bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimize the Irrigation and Fertilizer Schedules by Combining DSSAT and GA
Authors: Bai Yu , Yue Wenjun , Ding Chunmei
Published: July 2021

As one of the main food crops in the world, the yield of maize directly affects the food security of the world. The optimization of irrigation and fertilizer schedules is also one of the hot issues in the world. In this paper, the genetic algorithm (GA) and DSSAT crop model were combined to provide theoretical basis for the optimization of irrigation and fertilizer schedules of maize in China. On the basis of field experimental data in previous references, the model was calibrated and verified, and get a well simulation result with RMSE ranged from 0.262 to 0.580 Mg/ha. After that, GA and DSSAT were run to obtain the optimized irrigation and fertilizer schedules. Compared with the results of previous references, the new optimization schedules can improve the yield (1.9~2.6%) and economic benefits (7.3~8.9%). It is proved that this method has a good optimization effect, and the method also has a wide range of research prospects.
IL-15-induced Lymphocytes as Adjuvant Cellular Immunotherapy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hu Yuefeng , Liu Dong , Cui Peilin , Zhang Wen , Chen Hao , Piao Chunmei , Lu Yongcheng , Liu Xuesong , Wang Yue , liu Jingwei , Lu Xu
Published: July 2021

To test the antitumor potential of adoptive cell therapy (ACT)-transferred lymphocytes in a mouse model of human gastric cancer and evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining lymphocytes as adjuvant therapy with first-line chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer.A human gastric cancer xenograft model was constructed in sublethally irradiated 6–8-week-old NCG male mice. MKN-45 cells (1 × 106 cells/mouse) were subcutaneously injected into the flanks. After tumors had become palpable, the mice were randomized into control, ACTIL-2, and ACTIL-15 groups. Human lymphocytes were injected into the mouse tail veins. In addition, 63 patients who had histological or cytologically confirmed stage III–IV gastric cancer randomly received S-1 plus oxaliplatin plus ACTIL-15 (a combination therapy group) or S-1 plus oxaliplatin alone (chemotherapy group).In the mice, treatment with ACTIL-15 cells inhibited tumor growth upon adoptive transfer, and mice that received ACTIL-15 cells had a significantly longer survival (P<0.05, ACTIL-15 vs. ACTIL-2).In the human study, the median survival of patients in the combination therapy group was 472 days (95% confidence interval (CI), 276–668 days), whereas the median survival of patients in the chemotherapy group was 266 days (95% CI, 200–332 days; P<0.05). Eleven percent (7/63) of patients had adverse reactions, but the reactions did not interfere with treatment.Adoptive transfer of ACTIL-15 cells in a mouse model of gastric cancer and patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with S1 and oxaliplatin improved survival with an acceptable safety profile.
Fatigability is among the factors of discoordination between heart rate variability and physical acceleration during free-moving days in non-older women
Authors: Taniguchi Kentaro , Shimouchi Akito , Jinno Naoya , Seiyama Akitoshi
Published: July 2021

Fatigability is related to several diseases as well as the autonomic nervous system. We investigated whether fatigability is associated with the coordination between the physical acceleration (PA) and heart rate variability (HRV) in women. Overall, 95 adult women were divided into non-old (n=50; age: 22–59 years) and old group (n=45; age: ≥ 60 years). HRV and PA data were simultaneously obtained every minute for 24 h. We defined %lag0 as the percent ratio of lag=0 min between HRV and PA in 1 h. Cornell Medical Index was used to determine the degrees of physical and psychological symptoms. In the non-older group in the hour before sleep, the participants with high fatigability scores had significantly lower %lag0 than those with low fatigability %lag0 (p<0.05). Additionally, those with higher fatigability combined with exhaustion in the morning had significantly lower %lag0 than those without exhaustion in the hour before sleep (p<0.05) but not in the hour after waking up. These results suggest that fatigability in non-older women was associated with the discoordination between HRV and PA in the hour before sleep. Additionally, exhaustion in the morning may be related to the discoordination of HRV and PA the previous night.
Implementation of Evidence-based Guidance for Dementia Palliative Care using Participatory Action Research: Examining Implementation through the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
Authors: Coffey Alice , Hartigan Irene , Timmons Suzanne , Buckley Catherine , Lehane Elaine , O'Loughlin Christina , O'Connell Selena , Cornally Nicola
Published: July 2021

Background
The importance of providing evidence-based palliative care for people with dementia is increasingly acknowledged. In Ireland, evidence-based guidance has been developed in order to address key features of dementia palliative care, including the management of pain, medications and hydration and nutrition. The aim of this study was to identify and explore the factors affecting the implementation of evidence-based guidance on dementia palliative care.
Methods
The Consolidated Framework for Implementation (CFIR) guided a mixed-method pre-post study. One guidance document pertaining to the management of pain, medication or hydration and nutrition was implemented in three long-term care facilities. Participatory Action Research in the form of work-based learning groups was used to implement the guidance, drawing on a situational analysis (pre-implementation). Staff questionnaires and audits were conducted pre and post-implementation while champion interviews were also conducted post-implementation.
Results
Features of the guidance (innovation), the inner setting, and the process of implementation were most frequently identified as impacting implementation. Components of the outer setting and individual characteristics featured less commonly. The guidance was perceived as advantageous or complimentary to previous care provided. Within the inner setting, leadership and support from other colleagues facilitated implementation. However, limited availability of other healthcare professionals to assist with carrying out guidance actions presented a barrier in some facilities. The external facilitators of the work-based learning groups (WBLGs) were perceived as experienced and encouraged active participation and reflection on practices. Despite the challenge of releasing staff to attend the WBLGs, a trend toward reduced staff de-motivation among those who did attend was noted post-implementation.
Conclusions
A situational analysis informed by the CFIR framework in conjunction with a participatory action research approach helped to advance implementation of the guidance. The progress of implementation depended on the extent to which evidence-based care was previously being implemented at each site. Post-implementation analysis using CFIR, identified challenges to address in future projects such as staff cover on the ward and timing of training to facilitate attendance for staff with different working hours. Facilitators included multidisciplinary engagement with the intervention and champions at each site to support the implementation process.
Updated Distribution of Anopheline Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Hokkaido, Japan, and the First Evidence of Anopheles (Anopheles) Belenrae in Japan
Authors: Sawabe Kyoko , Imanishi-Kobayashi Nozomi , Maekawa Yoshihide , Higa Yukiko , Kim Kyeong Soon , Hoshino Keita , Tsuda Yoshio , Hayashi Toshihiko , Nihei Naoko , Takai Kenji , Kurihara Takeshi , Kobayashi Mutsuo
Published: July 2021

Background: In Hokkaido, northern island of Japan, at least seven cases of falciparum malaria were reported by 1951. A survey conducted at that time was unsuccessful in implicating any mosquito species as the possible vector. Although active anopheline mosquito surveillance continued until the middle of the 1980s, there is very limited information on their current status and distribution in Japan. Therefore, this study is an update on the current status and distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in Hokkaido based on a 15-year entomological surveillance between 2001 and 2015.Methods: A survey of mosquitoes was conducted at 22 sites in Hokkaido, Japan, from 2001 to 2015. Adult mosquitoes were collected from cowsheds, lakesides, shrubs, and habitats ranging from open grassland to coniferous forest using a CDC miniature light trap enhanced with dry ice, aspirators, and sweeping nets. Larvae were collected from lakes, ponds, swamps, stagnant and flowing rivers, and paddy fields. All specimens were morphologically identified and subjected to PCR-based sequence analysis of the ITS2 region of rDNA. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using the neighbor-joining method. Results: A total of 46 anopheline specimens were used for the phylogenetic analysis. During the survey, a new member of the Anopheles hyrcanus group, An. belenrae Rueda (2005), was discovered in eastern Hokkaido in 2004. Anopheles belenrae has since then been consistently found and confirmed to inhabit only this area of Japan. Four members of the An. hyrcanus group, An. belenrae, An. engarensis, An. lesteri, and An. sineroides, have been found in Hokkaido. The results also suggest that An. sinensis, formerly a dominant species throughout Japan, has become a rarely found species, at least currently in Hokkaido.Conclusion: The updated distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in Hokkaido, Japan, showed considerable differences from that observed in previous surveys conducted from 1969 to 1984. In particular, areas where An. sinensis was previously distributed may have been greatly reduced in Hokkaido. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel An. hyrcanus group member identified as An. belenrae, described in South Korea in 2005. It is interesting that An. belenrae was confirmed to inhabit only eastern Hokkaido, Japan.
Different Mechanism and Efficacy of Dextran-Sodium Sulfate and 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene Sulphonic Acid in Modeling Ulcerative Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: YE Qiaobo , YE Zhen , WU Mingquan , QIN Kaihua , LU Fating , DENG Qing , WANG Juan , SHE Yingqi , HU Yu , HU Zhipeng , YANG Maoyi , PENG Xi
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims: Dextran-sodium sulfate and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid are common modeling methods in studying ulcerative colitis. Little attention has been paid to the mechanism differences between the two approaches. Here, we aim to compare the mechanisms and efficacy of these two models and wish to provide fundamental proves for choosing ideal ulcerative colitis models. Methods: Dextran-sodium sulfate and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid were applied to induce the colitis in C57BL/6 mice for seven days. Body weight and disease activity index were assessed. Hematology was detected by routine blood test. Histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining section. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect the cytokines protein levels and mRNA levels. Flow cytometry were used to detect the cycles and subsets of splenic cells. Results: Dextran-sodium sulfate induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice showed higher acute immune activities, while 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid induced colitis showed chronic immune activities with high platelet amounts and activation. Dextran-sodium sulfate is more suitable for modeling acute ulcerative colitis. On the contrary, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid is more appropriate for modeling chronic ulcerative colitis. Conclusions: Dextran-sodium sulfate treatment within 7 days in C57BL/6 mice is a suitable experimental model for studying human acute ulcerative colitis with immune response, fecal blood and acute pathogenic damage. Conversely, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid treatment within 7 days is more appropriate for studying human chronic ulcerative colitis with hypercoagulable state, IL-2 over-expression state and chronic pathogenic damage.
Predictive performance and clinical utility of HCC risk scores in chronic hepatitis C: a comparative study
Authors: Shiha Gamal , Mikhail Nabiel NH , Soliman Reham , Hassan Ayman , Eslam Mohammed
Published: July 2021

Background and aim:Many HCC risk prediction scores were developed to guide HCC risk stratification and identify CHC patients who either need intensified surveillance or may not require screening. There is a need to compare different scores and their predictive performance in clinical practice.We aim to compare the newest HCC risk scores evaluating their discriminative ability, and clinical utility in a large cohort of CHC patients.Patients and methodsThe performance of the scores was evaluated in 3075 CHC patients who achieved SVR following DAAs using Log rank, Harrell’s c statistic, also tested for HCC-risk stratification and negative predictive values.ResultsHCC developed in 212 patients within 5 years follow up. Twelve HCC risk scores were identified and displayed significant Log rank (p ≤ 0.05) except Alonso-Lopez TE-HCC, and Chun scores where (p = 0.374, p = 0.053 respectively). Analysis of the remaining ten scores revealed that ADRES, GES pre-post treatment, GES algorithm and Watanabe (post-treatment) scores including dynamics of AFP, were clinically applicable and demonstrated good statistical performance; Log rank analysis < 0.001, Harrell’s C statistic (0.66–0.83) and high negative predictive values (94.38–97.65%). In these three scores, the 5 years Cumulative IR in low risk groups is very low (0.54–1.6) so, screening could be avoid safely in these patients.ConclusionADRES, GES score, GES algorithm and Watanabe (post-treatment) scores seem to offer acceptable HCC-risk predictability and clinical utility in CHC patients. The dynamics of AFP as a component of these scores may explain their high performance when compared to other scores.Word count: 250
Predicting the Future Land Use and Land Cover Changes for Bhavani Basin, Tamil Nadu, India Using QGIS MOLUSCE Plugin
Authors: kamaraj manikandan , Rangarajan Sathyanathan
Published: July 2021

Human population growth, movement, and demand have a substantial impact on land use and land cover dynamics. Thematic maps of land use and land cover (LULC) serve as a reference for scrutinizing, source administration, and forecasting, making it easier to establish plans that balance preservation, competing uses, and growth compressions. The objective of this study is to identify the changeover of land-use changes in the Bhavani basin for the two periods 2005 and 2015, as well as to forecast and establish potential land-use changes in the year 2025 and 2030 by using QGIS 2.18.24 version MOLUSCE plugin (ANN-Multi layer perception) model.The five criteria, such as DEM, gradient, aspect, distance from the road and river, and built-up density, are used as spatial variable maps in the processes of learning in ANN-Multi layer perception to predict their influences on LULC between 2005 and 2010 and it was found that DEM, distance from the road and river, and built-up density have significant effects. The projected and accurate LULC maps for 2015 indicate a good level of accuracy, with an overall Kappa value of 0.69 and with a percentage of the correctness 76.28 %. ANN-Multi-layer perception model is then used to forecast changes in LULC for the years 2025 and 2030 which shows significant rise in cropland and built-up areas, by 20 km2 and 10 km2 respectively. The findings assist farmers and policymakers in developing optimal land use plans and better management techniques for the long-term development of natural resources.
Removal of Ni (II) By Sol-Gel Silica Functionalized With Efficient Metal Chelating Agents
Authors: Naheed Shazia , Syed Shumaila , Amir Tahira , Nawaz Faisal , Bibi Asia , Asghar Faiza , Ahmad Fawad , Ahmad Zaheer , Zakria Ghulam , Zahid Muhammad
Published: July 2021

In this study a comprehensive investigation of doping of sol-gel silica with efficient metal chelating agents is provided at room temperature using infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM, EDS and XRD. Sol-gel silica was doped with a series of metal chelating agents to investigate the sorption of Ni (II) ions from aqueous media. It is observed that the chelating agents are encapsulated by the pores of the xerogel from where they interact with the metal ions by ion exchange and chelation mechanism. Nickel complexes of the chelating agents were also synthesized. Sol-gel silica was doped with metal complexes for comparison with sol-gel silica having sorbed metal ions. Same amount of Ni (II) was observed in both samples, showing high efficiency of the method for removal of Ni (II). The batch adsorption experiments were performed at room temperature and neutral pH. The advantage of the method is high sorption capacity at room temperature and neutral pH. The developed method can be applied on large scale removal of toxic heavy metals. The sorption process completed within a minute. 0.1 N HNO3 resulted in complete desorption of metal ions from the gels. The regenerated sorbents were reused several times with negligible loss of sorption capacity.
Regional Forecast of China's Carbon Emission Peak in 2030 and Analysis of Influencing Factors
Authors: Wang Dawei , Shen Wenxing , Zhang Shengliang
Published: July 2021

In this article, we firstly analyzed the historical development trends, regional economies, population, urbanization and carbon emissions of the four major regions which are the East, the Middle, the North-east and the West, respectively. Then we compared China's environmental Kuznets curve both in home and abroad, found that the relationship between economic development and pollution emissions varies from regions and countries. We used the IPAT model to design 48 peak CO2 emission scenarios in order to get to more comprehensive depict of future development path of China's carbon emissions. Furthermore, we used a centralized DEA to evaluate the allocative efficiency of scenario-based CO2 emission paths. As a consequence, we found that maintaining relatively high GDP growth (around 6%), reducing energy intensity by about 75% of average annual decline rate(around 4%); and increasing non-fossil energy to 21% to meet the Innovation plan of energy technology revolution 2016-2030 requirements is the most efficient low-carbon behaviors towards 2030 peak CO2 emissions of 10.57Gt. We also found that China can potentially reduce CO2 emission intensity (CEI) by up to 72.7% compared to the 2005 level in 2030, and therefore that official CEI reduction targets (60-65%) are well within reach. It is also found that in the future path of the predicted optimal scenario, only economic scale and low carbon per unit output value have a great contribution to the changes in carbon dioxide emissions.
Association Between Bone Mineral Density And Serum Creatinine In People < 46 Years Old
Authors: Guo Yanru , Zhu Xianyang
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To research the relationship between serum creatinine and lumbar bone mineral density in people aged <46 years. Methods: A total of 10,968 subjects from the American Nhanes database were included in this cross-sectional study, including 5,744 males (mean age 26.2 years) and 5224 females (mean age 26.7 years). The exposure factor is the serum creatinine value, and the outcome indicator is the lumbar bone mineral density. This study mainly used multivariate linear regression analysis to test the relationship between lumbar bone mineral density and serum creatinine. Results: In the multivariate linear regression analysis, serum creatinine was positively correlated with lumbar bone mineral density (β = 0.122, 95%CI: 0.047-0.198), but in the subgroup analysis stratified by sex, this positive correlation only exists in the female population (Β = 0.186, 95%CI: 0.070-0.301).Conclusions: Our study found that in women aged <46 years with normal renal function, there is a positive correlation between serum creatinine and lumbar BMD. And in those people, the determination of serum creatinine can provide a sensitive biomarker for the early identification and treatment of Osteopenia or osteoporosis.
The Computational Analyses, Molecular Dynamics of Fatty-Acid Transport Mechanism to the CD36 Receptor: The Outcomes of the Mutation K164A on the Binding Domain, Structure and Function
Authors: Akachar Jihane , Etchebest Catherine , Eljaoudi Rachid , Ibrahimi Azeddine
Published: July 2021

The transmembrane glycoprotein CD36, which is responsible of the metabolic disorders, and the elevated intake of fat induces lipid buildup, is a multifunctional scavenger receptor signaling those functions in high-affinity tissue uptake of long-chain fatty acids. In this study, we used series of molecular dynamics simulations of the wild type and mutants types K164A CD36 protein interacting with one Palmitic acid (PLM) besides simulations of the wild type interacting with the three PLM to find out the mechanism of the functioning of the complex CD36/Fatty acids and the unraveling of the role of the mutation. Additionally we determined whether Lys164, mostly exposed to protein surface, played important roles in fatty acid uptake. These simulations revealed, the conformational changes induced by Lys164 residue and the altered interactions induced by the mutagenesis of surface lysine that was badly influencing the folding, utility, solubility, and stability form of the variant. Furthermore, Lys164 residue provided the structural basis of forming an opening at the region of principal portal for the dissociation of palmitic acid. The results of our simulations revealed hole two fatty acids found in CD36 cavity structure and it was the most preferred to CD36 structure stabilization.
Design and Discovery of a High Affinity, Selective and β-Arrestin Biased 5-HT7 Receptor Agonist
Authors: Onyameh Edem K. , Ofori Edward , Bricker Barbara A. , Gonela Uma M. , Eyunni Suresh V. K. , Kang Hye J. , Voshavar Chandrashekar , Ablordeppey Seth Y
Published: July 2021

Compound 1c, 2-(2-(3,4-Dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)-5-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one was previously reported from our laboratory showing high affinity binding to the 5-HT7 receptor (Ki = 0.5 nM). However, compound 1c racemizes readily upon enantiomeric separation. To prevent racemization, we have redesigned and synthesized a methyl and carboxyethyl analogs, compounds 2 and 3 respectively, whose binding affinities were similar to those of compound 1c. Compound 2 and 3 cannot undergo racemization since tautomerism was no longer possible and thus, compound 2 was selected for enantiomeric separation and further evaluation. Upon enantiomeric separation, the levorotatory enantiomer, (-)2 or 2a demonstrated a higher affinity and a β-arrestin biased functional selectivity for the 5-HT7 receptor. Although 2a showed 22 times less activity than 5-HT in the Gs pathway, it showed 28 times higher activity than 5-HT in the β-arrestin pathway. This constitutes a significant β-arrestin pathway preference and shows 2a to be more potent and more efficacious than the recently published β-arrestin biased 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydropyrazolo[3,4-d]azepine, the N-debenzylated analog of JNJ18038683 (Compound 7).
Bioconversion of Apple Pomace into Microbial Protein Feed Based on Extrusion Pretreatment
Authors: Yang Zhe , Jiang Lijun , Zhang Min , Deng Yuxin , Suo Wenjing , Zhang Haijing , Wang Chenjie , Li Hongjun
Published: July 2021

Apple pomace (AP) is often used directly as animal feed, while the value of feeding is limited by its low protein content. In this study, extrusion pretreatment was performed for AP, and further fermentation was carried out to improve its nutrition value. Strains suitable for extruded apple pomace (EAP) to produce high-quality microbial protein (MP) feed were screened from 12 different strains. Results showed that Aspergillus niger 3.324 (Asn), Candida utilis1314 (Cau), Geotrichum candidum 1315 (Gec), Bacillus subtilis A308 (Bas1) and Lactic acid bacteria (Lac) were screened as the dominant strains, which exhibited higher feeding value. Strongsymbiotic effect was observed in fermentation with mixed strains of Asn, Cau, Gec, and Lacat the ratio of 1:1:1:1. Compared with AP, the pure protein content in the optimized fermented EAP (FEAP) was increased by 138% accompanying with a pleasant flavor and taste. The nutrition value of FEAP was characterized by amino acid profiles, it found that FEAP was comparable to other commercial proteins with higher contents of histidine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine. Combination of fermentation and extrusion technology significantly enhanced pure protein content and nutritional composition of apple pomace, which was revalorized as a nutritive animal feed that rich in microbial protein.
SCoT Markers Analysis of Genetic Diversity of Polygonatum, A Medicinal and Edible Plant
Authors: Cao Shi dong , Chen Senmiao , Cao Shuyu , Chen Nipi , Jin Bo
Published: July 2021

Background: As a traditional Chinese medicine, Polygonatum has been demonstrated to have immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic and other pharmacological effects. However, the germplasm resources of Polygonatum have been destroyed in recent years and the research on its genetic diversity is extremely scarce. In this study, the genetic diversity of 28 Polygonatum germplasms from 11 different provinces in China was evaluated by Start codon targeted (SCoT) marker. Results: A total of 365 bands were generated by 15 SCoT primers, of which 355 were polymorphic, with a high polymorphism of 97.3%. And the genetic similarity coefficient is between 0.59 and 0.75, indicating a high genetic diversity. UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) dendrogram, PCoA (Principal Coordinate Analysis) and Structure analysis have similar results in grouping Polygonatum germplasm and they are all divided into two populations. We found that there was a certain correlation between the genetic distance and geographical distance of Polygonatum germplasm. By analyzing other valid genetic diversity parameters (Na, Ne, H, I), it is clarified that Polygonatum has abundant alleles and abundant genetic diversity among populations. Conclusions: This study suggests that Polygonatum germplasm resources from different provenances have rich genetic diversity. The SCoT molecular marker is a valuable marker system and can be used for genetic analysis of Polygonatum resources. This will be helpful to further study the preservation and genetic improvement of Polygonatum germplasm.
Fracking Technique: The Novel Approach To Crack Deep Calcified Plaque In Common Femoral Artery With Hydraulic Pressure.
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Fujita Tsutomu , Kashima Yoshifumi , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Takeuchi Tsuyoshi , Tadano Yutaka , Hachinohe Daisuke , Kaneko Umihiko , Kobayashi Ken , Kanno Daitaro , Sato Katsuhiko
Published: July 2021

Background:The patency of conventional peripheral intervention for atherosclerotic lesions in common femoral artery (CFA), called “no stenting zone”, are not superior to surgical endarterectomy due to calcified plaque occupying the area. Plaque modification strategies to obtain acute gain in CFA provide the better clinical outcome compared to standard balloon angioplasty. Atherectomy devices, which focus on modification of superficial calcification, contribute to the improvement of clinical outcomes. However, deep calcium resists vessel expansion so that luminal gain is not easily achieved. Main text:We propose a novel calcified plaque modification technique, named the” Fracking technique”. The term fracking refers to how a rock is fractured apart by the high hydraulic pressure. This technique is to crack deep calcification with hydraulic pressure with a balloon indeflator through 18-gauge needle, which punctures into calcification in order to obtain larger acute luminal gain. Case 1 involved an 81-year-old male with eccentric calcified plaque in right CFA. Conventional balloon angioplasty for the lesion provided the suboptimal minimal lumen area (MLA) from 6.2 to 10.7mm2 with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurement. Fracking technique was implemented to obtain the larger MLA. After fracking was repeated three times until there were no more Fracking points, a much larger MLA of 27.1mm2 was achieved without complications. Case 2 involved a 72-year-old male undergoing hemodialysis presented with ischemic rest pain of his right limbs due to severe stenosis with eccentric calcification in distal CFA to proximal superficial femoral artery. MLAs with IVUS before and after ballooning were 10.0mm2, 13.1mm2, respectively. None of the results of MLA lived up to our expectation. Fracking technique was attempted, and MLA of 28.9mm2 was successfully obtained after this technique. No complications observed. Conclusions:Fracking technique was effective for severe calcified lesion in CFA to obtain significantly larger lumen area which will lead to long-term patency superior to conventional peripheral intervention.
Analysis of NGS-Ministr as A New Detection Strategy Chromosomal Trisomy 16 of Fetal Materials in Miscarriages
Authors: Yao Lilan , Tian Yafei , Zhu Yijian , Lu Daru , Chen Linbo , Mou Li , Yin Rui , Luo Li , Chai Siyu , Yang Jingmin , Chen Pengyu
Published: July 2021

Background: Although many technologies can identify chromosomal abnormalities, they can’t completely replace the advantages of short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping technology. The miniSTR typing based on next generation sequencing (NGS-miniSTR) with high throughput, accuracy and sensitivity has the potential to determine the trisomy and overcome the limitations of conventional STR techniques, which never be tried. The study aimed to explore the value of the NGS-miniSTR in trisomy testing, which is an extension and improvement of the methodology of chromosomal detection technology.Methods: A total of 140 fetal materials in miscarriages (70 trisomy 16 and 70 normal karyotypes) screened by copy-number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) were genotyped using the customed panel containing 11 miniSTRs based on NGS. Direct counting method, chi-square (χ2) test, k-means clustering analysis and Mahalanobis distance were operated to compare the difference of miniSTR between trisomy 16 and normal group, and then analyze whether trisomy 16 could be identified.Results: All miniSTR results based on NGS were successfully obtained, except for D16S771 in 21 samples. There were significant differences in the average depth of coverage at each locus in each sample. Direct counting method and chi-square (χ2) test showed significant differences in allelic pattern and read ratio between trisomy and normal group, respectively. Almost all samples correctly divided into 2 clusters based on diallelic STR reads ratios according to k-means clustering analysis. In addition, the Mahalanobis distance showed that D16S771 had multiple outliers. Conclusion: A new strategy of miniSTR-NGS was firstly introduced to successfully detect all samples of trisomy 16 in the fetal material in miscarriages, which revealed that the allelic pattern and allelic read ratio could be effective indexes to identify the number of chromosomes.
High Resistance Mutation To cART In HIV-1 Exposed Infected Children And Recent Emergence Of CRF02_AG Variant In Bouar, A Rural Environment of Central African Republic
Authors: Vickos Ulrich , Gaiera Giovanni , Cotugno Nicola , Gadia Christelle Luce Bobossi , Demi Ornella Anne Sibiro , Sala Angelo , Sampaolo Michele , Faou Alain Le , Boeri Enzo
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The emergence of HIV-1 recombinant forms and Drug combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) resistance are frequent in the therapeutic course of HIV-infected children in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) precisely in Central African Republic (CAR) as evidenced by studies carried out in the Bangui capital. Vertical transmission rate including during breastfeeding is 12.4. The aim of study is to analyze retrospectively the molecular characterization of sequencing results and mutation detected in HIV infected children who have received cART initiated since infancy. Methods: The 2019 retrospective review of the clinical, therapeutical, and immunological-molecular records of six children who were performed the genome sequencing, followed in Bouar, at the St Michel IST and HIV Center, in the north-west of the CAR. These children infected with HIV perinatally had their seropositive test performed at a median age of 6 years and initiated cARTs at an average age of 7 years as part of treatment regimens also used for the prevention of vertical transmission and the initiation of treatment for HIV infection in CAR. Results: We analyzed results from viral RNA extracted amplification and sequencing of 6 children plasma samples collected under first line antiretroviral therapy. Persistent opportunist infections confirmed Immunosuppression in all patients. Sequencing of viral genomes revealed high level resistance mutations to NRTIs (ABC, FTC and 3TC) in five patients and to NNRTIs (EFV, NVP used locally and DOR, ETR and RPV unused) for all with ambiguous positions in amino-acids comparison and deletion. The HIV-1 group M found in these patients were sub-type A (1) and G-J (1), and CRF02_AG (4), respectively. Three CRF02_AG strains formed a variant cluster by strongly detaching from other CAR and worldwide strains with robust boostrap at 91. Retention and adherence were complicated by the cART limited number and laboratory tests, the irregular supply, and the remoteness of patients from the Center. Conclusions: The genomes sequencing showed that resistance mutations made the treatment inefficient confirming the observed virological and immunological failure. The CRF02_AG genotype is an emerging variant, probably of foreign origin. This discovery clearly highlights the importance and the necessity of ART genetic resistance testing and personalized medicine.
Efficacy of Shear Wave Elasticity for Evaluating Myocardial Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Takaya Yoichi , Nakamura Kazufumi , Nakayama Rie , Hiroaki Ohtsuka , Amioka Naofumi , Kondo Megumi , Akazawa Kaoru , Ohno Yuko , Ichikawa Keishi , Saito Yukihiro , Akagi Satoshi , Yoshida Masashi , Miyoshi Toru , Ito Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Shear wave (SW) imaging is a novel ultrasound-based technique for assessing tissue characteristics. SW elasticity may be useful to assess the severity of hypertensive left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SW elasticity for assessing the degree of myocardial hypertrophy using hypertensive rats. Rats were divided into hypertension group and control group. SW elasticity was measured on the excised heart. Myocardial hypertrophy was assessed histologically. LV weight was greater in hypertension group. An increase in interventricular septum and LV free wall thicknesses was observed in hypertension group. SW elasticity was significantly higher in hypertension group than in control group (14.6 ± 4.3 kPa vs. 6.5 ± 1.1 kPa, P < 0.01). The cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes was larger in hypertension group than in control group (397 ± 50 µm2 vs. 243 ± 14 µm2, P < 0.01), and SW elasticity was positively correlated with the cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes (R = 0.96, P < 0.01). This study showed that SW elasticity was higher in hypertensive rats and was closely correlated with the degree of myocardial hypertrophy, suggesting the efficacy of SW elasticity for estimating the severity of hypertensive LV hypertrophy.
Development and Validation of An Elderly Care Capacity Needs Questionnaire in Elderly Care Institutions with the Model of Combination of Medical and Health Care
Authors: Zhou Liping , Yang Yunfan , Xiao Xiao , Tang Siyuan , Su Yuhua
Published: July 2021

Background

China's elderly population is growing rapidly. As the primary provider of geriatric care services, the expertise and care competencies of nursing staff directly affect the quality of services provided by elderly care institutions. To develop a geriatric care capacity needs questionnaire to provide an assessment tool for the implementation of geriatric care quality improvement and staff capacity building programs in elderly care institutions.
Methods

Based on the literature review, a questionnaire item pool was established. The initial questionnaire was formed by interviewing senior nursing staff and a pilot survey. The formal questionnaire was formed by testing the reliability and validity of the questionnaire.
Results

The Elderly Care Capacity Needs Questionnaire (ECCNQ) was composed of 12 dimensions. The Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.860. The Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.832, Guttman split-half coefficient was 0.83. The correlation coefficient between each dimension and the total questionnaire was 0.472–0.737.
Conclusions

The reliability and validity of the ECCNQ are acceptable, with good stability and effectiveness, which can be used as an evaluation tool for elderly care capacity needs.
Vicarious Ratings of Social Touch, the Effect of Age and Autistic Traits
Authors: Haggarty Connor , Moore David , Trotter Paula , Hagan Rachel , McGlone Francis , Walker Susannah
Published: July 2021

Tactile sensitivities are common in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Psychophysically, slow, gentle stroking touch is typically rated as more pleasant than faster or slower touch. Vicarious ratings of social touch results in a similar pattern of velocity dependent hedonic ratings as directly felt touch. Here we investigated whether adults and children’s vicarious ratings vary according to ASD diagnosis and self-reported autistic traits. Adults’ scoring high on the AQ rated stroking touch on the palm as less pleasant than a Low AQ group. However, in contrast to our hypothesis, we did not find any effect of ASD diagnosis on children’s touch ratings despite parental reports highlighting significant somatosensory sensitivities. These results are discussed in terms of underpinning sensory and cognitive factors.
Prophylactic Bilateral Central Neck Dissection Should Be Evaluated Based on Prospective Study of 581 PTC Patients
Authors: YAN Shouyi , Yu Jiafan , zhao wenxin , WANG Bo , ZHANG Liyong
Published: July 2021

Background: Prophylactic central lymph node dissection (PCND) had been a basic consensus for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma in China. However, unilateral or bilateral central lymph node dissection (CND)was still controversial. This study aimed at investigating the safety and long-term benefit for the patients with bilateral central lymph node dissection (BCCD). Methods: 581 patients were enrolled and divided randomly into the test and control groups according to a different range of CND. 285 patients were prospectively assigned to undergo lobe thyroidectomy plus BCND in the test group, in comparison 296 patients were assigned to undergo lobe thyroidectomy plus ipsilateral central lymph node dissection (ICND) in the control group. Results: We found that the numbers of total LN and N1a in the test group were higher than that of the control group (p=0.002), but there was no difference in the number of metastasized lymph nodes (p=0.857) and tumor recurrence (p=0.308). Additionally, in the aspect of postoperative complication (1 day after surgery), the serum levels of parathyroid hormone in the BCND group were lower than that in the ICND group (P =0.010), and the numbers of transient laryngeal nerve palsy were higher than that(p=0.033). meanwhile we further found that tumors size larger than 1cm and tumor side lymph node metastasis were related to the contralateral lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: BCND resulted in more positive lymph nodes and complications while did not change the patient's long-term prognosis. It may be an alternative for patients with tumor sizes larger than 1cm in large medical centers.
A Network Perspective on Marital Satisfaction among Older Couples
Authors: Li Fengzhan , Ren Lei , Wang Xiuchao , Jin Yinchuan , Ma Zhujing , Yang Qun , Wang Dahua
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAs the world’s population is getting older, it will be helpful for older people to maintain good mental health by targeting their marital satisfaction. The present study aims to investigate how the concepts of marital satisfaction are related to each other and reveal the key concepts for older people. MethodsFour hundred ninety-four older people (247 couples aged 68.19±5.45) participated in the study. Marital satisfaction was assessed by the 10-item marital satisfaction subscale of the ENRICH (Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness) scale. We used network analysis to estimate the network structure of these 10 items and calculated the strength centrality for each item. ResultsThe results showed that all items were positively associated in the final network, and the whole network was relatively high-connected. Four edges with the strongest regularized partial correlations appeared between “leisure activities and spending time together” and “emotional expression” (r=0.33), “personality and habits” and “communication and understanding” (r=0.30), “economic status and the manner of determining economic affairs” and “relationship with relatives and friends” (r=0.24), and “make decisions and resolve conflict” and “emotional expression” (r=0.22). “Emotional expression” was the most connected node in the network. “Communication and understanding” and “views are consistent” had the second and third highest node strength values, respectively. Thus, it will be the best way to promote marital satisfaction by prioritizing the improvement of “emotional expression” for older couples.Conclusions﻿The present study offers a new perspective on the marital satisfaction of older couples using network analysis for the first time. It carefully explores several links among specific concepts of the whole network and found it was relatively high-connected. “Emotional expression” is the central concept in marital satisfaction. “Communication and understanding” and “views are consistent” have the second and third highest node strength values in the network. These results might provide potential targets for the improvement of marital satisfaction among older couples.
Effectiveness of Patient-centered Care for Diabetes Self-management to Improve Glycemic Control and Self-care Behaviors in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Asmat Kainat , Dhamani Khairunnisa , Gul Raisa , Froelicher Erika Sivarajan
Published: July 2021

Background: Patient-centered care in diabetes self-management might be a significant factor in improving self-care outcomes yet the supporting evidence is inadequate. This review is aimed to assess the effectiveness of patient-centered self-management care interventions on self-care outcomes such as glycemic control (HbA1c) and self-care behaviors in adults with type-2 diabetes compared with usual care. Methods: CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and the HEC Pakistan digital library were searched for English language studies that assessed patient-centered self-management educational and/or behavioral interventions in adults aged 18 years or above with type 2 diabetes from 1991 to 2020. Interventional studies comprising randomized controlled trials (RCT) and quasi experimental studies (QES) with at least three months follow up and reporting on self-care outcomes with glycemic control (HbA1c) as primary outcome and self-care behaviors including diet control, physical activity, medication adherence and foot care as secondary outcomes were included. Results: Of the 168 identified records, 25 were found eligible comprising 21 RCTs and 4 QESs with total 4,443 participants. The meta-analysis involved 23 studies that provided enough information for a pooled estimate of HbA1c. Compared with the control group, patient-centered self-management interventions significantly lowered HbA1c −0.53 (95% CI −0.73, −0.32). Stratified analysis for HbA1c with respect to various aspects of intervention showed larger effects in interventions employing both educational and behavioral components −0.59 (95% CI −0.86, −0.32), spanned over shorter (<03 months) duration −0.56 (95% CI −0.86, −0.27), administered by nurses −0.80 (95% CI −1.44, −0.16) and delivered in community setting −0.65 (95% CI −1.00, −0.29). Moreover, patient-centered self-management interventions were found effective in improving diet control, physical activity and foot care. Conclusion: This systematic review provided the evidence supporting the effectiveness of patient-centered self-management care interventions in improving glycemic control and self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes and identified key features of intervention contributing towards success.
Periodic Heat Stress Licenses EMSCs Differentiation Into Osteoblasts via YAP Signaling Pathway Activation
Authors: shi wentao , wang zhe , Bian Lu , wu yiqing , mei huiya , zhou yanjun , Zhang Zhijian , Wang Qing , Zhao Peng , Lu Xiaojie
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe repair and regeneration of large bone defects represent a highly challenging task for bone tissue engineering. Although recent studies have shown that osteogenesis is stimulated by periodic heat stress, the thermal regulation of the osteogenic differentiation of ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) is not well studied. Methods and resultsIn this study, the direct effects of periodic heat stress on the differentiation of EMSCs into osteoblasts were investigated. EMSCs derived from rat nasal respiratory mucosa were seeded in culture plates, followed by 1 h of heat stress at 41 °C every 7 days during osteogenic differentiation. Based on the results of the present study, periodic heating increases alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, upregulates osteogenic-related proteins and promotes EMSC mineralization. In particular, increased YAP nuclear translocation and YAP knockdown inhibited osteogenic differentiation induced by heat stress. Furthermore, the expression and activity of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) were significantly increased after YAP nuclear translocation. Conclusion﻿Together, these results indicate that YAP plays a key role in regulating cellular proteostasis under stressful cellular conditions by modulating the TG2 response.
Evidence of origin with epigenetic change of metachronous lesions in early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Kubota Yo , Tanabe Satoshi , Azuma Mizutomo , Horio Kazue , Fujiyama Yoshiki , Soeno Takafumi , Furue Yasuaki , Wada Takuya , Watanabe Akinori , Ishido Kenji , Katada Chikatoshi , Yamashita Keishi , Koizumi Wasaburo
Published: July 2021

Early gastric cancer (EGC) with metachronous lesions developing on scars after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is extremely rare and hard to treat. We evaluated whether DNA methylation of the cancer-specific methylation gene, cysteine dioxygenase type 1 (CDO1), would predict such lesions. CDO1 methylation (TaqMeth) values were compared between 11 patients with metachronous lesions developing on scars after ESD (M group) identified from 2,055 patients (0.5%) and 33 patients with EGC with no confirmed evidence of metachronous lesions at > 3 years after ESD (solitary [S] group). To assess Helicobacter pylori influence, 11 H. pylori-negative EGC patients (N group) were also analyzed. Each ESD specimen was measured at the tumor (T) and 4-points separated tumor-adjacent noncancerous mucosa (TAM). TaqMeth values for T were significantly higher than TAM (S + M) (P = 0.0019) and TAM (N) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, TAM (M) had significantly higher TaqMeth values than TAM (S) (P < 0.0001) suggesting that TAM (M) exhibited CDO1 hypermethylation similar to T (P = 0.5713). Additionally, TaqMeth values for TAM (S) were significantly higher than TAM (N) (P < 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic for discriminating the highest TaqMeth values separated TAMs (M) from those of TAMs (S) was 0.81. CDO1 hypermethylation promisingly predicted EGC with metachronous lesions developing on scars after ESD.