to psychological safety and experience in patient safety activity. The results demonstrated that policymakers and hospital managers should improve and enhance team structure and leadership via supervision and cooperation with the nursing staff. The development of training programs in the field of patient safety activities, improvement, and increase of psychological safety at the levels of the nursing units is essential to increase patient safety competencies in the emergency nursing program.
Associations of PYGO2 and PRDM9 Genes Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Idiopathic Azoospermia in Iranian Population
Authors: Moud Sanaz Soleymani , Seraji Katayon Kamali , Ramezani Mina , Piravar Zeynab
Published: November 2021

Background

One cause of infertility is azoospermia which affects about 1% of men in the general population. Non-obstructive azoospermia can be due to genetic disorders. Pygo2 and PRDM9 are two genes involved in spermatogenesis process. The aim of this study was to assess two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) rs61758740, rs61758741 and rs2973631, rs1874165 in these genes respectively.
Methods

In this case-control study, a total of 100 Iranian patients with idiopathic azoospermia and 100 fertile control subjects were genotyped for Pygo2 rs61758740 and rs61758741 and PRDM9 rs2973631 polymorphism using Tetra-ARMS PCR. PRDM9 rs1874165 polymorphism was assessed by PCR-RFLP method. LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations were measured with electrochemical luminescence (ECL) method.
Results

Our data indicated a significant increase only in the FSH and LH hormone levels of patients which suggest that the cause of azoospermia is not pre-testicular. rs61758740 (T>C) polymorphism in Pygo2 gene was associated with increased risk of azoospermia (OR, 2.359; 95% Cl (1.192 – 4.666); p= 0.012). Also based on dominant model analysis in rs2973631 of PRDM9 gene, we identified a significant gene frequency difference between cases and control in dominant, recessive and codominant models but dominant, codominant and overdominant models was confirmed for rs1874165.
Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence for an association between Pygo2 and RDM9 genetic variation and idiophatic azoospermia in Iranian populations. Therefore, SNPs of these genes can be cosidered as a risk factor for male infertility.
Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of heterologous Ad26.COV.2 and BNT162b2 vaccination
Authors: Sester Martina , Klemis Verena , Venhorst Andreas , Halmans Lea , Schmidt Tina , Greiß Franziska , Sester Urban , Gärtner Barbara , Meyer Tim
Published: November 2021

Given increased rates of breakthrough infection, German and other national authorities recommend heterologous booster vaccinations for Ad26.COV.2 vaccinated individuals, although data on immunogenicity and reactogenicity are lacking. We therefore recruited fifteen individuals who received the Ad26.COV.2 vaccination followed by a heterologous booster vaccination using the mRNA-vaccine BNT162b2. Immune response included SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific IgG, neutralizing activity as well as Spike-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells. Reactogenicity was self-reported using a questionnaire. We show that induction of specific immunity was poor after one dose of Ad26.COV.2. Heterologous boosting with BNT162b2 led to a significant increase in spike-specific IgG, neutralizing antibodies and CD4 and CD8 T cells. Heterologous boosting was well tolerated with more frequent systemic adverse events after the first dose. Thus, our data support current recommendations for heterologous booster-vaccination to optimize specific immunity and protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ad26.COV.2-vaccinated individuals.
Identification of cross-talk between m6A/m5C regulators and ferroptosis associated with immune infiltration and prognosis in pan-cancer
Authors: Zhang Yingli
Published: November 2021

Although it has been recognized that m6A/5mC methylation and ferroptosis play critical roles in different types of cancers, little is known about the relationship between them. In addition, there is also a growing appreciation that m6A/5mC methylation and ferroptosis may affect immune cell infiltration and activation. This study aimed to reveal the extensive cross-talk between epigenetic modification and ferroptosis. A total of 31 cancer type-specific datasets in TCGA were individually collected by the publicly available web servers for multiple bioinformatic analyses of m6A/5mC regulators and ferroptosis-related genes. Intriguingly, m6A/5mC regulators and ferroptosis-related genes were identified to have considerable global coverage and prognostic significance across multiple cancer types. Moreover, m6A/5mC regulators showed interactive potential with ferroptosis-related genes, and genomic alteration of ferroptosis-related genes coupled with m6A/5mC regulators, at least in pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, m6A/5mC regulators and ferroptosis-related genes were found to be significantly associated with TILs. Finally, m6A/5mC regulators and ferroptosis-related genes exhibited functionally related to each other or co-regulated by TF or non-coding RNA. Together, m6A/5mC methylation and ferroptosis show a wide-ranging connection, and a combination strategy of epigenetic and ferroptosis therapies with ICP inhibitors may benefit more cancer patients in the future.
Living in Patchy Habitats: Substrate Selection for Basking by Sympatric Lizards in Contrasted Anthropogenic Habitats in Western France
Authors: Meek Roger , Luiselli Luca
Published: November 2021

The influence of temperature on the physiological processes in reptiles is well known, for example growth, reproduction, muscular energy are all largely temperature dependent and therefore temperature is a key aspect of reptilian ecology. However, there may be constraints on the ability of reptiles to harness thermal energy, particularly during cold seasons in the temperate zones. Substrate selection is a key aspect in thermoregulation and can enhance heat uptake. For example, wood substrates are known to increase rates of heat gain in basking reptiles enabling earlier attainment of optimum body temperatures compared to other substrate types, which enables increased time available for other activities. In this paper we describe substrate use for basking in two species of lizard, Lacerta bilineata and Podarcis muralis in a hedgerow and suburban garden in western France compared against a null model of substrate availability. When different substrates were pooled based on their material similarities both species were recorded in greater frequency on wood based materials in comparison to their availability compared to non-wood substrates. However at a finer level, in comparison to substrate availability (fallen tree branches, tree stumps, open ground etc), P. muralis showed strong substrate selection for basking, whereas L. bilineata did not depart significantly from the null model. We speculated that intra-specific aggression in L. bilineata was a possible cause of this result due to dominant individuals limiting smaller or female lizards from accessing prime basking sites. Differences in communal basking between the two species supported this notion.
Embeddings from protein language models predict conservation and variant effects
Authors: Marquet Céline , Heinzinger Michael , Olenyi Tobias , Dallago Christian , Bernhofer Michael , Erckert Kyra , Nechaev Dmitrii , Rost Burkhard
Published: November 2021

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants stressed the demand for tools allowing to interpret the effect of single amino acid variants (SAVs) on protein function. While Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS) sets continue to expand our understanding of the mutational landscape of single proteins, the results continue to challenge analyses. Protein Language Models (pLMs) use the latest deep learning (DL) algorithms to leverage growing databases of protein sequences. These methods learn to predict missing or masked amino acids from the context of entire sequence regions. Here, we used pLM representations (embeddings) to predict sequence conservation and SAV effects without multiple sequence alignments (MSAs). Embeddings alone predicted residue conservation almost as accurately from single sequences as ConSeq using MSAs (two-state Matthew Correlation Coefficient – MCC - for ProtT5 embeddings of 0.596 ± 0.006 vs. 0.608 ± 0.006 for ConSeq). Inputting the conservation prediction along with BLOSUM62 substitution scores and pLM mask reconstruction probabilities into a simplistic logistic regression (LR) ensemble for Variant Effect Scoring without alignments (VESPA) predicted SAV effect magnitude without any optimization on DMS data. Comparing predictions for a standard set of 39 DMS experiments to other methods (incl. ESM-1v, DeepSequence, and GEMME) revealed our approach as competitive with the state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods using MSA input. No method outperformed all others, neither consistently nor in a statistically significant manner, independently of the performance measure applied (incl. two-state accuracy: Q2, MCC, Spearman and Pearson correlation). Lastly, we investigated binary effect predictions on DMS experiments for four human proteins. Overall, embedding-based methods have become competitive with methods relying on MSAs for SAV effect prediction at a fraction of the costs in computing/energy. Our method predicted SAV effects for the entire human proteome (~ 20k proteins) within 40 minutes on one Nvidia Quadro RTX 8000. All methods and data sets are freely available for local and online execution through bioembeddings.com, https://github.com/Rostlab/VESPA, and PredictProtein.
Molecular Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infection in a Tertiary Hospital of Eastern China: For a Retrospective Study Over 4 Years
Authors: Zhao Dongmei , Li Hongru , Yue Chengcheng , Liu Yanyan , Ye Ying , Li Jiabin
Published: November 2021

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) have undergone extensive dissemination in worldwide resulting in increased mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of epidemiology and risk factors for the outcome of CRKP infection in a general teaching hospital in China.
Methods

A molecular and clinical study were conducted for 98 CRKP in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2016. Carbapenemase gene detection, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed. Logistic regression was also used to identify the risk factors associating with the 30-day mortality.
Results

The producition of KPC cabapenemase was the main resistant mechanism and increased annually with a significant difference. However, the molecular outcome revealed the dominance and diversity in CRKP with 24 sequence types (STs) and 59 PFGE types (PTs ). The ST11 CRKP were documented as the predominant strains in our study, which showed a significant increasing trend year by year. Additionally, the predominant ST11 CRKP corresponding to PT10 and PT15 remained a typical fashion. Of note, the new advantage PT09 or PT16 were just discovered in 2016 which also corresponding to ST11. Meanwhile, the factors on 30-day mortality and ST11 proportionality with CRKP infection were assessed, which showed that ST11, appropriate empirical treatment, and hospital stays were independently associated with 30-day mortality.
Conclusions

ST11 CRKP payed a dominant role in the process, but the homology of these strains was polymorphic and the advantage clusters would be changed by evolution. Additionally, besides appropriate empirical treatment and hospital stays, ST11 CRKP was independently associated with the 30-day mortality, first reported as we know.
Interferences of Inorganic Arsenic (III & V) on Growth and Development of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) With Special Emphasis on Root and Coleoptile Growth
Authors: Mondal N.K. , Debnath Priyanka , Mishra Debojyoti
Published: November 2021

A short-term phytotoxicity experiment was conducted on four varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under the influence of arsenic (III & V) to evaluate the impact on root and coleoptiles growth. Four varieties (GB-1, IET-4786, IET-4094, and MTU-1010) of rice were undertaken for this study with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/L) of arsenic (III & V). Germination along with mean daily germination (MDG), length of root and coleoptile, water holding capacity of root and coleoptiles, fresh and dry weight, arsenic accumulation, MDA and root ion leakage were evaluated. Results highlighted that the percent germination of IET-4094 and MTU-1010 varieties of rice seed over control decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing concentration of both arsenite and arsenate. However, the percent germination of GB-I and IET-4786 dose not affected on the different concentration of both arsenate and arsenite. The root and coleoptile length of all the four varieties showed remarkable decreasing trend over control with increasing concentration of both arsenite and arsenate. However, more pronounced effects were observed for arsenite than arsenate. Similarly, biomass of shoot is less affected than root under different concentration of arsenite and arsenate. The variety IET-4786 and MTU-1010, accumulated lower level of arsenic and variety GB-1 accumulate higher level of MDA level in root under both arsenite and arsenate treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that the variety IET-4786 and MTU-1010 are the suitable varieties towards phytoremediation of both arsenite and arsenate. Moreover, farmers of arsenic contaminated area are recommended to cultivate IET-4786 and MTU-1010 varieties.
Identification of Patients Requiring Adrenalectomy for Unilateral Adrenal Tumors Through a Dual Approach: ceCT and [18F]FDG-PET
Authors: Farolfi Andrea , Maietti Elisa , Piperno Federica , Coppolino Pietro , Dalmazi Guido Di , Zavatta Guido , De Leo Antonio , Cintio Ilaria Di , Fanti Stefano , Golfieri Rita , Lambertini Alessandro , Malandra Jennifer , Mosconi Cristina , Pagotto Uberto , Santini Donatella , Selva Saverio , Vicennati Valentina , Nanni Cristina
Published: November 2021

PurposeHormonal assessment (HA) and contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) show insufficient sensitivity and specificity when staging unilateral adrenal lesions (ALs). We aimed at: 1) developing an imaging-based, i.e. ceCT and FDG-PET, diagnostic score able to discriminate adrenal tumors entailing adrenalectomy from those who need clinical monitoring, and 2) identifying a diagnostic flow-chart that allows clinicians to avoid unneeded diagnostic procedures and to address patients to the optimal management.MethodsRetrospective single-center study assessing patients with unilateral AL and the following inclusion criteria: a) a four-phase ceCT; b) FDG-PET within one month of the ceCT; c) histopathology or a clinical follow-up of at least 24 months. Firstly, multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the predictors of adrenal tumors to treat surgically (AL-to-treat) and regression-based coefficients were used to develop a diagnostic score. Secondly, using cut-offs of predictor variables, a diagnostic flow-chart was defined.ResultsForty-eight patients were enrolled (mean age 61 years), of whom 21/48 (44%) had AL-to-treat. The remaining 27/48 (56%) presented with AL to follow-up only (i.e. benign). Maximum and minimum lesion diameter, Hounsfield units (HU) before contrast media injection and HU at the delayed phase (HUdelayed), relative and absolute washout, AL SUVmax, AL SUVmean, ratio SUVmax AL/SUVmax liver (adrenal-liver ratio) were associated with the presence of AL-to-treat (all p<0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, SUVmax and HUdelayed showed to be significant predictors of AL-to-treat and were used to create a diagnostic score. ceCT parameters’ cut-offs discriminating AL-to-treat surgically from AL-to-follow-up with 100% PPV and NPV were first identified, finding 4/48 AL-to-treat and 15/48 ALs to follow-up. Applying the adrenal-liver ratio cut-off of 1.7 to the 29/48 remaining patients with uncertain AL management, for adrenal tumors we found an overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 83%, 76% and 89%, respectively, and a diagnostic flow-chart based on these results was proposed. ConclusionWe developed a two-parameter imaging-based score that may be applied to predict adrenal tumors requiring adrenalectomy. Furthermore, a diagnostic flow-chart to stratify patients on the basis of the optimal management was proposed, thus guiding undefined unilateral adrenal lesions to FDG-PET imaging.
ConTEXT: Context-aware Adaptive SMS Client for Drivers to Reduce Risky Driving Behaviors
Authors: Khan Inayat , Khusro Shah
Published: November 2021

Text messaging while driving has been considered a dangerous activity that may lead to serious injuries and traffic fatalities. Several assistive technologies and solutions have been developed to simplify texting activity. However, due to inconsistent and complex interface design, lack of logical navigational order, lack of context, complicated text-entry layouts, and laborious activities, the existing texting-related activities can lead to accidents. This paper recognized the risky driving patterns using the real-time AutoLog application. Based on this risky driving behavior, we have proposed ConTEXT, a usable SMS client, to overcome the issues pertaining to the usability of textual activities on smartphones while driving. ConTEXT application is evaluated both empirically as well as through real-time AutoLog application. We have collected data from 117 drivers through a questionnaire. The results show that the data is found reliable also alpha scores for all factors seem internally consistent as it ranges from 0.70 to 0.79 which is good. Similarly, we have reported Principal Component Factor Analysis (PCFA), which was found satisfied and appropriate as the Eigenvalue for all the factors is greater than zero. Furthermore, results obtained from the AutoLog dataset show an improved user experience, better control over the touch screen with minimum visual, physical, and mental load.
Adaptive foraging behaviour increases vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Gauzens Benoit , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Kalinkat Gregor , Boy Thomas , Jochum Malte , Kortsch Susanne , O'Gorman Eoin , Brose Ulrich
Published: November 2021

Adaptative foraging behavior should promote species coexistence and biodiversity under climate change as predators are expected to maximize their energy intake, according to principles of optimal foraging theory. We test these assumptions using a dataset comprising 22,185 stomach contents of fish species across functional groups, feeding strategies, and prey availability in the environment over 12 years. Our results show that foraging shifts from trait-dependent prey selectivity to density dependence in warmer and more productive environments. This behavioral change leads to lower consumption efficiency as species shift away from their optimal trophic niche, undermining species persistence and biodiversity. By integrating this adaptive foraging behavior into dynamic models, our study reveals higher risk profiles for ecosystems under global warming.
Fused Second-Order MR Image Feature Framework for Region of Interest Delineation
Authors: Banday Shoaib Amin , Khan Samiya , Mir A. H.
Published: November 2021

Healthcare infrastructure relies on technology-driven solutions such as CAD systems for improving the overall efficiency of its procedures and processes. Image segmentation is one of the most critical phases for such systems in view of the fact that accuracy of this phase determines the efficacy of the later phases, to a large extent. Extensive research is underway to develop segmentation techniques that can achieve highest accuracy with some suggestions directed towards an information fusion based approach within the machine learning paradigm. This research paper proposes a fused second-order statistical image feature framework for Region of Interest delineation. It is a feature fusion-based segmentation approach (ACM-FT) that fuses texture driven feature maps from GLCM , GLRLM and Gabor filters. The proposed approach is then compared with Active Contour Model with classical edge detection method (ACM-ED) and Active Contour Model without edges (ACM-WE) using Overlap Index (OI) and Jackard’s Similarity Co-efficient (JSI). The proposed approach achieves an average accuracy of 92.17% and 93.19% for JSI and OI, respectively, demonstrating significant improvements.
TPX2 Amplification-Driven Aberrant Mitosis in Culture Adapted Human Embryonic Stem Cells With Gain of 20q11.21
Authors: Jeong Ho-Chang , Go Young-Hyun , Shin Joong-Gon , Kim Yun-Jeong , Cho Min-Guk , Gwon Dasom , Cheong Hyun Sub , Lee Haeseung , Lee Jae-Ho , Jang Chang-Young , Shin Hyoung Doo , Cha Hyuk-Jin
Published: November 2021

Despite highly effective machinery for the maintenance of genome integrity in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), the frequency of genetic aberrations during in-vitro culture has been a serious issue for future clinical applications. By passaging hESCs over a broad range of timepoints, we found that mitotic aberrations, such as the delay of mitosis, multipolar centrosomes, and chromosome mis-segregation, were increased in parallel with polyploidy compared to early-passaged hESCs (EP-hESCs) with normal copy number. Through high-resolution genome-wide approaches and transcriptome analysis, we found that culture adapted-hESCs with a minimal amplicon in chromosome 20q11.21 highly expressed TPX2, a key protein for governing spindle assembly and cancer malignancy. Consistent with these findings, the inducible expression of TPX2 in EP-hESCs reproduced aberrant mitotic events, such as the delay of mitotic progression, spindle stabilization, misaligned chromosomes, and polyploidy, suggesting that the increased transcription of TPX2 in culture adapted hESCs could contribute to an increase in aberrant mitosis due to altered spindle dynamics.
Quality of Life in Young Illicit Substance Abuser Men: Testing a Moderated Mediation Model of Age Related Decline in Executive Functions
Authors: Fatima Shameem , Hassan Sajid , Jamil Farhat
Published: November 2021

Background
Earlier literature has documented age related decline in executive functions (EF) in normal aging adults, yet it is unclear whether age related EF decline is linked with quality of life (QoL) possibly mediating the link between age and QoL. Therefore, the study hypothesized that selective EF components would mediate the association between age and QoL domains in young substance abuser men and family history of substance use would moderate these mediated associations.
Method
A sample of 212 young substance abuser men (105 positive family history and 107 negative family history of substance use) performed on performance measures assessing selective EF components—inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Also, they reported their QoL on self-report measure of WHOQOL.
Results
Mean scores of the sample on all QoL domains were lower than expected by chance. Also, the participants with positive family history of substance use compared to those with negative family history scored significantly lower on all QoL domains except physical QoL. Mediation analyses revealed that of two EF components, only inhibition mediated the negative association of age with psychological, social, and environmental QoL. Furthermore, family history of substance use moderated all the significant mediations with stronger indirect negative associations in participants having a family history of substance use compared to those with no such history.
Conclusion
It is concluded that inhibitory control, which is vulnerable to aging, substance use, and family history of substance use, is an important factor related to QoL in young substance abuser men.
Frequently used methods in the preparation of the informational attack
Authors: Radu Moinescu
Published: November 2021

Once with the development of WEB technologies, more attention has been paid to information originated from Internet websites being complementary to information obtained from other sources of interest. Specialized structures have been set up to collect, analyze and capitalize this information, theoretically and methodologically based on concepts and principles. Thus, definitions have been formulated for what Open Source Information (OSINF) and open-source intelligence (OSINT) are. This paper presents the stages and technological methods applied for an informational attack.
Homonymy within English Marine Engineering Terminology
Authors: Alina Balagiu
Published: November 2021

The scientific and technical vocabulary is characterized by linguists as objective, clear and without ambiguity. That means the use of words with only one meaning that can be easily understood and recognized by the scientists or people working in a certain technical field. We try to emphasize the existence of homonymy within English marine engineering terminology and the extension of it as a non-characteristic of the marine engineering terminology.
The tasks of the leader in minimizing misinformation effects Means and techniques of psychological influence
Authors: Razvan Bazaitu
Published: November 2021

We are all prisoners of the personal way in which we think and relate to those around us. We are so accustomed to our way of seeing the world that we really think it is exactly the way we perceive it. As with military-structured groups, life on board has a number of specific rigor and characteristics, and the commander has the primary task of knowing the challenges of seafarers, taking into account the principles of communication and cultural differences and harmonizing interpersonal relationship, with the ultimate goal of reaching the port of destination with his crew, ship and cargo on time, intact, healthy. Our hyperlinked world and hyper-transparent is no longer a place for private life, for secrets, for hiding. Any event can be instantly posted by Email, Facebook, Twitter or blogs. The problem with technological progress is that connects us too quickly, faster then we succeed in creating the necessary social framework to understand each other. This can sometimes lead naturally to misinformation, but it can also be an insidious tool, used by specialized entities, interested in obtaining a desired atmosphere, information or intrigues.
Osimin - A meteorological data platform for processing SIMIN data built on open source software
Authors: E Băutu
Published: November 2021

In 2003, the Romanian National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology inaugurated National Integrated Meteorological System (SIMIN), consisting of a network of stations and instruments for measurement and detection of hydro and meteorological data, a specialized communication network, a forecasting network, and a dissemination network. With a setup cost of $55 million and a national priority role, SIMIN (implemented by Lockheed Martin) is relatively black boxed even today, using proprietary technology and software. Few institutions have direct access to the data it provides. In this paper, we present the design of a web-based software application built on open source software that allows easy access to and processing of data available in SIMIN.
Design of self-paced blended-learning computer programming courses for maritime students
Authors: E Băutu
Published: November 2021

Digital competencies are an important part of the education of future engineers. The maritime industry demands solid and advanced digital competencies. Developing them with traditional methods is difficult and inefficient due to the heterogeneous high-school background of students. Blended-learning approaches can turn the learning curve from steep into a gradual one, while self-paced approaches allow students to adapt the learning rhythm according to their needs. In this paper, we discuss the design of computer programming courses for maritime students, which use both blended-learning and self-paced to achieve maximum educational impact.
Comparative analysis of the safety of hypnotic component of anesthesia in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a review
Authors: Lutfarakhmanov Ildar I. , Zdorik N. A. , Lazarev S. T. , Galeev I. R. , Syrchin E. Yu. , Lifanova A. D. , Mironov P. I.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) is the most effective treatment option for localized prostate cancer. Special conditions of the surgery (Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum) lead to negative physiological consequences. Objectives. Systematize current data of the effect of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol or inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane or desflurane on undesirable perioperative events during RALRP in patients with prostate cancer. Materials and methods. Search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, International Standard Randomized Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov until February 2021. Results. The review included 7 randomized controlled trials. Undesirable perioperative events were nausea and vomiting, decreased jugular venous bulb blood oxygenation, increased optic nerve sheath diameter as a surrogate marker of high intracranial pressure, and high intraocular pressure. Conclusions. We found weak evidence that propofol-based TIVA may have safety advantages over inhaled anesthetics in the anesthesia provision of RARP.