bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sliding Mode Control of Interval Type-2 T-S Fuzzy Systems with Redundant Channels
Authors: Zhang Zhina , Niu Yugang
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the sliding mode control (SMC) of interval type-2 (IT2) T-S fuzzy systems. The measurement outputs are propagated via redundant channels for reducing the probability of packet loss and improving the reliability of data transmission. A key feature for the above problem is that the premise variables and the measurement signals may not be available by the controller, which brings difficulty to stabilize the nonlinear systems. Accordingly, a crucial issue is how to synthesize an implementable SMC law under the redundant channels. To this end, the characteristic of the redundant channels is firstly analyzed and the model of available measurement output signals is established. By employing these available measurements as the premise variables and utilizing the upper and lower bounds of the system membership functions (MFs), new MFs are constructed and the sliding mode controller is synthesized. By introducing some null terms carrying the information of MFs, sufficient conditions are derived in terms of nonlinear matrix inequalities to ensure the stochastically ultimate boundedness of the closed-loop system and the reachability of the specified sliding surface. Besides, a binary genetic algorithm (GA) is introduced to solve the nonlinear criteria via the objective function reflecting the control performance. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Analysis of the Expression and Clinical Significance of VIPR1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on TCGA Database
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Wang Yunfei , Wei Xiaowan , Zhang Guojun , Wang Huaqi
Published: November 2021

Background: The expression of VIPR1 is associated with the prognosis of many malignant tumors. To analyze the expression and clinical significance of vasoactive intestinal peptide Types I (VIPR1) in lung adenocarcinoma based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)database. Methods and results：The RNASeq data, clinical data and prognosis data of lung adenocarcinoma and normal lung tissue were downloaded from TCGA database. The expression difference of VIPR1 mRNA in lung adenocarcinoma and normal lung tissue（p<0.05）, and the correlations of the expression levels of VIPR1 in lung adenocarcinoma with clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. The possible regulatory signaling pathways of VIPR1 were predicted by the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). CIBERSORT was used to analyze the expression of immune cells in tumor tissues and normal tissues. TIMER was used to analyze the relationship between VIPR1 and immune cell expression. The expression levels of VIPR1 mRNA in lung adenocarcinoma tissues were significantly lower than that in normal lung tissues. The expression levels of VIPR1 mRNA were significantly correlated with gender, T staging，N staging and pathological grade（p<0.05）but not with age, M staging and survival status. Survival analysis showed that the survival time of patients with low expression of VIPR1 was significantly lower than that of patients with high expression. In addition, the expression level of VIPR1 in lung adenocarcinoma was negatively correlated with the infiltration level of myeloid inhibitory cells (r = -0.448, p < 0.01). Through GSEA functional enrichment analysis, it was found that VIPR1 was mainly related to cell cycle pathway, p53 signal pathway, DNA replication pathway, RNA degradation pathway and so on.Conclusions：VIPR1 gene may be a new target for the clinical prognosis and targeted therapy of lung adenocarcinoma.
Associations Between Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores And The Increased Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nayebi Atiyeh , Soleimani Davood , Mostafaei Shayan , Elahi Negin , Pahlavani Naseh , Bagheri Amir , Elahi Homayoun , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Nachvak Seyed Mostafa
Published: November 2021

Background: Diet plays an important role in regulating inflammation, which is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our aim was to investigate the association between the inflammatory potential of diet and RA activity.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 184 patients with RA in rheumatology clinic in Kermanshah city, Iran, in 2020. RA was diagnosed according to the criteria of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/ European League against Rheumatism. The overall inflammatory potential of the diet was extracted from a validated 168-item food frequency questioner (FFQ) using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). RA disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) scores. Logistic regression and one-way ANOVA/ ANCOVA were conducted. Results: Individuals in the highest DII quartile had the significantly higher odds of positive C-reactive protein (CRP) than those in the lowest quartile of the DII scores (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.16 – 17.41; P-value: 0.029). A statistically significant downward linear trend in fat-free mass and weight were observed with increasing the DII quartiles (P-value=0.003, P-value=0.019, respectively). Patients in the highest DII quartile had higher DAS 28 scores than those in the first quartile (Mean difference: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.51 – 1.81; P-value <0.001) and second quartile of the DII scores (Mean difference: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.34 – 1.65; P-value <0.001).Conclusion: Our results indicated that reducing inflammation through diet might be one of the therapeutic strategies to control and reduce the disease activity in RA patients.
Alternative Labeling Tool: a minimal algorithm for denoising single-subject resting-state fMRI data with ICA-MELODIC
Authors: Zhukovsky Peter , Coughlan Gillian , Dickie Erin W , Hawco Colin , Voineskos Aristotle N
Published: November 2021

Subject-level independent component analysis (ICA) is a well-established and widely used approach in denoising of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. However, approaches such as ICA-FIX and ICA-AROMA require advanced setups and/or are computationally intensive. Here, we aim to introduce a user-friendly, computationally lightweight toolbox for labeling independent signal and noise components, termed Alternative Labeling Tool (ALT). ALT uses two features that require manual tuning: proportion of an independent component’s spatial map located inside gray matter and positive skew of the power spectrum. ALT is tightly integrated with the commonly used FMRIB’s statistical library (FSL). Using the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS-3) ageing dataset (n=30), we found that ALT shows a high degree of inter-rater agreement with manual labeling (over 86% of true positives for both signal and noise components on average). Crucially, denoising using ALT-generated labels significantly reduced mean framewise displacement (p<0.001). In conclusion, ALT can be extended to small and large-scale datasets when the use of more complex tools such as ICA-FIX is not possible. ALT will thus allow for more widespread adoption of ICA-based denoising of resting-state fMRI data.
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Climate on Different Flanks and Elevations in the Qinling-Daba Mountains of China from 1969 to 2018
Authors: Lan Xincan , Li Wuyang , Tang Jiale , Shakoor Abdul , Zhao Fang , Fan Jiabin
Published: November 2021

Climate change presents great variations on different flanks and elevations in the same mountain range. Analysis of the spatial and temporal variations of climate on different flanks and elevations in the north-south transition zone--the Qinling-Daba Mountains (QDM) are of great significance for exploring the complexity of climate geography pattern and phenology in China. This paper collected 118 weather stations data on daily temperature and precipitation during 1969-2018 from the National Meteorological Information Center, and then explored the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of climate on different flanks and elevations. The results showed that: 1) On the whole, there was a significant warming trend in the four seasons in the past 50 years. Precipitation did not show significant variation at most stations with an exception to 8 weather stations having significant changes in trend in different seasons. 2) The temperature showed an increasing trend in different seasons, but its increasing rate varied greatly on different flanks. Generally speaking, climate change was greater on the northern flanks than that on the southern flanks in the four seasons in the QDM. Temperature tendency is greater in spring and winter than in summer and autumn on different flanks in the QDM. 3) The increase rate of temperature varied greatly at different elevations in different seasons. The warming rate was greater in the higher altitude regions than that of the lower altitude regions in summer, autumn and winter, while, in spring, however, it is higher in the lower altitudes than in the higher altitudes.
What Older Patients and their Relatives Say is Important During Acute Hospitalisation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Weldingh Nina Mickelson , Kirkevold Marit
Published: November 2021

Background: Due to the growing elderly population across the world, providing safe and effective care to older people is an increasing concern. Hospitals need to adapt to ensure high-quality care for older patients. Several age-friendly frameworks and models aiming at reducing risks and complications have been promoted. However, care for the elderly must be based on the patients’ reported needs, and relatives are often an important part of the patients’ resources. The primary aim of this study was to explore elderly patients’ and their relatives’ experiences of acute hospitalisation and determine what is important for them to experience a good hospital stay. Methods: This study has a qualitative research design in which patients aged 75 years or older and their relatives were interviewed during their acute hospitalisation. The study was conducted at two medical bed wards at a large university hospital in Norway. All interviews were thematically analysed.Results: Four major themes were identified in patients’ and relatives’ descriptions of how they experienced the hospital stay and what was important for them during the hospital stay: being seen and valued as a person, individualised care, patient-adapted communication and information, and collaboration with relatives. The themes span both positive and negative experiences, reflecting great variability in the experiences described.Conclusions: The results underscore how small things matter in relation to how we meet and communicate with older patients and their relatives. How health personnel get to know the patient’s individual values, need for care, information and involvement of relatives affects their experiences of the hospital stay.
Nonvolatile ferroelectric domain wall memory integrated on silicon
Authors: Nie Yuefeng , Sun Haoying , Wang Jierong , Wang Yushu , Gu Jiahui , Yang Jiangfeng , Liu Yuwei , Gao Tianyi , Fu Hanyu , Hao Yufeng , Gu Zhenbin
Published: November 2021

Ferroelectric domain wall memories have been proposed as a promising candidate for nonvolatile memories, given their intriguing advantages including low energy consumption and high-density integration. Perovskite oxides possess superior ferroelectric prosperities but perovskite-based domain wall memory integrated on silicon has rarely been reported due to the technical challenges in the sample preparation. Here, we demonstrate a domain wall memory prototype utilizing freestanding BaTiO3 membranes transferred onto silicon. While as-grown BTO films on (001) SrTiO3 substrate are purely c-axis polarized, we find they exhibit distinct in-plane multidomain structures after released from the substrate and integrated onto silicon due to the collective effects from depolarizing field and strain relaxation. Based on the strong in-plane ferroelectricity, conductive domain walls with reading currents reaching 2 nA are observed and can be created artificially, highlighting the great potential of the integration of perovskite oxides with silicon for ferroelectric domain wall memories.
Quantum-assisted distortion-free audio signal sensing
Authors: Zhang Chen , Dasari Durga , Widmann Matthias , Meinel Jonas , Vorobyov Vadim , Kapitanova Polina , Nenasheva Elizaveta , Nakamura Kazuo , Sumiya Hitoshi , Onoda Shinobu , Isoya Junichi , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: November 2021

Quantum sensors are keeping the cutting-edge sensitivities in metrology. However, for high-sensitive measurements of arbitrary signals, limitations in linear dynamic range could introduce distortions when sensing the frequency, magnitude and phase of unknown signals. Here, we overcome these limitations with advanced sensing protocol that combines quantum phase-sensitive detection with the heterodyne readout. We present theoretical and experimental investigations using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, showing the ability to sense audio signals with a 98 dB linear dynamic range, a 31 pT/Hz1/2 sensitivity, and arbitrary frequency resolution. Further, we perform the quantum-assisted distortion-free audio signal (melody, speech) sensing with high fidelity. The methods developed here could broaden the horizon for quantum sensors towards applications in telecommunication, where high-fidelity and low-distortion at multiple frequency bands within small sensing volumes are required.
Precision Allocation Method of Large-Scale CNC Hobbing Machine Based On Precision-Cost Comprehensive Optimization
Authors: Hu Zongyan , Wang Shilong , Ma Chi
Published: November 2021

In modern machine tool design, precision is an important index to characterize machine tool performance. and precision allocation has become a key task. Since middle 20th century, the precision allocation method using optimization technology to balance manufacturing cost and quality has gradually developed. But most methods mainly take the cost minimization as the goal to optimize the precision allocation. As the precision and manufacturing cost are a pair of factors to be comprehensively considered, balance between them is needed to meet different design requirements. This paper proposes a comprehensive optimization method to trade-off between precision and cost. A multi-object precision allocation optimization model aiming at minimizing fuzzy manufacturing cost and comprehensive precision of machine tool is constructed. A multi-object optimization algorithm to solve the model is designed, combining the multi-objective grey wolf optimization algorithm with multi-objective decision analysis method TOPSIS. A case study based on a large-scale hobbing machine shows that the comprehensive optimization of manufacturing cost and machining precision is realized by using the proposed multi-object precision allocation optimization method.
The Landscape of Mucopolysaccharidosis in Southern and Eastern European Countries: A Survey from 19 Specialistic Centers.
Authors: Tylki-Szymańska Anna , Almássy Zsuzsanna , Anastasiadou Violetta Christophidou , Avdjieva-Tzavella Daniela , Barisic Ingeborg , Cerkauskiene Rimante , Cuturilo Goran , Djiordjevic Maja , Gucev Zoran , Hlavata Anna , Kieć-Wilk Beata , Magner Martin , Pecin Ivan , Plaiasu Vasilica , Samardzic Mira , Zafeiriou Dimitrios , Zaganas Ioannis , Lampe Christina
Published: November 2021

Background: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders caused by defects in genes coding for different lysosomal enzymes which degrade glycosaminoglycans. Impaired lysosomal degradation causes cell dysfunction leading to progressive multiorgan involvement, disabling consequences and poor life expectancy. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is now available for most MPS types, offering beneficial effects on disease progression and improving quality of life of patients. The landscape of MPS in Europe is not completely described and studies on availability of treatment show that ERT is not adequately implemented, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe. In this study we performed a survey analysis in main specialist centers in Southern and Eastern European countries, to outline the landscape of disease management in the region and understand ERT implementation, with particular reference to MPS IVA.Results: 19 experts from 14 Southern and Eastern European countries in total responded to the survey. Results outlined a picture of MPS management in the region, with a high number of MPS patients managed in the centers and a high level of care. MPS II was the most prevalent followed by MPS IVA, with a particular high number of adult patients. The study particularly focused on management and treatment of MPS IVA patients. Adherence to current European Guidelines for follow-up of MPS IVA patients is generally adequate, although some important assessments are reported as difficult due to the lack of MPS skilled specialists. Availability of ERT in Southern and Eastern European countries is generally in line with other European regions, even though regulatory, organizational and reimbursement constrains are demanding. Conclusions: The landscape of MPS in Southern and Eastern European countries is generally comparable to that of other European regions on the epidemiology, treatment accessibility and follow up difficulties. However, issues limiting ERT availability and reimbursement should be simplified, to start treatment as early as possible and make it available for more patients. Besides, educational programs dedicated to specialists should be implemented, particularly for pediatricians, clinical geneticists, surgeons, anesthesiologists and neurologists.
Identification and fine-mapping of a major QTL (qRtsc8-1) conferring resistance to maize tar spot complex and production markers validation in breeding lines
Authors: Ren Jiaojiao , Wu Penghao , Huestis Gordon M. , Zhang Ao , Qu Jingtao , Liu Yubo , Zheng Hongjian , Alakonya Amos , Dhliwayo Thanda , Olsen Michael Scott , Vicente Félix San , Prasanna Boddupalli Maruthi , Chen Jiafa , Zhang Xuecai
Published: November 2021

Tar spot complex (TSC) is a major foliar disease of maize in many Central and Latin American countries and leads to severe yield loss. To dissect the genetic architecture of TSC resistance, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) panel and a bi-parental doubled haploid population were used for GWAS and selective genotyping analysis, respectively. A total of 115 SNPs in bin 8.03 were detected by GWAS and three QTL in bins 6.05, 6.07, and 8.03 were detected by selective genotyping. The major QTL qRtsc8-1 located in bin 8.03 was detected by both analyses, it explained 14.97% of the phenotypic variance. To fine-map qRtsc8-1, the recombinant-derived progeny test was implemented. Recombinations in each generation were backcrossed, and the backcross progenies were genotyped with Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers and phenotyped for TSC resistance individually. The significant tests for comparing the TSC resistance between the two classes of progenies with and without resistant alleles were used for fine-mapping. In BC5 generation, qRtsc8-1 was fine mapped in an interval of ~721 kb flanked by markers of KASP81160138 and KASP81881276. In this interval, the candidate genes GRMZM2G063511 and GRMZM2G073884 were identified, which encode an integral membrane protein-like and a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase, respectively. Both genes are involved in maize disease resistance responses. Two production markers KASP81160138 and KASP81160155 were verified in 471 breeding lines. This study provides valuable information for cloning the resistance gene, it will also facilitate the routine implementation of marker-assisted selection in the breeding pipeline for improving TSC resistance.
Dosimetric Evaluation of a Set of Specifically Designed Grids for Treating Subcutaneous Superficial Tumor with 6 and 18 MeV Electron Beam External Radiotherapy
Authors: Entezari Kamran , Hashemi Bijan , Mahdavi Seied Rabi
Published: November 2021

Background: Conventional electron beam radiotherapy used for treating superficial cancer tumors suffers from the disadvantage of low skin sparing effect. Furthermore, increasing electron energy for treating deeper-seated tumors leads to significant increase of skin dose. To overcome this, various grids are recommended for electron beam radiotherapy of subcutaneous tumors. However, appropriate grids are required to be designed for decreasing skin dose while delivering uniform high doses to deep-seated superficial tumors. Our goal was to design, examine and propose appropriate grid(s) for optimum electron beam radiotherapy of subcutaneous tumors with the best skin sparing with 6 and 18 MeV energies.Materials and Methods: Relevant dosimetric characteristics were determined and analyzed for five grids manufactured from dry lead having various cavity diameters (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 cm) and shielded areas (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 cm) among the cavities but the same fraction of cavity/open (68%) and shielded/closed (38%) areas under the grid plates. Isodose distributions and dose profiles resulted from the grids were investigated using EDR2 films and MATLAB software. Results: The grids with 2 and 2.5 cm diameter cavities and 0.4 and 0.5 cm shielded areas were the most appropriate grids for 6 and 18 MeV radiotherapy, respectively. With these grids, the 100% PDDs (percentage depth doses) located at 1.25 and 2.5 cm for an open filed (without the grids) were moved down to 1.87 and 5.4 cm for 6 and 18 MeV energies, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed grids provided the least peak to valley dose variations hence the most uniform doses delivered at their relevant depths of treatment. Conclusions: To decrease the skin dose in 6 and 18 MeV electron beam radiotherapy of superficial subcutaneous tumors, various home-made grids were designed and investigated. The most appropriate grids (having 2 and 2.5 cm cavity diameters for 6 and 18 MeV, respectively) provided the optimum dose delivery for superficial subcutaneous tumors locating around 1.5 and 5 cm depth for 6 and 18 MeV energies. Our comprehensive study provides reliable results that could be considered and developed more for a wider range of MeV electron grid therapies in routine clinical practices.
Determinants of Market Orientation and Market Participation: Agricultural Commercialization in Central and North Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Koye Tigabu Dagnew , Mekie Taye Melese , Dessie Abebe Birara , Malede Tegegne Debas
Published: November 2021

In Ethiopia, agricultural transformation is faced with many challenges such as poor infrastructure especially in rural area where huge agricultural activities are carried out, poor institutional services, lack of awareness of farmers on value addition of goods and so on. To fill this knowledge gap, this study was aimed the determinants of market orientation and market participation in Central and North Gondar Rural Ethiopia separately. The data were collected a sample of 344 households selected using multistage purposive and random sampling techniques. Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) and Tobit regression models were employed. The SUR model estimation indicated adult equivalent, chemical fertilizer users and tropical livestock unit (TLU) affect both market oriented cash and stable crops positively, while child dependency ratio, cultivated land, the distance to the market and road affect both market oriented cash and stable crops negatively. Level of education (grading), and irrigation users affect market oriented cash and stable crops positively, respectively. The empirical results of Tobit model show that cultivated land, land allocated to staples, off/non-farm income and irrigation user affect crop commercialization positively. Based on the findings, the study suggest that farmers should keep going to employ an additional off-farm income activities, improve rural urban roads, employ agricultural intensification, and the government should be supplied chemical fertilizer in sufficient amount and on time at reasonable price to improve farmers’ crop production.
A Nomogram to Predict Survival and Determine Necessity of Induction Chemotherapy for Patients With Stage T3-4N1 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: jiang yuting , chen kaihua , yang jie , liang zhongguo , qu song , li ling , zhu xiaodong
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe value of induction chemotherapy (IC) is still controversial for stage T3-4N1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Therefore, we established a nomogram to predict clinical outcome and explore the therapeutic efficiency of IC. MethodsOverall, 699 stage T3-4N1 NPC patients treated with CCRT with or without IC between January 2010 and December 2018 were examined. Overall survival (OS) was regarded the main endpoint. A nomogram was developed including prognostic variables selected by multivariate analysis. The Harrell Concordance Index (C-index), calibration curves, and time-dependent receiver operator characteristic (td-ROC) curves were performed to assess the predictive ability of the nomogram. All patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the optimal cutoff of risk score to investigate the role of IC. Resultshe nomogram yielded C-index of C-index of 0.725 (95% CI: 0.672–0.778) in the training and 0.647 (95% CI: 0.580–0.742) in the validation cohort. Calibration curves for 3- and 5-year OS rate suggested a good association between the nomogram predicted and actual observed probabilities. Td-ROC analysis demonstrated good discriminatory ability. In the high-risk group, no statistically significant difference was observed between patients receiving IC + CCRT and those with CCRT alone. However, in the low-risk group, the applying of IC was associated with worse locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Conclusionse established and validated a nomogram for LA-NPC patients with N1 disease to predict OS and determine necessity of IC, which has satisfactory prognosis predicting ability and clinical practicability. The use of IC for stage T3-4N1 NPC patients should be considered carefully.
Environmental indicators combined with risk analysis to evaluate potential wildfire incidence on the Dadu Plateau in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chao-Yuan , Shieh Pei-Ying , Wu Shao-Wei , Wang Po-Cheng , Chen Yung-Chau
Published: November 2021

Wildfire is a common disaster in the world, and it has a considerable impact on the safety of residents and ecological disturbance. Periodic wildfires are an urgent problem to be solved. This research uses big data from relevant departments to extract environmental indicators that affect wildfires, including satellite images, meteorological observations, and field surveys and establishes a risk model for the Spatio-temporal distribution of wildfires based on risk analysis. Previous studies using Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) to assess fire severity and distinguish wildfire ruins did not deal with the impact of atmospheric humidity on dNBR values. In this study, an adjustable fire threshold was developed to enable dNBR to improve the accuracy of identifying wildfire locations. Regarding the temporal distribution of wildfire risks, environmental vulnerability cannot specifically reflect the frequency of actual wildfires. If the hazard degree is introduced to calculate the wildfire risk, the coefficient of determination can be increased from 0.49 to 0.79. The verification of the village boundary zone depicts that the risk analysis can effectively show the temporal and spatial distribution of wildfire hotspots. On this basis, a village-level wildfire disaster prevention strategy can be formulated.
Notch1 Signaling Contributed To TLR4-Triggered NF-kB Activation In Macrophages
Authors: Li Li , Jin Jin-hua , Liu Han-ye , Ma Xiao-fei , Wang Dan-dan , Song Yi-lan , Wang Chong-yang , Jiang Jing-zhi , Yan Guang-hai , Qin Xiang-zheng , Li Liang-chang
Published: November 2021

Background: Macrophages substantially shape the development, progression, and complications of inflammation-driven diseases. Although numerous researches support a critical role for Notch signaling in most inflammatory diseases, there is limited data on the role of Notch signaling in TLR4-induced macrophage activation and the interaction of Notch signaling with other signaling pathways(e.g., the NF-kB pathway during inflammation) in macrophages. Methods and Results: In this study, we confirmed that stimulation with TLR4 ligand LPS up-regulates Notch1 expression in RAW264.7 monocyte/macrophage-like cell line. LPS also induced the expression of Notch target genes Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA in macrophages, suggesting that TLR4 signaling enhances Notch pathway activation. The upregulation of Notch1, NICD, and Hes1 protein by LPS treatment was inhibited by the Notch1 inhibitor of DAPT. The increase of TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-1b induced by LPS was inhibited by DAPT while jagged1, the Notch1 ligand, rescued them. Furthermore, the suppression of Notch signaling by DAPT up-regulated CYLD expression but down-regulated TRAF6, IKKa/bphosphorylation, and subsequently phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, indicating the inhibition of TLR4-triggered NF-kB activation by DAPT. Interestingly, DAPT showed no inhibitory effect on the increase of MyD88 expression induced by LPS in our study. Conclusions: Our study shows that the stimulation of macrophages via the TLR4 signaling cascade triggers the activation of Notch1 signaling, which regulates the expression patterns of genes involved in pro-inflammatory responses through by activating NF-kB. It may be dependent on the CYLD-TRAF6-IKK pathway. The Notch1 signaling may be considered as a potential therapeutic target against infectious and inflammatory driven diseases.
SULF2 Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Tumor Associated Macrophages in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Tong-Bo , Li Ze-Feng , Zhang Xiao-Jie , Sun Chong-Yuan , Fei He , Chen Ying-Tai , Guo Chun-Guang , Zhao Dong-Bing
Published: November 2021

Background: Recently, the mutual effects of tumor cells and the tumor immune microenvironment have been identified as key factors in promoting cancer progression. Sulfatase 2 (SULF2) encodes an extracellular endoglucosamine‑6-sulfatase, which could remodel the highly sulfated domains of heparan sulfate. The abnormal expression of SULF2 is reported to play an important role in the carcinogenesis of many kinds of cancer. However, the prognostic value of SULF2 and its correlation with immune cell infiltration in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. Results: SULF2 expression was significantly increased in GC compared with gastric normal tissue, especially in the advanced stage GC. In addition, high SULF2 expression significantly predicted an unfavorable prognosis in GC patients (overall survival P=0.0074), particularly who had metastatic lymph nodes. Besides, pathway analyses of SULF2 in GC revealed SULF2 may take part in extracellular structure organization, cell-cell adhesion and proteoglycans in cancer, etc. Importantly, the expression level of SULF2 was found to be positively correlated with the infiltration levels of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). Moreover, SULF2 expression in GC positively correlated with expression of several immune cell markers, including monocyte markers, TAMs markers and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), suggesting its role in regulating tumor immunity.Conclusion: This study identified distinct expression and prognostic values of SULF2 in GC using public databases. Significantly, our findings shed light on the role of SULF2 in GC progression and provided an underlying mechanism that SULF2 expression might modulate tumor immunity by regulating the infiltration of TAMs in GC.
Preparation of Dual Z-Scheme Bi2MoO6/ZnSnO3/ZnO Heterostructure Photocatalyst for Efficient Visible Light Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Gao Yuanyingxue , Li Li , Zu Wenlin , Sun Yingru , Guan Jiahui , Cao Yanzhen , Yu Haixia , Zhang Wenzhi
Published: November 2021

An important means of achieving efficient charge separation and improving photocatalytic activity is the construction of heterostructures. In this study, the Bi2MoO6/ZnSnO3/ZnO heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized samples were carefully examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), photoluminescence (PL), and other analytical techniques. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic performance was further evaluated by multi-mode photocatalytic degradation with crystal violet (CV). The results show that the composite material has a relatively homogeneous cubic structure in size and shape. In the cubic structure, a heterogeneous structure exists between Bi2MoO6, ZnSnO3 and ZnO. Simultaneously, the dramatic changes in physical morphology, such as the specific surface area and particle size of the composites, led to a unique set of properties, such as a significant climb in light absorption properties and superior photocatalytic activity. In addition, the Bi2MoO6/ZnSnO3/ZnO composite material shows lower photoluminescence intensity, smaller arc radius, and stronger photocurrent response compared to ZnO, Bi2MoO6 and ZnSnO3/ZnO. Meanwhile, Bi2MoO6/ZnSnO3/ZnO shows higher photocatalytic efficiency for crystal violet (CV) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and maintains good stability after 3 cycles of photodegradation experiments. Based on experimental results, the existence of heterojunctions between ZnO, ZnSnO3 and Bi2MoO6 and the possible photocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of crystal violet by dual Z-scheme composites are proposed. In conclusion, this study provides a feasible strategy for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by introducing ZnSnO3 and Bi2MoO6 to successfully construct composite catalysts with dual Z-scheme heterostructures.
Developing Co-management for Conservation and Local Development in China’s National Parks: Findings from Focus Groups in the Sanjiangyuan Region
Authors: Ma Ting , Swallow Brent , Foggin J. Marc , Zhong Linsheng , Sang Weiguo
Published: November 2021

Environmental protection in China has progressed significantly in the past decades, including introduction of more collaborative approaches in the management of protected areas and the establishment of a new national park system. Many milestones have been achieved. While such developments are driven largely by national and global goals, the people who are most affected are those who reside in the protected landscapes. A range of strategies have been proposed and tried in relation to local development, with many important lessons learned, yet little has been heard to date directly from the community stakeholders themselves. In this study we report on feedback and recommendations received from focus groups in vicinity of China’s first national park, Sanjiangyuan, regarding lived experiences of “community co-management” by Tibetan herders and local officials. Overall, the most recent National Park model is deemed successful, albeit with some notable perceived limitations. Focus group participants recommend more balanced compensation opportunities including for communities living outside but in close proximity to the paranagement and health care) and establishing a more effective compensation or insurance system to offset econok, eased restrictions on ecotourism, provision of public services for communities in the park (especially waste mmic losses due to wildlife damage.
Association Between Type 2 Diabetes and Classification of Periodontal Disease Severity in Japanese Men and Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dewake Nanae , Iwasaki Yukiko , Taguchi Akira , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Yoshinari Nobuo
Published: November 2021

Background: To evaluate the association between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease severity using the rate of alveolar bone loss (ABL) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) value as indices. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 372 subjects (mean age ± SD, 53.2 ± 11.8 years) from a Japanese hospital, we measured ABL and number of teeth on either panoramic radiographs or intraoral dental radiographs of all teeth. A trial classification of periodontal disease was defined as follows: I (ABL < 25%, clinically mild); II (ABL ≥ 25%, <35%, moderate); III (ABL ≥ 35%, severe); and A (hs-CRP < 440 ng/ml, mild inflammation); B (hs-CRP ≥440 ng/ml, <1,020 ng/ml, moderate inflammation); and C (hs-CRP ≥ 1,020 ng/ml, severe inflammation). Periodontal disease severity was classified into nine groups by combining ABL and hs-CRP. Results: Forty-eight subjects had type 2 diabetes; 324 did not. Univariate analysis showed that type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with age, sex, body mass index, number of teeth, ABL, hs-CRP, and periodontal disease severity. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between type 2 diabetes and the groups with high severity of periodontal disease. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis predicting the presence of diabetes, area under the ROC curve was 0.762 (95%CI = 0.688 - 0.835) for ABL, and 0.709 (95%CI = 0.635 - 0.784) for hs-CRP, which was significant. Conclusions: This study showed that diabetes could be associated with a periodontal disease severity classification using the combination of ABL and hs-CRP.
Multi-Photon Microscopy for the Evaluation of Interstitial Fibrosis in Extended Criteria Donor Kidneys: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: So Wei Zheng , Teo Rachel Zui Chih , Ooi Li Yin , Goh Benjamin Yen Seow , Lu Jirong , Vathsala Anantharaman , Thamboo Thomas Paulraj , Tiong Ho Yee
Published: November 2021

Introduction:This study evaluated the initial use of label-free second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging with two-photon excitation (2PE) auto-fluorescence for the quantification of collagen/fibrosis on pre-implantation biopsies of extended criteria donors (ECD).Methods:A total of 20 core ECD kidney transplant biopsy specimen tissues from 7 ECD donors, taken at the time of pre-implantation were retrieved, cut into 5-micron sections, mounted on slides and deparaffinized. The core needle biopsies were imaged with 2X and 20X objective using the commercially available laser-based Genesis® 200 (Histoindex Pte Ltd and Clinnovate Pte Ltd, Singapore). The entire core was selected as the Region of Interest (ROI). Corresponding clinical information from transplant donors were retrieved. Histopathological review was performed, and all biopsies had Interstitial Fibrosis (IF)/Tubular Atrophy (TA) scores > 0. Collagen parameters measured included quantification by the Collagen Area Ratio in Tissue (CART) and qualitative measurements by Collagen Reticulation Index (CRI).Results: 20 explant core biopsies were extracted from 10 donor kidney samples, of which originated from 7 donors. Table 1 depicts the baseline ECD characteristics of the donors. For the kidneys with multiple biopsies done, we obtained an average score of the collagen parameters across the different samples. Biopsies classified with > 85% KDPI score had significantly higher CAR and CART than biopsies with ≤ 85% KDPI score.Conclusion:MPM is an evolving technology that enables the quantification of the amount (CART) and quality (CRI) of collagen deposition in unstained explant biopsies of ECD kidneys. This initial evaluation found significant differences in both parameters between ECD kidneys with more or less than 85% KDPI scores.
Diverse recruitment to a taxonomically structured global atmospheric microbiota
Authors: Archer Stephen , Lee Kevin , Caruso Tancredi , Leung Marcus , Tong Xinzhao , Salter Susannah J. , Hinchliffe Graham , Maki Teruya , Santl-Temkiv Tina , Warren-Rhodes Kimberley , Gomez-Silva Benito , Hyde Kevin , Liu Celine , Alcamí Antonio , Al-Mailem Dina , Araya Jonathan , Cary Stephen , Cowan Don , Dempsey Jessica , Etchebehere Claudia , Gantsetseg Batdelger , Hartery Sean , Harvey Mike , Hayakawa Kazuichi , Hogg Ian , Inoue Mutsoe , Kansour Mayada , Lawrence Tim , Lee Charles , Leopold Matthius , McKay Christopher , Nagao Seiya , Poh Yan Hong , Ramond Jean-Baptiste , Rastrojo Alberto , Sekiguchi Toshio , Sim Joo Huang , Stahm William , Sun Henry , Tang Ning , Vandenbrink Bryan , Walther Craig , Lee Patrick , Pointing Stephen Brian
Published: November 2021

Atmospheric transport is critical to dispersal of microorganisms between habitats and this underpins resilience in terrestrial and marine ecosystems globally. A key unresolved question is whether microorganisms assemble to form a taxonomically distinct, geographically variable, and functionally adapted atmospheric microbiota. Here we characterised inter-continental patterns of microbial taxonomic and functional diversity in air within and above the atmospheric boundary layer and in underlying soils for 596 globally sourced samples. Bacterial and fungal assemblages in air were taxonomically structured and deviated significantly from purely stochastic assembly. Patterns differed with location and reflected underlying surface cover and environmental filtering. Source-tracking indicated a complex recruitment process involving local soils plus globally distributed inputs from drylands and the phyllosphere. Assemblages displayed stress-response and metabolic traits relevant to survival in air, and taxonomic and functional diversity were correlated with macroclimate and atmospheric variables. Our findings highlight complexity in the atmospheric microbiota that is key to understanding regional and global ecosystem connectivity.
Animal models of ovariectomy in rats demonstrate characteristics similar to early stage osteoarthritis
Authors: Casonato Natália Aparecida , de Araújo Camila Marques , Trevisan Mariane Santos , Lima Cristina Arrais , Vasilceac Fernando Augusto
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of our study is to analyze the model of ovariectomy (OVX) in rats reproduced histological changes of osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods

For the development of the research, 12 Wistar rats were used, divided into 2 equal groups: Control Group - C (n = 6) and Osteoarthritis Group - OA (n = 6). After the 6-month experimental period, all rats were sacrificed and, subsequently, the entire knee joint complex was removed without disarticulation. For the histological evaluation of the tissue, the recommendations of the International Society for Research in OA (OARSI) were used. For data processing, each evaluation was statistically treated in both groups, comparing data from group C with the group OA. Results: Through the histological evaluation of OARSI, the evolution of OA in various tissues of the joint was evaluated. Although the OA group showed noticeable differences from group C, they were not as significant. Thus, only statistically significant favors were presented in the loss of the cartilaginous matrix (OA and C, p = 0.51), considering that the changes in the loss of ECM occurred only at the depth of 0% (superficial region), but at the depth of 50% (intermediate region) and 100% depth (deep region) did not exist.
Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the OVX model is a good model to discuss OA, showing histological changes similar to those found in OA, the model demonstrated to have a progressive and slow characteristic since after the OARSI evaluations, prominent evidence was found in the initial manifestations of OA.
Comparison of Shiraz Trauma Transfusion Score (STTS) Potency With Common Scoring Systems for Trauma in Predicting the Short and Long Term Mortality of Injured Patients
Authors: Rahbari Sepideh Vosooghi , Hosseinpour Hamidreza , Karoobi Mohamadreza , Abolghasemi Hojat , Shahabinezhad Ali , Paydar Shahram , Sheida
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective: Trauma is the leading cause of death in people under 40 years of age worldwide. Various studies have been conducted focused on reducing the annual mortality rate due to trauma. One of the most important measures is reducing the time between the incident and the treatment set up, therefore the estimation of the severity of trauma and progressing to mortality before further evaluation is justified. In this study, we aim to compare different trauma scoring systems (such as GAP, MGAP, RTS, TRISS) with a relatively new model – Shiraz Trauma Transfusion Score (STTS) – and to describe the best qualities of these scoring systems for trauma patients in short (less than 24 hours) and long (more than 24 hours) term.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from hospitalized trauma patients in Rajaei hospital (center B) of Shiraz, Iran from May to November 2016 were collected and analyzed. Collected data consisted of age, sex, hospital admission duration, mechanism of trauma along with clinical data for calculating different trauma scoring systems, were recorded. Results: while RTS and STTS were the best predictors of mortality in trauma patients in the first 24 hours (sensitivity of 100.00%), GAP and MGAP were the best predictors of the patients’ survival (specificity of 93.83% and 92.59%). GAP and ISS were the best predictors of mortality in trauma patients for more than 24 hours (sensitivity of 82.02%). On the other hand, TRIS and RTS were the best predictors of patients' survival (specificity of 82.59% and 80.26%).Conclusions: Our study findings suggest that the utility and applicability of Shiraz Trauma Transfusion Score(STTS) in predicting mortality is not only comparable with other commonly used scoring methods but it may be of more value in shortterm mortality prediction.
Polyserositis revealing a signet ring cells gastric adenocarcinoma in a 27 years old male patient: A case report.
Authors: Alaoui Zahid Talibi , Youbi Salah Eddine , Ihbibane Fatima , Rachidi Hind , Hazmiri Fatima Ezzahra , Rais Hanane , Tassi Noura
Published: November 2021

Gastric cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, especially among old males. It is rare in the younger population (< 30 years old). We describe the case of a 27 years old male patient, presenting to the emergency department, with exsudative polyserositis, initially misdiagnosed and treated as a multifocal tuberculosis with no clinical improvement, later revealing a metastatic signet ring cells gastric adenocarcinoma.
Efficacy of Clinically Used Anthelmintics Against Toxocariasis of Buffalo Calves in Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Hiranmoy , Roy Babul Chandra , Dutta Pallab Kumar , Hasan Mohammad Manjurul , Begum Nurjahan , TALUKDER MD Hasanuzzaman
Published: November 2021

Toxocariasis is a paramount parasitic disease having over 50% prevalence among newborn buffalo calves in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of clinically used anthelmintics and their subsequent effects on the hematological parameters and body weight in buffalo calves in commercial buffalo farms in coastal region. Thirty-two buffalo calves below 3 months of age with clinical Toxocara infection had been selected and treated with albendazole (ABZ), levamisole (LVM) and ivermectin (IVM). The EPG counts, hematological parameters and initial body weight of buffalo calves were recorded on the day of anthelmintic treatment (day 0). Fecal samples were collected on day 14 and 28 including hematological parameters and body weight were recorded on day 28 post-treatment. The efficacy (%) of anthelmintics were estimated by fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). The parameters like Hb, PCV, ESR, TEC, TLC were analyzed from the blood samples. The FECRT revealed 96.83% efficacy for IVM followed by 94.23% and 85.84% for LVM and ABZ, respectively. Anthelmintic treated calves showed significant (p<0.01) increase in Hb, PCV, TEC and body weight, and decrease in ESR and TLC as a result of worm expulsion from buffalo calves after 28 days of post-treatment. Among the tested anthelmintics, IVM was found to be more effective against toxocariasis in buffalo calves. This is a novel new information on anthelmintics efficacy in buffalo calves in Bangladesh. Further studies are imperative to explore the factors responsible for high prevalence of this deadly nematode in buffalo calves.