bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable Isotopes Carbon C13 and Oxygen O18 as Indicators of Triassic Limestone Sedimentation Environment and Diagenesis
Authors: Stanienda-Pilecki Katarzyna
Published: January 2022

The results of researches of the stable isotopes, carbon 13C and oxygen 18O, measured in Triassic limestones of Opole Silesia in Poland were presented in this article. The study was carried out to obtain data for interpretation of the environment of these rocks formation. Moreover, it was possible to form the theory about diagenetic processes which influenced on the mineral composition of limestone and some of their carbonte phases. The results of study show a general differentiation of δ13C and δ18O contents in carbonate minerals. All δ18O values are less than 0 ‰. It indicates that the origin oxygen isotope composition could be probably reset by diagenesis. The crystallization temperatures of low-Mg calcite and high-Mg, calculated on the basis of δ18O values are greater than 25 oC. They are higher than typical for sea basin and are also not be related to the presence of hydrothermal solutions. The increased temperatures of calcites crystallization are related to diagenetic processes that took place after the deposition and burial of carbonate material. The preservation of high-Mg calcite, an ustable carbonate phase, which is usually trasformed into low-Mg calcite during diagenesis, is probably connected with the increased salinity of the sea basin in which studied limestones were formed.
The Nasal Microbiome of Predicting Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants
Authors: Xu Yanping , Huang Yeqing , Shen Zhen , Shi Liping
Published: January 2022

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is chronic lung disease of prematurity and associated with substantial long-term disabilities. To characterize and compare the nasal swabs microbiome of early stage in premature infants and determine whether microbial diversity or composition in the airway associated with BPD disease. We performed a prospective observational cohort design. Preterm neonates less than 32 weeks of gestation were recruited from NICU, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from 2019 to 2020. Sterile foam swabs were collected from anterior nares at 1 and 3 weeks of postnatal age. We used PCR amplification and 16S rDNA sequencing. Neonatal demographic data including gestational age, birth weight, medication administration history were recorded. A total of 98 nasal swabs samples were collected from 54 preterm infants, 13 developed BPD infants and 41 control infants were finally involved in the study. Birth weights ranged from 700 to 2,050 g. Gestational age ranged from 25 2/7to 31 6/7. We found increased in the expression of Prevotella, Marinomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, Weissella, Selenomonas, Oribacterium, Nubsella and Antricoccus in BPD group at two time points. Prevotella was correlated with the severity of BPD (Spearman r=0.361, P=0.000). Given possible roles for noninvasive upper airway microbiota in BPD pathobiology, the nasal microbiome in BPD is a compelling area of research to continue to expand.
Smooth Autonomous Navigation Considering Avoidance Behavior Characteristics of Pedestrians
Authors: Harada Ryunosuke , Yoshitake Hiroshi , Shino Motoki
Published: January 2022

To ensure the coexistence of autonomous personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) and pedestrians in a pedestrian zone, they should be able to smoothly pass across and avoid each other. Studies suggest that it is possible that PMVs and pedestrians can pass each other in a short period of time without compromising their comfort; this can be achieved through understanding how pedestrians react to the behavior of PMVs and by modifying the autonomous navigation of PMVs accordingly. Therefore, in this study, the avoidance behavior characteristics of pedestrians were investigated. Experiments were conducted to understand the influence of the selected avoiding behavior parameters and to understand the behavior characteristics of pedestrians in relation to the behavior of PMVs. Furthermore, a path planning strategy that enables smooth passing was developed based on these characteristics. The usefulness of this method was evaluated. The avoidance time and the avoiding angular velocity at the start and end of the avoidance behavior were the parameters that contributed to smooth autonomous navigation. The results show that pedestrian tolerance improves and the avoidance width decreases depending on these parameters. Furthermore, smooth autonomous navigation can be achieved using the characteristics of pedestrians’ cognition against PMVs.
Long sedentary time is associated with worsened cardiometabolic risk markers among working adults in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Motuma Aboma , Gobena Tesfaye , Roba Kedir Teji , Berhane Yemane , Worku Alemayehu
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to examine the associations of sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk markers among working adults in Eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,200 participants. Data were collected using the World Health Organization NCD STEPS survey instrument, and the sedentary behavior questionnaire. The biochemical parameters were analyzed by using the Mindray BS-200 chemistry analyzer. STATA version 16.1 software was used for analysis. The associations between sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk markers controlling confounders were examined using linear regression models. An adjusted coefficient (β) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the results. P-value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. One hour per day increases in total sedentary time increases the average body mass index (β = 0.61kg/m2: 95% CI: 0.49, 0.71), waist circumference (β = 1.48cm: 95% CI:1.14-1.82), diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.87mmHg: 95% CI: 0.56-1.18), systolic blood pressure (β = 0.95mmHg: 95% CI: 0.45, 1.48), triglycerides (β = 7.07mg/dl: 95% CI: 4.01-10.14), total cholesterol (β = 3.52mg/dl: 95% CI: 2.02-5.02), fasting plasma glucose (β = 4.15mg/dl: 95% CI: 5.31-4.98) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 2.14mg/dl: 95% CI: 0.96-3.33). Long sedentary time is significantly associated with cardiometabolic risk markers. Interventions to reduce sedentary time to decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases among working adults.
Pleiotropic Effect Analysis and Marker Development for Grain Zinc and Iron Concentrations in Spring wheat
Authors: Ren Pengxun , Zhao Dehui , Zeng Zhankui , Yan Xuefang , Zhao Yue , Lan Caixia , Wang Chunping
Published: January 2022

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main food crops in the world and a primary source of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in the human body. The genetic mechanisms underlying related traits have been clarified, thereby providing a molecular theoretical foundation for the development of germplasm resources. In this study, 23,536 high-quality DArT markers were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) of grain Zn (GZn) and grain Fe (GFe) concentrations in recombinant inbred lines from Avocet/Chilero. A total of 17 QTLs located on chromosomes 1BL, 2BL, 3BL, 4AL, 4BS, 5AL, 5DL, 6AS, 6BS, 6DS, and 7AS accounted for 0.38–16.62% of the phenotypic variance. QGZn.haust-4AL, QGZn.haust-7AS.1, and QGFe.haust-6BS were detected on chromosomes 4AL, 6BS, and 7AS, accounting for 10.63–16.62% of the phenotypic variance. Four stable QTLs, QGZn.haust-4AL, QGFe.haust-1BL, QGFe.haust-4AL, and QGFe.haust-5DL were located on chromosomes 1BL, 4AL, and 5DL. Three pleiotropic effects locus for GZn and GFe concentrations were located on chromosomes 1BL, 4AL, and 5DL. Two high-throughput Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR markers were developed by closely linking single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosomes 4AL and 5DL, which were validated by a germplasm panel. Therefore, it is the most important that quantitative trait loci and KASP marker for grain zinc and iron concentrations were developed for utilizing in marker-assisted breeding and biofortification of wheat grain in breeding programs.
Do Shapes of Elevational Gradients of Species Richness Depend on the Vertical Range Studied? The Case of the Himalayas
Authors: Irungbam Jatishwor Singh , Sucháčková Alena Bartoňová , Konvička Martin , Fric Zdenek Faltýnek
Published: January 2022

We retrieved shapes of elevational species richness gradients (unimodal, decreasing, increasing) from 64 publications, studying Himalayan elevation patterns. We covered both plants and animals, and tested the hypothesis that unimodal gradients, explicable by the geometric mid-domain effect, prevail in the mountains, whereas decreasing or increasing gradients result from studying only short sections of entire altitudinal ranges. Multivariate canonical correspondence analysis was used to relate gradient shapes to their altitude ranges, geography positions, and taxa studied. Across taxa, most of the Himalayan altitudinal gradient display a unimodal shape, with a peak of diversity situated at ca 2500 m a.s.l. for plants, and 2200 m a.s.l. for animals. The gradient shapes were attributable to three intercorrelated predictors: vertical range, maximum elevation, and mean elevation of the gradients. Studies covering sufficiently broad altitudinal range returned unimodal gradients. Studies from the Earth’s highest mountain range reveal that surveys covering substantial parts of the elevational range of the mountains result in unimodal elevational gradients, whereas declining or increasing species richness gradients result from incomplete elevation range sampling.
Heat Flow Data And Thermal Structure In North East Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Takumi , Yamada Ryuji , Iizuka Satoshi
Published: January 2022

New heat flow data corrected for climate change over the entire northeastern region of Japan were obtained using the temperature profile of the borehole of NIED High Sensitivity Seismograph Network (Hi-net). In addition, the crustal temperature structure was obtained by using a crustal structure model that takes into account the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity and the difference in heat generation due to lithology, using a crustal structure model that takes into account sedimentary layers rather than a uniform structure model with exposed bedrock at the surface. The results show that the crustal temperature structure in areas with thick sedimentary layers is improved compared to the previous model.
A Novel Metastasis-related Genes Based Signature for Predicting the Progression-free Interval of Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Rui , Cao Zhen , Wu Meng-wei , Li Xiao-bin , Yuan Hong-wei , Liu Ziwen
Published: January 2022

Background: We aimed to build a novel model with metastasis-related genes (MTGs) signature and relevant clinical parameters for predicting progression-free interval (PFI) after surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods: We performed a bioinformatic analysis of integrated PTC datasets with the MTGs to identify differentially expressed MTGs (DE-MTGs). Then we generated PFI-related DE-MTGs and established a novel MTGs based signature. After that, we validated the signature on multiple datasets and PTC cell lines. Further, we carried out uni- and multivariate analysis to identify independent prognostic characters. Finally, we established a signature and clinical parameters-based nomogram for predicting the PFI of PTC. Results: We identified 155 DE-MTGs related to PFI in PTC. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the DE-MTGs were associated with an essential oncogenic process. Consequently, we found a novel 10-gene signature and could distinguish patients with poorer prognoses and predicted PFI accurately. The novel signature had a C-index of 0.76 and the relevant nomogram had a C-index of 0.80. Also, it was closely related to pivotal clinical characters of datasets and invasiveness of cell lines. And the signature was confirmed a significant independent prognostic factor in PTC. Finally, we built a nomogram by including the signature and relevant clinical factors. Validation analysis showed that the nomogram's efficacy was satisfying in predicting PTC’s PFI. Conclusions: The MTG signature and nomogram were closely associated with PTC prognosis and may help clinicians improve the individualized prediction of PFI, especially for high-risk patients after surgery.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-Acrylic Acid Based Hydrogels and Investigation the Properties of Bilayered Design With Incorporated Alginate Beads
Authors: Erceg Tamara , Brakus Gaja , Stupar Alena , Cvetinov Miroslav , Hadnađev Miroslav , Ristić Ivan
Published: January 2022

The paper presents the synthesis of hydrogels via free-radical polymerization, based on Chitosan (CS) grafted with Acrylic acid (AA), using a two-step procedure. Free-radical polymerization has given strong hydrogels with compact structure, dominant elastic behavior and long linear viscoelastic region. The results of rheological studies have shown that obtained hydrogels have significantly improved mechanical properties in comparison to chitosan hydrogels obtained by other sustainable methods. A step forward in the investigation of the potential application of chitosan hydrogels in wound dressing systems has been made by preparation of the bilayer design by embedding a layer of active compound-loaded alginate beads into the contact surface between two conjoined units of CS/AA hydrogels. Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) dried extract was used as an active compound because of its antimicrobial activity and green properties. This system has demonstrated pH-dependent release of extract and higher shear elastic modulus values than ordinary disc gels. A conducted study has given preliminary results for the possible application of bilayer chitosan - based hydrogels in wound dressing systems and represents the first step towards extrapolating the proposed design across other application fields.
Acromion-axillary Nerve Distance and Its Relation to the Humeral Length in the Prediction of the Axillary Nerve Position During the Anterolateral Deltoid-splitting Approach in the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures: a Clinical Study
Authors: demirel mehmet , Yıldırım Cem , Bayram Erhan , Ekinci Mehmet , Yılmaz Murat
Published: January 2022

Background Because of the broad anatomical variation in the course of the axillary nerve, several cadaveric studies have investigated the acromion-axillary nerve distance and its association with the humeral length to predict the axillary nerve location. This study aimed to analyze the acromion-axillary nerve distance (AAND) and its relation to the arm length (AL) in patients who underwent internal plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures.Methods The present prospective study involved 37 patients (15 female, 22 male; the mean age = 51 years, age range = 19 to 76) with displaced proximal humerus fractures who were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. After anatomic reduction and fixation was achieved, the following parameters were measured in each patient before wound closure without making an extra incision or dissection: (1) the distance from the anterolateral edge of the acromion to the course of axillary nerve was recorded as the acromion-axillary nerve distance and (2) the distance from the anterolateral edge of the acromion to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus was recorded as arm length. The ratio of AAND to AL was then calculated and recorded as the axillary nerve index.Results The mean AAND was 6 ± 0.36 cm (range = 5.5–6.6), and the mean arm length was 32.91 ± 2.9 cm (range = 24–38). The mean axillary nerve ratio was 0.18 ± 0.02 (range = 0.16 to 0.23). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between AL and AAND (p = 0.006; r = 0.447). The axillary nerve location was predictable in only 18% of the patients.Conclusion During the anterolateral deltoid-splitting approach to the shoulder joint, 5.5 cm from the anterolateral edge of the acromion could be considered as a safe zone for the prevention of possible axillary nerve injury.
An Evaluation of Temporal and Club Angle Parameters During Golf Swings Using Low Cost Video Analyses Packages
Authors: Hunter Henry H. , Ugbolue Ukadike C. , Sorbie Graeme G. , Lam Wing-Kai , Grace Fergal M. , Iacono Antonio Dello , Liang Minjun , Dutheil Frédéric , Gu Yaodong , Baker Julien S.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare swing time and golf club angle parameters during golf swings using three, two dimensional (2D) low cost, Augmented-Video-based-Portable-Systems (AVPS) (Kinovea, SiliconCoach Pro, SiliconCoach Live). Twelve right-handed golfers performed three golf swings whilst being recorded by a high-speed 2D video camera. Footage was then analysed using AVPS-software and the results compared using both descriptive and inferential statistics. There were no significant differences for swing time and the golf phase measurements between the 2D and 3D software comparisons. In general, the results showed a high Intra class Correlation Coefficient (ICC > 0.929) and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha (CCA > 0.924) reliability for both the kinematic and temporal parameters. The inter-rater reliability test for the swing time and kinematic golf phase measurements on average were strong. Irrespective of the AVPS software investigated, the cost effective AVPS can produce reliable output measures that benefit golf analyses.
Superficial Flat-type Early-stage Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma in the Atrophic Background Mucosa: Two Case Reports
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Yang Yicheng , Xu Qinwei , Wang Shunli , Zhang Li , Yu Renfang , Han Junyi , Cao Jia
Published: January 2022

Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma is a rare and highly malignant adenocarcinoma, which is characterized by early metastasis, rapid progression and poor prognosis. Several studies have shown that early-stage gastric signet ring cell carcinoma may have equal or better prognosis than other types of gastric cancer. However, most of the early-stage lesions are difficult to detect by endoscopy. Two female cases of early-stage gastric signet ring cell carcinoma with atrophic background mucosa occurring in the middle and lower part of the stomach were found in our endoscopy center. The diagnosis was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal white light endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging and endoscopic biopsy, both lesions less than 2.0cm in diameter were surgically removed and identified as intramucosal adenocarcinoma. Through these two cases, we aim to illustrate the difficulty of early detection of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma with mucosal atrophy. We can roughly identify the demarcation of the lesion by combining white light endoscopy and narrow-band imaging, and slightly irregular microsurface and microvascular pattern of the lesion were found via magnifying endoscopic observation, but the demarcation can hardly be accurately identified.
The Ratio of Free Fatty Acids (Ffas) Divided By High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) Is A Promising Pre-Treatment Biomarker For Predicting Worse Overall Survival (OS) of Neuroendocrine Tumours (Nets) In The Colorectum: A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wu Dan , Yang Yuanyuan , Yu Pingli , Huang Haobo , Cai Haiyan , Cao Yingping
Published: January 2022

Background: free fatty acids (FFAs) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with various malignancy. However, whether FFA, HDL-C and FFA/HDL-C can play a potiential role in predicting patients with colorectal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) was unclear. Meanwhile, FFA/HDL-C has a superior prognosis ability was unknown, too.Methods: One hundred patients with pathologically diagnosed colorectal NETs in 2011-2017 were enrolled, and the levels of FFA, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (CHOL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) between colorectal NET patients and healthy controls matched by age and sex were compared. In addition, the association of clinicopathological characteristics and follow-up data with FFA, HDL-C and FFA/HDL-C was analysed.Results: FFA was overexpressed (0.55±0.23 vs. 0.48±0.11, P= 0.006), and HDL-C was underexpressed (1.31±0.41 vs. 1.41±0.29, P=0.046) in colorectal NETs. FFA ≥0.52 mmol/L predicted lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P=0.015), HDL-C ≤1.0 mmol/L predicted tumour size ≥2 cm (P=0.017), and FFA/HDL-C>0.75 predicted tumour grade (P=0.030), LNM (P=0.014), and tumour size(P=0.018). No significant association was found between FFA and tumour grade (P=0.613) or HDL-C and tumour grade (P=0.594) or FFA and tumour size (P=0.142) or HDL-C and LNM (P=0.443). FFA ≥0.52 mmol/L (P=0.014) and HDL-C ≤1.0 mmol/L predicted worse overall survival (OS) (P=0.019). FFA/HDL-C predicted an even worse prognosis in terms of OS (P<0.001).Conclusion: FFA ≥0.52 mmol/L HDL-C ≤1.0 mmol/L and FFA/HDL-C>0.75 were promising cut-off values in predicting LNM, tumour size and worse OS in colorectal NETs.
In Silico Discovery of Potential Azole-Containing mPGES-1 Inhibitors By Virtual Screening, Pharmacophore Modeling and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Özalp Lalehan , Küçükgüzel İlkay , Ogan Ayşe
Published: January 2022

Inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is promising for designing novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as they lack side-effects associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Azole compounds are nitrogen-containing heterocycles and have a wide use in medicine and are considered as promising compounds in medicinal chemistry. Various computer-aided drug design strategies are incorporated in this study. Structure-based virtual screening was performed employing various docking programs. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the selectivity of each program. Furthermore, scoring power of Autodock4 and Autodock Vina was assessed by Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Pharmacophore models were generated and Güner-Henry score of the best model was calculated as 0.89. Binding modes of the final 10 azole compounds were analyzed and further investigation of the best binding (-8.38 kcal/mol) compound was performed using molecular dynamics simulation, revealing that furazan1224 (ZINC001142847306) occupied the binding site of the substrate, prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) and remained stable for 100 ns. Continuous hydrogen bonds with amino acids in the active site supported the stability of furazan1224 throughout the trajectory. Pharmacokinetic profile showed that furazan1224 lacks the risks of inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme and central nervous system-related side-effects.
General Electrochemical Minisci Alkylation of N-Heteroarenes with Alkyl Halides
Authors: Aleman Jose
Published: January 2022

Herein, we report, for the first time, a general, facile and environmentally friendly Minisci-type alkylation of N-heteroarenes under simple and straightforward electrochemical conditions using widely available alkyl halides as radical precursors. Primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl radicals have shown to be efficiently generated and coupled with a large variety of N-heteroarenes. The method presents a very high functional group tolerance, including various heterocyclic-based natural products, which highlights the robustness of the methodology. This applicability has been further proved in the synthesis of various interesting biologically valuable building blocks. In addition, we have proposed a mechanism based on different proofs and electrochemical evidences.
Systematic and integrated analysis of tRNA-derived small RNAs reveals novel potential pathogenesis targets of sarcoidosis
Authors: Zhao Min , Tian Chang , Di Xin , Jin Xin , Cong Shan , Cao Yingshu , Wang Ke
Published: January 2022

The pathogenesis of sarcoidosis, which involves several systems, is unclear, and its pathological type is non-caseating epithelioid granulomas. tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA) is a novel class of short non-coding RNAs with potential regulatory functions. However, whether tsRNA contributes to sarcoidosis pathogenesis remains unclear. Deep sequencing technology was used to identify alterations in tsRNA expression profiles between patients with sarcoidosis and healthy controls. A total of 360 tsRNAs were identified for exact matches. Among them, the expression of three tRNAs (tiRNA-Glu-TTC-001, tiRNA-Lys-CTT-003, and tRF-Ser-TGA-007) was markedly regulated in sarcoidosis and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of various tsRNAs was significantly correlated with age, the number of affected systems, and calcium levels in the blood. Additionally, target prediction and bioinformatics analyses revealed that these tsRNAs may play roles in chemokine, cAMP, cGMP-PKG, retrograde endorphin, and FoxO signalling pathways. The Cytoscape software was used for visual analysis to obtain 10 hub genes of each target tsRNA. Among the hub genes, APP, PRKACB, ARRB2, and NR5A1 finding may participate in the occurrence and development of sarcoidosis through immune inflammation. This study provides novel insights to explore tsRNA as a novel and efficacious pathogenic target of sarcoidosis.
Quantitative Assessment of the Size-dependent Whole-body to Cellular Biodistribution of Fine Particulate Matters Following Inhalation by Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Son Taewoong , Cho Youn-Joo , Lee Hyunseung , Cho Mi Young , Goh Byeongwoo , Kim Hyun Min , Phan Hoa Thi Ngoc , Cho Sun-Hee , Park Young-Jun , Park Hye Sun , Hong Kwan Soo
Published: January 2022

Background: There has been growing concern regarding the impact of air pollution, especially fine dust, on human health. However, it is difficult to estimate the toxicity of fine dust on the human body because of its diverse effects depending on the composition and environmental factors.Results: In this study, we focused on the difference in the biodistribution of fine dust according to the size distribution of particulate matter after inhalation into the body to predict its impact on human health. We synthesized Cy7-doped silica particulate matters (CSPMs) having different particle sizes and employed them as model fine dust, and studied their whole-body in vivo biodistribution in BALB/c nude mice. Image-tracking and quantitative analysis were performed on the ex vivo organs and tissues. Additionally, flow cytometric analysis of single cells isolated from the lungs was performed. Smaller particles with a diameter of less than 100 nm (CSPM0.1) were observed to be removed relatively rapidly from the lungs upon initial inhalation. However, they were confirmed to accumulate continuously over 4 weeks of observation. In particular, smaller particles were found to spread rapidly to other organs during the early stages of inhalation.Conclusions: It is expected that the effect of fine dust on human health can be predicted through the differences in in vivo behavior that arise depending on the particle size. This study might provide with insights on association between CSPM0.1 accumulation in several organs including the lungs and adverse effect to underlying diseases in the organs.
Covid-19 Space-time Cluster Detection Using Retrospective Analysis
Authors: TEGEGNE KALEAB TESFAYE , TEGEGNE ELENI TESFAYE , TESSEMA MEKIBIB KASSA , ABERA GELETA , BIFATO BERHANU , GEBREMICHAEL KEBEBUSH , ABEBE ALELIGN TADELE , ASSEFA ABIYU AYALEW , ZENEBE ANDUALEM , BAGAJJO WOSENYELEH SEMEON , RIKE MUSIE , WELDEYES BELAYNEH FELEKE , ALEMU ARGAW GETACHEW
Published: January 2022

Background: As of the 31st of January 2021, there had been 102,399,513 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with 2,217,005 deaths reported to WHOThe goal of this study is to uncover the spatiotemporal patterns of COVID 19 in Ethiopia, which will aid in the planning and implementation of essential preventative measures. Methods We obtained data on COVID 19 cases reported in Ethiopia from November 23 to December 29, 2021, from an Ethiopian health data website that is open to the public.Kulldorff's retrospective space-time scan statistics were utilized to detect the temporal, geographical, and spatiotemporal clusters of COVID 19 at the county level in Ethiopia, using the discrete Poisson probability model. Results: In Ethiopia, between November 23 and December 29, 2021, a total of 22,199 COVID 19 cases were reported.The COVID 19 cases in Ethiopia were strongly clustered in spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal distribution, according to the results of Kulldorff's scan. statisticsThe most likely Spatio-temporal cluster (LLR = 70369.783209, RR = 412.48, P 0.001) was mostly concentrated in Addis Ababa and clustered between 2021/11/1 and 2021/11/30.Conclusion: From November 23 to December 29, 2021, this study found three large COVID 19 space-time clusters in Ethiopia, which could aid in future resource allocation in high-risk locations for COVID 19 management and prevention.
Immune response and safety to inactivated COVID-19 vaccine: A comparison between People Living with HIV and HIV-naive individuals
Authors: Zou Shi , Wu Mengmeng , Ming Fangzhao , Wu Songjie , Guo Wei , Marley Gifty , Xing Zhongyuan , Zhang Zhiyue , Zeng Minxia , Sun Chao , Zhang Jianfeng , Tang Weiming , Liang Ke
Published: January 2022

Background: Multi-types COVID-19 vaccines have shown safety and efficacy against COVID-19 in adults. Although current guidelines encourage people living with HIV(PLWH) to take COVID-19 vaccines, whether their immune response to COVID-19 vaccines is distinct from HIV-free individuals is still unclear. Methods: Between March to June 2021, 48 PLWH and 40 HNC, aged 18 to 59 years, were enrolled in the study in Wuchang district of Wuhan city. All of them received inactivated COVID-19 vaccine at day 0 and the second dose at day 28. The primary safety outcome was the combined adverse reactions within 7days after each injection. The primary immunogenicity outcomes were neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) responses by chemiluminescence and total specific IgM and IgG antibodies responses by ELISA and colloidal gold at baseline (day 0), day 14, day 28, day 42, and day 70.Results: In total, the study included 46 PLWH and 38 HNC who finished 70 days’ follow-up. The frequency of adverse reactions to the first and second dose was not different between PLWH (30% and 11%) vs HNC (32% and 24%). There were no serious adverse events. NAbs responses among PLWH peaked at day 70, while among HNC peaked at day 42. At day 42, the geometric mean concentration (GMC) and seroconversion rate of nAbs among PLWH were 4.46 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL (95% CI, 3.18-5.87) and 26% (95% CI, 14-41), which were lower than that among HNC [GMC (18.28 BAU/mL, 95% CI, 10.33-32.33), seroconversion rate (63%, 95% CI, 44-79)]. IgG responses among both PLWH and HNC peaked at day 70. At day 70, the geometric mean ELISA units (GMEU) and seroconversion rate of IgG among PLWH were 0.193 ELISA units (EU)/mL (95% CI, 0.119-0.313) and 51% (95% CI, 34-69), which was lower than that among HNC [GMEU (0.379 BAU/mL, 95% CI, 0.224-0.653), seroconversion rate (86%, 95% CI, 64-97)]. Conclusion: Early humoral immune response to the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was weaker and delayed among the PLWH population than that among HNC. This observation remained consistent regardless of a high CD4 count and a low HIV viral load suppressed by antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Prevalence and Postpartum Screening Practice for Type 2 Diabetes following GDM in King Abdulaziz Medical City: A 3-Years Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah , Alfitni Daniyah , Aqeel Maysaa , Alsulami Ebtesam
Published: January 2022

Aim: GDM patients were associated to develop T2DM but mostly failed to undergo screening after delivery. This study aims to examine the practice of T2DM screening and prevalence of developing T2DM among women who had GDM in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Saudi Arabia. Methods: Retrospective study involving 642 pregnant women with GDM. Medical records on screenings conducted, delivery mode, GDM and diabetes family history were collected and investigated. Statistical analysis was conducted. Frequencies and percentages were used for categorical variables while means and SD for continuous. Chi-square and t-test were used to establish relationship of categorical and comparing two group means, respectively. Results: Patients were 98.8% Saudi nationals, mean weight, height, parity and number of pregnancies were 76.96 kg, 2.74 m, 3.37 and 1.35, respectively. Majority were obese (56.9%), SVD (56.4%) mode of delivery and good lifestyle (91.4%) as management practice. OGTT was used for screening T2DM with 0 hr fasting and 2-hrs after consuming 75g of glucose, physician ordered 6 weeks after delivery. Only 20% had screening for T2DM and 3.9% developed postpartum diabetes with high number of women not returning for ordered OGTT screening (65.6%). Significant predictors identified were parity and mode of delivery for development of T2DM, while only mode of delivery for both screening for T2DM and management of GDM.Conclusion: Low prevalence of developing T2DM but high number of women failed to follow the ordered OGTT screening. Effort on the implementation of OGTT screening for T2DM needs improvement.
Predictive Value of Serum Aurora A, Thymidine Kinase 1, and HER3/ErbB3 in Breast Cancer Patients Before Neoadjuvant Treatment
Authors: Winter Pawel , Kotowicz Beata , Fuksiewicz Malgorzata , Kowalska Maria , Jagiello-Gruszfeld Agnieszka , Nowecki Zbigniew
Published: January 2022

Further personalization is needed to improve the outcomes of breast cancer treatment. It is necessary to find new inexpensive and easily evaluated predictive markers. In this study, we determined serum level of Aurora A (AURKA), thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 3 (HER3) by enzyme immunoassay ELISA. We collected peripheral blood sera of 119 women with breast cancer before neoadjuvant treatment and the control group of 47 randomly selected healthy women. After treatment we analyzed clinical data: age, initial TNM stage, tumor receptors expression: estrogen (ER), progesterone (PGR), epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), Ki67, histological malignancy grade, biological subtype, and response to neoadjuvant treatment in residual cancer burden (RCB) classification. Pathologic complete response (PCR) was achieved in 41 patients (34.45%). In univariate analysis patients with higher AURKA levels were more likely to obtain PCR (p=0.039). In multivariate analysis we used the logit regression model with PCR as the dependent. The effect of AURKA concentration ≥4.75 ng / mL on the chance of achieving PCR was found (OR: 3.5; 95%CI: 1.2-10.1; p = 0.023). Other significant PCR factors included: node status (OR: 0.503; 95% CI: 0.263-0.965; p = 0.039), negative PGR expression (OR: 0.104; 95% CI: 0.038-0.284; p < 0.001), and Ki67 >20% (OR: 5.44; 95% CI: 1.24-23,9; p < 0.025). There was no significance in marker concentrations and clinical features nor between breast cancer patients and control group. The outcomes suggest that serum AURKA level is a potential PCR prediction marker in neoadjuvant breast cancer treatment. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations.
Room-temperature generation of heralded single photons on silicon chip with switchable orbital angular momentum
Authors: Zhang Shan , Feng Xue , Zhang Wei , Cui Kaiyu , Liu Fang , Huang Yidong
Published: January 2022

In quantum optics, orbital angular momentum (OAM) is very promising to achieve high-dimensional quantum states due to the nature of infinite and discrete eigenvalues, which is quantized by the topological charge of l. Here, a heralded single-photon source with switchable OAM modes is proposed and demonstrated on silicon chip. At room-temperature, the heralded single photons with 11 OAM modes (l=2~6, -6~-1) have been successfully generated and switched through thermo-optical effect. We believe that such an integrated quantum source with multiple OAM modes and operating at room-temperature would provide a practical platform for high-dimensional quantum information processing. Moreover, our proposed architecture can also be extended to other material systems to further improve the performance of OAM quantum source.
Double-Gate Operation of Metal Nanodot-Array-Based Single-Electron Device
Authors: Gyakushi Takayuki , Amano Ikuma , Tsurumaki-Fukuchi Atsushi , Arita Masashi , Takahashi Yasuo
Published: January 2022

Multidot single-electron devices (SEDs) can realize new types of computing technologies, such as reconfigurable and reservoir computing. The self-assembled metal nanodot-array film attached with multiple gates is a candidate for use in such SEDs to achieve high functionality. However, the single-electron properties of such a film have not yet been investigated in use with optimally controlled multiple gates because of structural complexity having many nanodots. In this study, Fe nanodot-array-based double-gate SEDs were fabricated and their single-electron properties modulated by the top- and bottom-gate voltages (VT and VB, respectively) were investigated. As reported in our previous study, the drain current (ID) exhibited clear oscillations against VB (i.e., Coulomb blockade oscillation) in a part of the devices, originating from a single dot among several dots. The phase of the Coulomb blockade oscillation systematically shifted with VT, indicating that the charge state of the single dot was clearly controlled by both the gate voltages despite the multidot structure and the metal multidot SED has potential for logic-gate operation. The top and bottom gates affected the electronic state of the dot unevenly owing to the geometrical effect caused by the dot shape and size of the surrounding dots.
Association Between Triglyceride Glucose Index and Carotid Artery Plaque in Different Glucose Metabolic States in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease — A RCSCD-TCM Study in China
Authors: Li Zhu , He Yuanyuan , Wang Shuo , Li Lin , Yang Rongrong , Liu Yijia , Cheng Qi , Yu Lu , Zheng Yanchao , Zheng Hongmei , Gao Shan , Yu Chunquan
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe triglyceride glucose (TyG) index serves as a surrogate indicator of insulin resistance. However, there are limited data on the association between TyG index and carotid artery plaque (CAP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).MethodsA total of 10,535 CHD patients were included in this study. TyG index was divided into quartiles, Q1: TyG index ＜ 8.52, Q2: 8.52 ≤ TyG index ＜ 8.93, Q3: 8.93 ≤ TyG index ≤ 9.40, Q4: TyG index ＞9.40. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between TyG index and CAP in CHD patients, and further analyzed the relationship between TyG index and CAP in different genders, different age groups and different glucose metabolism states. ResultsA baseline analysis of CHD patients divided into four groups according to the quartile of the TyG index showed that there were significant differences in related parameters between the groups. As the TyG index increases, the incidence of CAP increases significantly. After adjustment for multivariate, TyG index levels for Q3 and Q4 correlated with increased OR in CAP, which Q4 has the highest correlation (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.33 -1.53). The correlation between the Tyg index of female (OR:1.38; 95% CI: 1.31-1.45) and CAP was higher than that of male (OR:1.23; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.30). The OR value of middle-aged (≤ 60 years old) patients (OR:1.14; 95% CI: 1.07-1.22) is higher than that of elderly (＞dayu 60 years old) patients (OR:1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13). Under different glucose metabolism states, the TyG index of CHD patients was significantly related to the risk of CAP, and the OR value of diabetes (DM) was the highest (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.26-1.45).ConclusionsThere is a significant correlation between the TyG index and CAP in CHD patients. In addition, the correlation between TyG index and CAP in CHD patients is higher in female than in male, and the correlation in middle-aged and elderly patients is higher than that in elderly patients. Under the condition of DM, the correlation between TyG index and carotid artery plaque in CHD patients is higher.
The Impact of KPNA2 on Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yan Zhangzhe , He Mingang , Shi Haoxin , Wang Haipeng , Qin Miao , Li Zengjun , Sun Yanlai
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with the highest mortality globally. At present, there is no exact biomarker to predict the prognosis and clinicopathological monitoring of CRC patients. Recent studies on the relationship of Karyopherin α 2 (KPNA2) expression and the prognosis of CRC has gradually become a hot spot while the results are still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze and assess the prognostic role of KPNA2 in CRC patients. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and Chinese Medical Database were systematically searched. The cohort study of high-level expression of KNPA2 and low-level expression of KPNA2 in CRC patients was included, the relevant data were extracted and the literature quality was evaluated. At the same time, the relationship between KPNA2 expression level and the overall survival (OS), the clinicopathological stage of CRC patients was studied. Meta-analysis was carried out by Stata MP 17.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA) software. Results: A total of 7 cohort studies involving 1166 patients were included. The analysis results showed that higher KPNA2 expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage (OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.42–2.54), higher degree of tumor invasion (OR=2.14，95% CI 1.55-2.94), more lymph node metastasis (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.68-2.88) and more distant metastasis (OR=3.66，95% CI 1.81-7.40). Moreover, higher KPNA2 expression was significantly associated with the shorter OS (HR=2.31, 95%CI 1.46-3.68).Conclusion: KPNA2 overexpression is an unfavorable prognostic factor for CRC patients. It could serve as a prognostic biomarker and as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Ghrline Promot the Ovarian Cancer Cell Autophagy by LncRNA linc00598
Authors: Bai Ruixia , Song Wanying , Cui Yan , Gao Haining , Zhao Yuxing , Lu Jingkun , Zhang Xuan , Hong Mei , Sun Peng , Zhang Mingyu , Cui Jiaxian , Wang Xiumei , Zhao Pengwei
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the autophagy effect of ghrelin on the ovarian cancer cell line SK-OV-3. And the lncRNA which regulate the ghrelin effect SK-OV-3 autophagy was showed.Methodsthe expression of ghrelin in the ovarian cancer tissues was analyzed according GEPIA database and HPA database. The CCK-8 was used to detect the the optimal concentration of ghrelin effect on the SK-OV-3. The influence on the SK-OV-3 cell autophagy by ghrelin was showed by detecting the expression of Beclin-1, LC3Ⅰand LC3Ⅱusing western blot. Linc00598 selected as the effecting the SK-OV-3 cells autophagy by ghrelin using RNA-Seq. And the Linc00598 which was silenced or overexressed promote the SK-OV-3 cells autophagy treated by ghrelin though western blot.ResultsGhrelin was expressed low in the ovarian cancer tissues. Ghrelin concentratio of 600 ng/ml was the optimal concentration o and 24 h was the optimal time. Ghrelin can promote the SK-OV-3 cell autophagy. Ghrelin mainly through linc00598 to promote the SK-OV-3 cells autophagy. When the linc00598 silenced, ghrelin promote SK-OV-3 cells autophagy was inhibited. And When the linc00598 overexpressed, ghrelin promote SK-OV-3 cells autophagy was inhanced.ConclusionsGhrelin promote SK-OV-3 cells autophagy. Additionally, we proved that ghrelin regulated the progression of SK-OV-3 cells autophagy by linc00598/ Beclin1 axis.
Experimental Implementation of a Neural Network Optical Channel Equalizer in Restricted Hardware Using Pruning and Quantization
Authors: Ron Diego Argüello , Sourza Pedro Jorge Freire De Carvalho , Prilepsky Jaroslaw E. , Kamalian-Kopae Morteza , Napoli Antonio , Turitsyn Sergei K.
Published: January 2022

The deployment of artificial neural networks-based optical channel equalizers on edge-computing devices is critically important for the next generation of optical communication systems. However, this is a highly challenging problem, mainly due to the computational complexity of the artificial neural networks (NNs) required for the efficient equalization of nonlinear optical channels with large memory. To implement the NN-based optical channel equalizer in hardware, a substantial complexity reduction is needed, while keeping an acceptable performance level. In this work, we address this problem by applying pruning and quantization techniques to an NN-based optical channel equalizer. We use an exemplary NN architecture, the multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and address its complexity reduction for the 30 GBd 1000 km transmission over a standard single-mode fiber. We demonstrate that it is feasible to reduce the equalizer’s memory by up to 87.12%, and its complexity by up to 91.5%, without noticeable performance degradation. In addition to this, we accurately define the computational complexity of a compressed NN-based equalizer in the digital signal processing (DSP) sense and examine the impact of using different CPU and GPU settings on power consumption and latency for the compressed equalizer. We also verify the developed technique experimentally, using two standard edge-computing hardware units: Raspberry Pi 4 and Nvidia Jetson Nano.
Development and Validation of a Psoriasis Treatment Acceptability Measure through Group Concept Mapping
Authors: Hudgens Stacie , Howerter Amy , Keith Shannon , Evans Colby , Pelletier Corey
Published: January 2022

Background: Psoriasis is a common autoimmune dermatologic condition which has a pronounced negative impact on patient quality of life and disease burden. Currently, there are a number of treatments available for psoriasis, with differences in efficacy, mechanism of action, mode of administration, adverse effects, and tolerability. However, a reliable, validated patient-reported instrument to address patient expectations and of psoriasis treatment has not been developed. This project was undertaken with the aim of developing a fit-for-purpose self-reported instrument to inform patient expectations and preferences of psoriasis treatments.Methods: Two studies, both utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, were conducted in patients within the entire spectrum of psoriasis severity. In Study 1, a group concept mapping (GCM) exercise was conducted with dermatologists and moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients to identify concepts important in the treatment of psoriasis. In Study 2, a preliminary Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire (TAQ) was developed using GCM-derived concepts from Studies 1 and 2, followed by cognitive debriefing (CD) telephone interviews of the preliminary TAQ. In Study 2, another GCM exercise was conducted with mild and newly diagnosed psoriasis patients. Psychometric analyses were performed on the TAQ to evaluate validity and reliability.Results: The Study 1 GCM exercise generated 43 concepts from moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients (n=20) and dermatologists (n=10). In Study 2, 37 GCM concepts were generated from mild and newly diagnosed psoriasis patients (n=20). From the 2 GCM exercises, 28 concepts were selected to form the preliminary TAQ; CD interviews indicated strong understanding and relevance of TAQ items among patients with disease ranging from mild to severe. The final TAQ consisted of 20 items; psychometric analysis demonstrated strong validity and reliability of the TAQ. Conclusions: The TAQ is a novel psychometrically validated fit-for-purpose patient-reported instrument to inform healthcare providers of patients’ expectations of and preferences for treatment of their psoriasis and can help in shared decision making between patients and physicians.