bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Endothelin-I and A symmetric Dimethylarginine Levels with Insulin Resistance in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Khidhir Sara Muhammed , Mahmud Almas. MR , Maulood Ismail M.
Published: July 2021

Endothelin-I (ET-I) is one of the potent vasoconstrictors secreted from endothelial cells when needed. Many studies revealed the elevation of serum ET-I with human diabetes and microangiopathies. Since insulin resistance is a case of mixed diabetic and pre-diabetic cases, many risk factors beyond obesity and inflammation are proposed. The current study aims to demonstrate the association between serum ET-I and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sera of 73 subjects were enrolled currently (control= 35 subjects, and 38 with T2DM for more than 7 years), aged (40-60) years old, with distinct body mass index (BMI) ≤ 25 for control volunteers and (BMI) ≥ 25 for obesity and diabetes patients. Peripheral serum ET-I and ADMA levels were significantly (P≤ 0.0001) higher in T2DM than the control subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis regarded ET-I and ADMA as good markers for T2DM disease and insulin resistance, correlations between ET-I and anthropometrics revealed a strong increase of urotensin-II (UII), ADMA, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) with an increase of ET-I. These results are supported by the data of multiple regression analysis, showing that HOMA-IR, HbA1C, UII, BMI, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) are related to ET-I independently. The endothelin-I and ADMA had a positive relationship with increase insulin resistance and may serve as prognostic and diagnostic clinical biomarkers of insulin resistance. Collectively, Therefore, these measurements could evaluate the incidence of DM, and help to better rise up the knowledge about the progression of DM complications.
Kinetic, Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Study of Bismarck Brown Dye Adsorption onto Graphene Oxide and Graphene Oxide-Grafted-Poly (n-butyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic Acid)
Authors: Mizhir Alaa A. , Al-Lami Hadi Salman , Abdulwahid Ali A.
Published: July 2021

The adsorption behavior of Bismarck brown (BB) dye from aqueous solutions onto graphene oxide GO and graphene oxide-g-poly (n-butyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) GO-g-pBCM as adsorbents was investigated. The prepared GO and GO-g-pBCM were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, which confirmed the compositions of the prepared adsorbents. Adsorption of BB dye onto GO and GO-g-pBCM was explored in a series of batch experiments under various conditions. The data were examined utilizing Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The Langmuir isotherm was seen as increasingly reasonable from the experimental information of dye on formulating adsorbents. Kinetic investigations showed that the experimental data were fitted very well to the pseudo-second-order model, and the calculated positive values of the (∆H° and ∆S°) indicated that the adsorption of BB dye onto GO and GO-g-pBCM was endothermic and increasing of the adsorption process randomness. The negative values of (∆G°) imply that the adsorption process was spontaneous.
Breast Cancer Survivor Experience Of Rehabilitation Services In South Africa: Towards A Cancer Survivorship Plan
Authors: Motsoeneng Portia , Beutel Anita , Burgess Theresa , Naidoo Niri , Stewart Annemie , Shamley Delva
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Integrated rehabilitation health care pathway are implemented to meet both physical and clinical needs of breast cancer survivors as they transition from treatment to survivorship. The aim of this study was to assess the current South African upper limb rehabilitation service, provision, and perspectives of these from the health professionals and the end users breast cancer survivor with upper limb disorder.
Methods

A sequential mixed-methods design informed this study. Service provision was evaluated via an online survey questionnaire completed by health practitioners working in public and private breast cancer units. Focus groups were conducted with both public health practitioners providing the services and breast cancer survivors accessing the services.
Results

This study has revealed a dearth of rehabilitation services for breast cancer survivors in the public health sector of South Africa. Data reveal an overstretched, understaffed and poorly trained public health sector, unable to deliver adequate upper limb services to breast cancer survivors. Focus group data suggests that this is due to financial austerity rather than poor recognition of the need. Poor patient education is driving poor upper limb outcomes and barriers to exercise behaviour.
Conclusion

The current South African upper limb rehabilitation services does not cater for the unmet needs of a breast cancer survivor leading to poor health outcomes.
Recovery of the Irreversible Crystallinity of Nanocellulose by　Crystallite Fusion: A Strategy for Achieving Efficient Energy Transfers in Sustainable Biopolymer Skeletons
Authors: Daicho Kazuho , Kobayashi Kayoko , Fujisawa Shuji , Saito Tsuguyuki
Published: July 2021

Crystallite refers to a single crystalline grain in crystal aggregates, and multiple crystallites form a grain boundary or the inter-crystallite interface. A grain boundary is a structural defect that hinders the efficient directional transfer of mechanical stress or thermal phonons in crystal aggregates. We observed that grain boundaries within an aggregate of a-few-nanometers-wide fibrillar crystallites of wood cellulose were crystallized by enhancing their inter-crystallite interactions; multiple crystallites were coupled into single fusion crystals without passing through a melting or dissolving state. Accordingly, the crystallinity of wood cellulose, which has been considered irreversible once decreased, was significantly enhanced, and the thermal energy transfer in the aggregate was improved. Other fibrillar crystallites of crab shell chitin also showed a similar fusion phenomenon by enhancing the inter-crystallite interactions. These findings imply that such crystallite fusion naturally occurs in biological structures with network skeletons of aggregated fibrillar crystallites.
Small Cell Carcinoma Esophagus: Experience of an Indian Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Panda Goutam Santosh , Noronha Vanita , Yadav Subhash , Joshi Amit , Patil Vijay , Menon Nandini , Kumar Rajiv , Janu Amit , Mahajan Abhishek , Purandare Nilendu , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Karimundackal George , Prabhash Kumar
Published: July 2021

Background: Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) is a rare and aggressive tumor with no established standard treatment.Methods: This is a retrospective study of adult patients with histologically proven SCCE registered between February 2011 and March 2020 at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.Results: There were 56 patients with 29(51.8%) having limited-stage disease (LD) and 27(48.2%) having extensive-stage disease (ED). The median age was 58(IQR 51-65) years, 57.1% were men, 40% were smokers. Amongst LD-SCCE patients, 23 underwent local therapy i.e. radiation (19, 65.5%), surgery (4, 13.8%) and 27 received chemotherapy in neoadjuvant (23, 79.3%), concurrent (18, 62.1%) and adjuvant (4,13.8%) settings. Total 19 ED-SCCE patients (70.4%) received chemotherapy. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was delivered to 11(37.9%) and 7(25.9%) patients with LD-SCCE and ED-SCCE, respectively. Signiﬁcant grade ≥3 chemo-toxicities in patients with LD-SCCE and ED-SCCE included febrile neutropenia in 33.3% and 23.5%, anemia in 9.5% and 17.6%, and dyselectrolytemia in 14.3% and 11.8%, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) in LD-SCCE and ED-SCCE were 22.9 (95% CI 1.8-44.1) months and 11.8 (95% CI 7.3-16.4) months, respectively. Age <60years (p=0.004) and tumor epicenter in lower third esophagus (p=0.002) were good prognostic factors for OS in LD-SCCE and ED-SCCE patients respectively. The incidence of brain metastasis was low, both at presentation (1/27, 3.7%) and at relapse (5/56, 8.9%).Conclusion: Although the median overall survival of LD-SCCE is better than ED-SCCE, it is still under 2 years. Brain metastases are uncommon and PCI can be avoided with close clinico-radiological follow up.
Mind Your Language: Factors Enhancing Students’ English Language Skills in an International Medical Programme (IMP)
Authors: Chan Sharon Min Hui , Mamat Norul Hidayah , Nadarajah Vishna Devi
Published: July 2021

Background

Language proficiency is crucial for doctors as they communicate with patients, peers and other healthcare professionals. Although proficiency in English is part of admission requirements, there is a gap of knowledge on medical students’ perception of factors enhancing English language (EL) skills during training in international medical programmes (IMP). The gap prevents educators and policy makers from helping students who struggle with communication skills during medical training. This study therefore explores factors that enable enhancement of English language skills from medical students’ perspectives
Methods

Six focus group interviews with 24 medical students of an IMP were conducted. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s framework of thematic analysis.
Results

Results established three main factors enhancing EL skills namely use of EL in medical training and practice, influence of university culture in EL mastery and individual EL proficiency with eight themes demonstrating the factors as perceived by medical students
Conclusions

Findings of this study informs how students perceived enhancement of EL skills as a professional and social requirement during medical training and for future practice. It also informs that setting English language admission pre requisites needs to be complemented with opportunities to practice context specific communication skills. Thus, international medical programmes should embed diverse and inclusive strategies to support and develop medical students’ English language skills.
Associations Among Daily Fish Intake, Monocyte/HDL-C Ratio, and Lifestyle in Japanese Males Aged >50: Risk Stratification of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tani Shigemasa , Atsumi Wataru , Imatake Kazuhiro , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Yagi Tsukasa , Matsumoto Naoya , Okumura Yasuo
Published: July 2021

Background: The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) may be a novel inflammatory marker of the developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We investigated the relationship between the average number of days of fish intake per week and the MHR and lifestyle behaviors and to explore the validity of stratifying the risk of ASCVD using the combination of MHR and the serum HDL-C level.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of 2485 males aged over 50 years at the Health Planning Center of Nihon University Hospital between April 2018 and March 2019.Results: The average frequency of fish intake was 2.32 ± 1.31 per week. Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified increased weekly fish frequency intake as an independent determinant of a decreased MHR (β = -0.072, p < 0.0001). Healthier lifestyle behaviors were also significantly associated with decreased MHR. As the fish intake frequency increased, the proportion of subjects with the cigarette smoking habit decreased (p = 0.014), that of subjects with aerobic exercise habit increased (p < 0.0001), and that of subjects with alcohol drinking habit increased (p < 0.0001). A risk stratification or ASCVD by combining the HDL-C level and fish intake frequency with the MHR could be developed, indicating that even with similar HDL-C levels, higher HMR and fish frequency are associated with higher risk ASCVD. Conclusion: A high fish intake frequency may be associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors as well as a lower MHR, and may thus represent a component of a healthy lifestyle associated with a lower risk of ASCVD in Japanese males aged over 50 years. These associations may be related to being the preventive effect of fish intake on ASCVD.Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN (http://www.umin.ac.jp/) Study ID: UMIN 000041368 registered 10/08/2020
Bank Transaction Analyze for Recognize of Money Laundering Using Decision Tree Algorithm (DTA)
Authors: DadashzadehFahim Somayeh , Karimi Ramin , Soleimani Ali
Published: July 2021

Bank Transaction Analyze for Recognize of Money Laundering Using DTA One of the important problems of the banking systems is illegal transactions based on fraud and money laundering that can destroy the economy and financial foundation of a country. Fraud and money laundering are used to escape from tax payment or inject dirty money to the economy cycle. The offenders use lots of transactions to show their illegal funds rightful. One important problem of fraud and money laundering recognize in banking system is high complexity of it. We need to use knowledge discover methods like learning machine and data mining. We can mostly recognize the hidden pattern of illegal transactions by using various learning machines or data mining like Bayesian Network, DT, Support Vector Machine or Artificial Neural Network. To recognize the pattern and classify the banking transactions, ML methods need to classify in two categories Normal and Abnormal to find suitable features for increase their accuracy. Actually, the feature selection is too important in bank fraud recognition and it is a kind of optimization too because the suitable feature selection causes recognize error go down by techniques like DT. In this research we use DTA to select important features related with bank fraud to decide and knowledge discovery which has a good speed in discover of bank fraud. When the features of bank fraud select in right way and with good accuracy then the accuracy of DT will be increased and we must select those features that are more important to get better accuracy in recognition of fraud and money laundering.
Empirical prediction of variant-associated cryptic-donors with 87% sensitivity and 95% specificity
Authors: Dawes Ruebena , Joshi Himanshu , Cooper Sandra
Published: July 2021

Predicting which cryptic-donors may be activated by a genetic variant is notoriously difficult. Through analysis of 5,145 cryptic-donors activated by 4,811 variants (versus 86,963 decoy-donors not used; any GT or GC), we define an empirical method predicting cryptic-donor activation with 87% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Strength (according to four algorithms) and proximity to the authentic-donor appear important determinants of cryptic-donor activation. However, other factors such as auxiliary splicing elements, which are difficult to identify, play an important role and are likely responsible for current prediction inaccuracies. We find that the most frequent mis-splicing events at each exon-intron junction, mined from 40,233 RNA-sequencing samples, predict with remarkable accuracy which cryptic-donor will be activated in rare disease. Aggregate RNA-Sequencing splice-junction data provides an accurate, evidence-based method to predict variant-activated cryptic-donors in genetic disorders, assisting pathology consideration of possible consequences of a variant for the encoded protein and RNA diagnostic testing strategies.
Comparison of Radiotherapy Combined with Nimotuzumab vs. Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Zong Jing-Feng , Liang Qian-Dong , Lu Qiong-Jiao , Liu Yu-Hong , Xu Han-Chuan , Chen Bi-Juan , Guo Qiao-Juan , Xu Yun , Hu Cai-Rong , Pan Jian-Ji , Lin Shao-Jun
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe present study compared the effectiveness and toxicity of two treatment modalities, namely radiotherapy combined with nimotuzumab (N) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LR-NPC).MethodsPatients with LR-NPC who were treated with radiotherapy were retrospectively enrolled from January 2015 to December 2018. The treatment included radiotherapy combined with N or platinum-based induction chemotherapy and/or concurrent chemotherapy. The comparison of survival and toxicity between the two treatment modalities was evaluated by the log-rank and chi-squared tests. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint.ResultsA total of 87 patients were included, of whom 32 and 55 were divided into the N group and the CRT group, respectively. No significant differences were noted in the survival rate between the N and the CRT groups (4-year OS rates, 37.1% vs. 40.7%, respectively; P=0.735). Mild to moderate acute complications were common during the radiation period and mainly included mucositis and xerostomia. The majority of the acute toxic reactions were tolerated well. A total of 48 patients (55.2%) demonstrated late radiation injuries of grade ≥3, including 12 patients (37.5%) in the N group and 36 patients (66.5%) in the CRT group. The CRT group exhibited significantly higher incidence of severe late radiation injuries compared with that of the N group (P=0.011). ConclusionRadiotherapy combined with N did not appear to enhance treatment efficacy compared with CRT in patients with LR-NPC. However, radiotherapy combined with N may be superior to CRT due to its lower incidence of acute and late toxicities. Further studies are required to confirm the current findings.
Preventing Loss of Femoral Periprosthetic Bone Mineral Density in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Tapered Wedge Stem in Patients With Osteoporosis Treated With Denosumab: a Retrospective, Cohort Study
Authors: Kamo Keiji , Kijima Hiroaki , Okuyama Koichiro , Kawano Tetsuya , Seki Nobutoshi , Sato Chie , Kido Tadahito , Chiba Mitsuho , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Shimada Yoichi
Published: July 2021

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur around the stem decreases due to stress shielding after cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). When severe stress shielding occurs, the risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures increases, and this bone loss can also increase the difficulty of future revision THA. Denosumab is known to improve the quality and strength of cortical bone in the proximal femurs of patients with osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether denosumab prevents loss of proximal femoral periprosthetic BMD in cementless THA using a tapered wedge stem in patients with osteoporosis.Methods: Sixty-three consecutive patients who had undergone unilateral primary THA using a tapered wedge stem were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-four patients who received denosumab for osteoporosis were the denosumab group, and the 39 without denosumab were the control group. At 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after THA, bone turnover markers and femoral periprosthetic BMD were measured.Results: BMD in zone 1 was significantly increased from baseline at both 6 and 12 months after THA in the denosumab group and significantly decreased in the control group. BMD in zone 7 was significantly decreased compared to baseline at both 6 and 12 months after THA in the control group, but not in the denosumab group. The use of denosumab for THA patients with osteoporosis was independently related to preventing loss of periprosthetic BMD of the femur at 12 months after surgery in zones 1 and 7 on multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Denosumab significantly increased proximal femoral periprosthetic BMD in zone 1 and prevented loss of BMD in zone 7 in patients with osteoporosis after cementless THA using a tapered wedge stem at both 6 and 12 months after surgery.
Injectable non-immunogenic PEG-like conjugate that forms a subcutaneous depot and enables sustained delivery of a peptide drug
Authors: Ozer Imran , Slezak Anna , Everitt Jeffrey , Li Xinghai , Zakharov Nikita , Collier Joel , Campbell Jonathan , D'Alessio David , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: July 2021

Many biologics have a short plasma half-life, and their conjugation to polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly used to solve this problem. Unfortunately, PEG is immunogenic and forms vacuoles, and improvement in PEGylated drugs' half-life is at an asymptote. Here, we developed a PEG-like, non-immunogenic, and injectable conjugate technology for sustained delivery of biologics. An optimal poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (POEGMA) depot of exendin, a peptide drug used in the clinic in treating type 2 diabetes, outperformed PEG, non-depot-forming POEGMA, and a clinical sustained-release exendin-4 formulation in efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Notably, POEGMA was non-immunoreactive, while PEG induced a persistent anti-PEG immune response, leading to its subsequent doses' early clearance and loss of efficacy. POEGMA did not induce vacuolization. Solving these problems of PEG and improving upon its half-life benefits by creating injectable POEGMA conjugates that form a drug depot under the skin and provide sustained efficacy breathe new life into an established and valuable drug delivery technology that is facing an impasse.
Cranial Nerve Injuries In Patients With Moderate To Severe Head Trauma – Analysis of 91,196 Patients From The TraumaRegister DGU® Between 2008 And 2017
Authors: Huckhagel Torge , Riedel Christian , Rohde Veit , Lefering Rolf
Published: July 2021

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury　(TBI)　constitutes a major cause of trauma-related disability and mortality. The epidemiology and implications of associated cranial nerve injuries　(CNI)　in moderate to severe TBI are largely unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of CNI in a large European cohort of TBI patients as well as clinical differences between TBI cases with and without concomitant CNI (CNI vs. control group) by means of a multinational trauma registry.MethodsThe TraumaRegister DGU® was evaluated for trauma patients with head injuries ≥2 Abbreviated Injury Scale, who had to be treated on intensive care units after emergency admission to European hospitals between 2008 and 2017. CNI and control cases were compared with respect to demographic, clinical, and outcome variables.Results1.0% (946 of 91,196) of TBI patients presented with additional CNI. On average, CNI patients were younger than control cases (44.3±20.6 vs. 51.8±23.0 years) but did not differ regarding sex distribution (CNI 69.4%; control 69.1%). Traffic accidents were encountered more frequently in CNI cases (52.3% vs. 46.7%; p<0.001; chi-squared test) and falls more commonly in the control group (45.2% vs. 37.1%; p<0.001). CNI patients suffered more frequently from concomitant face injuries (28.2% vs. 17.5%; p<0.001) and skull base fractures (51.0% vs. 23.5%; p<0.001). Despite similar mean Injury Severity Score (CNI 21.8±11.3; control 21.1±11.7) and Glasgow Coma Scale score (CNI 10.9±4.2, control 11.1±4.4), there was a considerably higher rate of anisocoria in CNI patients (20.1% vs. 11.2%; p<0.001). Following primary treatment, 50.8% of CNI and 35.5% of control cases showed moderate to severe disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 3-4; p<0.001).ConclusionsCNI as rare adjuncts to TBI should raise the suspicion of complicating skull base fractures and indicate higher rates of functional impairment following primary care.
Low HDL-Cholesterol is Associated with Malignant Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Wang Chen , Lin Tingting , Wang Xinru , Yu Zhicheng , Zhuge Xiaoling , Cui Wenjing , Wang Miaomiao , Wang Zhongqiu , Guo Chuangen , Chen Xiao
Published: July 2021

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) has the potential of malignant transformation. Previous studies showed that HDL-c was related to risk of cancer. In this study, we showed the association between HDL-c and the incidence of malignancy in IPMNs.Material and methods: 226 patients with histologically proven IPMNs who underwent surgery were included in the present study. 151 patients were assigned to training group andother 75 patients was set as a validation. Patients’ demographic information, clinical data, and pathological features were obtained from medical records. Those with high grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma were defined as malignant IPMNs. Logistic regression analyses were used to show the association between HDL-cand malignant IPMNs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to show the predictive performance. Results: Prevalence of low HDL-c in patients with malignant IPMNs was higher than those with non-malignant IPMNs (p < 0.01) both in training group and validation group. Prevalence of malignant IPMNs was decreased with the increase of HDL-c both in all IPMNs and Branch-Duct IPMNs (BD-IPMNs).Logistic analysis showed that low HDL-c was associated with malignant IPMNs (OR =20.56, 95% CI:2.58 - 163.64) in all IPMNs and BD-IPMNs (OR = 17.6, 95%CI: 1.16-268.46).The predictive performance of mural nodule plus low HDL-c was higher than that of mural nodule alone or mural nodule plus cyst size in identifying malignant BD-IPMNs.Conclusion: HDL-c may be a potential biomarker for identifying malignant IPMNs. Moreover, HDL-c may improve the predictive ability of malignancy in BD-IPMNs.
Neuroprotective Effects of Ex Vivo Expanded Regulatory T Cells on Trimethyltin Induced Neurodegeneration in Mice
Authors: Park Seon-Young , Yang HyeJin , Ye Minsook , Liu Xiao , Shim Insop , Chang Young-Tae , Bae Hyunsu
Published: July 2021

BackgroundTrimethyltin (TMT) is a potent neurotoxicant that leads to hippocampal neurodegeneration. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in maintaining the immune balance in the central nervous system (CNS), but their activities are impaired in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aimed to determine whether adoptive transfer of Tregs, as a living drug, ameliorates hippocampal neurodegeneration in TMT-intoxicated mice.MethodsCD4+CD25+ Tregs were expanded in vitro and adoptively transferred to TMT-treated mice. First, we explored the effects of Tregs on behavioral deficits using the Morris water maze and elevated plus maze tests. Biomarkers related to memory formation, such as cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), protein kinase C (PKC), neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), nerve growth factor (NGF), and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) in the hippocampus were examined by immunohistochemistry after mouse sacrifice. To investigate the neuroinflammatory responses, the polarization status of microglia was examined in vivo and in vitro using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assy (ELISA). Additionally, the inhibitory effects of Tregs on TMT-induced microglial activation were examined using time-lapse live imaging in vitro with an activation-specific fluorescence probe, CDr20.ResultsAdoptive transfer of Tregs improved spatial learning and memory functions and reduced anxiety in TMT-intoxicated mice. Additionally, adoptive transfer of Tregs reduced neuronal loss and recovered the expression of neurogenesis enhancing molecules in the hippocampi of TMT-intoxicated mice. In particular, Tregs inhibited microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in the hippocampi of TMT-intoxicated mice. The inhibitory effects of TMT were also confirmed via in vitro live time lapse imaging in a Treg/microglia co-culture system.ConclusionsThese data suggest that adoptive transfer of Tregs ameliorates disease progression in TMT-induced neurodegeneration by promoting neurogenesis and modulating microglial activation and polarization.
In Vitro Regeneration of The Endangered Cactus Turbincarpus Mombergeri Riha, A Hybrid of T. Laui x T. Pseudopectinatus
Authors: Santos-Diaz Maria del Socorro , Santos-Díaz Ma. Lourdes , Alvarado-Rodríguez Juana
Published: July 2021

Turbinicarpus mombergeri is a cacti species formed by a hybridization process between Turbinicarpus laui and Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus. Under natural conditions, it is very difficult for two species be genetically compatible for hybridization, and to produce flowers at the same time. Thus, T. mombergeri is a very interesting and a rare species. Unfortunately, the current populations are decreasing and now it is considered critically endangered. The aim of this research was to develop a successful protocol for propagating T. mombergeri using the in vitro culture techniques. Seed disinfection was performed with Plant Preservative Mixture, and 80% of germination occurred at day 45 in Murashige-Skoog medium. The shoots were cut longitudinally, and the segments were transferred to media containing 2.22 or 4.44 µM benzyladenine to induce shooting. The generated shoots were highly hydrated, and presented abundant callus. The hyperhydricity was controlled by reducing salt medium concentration, by increasing calcium levels and by using polyethylenglycol. The reduction of callus was attained by adding tri-iodo benzoic acid. Vigorous and thick shoots were generated in medium containing urea, and rooting improved in the presence of 0.5 µM indoleacetic acid. Plantlets with normal morphology were obtained, and the survival rate of the plants in soil was 80%. The methodology developed represents an alternative for propagation of T. mombergeri under controlled conditions for commercial or conservation purposes.
Identifying Lower Limb Problems And The Types of Safety Footwear Worn In The Australian Wine Industry: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Authors: Copper Alexander , Scharfbillig Rolf , Nguyen Thuy Phuong , Collins Cassandra
Published: July 2021

Background: The Australian wine industry is a valuable part of the wider Australian economy worth approximately AUD$45billion annually and employs 163,790 people either full time or part time. Australian agricultural industries are amongst the nation’s most dangerous workplaces with joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries being commonplace along with wounds, lacerations and musculoskeletal diseases. It is therefore important to try and minimise the risk of injuries to workers as much as possible. The aims of this study were to (1) identify the types of lower limb problems that occur in the Australian wine industry and (2) identify the types of safety footwear used. Methods: Participants were recruited from the Australian wine industry. The study was a cross sectional anonymous survey of 82 questions with n=207 respondents. Questions related to job role performed, types of lower limb problems experienced, level of pain, restriction of activities, types of footwear worn, general health and physical health.Results: The main working roles were 73.4% winery, 52.2% vineyard, 39.6% laboratory, 32.4% cellar door and 8.2% office, with 63.3% of participants working in more than one role. Lower back pain was the most commonly reported problem at 56% followed by foot pain 36.7%, knee pain 24.6 %, leg pain 21.3%, ankle pain 17.9%, hip pain 15.5%, toe pain 13% and heel pain 11.1%. The most popular footwear used by participants was the elastic sided safety boot, followed by a high cut lace up safety boot with side zip. Overall, although the pain experienced was moderate to severe, it did not impact the workers ability to perform their duties and the majority self-reported as being in very good general and physical health.Conclusion: To date no data has been published on the frequency of lower limb problems or the types of safety footwear worn in the Australian wine industry. This study demonstrated that elastic sided safety boots were the most popular amongst respondents and with that, certain lower limb problems can occur. Therefore, further research into the safety footwear used is needed to better support workers health while working in varied roles and conditions.
Speckle Patterns formed by Broadband Terahertz Radiation and their Applications for Ghost Imaging
Authors: Leibov Lev , Ismagilov Azat , Zalipaev Victor , Nasedkin Boris , Grachev Yaroslav , Petrov Nikolay , Tcypkin Anton
Published: July 2021

Speckle patterns can be very promising for some applications due to their unique properties. This paper presents the possibility of numerically and experimentally formation of speckle patterns using broadband THz radiation. Strong dependence of the statistical parameters of speckles, such as size and sharpness on the parameters of the diffuser are demonstrated: the correlation length and the mean square deviation of the phase surface inhomogeneity. As the surface correlation length increasing, the speckle size increases and its sharpness decreases. Alternatively, increasing of the surface height standard deviation leads to a speckle size decreasing and sharpness increasing. The dimensions of the individual experimentally formed speckles correspond to obtained results of numerical simulation. The possibility of the formed speckle patterns application for the implementation of the ghost imaging technique has been demonstrated by methods of numerical modeling.
Lactic Acid Bacteria Influence Silage Fermentation Characteristics and Bacterial Community Composition of Oat in Cold Region
Authors: Cheng Qiming , Chen Liangyin , Chen Yulian , Li Ping , Chen Chao
Published: July 2021

Background: Lactic acid bacteria have been proposed for the control of undesirable fermentation and subsequently aerobic deterioration due to their ability to produce antimicrobial metabolites in silage mass. To investigate the effect of specific LAB on silage fermentation characteristics and bacterial community composition of oat in cold region, silages were treated without additives (CK) or with three LAB strains (LB, Lactobacillus buchneri; nLP, low temperature tolerant Lactobacillus planrtarum; pLP, phenyllactic acid-producing Lactobacillus plantarum), and then stored at ambient temperature (< 20 ℃) for 30, 60 and 90 days. Results: Compared with CK, inoculation of LAB decreased final pH value, butyric acid content, ammonia-N of total N and dry matter loss of silage. Treatments with nLP and pLP increased (P < 0.05) lactic acid content, whereas LB increased (P < 0.05) acetic acid content of silage. Lactobacillus and Leuconstoc dominated in the silages with relative abundance of 68.29~96.63%. A prolonged storage period enhanced growth of Leuconstoc in pLP treated silage. In addition, pLP increased (P < 0.05) aerobic stability of silage as compared with nLP. Conclusions: In conclusion, inoculation of LAB improved silage fermentation and/or delayed aerobic deterioration by shifting bacterial community composition during ensiling. Phenyllactic acid-producing Lactobacillus plantarum as an inoculant exhibited potential for high quality silage production.
WITHDRAWN: Human Blood Type Influences the Host-Seeking Behavior and Fecundity of the Asian Malaria Vector Anopheles Stephensi.
Authors: Khan Shahmshad Ahmed , Kassim Nur Faeza Abu , Webb Cameron Ewart , Aqueel Muhammad Anjum , Ahmad Saboor , Malik Sadia , Hussain Taimoor
Published: July 2021

The nutritional requirements of mosquitoes include both sugar (generally derived from the nectar of flowers) and blood (humans or animals). Mosquitoes express different degrees of preferences towards hosts depending on behavioral, ecological, and physiological factors. These preferences have implications for mosquito-borne disease risk. The present study is directed to reveal the effect of the human blood groups on the fecundity and fertility of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. In laboratory tests, mosquitoes were fed on ABO blood groups via artificial membrane feeders, and the level of attraction against different blood groups was tested by the electroantennogram and wind tunnel bioassay under control conditions. Overall, the human blood type had a significant impact on the fecundity and fertility of female An. stephensi. The highest numbers of eggs are laid, in the case of blood group B, (mean (±SD)) 203.19 (9.45) followed by the AB, 105.75 (4.51), and O, 98.8 (3.98). In the case of blood group B, females attain the highest fertility of about 89.98 (5.43%). This study provides novel insight into the ABO host choice of the mosquitoes that are still partially unknown and suggests more personal protection, which is a useful tool for the prevention of malaria.
A Novel Minimally Invasive OFM Technique Combined Orthotopic Transplantation of hUC-MSCs with in vivo Monitoring of Liver Metabolic Microenvironment in Liver Fibrosis Treatment
Authors: Yang Hui , Xie Yuanyuan , Li Tuo , Liu Shuo , Zeng Sheng , Wang Bin
Published: July 2021

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) transplantation showed promising therapeutic results in liver fibrosis. However, efficient cell delivery method is urgently needed and the therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. This study focused on developing a minimally invasive open-flow microperfusion (OFM) technique, which combined orthotopic transplantation of human umbilical cord-derived (hUC)-MSCs to liver and in vivo monitoring of liver microenvironment in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
Methods

The therapeutic potential of OFM route was evaluated by comparing OFM with intravenous (IV) injection route in terms of hUC-MSCs engraftment at the fibrosis liver, liver histopathological features, liver function and fibrotic markers expression after hUC-MSCs administration. OFM was also used to sample liver interstitial fluid in vivo, following metabolomic analysis was performed to investigate metabolic changes in liver microenvironment.
Results

OFM route caused more hUC-MSCs accumulation in the liver and was more effective in improving the remodeling of liver structure and reducing collagen deposition in fibrotic liver than IV. OFM transplantation of hUC-MSCs reduced blood ALT and AST levels, to a greater extent than IV route. And OFM route appeared to have a more pronounced effect on ameliorating the CCl4-induced up-regulation of the fibrotic markers, such as α-SMA, collagen I and TGF-β. In vivo monitoring of liver microenvironment demonstrated the metabolic perturbations induced by pathological condition and treatment intervention. Two metabolites and eight metabolic pathways which were most likely to be associated with the liver fibrosis progression, were regulated by hUC-MSCs administration.
Conclusion

The results demonstrated that the novel OFM technique would be useful for hUC-MSCs transplantation in liver fibrosis treatment and for monitoring of the liver metabolic microenvironment to explore the underlying therapeutic mechanisms.
Forming Mechanism of Equilibrium and Non-equilibrium Metallurgical Phases in Dissimilar Materials: Illustrated With Aluminum/steel (Al-Fe) Joints
Authors: Shang Shun-Li , Sun Hui , Pan Bo , Wang Yi , Krajewski Adam M. , Banu Mihaela , Li Jingjing , Liu Zi-Kui
Published: July 2021

Forming metallurgical phases has a critical impact on the performance of dissimilar materials joints. Here, we shed light on the forming mechanism of equilibrium and non-equilibrium intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the dissimilar aluminum/steel joints with respect to processing history (e.g., the pressure- and temperature-profiles) and chemical composition, where the used knowledge of free energy and atomic diffusion in the Al-Fe system was taken from first-principles phonon calculations and data available in the literature. We found that the metastable while ductile (judged by the presently predicted elastic constants) Al6Fe is a pressure (P) favored IMC observed in the processes involving high pressures. The MoSi2-type Al2Fe is a brittle and a strong P-favored IMC observed at high pressures. The stable, brittle h-Al5Fe2 is the most commonly observed IMC (followed by q-Al13Fe4) in almost all processes, such as fusion/solid-state welding and additive manufacturing (AM), since h-Al5Fe2 is temperature-favored, possessing high thermodynamic driving force of formation and the fastest atomic diffusivity among all Al-Fe IMCs. Notably the ductile AlFe3, the less ductile AlFe, and most of the other IMCs can be formed during AM, making AM a superior process to achieve desired IMCs in dissimilar materials. In addition, the unknown configurations of Al2Fe and Al5Fe2 were also examined by machine learning based datamining together with first-principles verifications and structure predictor. All the IMCs, which are not P-favored, can be identified using the conventional equilibrium phase diagram and the Scheil-Gulliver non-equilibrium simulations.
Impact of Sequential Therapy With Osimertinib on the Overall Survival in Patients With EGFR-mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Inomata Minehiko , Matsumoto Masahiro , Mizushima Isami , Hayashi Kana , Seto Zenta , Tokui Kotaro , Taka Chihiro , Okazawa Seisuke , Kambara Kenta , Imanishi Shingo , Miwa Toshiro , Hayashi Ryuji , Matsui Shoko , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: July 2021

Purpose. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to investigate the associations between the available treatment options and the overall survival.Methods. We retrieved the patient data from the medical charts. Patients who were diagnosed as having EGFR-mutant NSCLC and treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) between 2007 and 2020 at our institution were included in the analysis.Results. A total of 130 patients were included in the analysis. A log-rank test identified EGFR exon 19 deletion in the tumor, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, serum lactate dehydrogenase level, local therapy for brain metastasis, and sequential osimertinib therapy for patients with the T790M mutation acquired after primary EGFR-TKI therapy as being significantly associated with a better overall survival. Analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model identified EGFR exon 19 deletion in the tumor, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1, serum lactate dehydrogenase level, local therapy for brain metastasis, and sequential therapy with osimertinib as being independently associated with a prolonged overall survival. Conclusion. Our analysis suggested that sequential therapy with osimertinib in patients with acquired drug resistance associated with the appearance of the T790M mutation after the primary EGFR-TKI therapy was associated with prolongation of the overall survival in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC in clinical practice settings.
Intelligent Algorithms of Wireless Communication for Internet of Things Service Security and Privacy Assurance
Authors: Wang Yuanguo , Jiang Xiaogang , Yu Qian , Zhang Xiuling , Zhao Bailu , Wang Xiaobei , Han Tonghui
Published: July 2021

Due to its huge application potential, the Internet of Things has received extensive attention from governments, academia and industry. The core concepts of the Internet of Things are perception, control, transmission and intelligence. Through technical means, the coordination of things and things, people and things, and people and people has been realized, thus forming a network based on sensor networks, the Internet, and mobile communication networks. A larger complex network system. However, restricted by the characteristics of network structure, terminal equipment, communication methods, application scenarios, etc., some security and privacy issues unique to the Internet of Things cannot be directly solved by existing Internet security technologies. Aiming at the general high complexity of existing algorithms, this article starts with the different phase-frequency characteristics of different filters, and designs a new low-complexity reduction system algorithm. According to the characteristics of the system that the filter structure can be flexibly selected, the method randomly allocates different filters to each sub-carrier and adjusts the phase of signal superimposition, thereby constructing a coordinated communication facility and management service coordination suitable for large-scale distributed IoT services. The interactive access control architecture realizes the confidentiality of data exchange between services.
Circulating markers of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in patients with ovarian tumors
Authors: Dobilas Arturas , Thålin Charlotte , Wallén Håkan , Borgfeldt Christer
Published: July 2021

Background
Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer, and emerging light is being shed on the neutrophil release of nuclear chromatin, referred to as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer and cancer associated thrombosis. The NET-specific marker citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit) has been found to be elevated in plasma from patients with malignancies, suggesting the potential of NET markers, such as H3Cit, as novel cancer biomarkers.
Objective
To determine the levels of plasma H3Cit in blood in women with adnexal masses.
Subjects and Method
s: Peripheral blood samples were obtained preoperatively from 199 patients admitted for primary surgery of adnexal masses 2015–2017. Patients were grouped according to tumor type and stage of cancer. Plasma levels of H3Cit-DNA, cell free DNA (cfDNA) and the clinically implemented tumor marker cancer antigen 125 (CA125) were determined with ELISA.
Results
Plasma levels of H3Cit-DNA and cfDNA were not elevated in women with borderline or malignant ovarian tumors compared with women with benign tumors. Increased plasma levels of CA125 were detected in borderline and ovarian cancer stage I and stage II-IV compared with benign ovarian tumor patients (ptrend<0.001). In Cox regression analysis high levels of Ca 125 dichotomized at 326 IU/ml (median) showed worse overall survival hazard ratio 1.9 (95 % C.I. 1.03–3.36; p = 0.038). No differences were found in the survival analyses in malignant ovarian tumors analyzing the cfDNA and H3Cit-DNA levels.
Conclusion
This study did not find any association nor prognostic association between the plasma levels of the NET marker H3Cit and ovarian cancer patients.
A nomogram based on Psoas muscle index and prognostic nutritional index predicts the prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgery: a multi-center cohort study
Authors: Bao Wenming , Deng Liming , Yu haitao , He bangjie , Lin Zixia , Lin Zhihui , Yang Jinhuan , Zhao Jungang , Zheng Chongming , Yu Zhengping , Jin Bin , Wang Yi , Chen Gang
Published: July 2021

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Prediction of prognosis is critical for the individualized clinical management of patients with ICC. The purpose of this study is to establish a nomogram based on the psoas muscle index (PMI) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) to identify the high risk-patient with ICC after curative resection.
Methods

ICC Patients after hepatectomy in multi-hospital from August 2012 to October 2019 were enrolled. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier. The independent factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A nomogram based on independent factors was established to predict ICC patient prognosis.
Results

178 ICC patients were included. The OS was worst in the patients with a combination of low PMI combined low PNI (p < 0.01). PMI, PNI, lymph node metastasis and tumor differentiation were the independent prognostic risk factors; these factors were used to establish the nomogram was established by it. The calibration curve revealed that the nomogram survival probability prediction model was in good agreement with the actual observation results. The nomogram has good reliability in predicting ICC patient prognosis (OS C-index = 0.692). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the nomogram's 3-year predicted survival was 0.752. Based on the stratified by nomogram, the median survival for low-risk patients was 59.8 months, compared with 16.2 months for high-risk patients (p༜0.001).
Conclusion

The nomogram based on the PMI and PNI can identify patients with the highest risk of poor prognosis after curative hepatectomy. It is a good decision-making tool for individualized treatment.