bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Non-negative Matrix Factorization Based Method for Identifying Essential Proteins
Authors: Zhang Zhihong , Hu Sai , Yan Wei , Zhao Bihai , Wang Lei
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIdentification of essential proteins is very important for understanding the basic requirements to sustain a living organism. In recent years, various different computational methods have been proposed to identify essential proteins based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. However, there has been reliable evidence that a huge amount of false negatives and false positives exist in PPI data. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the influence of false data on accuracy of essential proteins prediction by integrating multi-source biological information with PPI networks.ResultsIn this paper, we proposed a non-negative matrix factorization and multiple biological information based model (NDM) for identifying essential proteins. The first stage in this progress was to construct a weighted PPI network by combing the information of protein domain, protein complex and the topology characteristic of the original PPI network. Then, the non-negative matrix factorization technique was used to reconstruct an optimized PPI network with whole enough weight of edges. In the final stage, the ranking score of each protein was computed by the PageRank algorithm in which the initial scores were calculated with homologous and subcellular localization information. In order to verify the effectiveness of the NDM method, we compared the NDM with other state-of-the-art essential proteins prediction methods. The comparison of the results obtained from different methods indicated that our NDM model has better performance in predicting essential proteins.ConclusionEmploying the non-negative matrix factorization and integrating multi-source biological data can effectively improve quality of the PPI network, which resulted in the led to optimization of the performance essential proteins identification. This will also provide a new perspective for other prediction based on protein-protein interaction networks.
Correlation Between Late-stage Schistosoma Infection and Colorectal Cancer: a Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Elderer in the Qingpu District of Shanghai
Authors: Yu Xi , Wang Sen , Li Gui-fu , Xu Rui-fang , Xue Kun , Zhu Ji
Published: May 2021

Cancer monitoring of Shanghai showed a rapid increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer risk assessment allows for rapid screening of high-risk populations. The colorectal cancer screening of elderly residents is ongoing since 2013 in Shanghai. This initiative screened 85,525 people from 11 communities of the Qingpu District. Screening included a questionnaire-based risk assessment and two Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBTs). We conducted a retrospective case study of patients with positive screening results that underwent fibro-colonoscopy examinations to investigate their histories of schistosoma infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits. A total of 85,525 people were screened in this study. Colorectal cancer was resulted in a prevalence of 59.84/100,000. And the prevalence of schistosoma infection was 400/100,000. Among patients with schistosoma infection, the positive rate of FOBT was 67.01%, in contrast to an overall positive rate of FOBT among all subjects of 17.00% [(Pearson ⎥2=672.42, P < 0.0001, OR = 3.94 (3.67,4.23)]. The prevalence of colorectal cancer among patients with schistosoma japonicum infections was 4,155.84/100,000, while the prevalence of colorectal cancer among all subjects was 44.15/100,000 [Pearson2 = 980.62, P < 0.001, OR = 94.12 (53.05, 166.97)]. Our study found a high degree of correlation between late stage schistosoma infection of the intestinal tract and the occurrence of colorectal cancer and colonic adenoma. For patients with lesions caused by schistosoma infections of intestinal tract, the risk of colorectal cancer was higher than that of patients without intestinal schistosoma infections. Early screening and risk assessment can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer and colonic adenoma.
Caspase-1 Inhibitor Reduces Pyroptosis in Kidney Injury Induced by Brain Death
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Yang Dongjing , Shi Jihua , Wen Peihao , Zhang Jiakai , Wang Zhihui , Hu Bowen , Shi Xiaoyi , Cao Shengli , Guo Wenzhi , Zhang Shuijun
Published: May 2021

Brain death (BD) induces an organ-level inflammatory response, and BD donor kidneys show inferior survival and recovery rates. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis in BD-induced kidney injury in rats. A BD model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were intravenously injected with a caspase-1 inhibitor (Z-YVAD-FMK) 1 h before BD, and sham-operated rats served as controls. After 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h of BD, renal function, renal injury, and renal expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, gasdermin D (GSDMD), IL-1β, and IL-18 were assessed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were measured. Additionally, renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were subjected to 3 h of hypoxia followed by 6 h of reoxygenation and incubated with Z-YVAD-FMK before hypoxia and reoxygenation. Caspase-11 was knocked-down using small interfering RNA technology. Cell viability and levels of pyroptosis-associated proteins were assessed thereafter. NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 expression levels were upregulated in BD rats. Treatment with Z-YVAD-FMK reduced mRNA and protein levels, improved renal function, and alleviated renal injury. Z-YVAD-FMK effectively reduced pyroptosis in BD rats; however, it did not affect caspase-11 expression in vivo or in vitro. Thus, it could be considered as a therapeutic target for BD-induced kidney injury.
Transcriptome Profiling for Pericarp Browning During Long-term Storage of Intact Lotus Root (Nelumbo Nucifera)
Authors: Worarad Kanjana , Suzuki Tomohiro , Norii Haruka , Muchizuki Yuya , Ishii Takashi , Shinohara Keiko , Miyamoto Takao , Kuboyama Tsutomu , Inoue Eiichi
Published: May 2021

Lotus root ( Nelumbo nucifera ) is an edible rhizome that the consumption/production has continuously increased as more consumers demand convenient and ready-to-eat foods. However, the processing, storage, and transportation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables promotes physiological deterioration, such as browning, which leads to a reduction in the value of the product. This study aimed to reduce the browning of lotus root pericarps during long-term storage and long-distance transport , and to clarify the functions of unigenes and browning-associated metabolic pathways using RNA-sequencing techniques. Intact lotus root cv. ‘Kanasumi No.34’ browning decreased after the roots were packed along with an anti-browning solution . Over 200 million short single-end reads were mapped onto the N. nucifera consensus coding sequence set. The significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Based on the Uniprot, GO, and KEGG databases, secondary metabolism, lipid metabolism, and redox state genes were significantly upregulated in the un-packed (UP) and packed with water (PW) treatments compared to after harvest (AH) sample. Additionally, 16 expected differentially expressed genes (e.g., PPO, PAL, POD, CHS , PDCR , and SOD ), which are affected by browning development, were differentially regulated in lotus root pericarp. The gene expression data presented in this study will help elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying browning development in intact lotus root during long-term storage. The results may also inform future research on improving the post-harvest life of lotus roots.
Estimating Cancer Risks Due to Whole Lungs Low Dose Radiotherapy With Different Techniques for Treating COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Banaei Amin , Hashemi Bijan , Bakhshandeh Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Background: Low dose radiotherapy (LDRT) of whole lungs with photon beams is a novel under evaluation method for treating COVID-19 pneumonia. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cancer risks induced by lung LDRT as the only radiation side effects at low doses for different radiotherapy delivery techniques.Method: Four different radiotherapy techniques including 3D-conformal with anterior and posterior fields (3D-CRT AP-PA), 3D-conformal with 8 coplanar fields (3D-CRT 8 fields), 8 fields intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy using 2 full arcs (VMAT) were planned on the CT images of 32 COVID-19 patients. Organ average and maximum doses, and PTV dose distribution indexes were calculated and compared between different techniques. The radiation induced cancer and mortality risks were estimated and compared for the assessed techniques.Results: In IMRT and VMAT techniques, heart (mean, and max), breast (mean, and max), and stomach (mean) doses and also maximum dose in the body were significantly lower compared to 3D-CRT techniques. The calculated conformity indexes were similar in all the techniques. However, the homogeneity indexes were lower (i.e. better) in intensity modulated techniques (P<0.03) with no significant differences between IMRT and VMAT plans. Lifetime lung cancer incident risks for all the delivery techniques were statistically similar (P>0.4). Cancer risks for organs located closer to lung like breast, and stomach were significantly higher in 3D-CRT techniques compared to IMRT or VMAT techniques (for a 30 years old man: 2.041±0.237% Vs 1.560±0.210%; and woman: 6.624±0.548% Vs 4.963±0.462%) (P<0.03). However, 8 fields 3D-conformal had significantly lower breast cancer risk compared to the 3D-CRT AP-PA technique (P<0.01).Conclusion: Although all the radiotherapy techniques had low cancer risks, the overall risks induced by IMRT and VMAT radiotherapy techniques were lower than the 3D-CRT techniques and can be used clinically in younger patients or patients having higher concerns about future cancers. Higher cancer risks except the lungs are related to breast, and stomach which must be considered for lung LDRT.
A Novel TPS Toolkit to Assess Correlation Between Transit Fluence Dosimetry and DVH Metrics for Adaptive Head and Neck Radiotherapy
Authors: Antoniou George , Penfold Scott
Published: May 2021

Inter-fractional anatomical variations in head and neck (H&N) cancer patients can lead to clinically significant dosimetric changes. Adaptive re-planning should thus commence to negate any potential over-dosage to organs-at-risk (OAR), as well as potential under-dosage to target lesions. The aim of this study is to explore the correlation between transit fluence, as measured at an electronic portal imaging device (EPID), and dose volume histogram (DVH) metrics to target and OAR structures in a simulated environment. Planning data of 8 patients that have previously undergone adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) at the Royal Adelaide Hospital were selected for this study. Through delivering the original treatment plan to both the planning and rescan CTs of these 8 patients, predicted electronic portal images (EPIs) and DVH metrics corresponding to each data set were extracted using a novel RayStation script. A weighted projection mask was developed for target and OAR structures through considering the intra-angle overlap between fluence and structure contours projected onto the EPIs. The correlation between change in transit fluence and planning target volume (PTV) D98 and spinal cord D0.03cc with and without the weighting mask applied was investigated. PTV D98 was strongly correlated with mean fluence percentage difference both with and without the weighting mask applied (RMask = 0.69, RNo Mask = 0.79, N = 14, p < 0.05), where spinal cord D0.03cc exhibited a weak correlation (RMask = 0.35, RNo Mask = 0.53, N = 7, p > 0.05) however this result was not statistically significant. The simulation toolkit developed in this work provided a useful means to investigate the relationship between change in transit fluence and change in key dosimetric parameters for head and neck cancer patients.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of the Brain in Takifugu Rubripes Shows Its Tolerance to Acute Hypoxia
Authors: Bao Mingxiu , Shang Fengqin , Liu Fujun , Hu Ziwen , Wang Shengnan , Yang Xiao , Yu Yundeng , Zhang Hongbin , Jiang Chihang , Jiang Jielan , Liu Yang , Wang Xiuli
Published: May 2021

Hypoxia is reduced levels of oxygen. Especially in water, due to the complex environment, hypoxic situations often occur. Although fish can survive in low-oxygen waters, this survival ability depends on a complete set of coping mechanisms such as oxygen perception and gene-protein interaction regulation. The research on this mechanism is very meaningful. The present study was undertaken to examine the short-term effects of hypoxia on the brain in Takifugu rubripes. We sequenced the transcriptomes of the brain in T. rubripes to studied their response mechanism to acute hypoxia. Total 167 genes with adjusted P values<0.05 were diﬀerentially expressed in the brain of T. rubripes exposed to acute hypoxia. However, hif1a, the master transcriptional regulator of the adaptive response to hypoxia, was not significantly regulated, which indicated that the T. rubripes brain might prevent the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Then Gene Ontology and KEGG Enrichment Analysis were carried out. The results indicated that hypoxia could cause metabolic and neurological changes, showing the clues of their adaptation to acute hypoxia. Overall, the sequenced transcriptomes of the brain in T. rubripes showed small changes under acute hypoxia. As the most complex and important organ, the brain of T. rubripes might be able to create a self-protection mechanism to resist or reduce damage caused by acute hypoxia stress.
An Energy Efficient Quantum-dot Cellular Automata Design of 1/2 and 1/3 Convolution Encoder
Authors: Jahangir Rahil , Fazili Mohammad Mudakir , Tripathi Neeraj
Published: May 2021

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) technology is considered to be the future of nanoelectronic device fabrication technology. The fabrication density of the transistors in a particular area in the current nanoelectronic industry has saturated. Adroit alternate to current CMOS based VLSI technology is being researched upon. QCA technology is considered to be the noblest post-CMOS era fabrication technology. In this paper, novel energy-efficient QCA designs for 1/2 and 1/3 convolution encoders have been presented. Both the presented designs were proven to be efficient than previously designed circuits. The efficiency of the design is calculated for critical design parameters like cell count, cell area, latency (clock phases), complexity and energy dissipation. The proposed 1/2 convolution encoder uses 21 QCA cells consuming an area of 0.012µm2. The complexity of this design was calculated to be 2. The energy dissipation analysis revealed that the presented circuit dissipated 14.03meV of energy. The proposed 1/3 convolution encoder uses 32 QCA cells consuming an area of 0.025µm2. The energy dissipation analysis revealed that the presented circuit dissipated 16.88meV of energy. Both the proposed designs used only a few more extra cells than the previously designed circuits but induced stronger polarizations and were more fault-tolerant. It was found that the circuits proposed are 25% more energy efficient than previously designed circuits. The latency of the proposed designs was of 2 clock phases, thus making it suitable for high-speed operation. Significant improvement of the designs was done to optimize the circuit for secure nano-communication devices.
Characterising Childhood Blackwater Fever and Its Clinical Care at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Paasi George , Ndila Carolyne , Okiror William , Namayanja Cate , Okalebo Benard Phelan , Abongo Grace , Alaroker Florence , Abeso Julian , Kasoro Andrew , Okello Francis , Olupot-Olupot Peter
Published: May 2021

Background

In eastern Uganda, reports suggest that cases of Blackwater Fever (BWF) are on the rise. We summarise the base-line characteristics and routine care available to patients with BWF presenting at two tertiary hospitals in Eastern Uganda prior to the Phase I/II trial on use of paracetamol for acute kidney injury in children with BWF (PARIST; ISRCTN84974248).
Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study for the period January – December 2018 for children admitted with a clinical diagnosis of BWF at Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals in Eastern Uganda. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, routine in-patient care and outcomes were abstracted using a customised study proforma and analysed using STATA.
Results

We obtained 9578 admission records during the study period, of which 1241 (13.0%) were admitted with a diagnosis of BWF. The median age was 60 months (IQR 36–90). Male: female ratio was 1.5:1. More cases of BWF 682/1241 (55.0%) were in children > 5 years compared to 559/1241 (45.0%) ≤ 5 years [95% CI (0.41–0.59); P = 0.0002]. The common symptoms included fever 1109/1241 (89.4%), vomiting 599/1241 (48.3%) and abdominal pain 494/1241 (39.8%). Conversely, the common signs recorded were clinical pallor 742/1241 (59.8%), clinical jaundice 369/1241 (29.7%), fever 332/1241 (26.7%) and prostration 231/1241 (18.6%). In addition, abdominal tenderness was documented in 120/1241 (9.7%), splenomegaly in 122/1241 (9.8%) and hepatomegaly in 86/1241 (6.9%). Case records with BWF were more in the second half of the year with a peak in the months of July and September. 510/1241 (41.1%) were treated with antimalarial drugs mainly parenteral Artesunate 501/510 (98.2%). 660/1241(53.2%) of the patients were managed with antibiotics mainly parenteral ceftriaxone 616/660 (93.3%). There were 426/1241 (34.3%) patients who received blood transfusion during admission. Clinicians used steroid treatment in 388/1241 (31.3%), mainly parenteral hydrocortisone 370/388 (95.4%).
Conclusions

BWF accounted for 13% paediatric hospital admissions in the region. It was predominant in children > 5 years of age. It typically presents with passing dark urine, fever, abdominal pain, clinical jaundice and pallor. Locally there are no treatment guidelines for BWF. These data provide background data useful for future studies on BWF in the region.
Dosimetric characteristics of a thin bolus made with real time variable shape tungsten rubber for photon radiotherapy
Authors: Okuhata Katsuya , Monzen Hajime , Tamura Mikoto , Nishimura Yasumasa
Published: May 2021

In this study, we aim to clarify the dosimetric characteristics of a real time variable shape rubber containing tungsten (STR) as a thin bolus in 6-MV photon radiotherapy. The percentage depth doses (PDDs) and lateral dose profiles (irradiation field = 10 × 10 cm2) in the water-equivalent phantom were measured and compared between no bolus, a conventional 5-mm gel bolus, and 1-, 2-, and 3-mm STR boluses. The characteristics of the PDDs were evaluated according to relative doses at 1 mm depth (D1mm) and depth of maximum dose (dmax). The water-equivalent thicknesses of the STR boluses were determined by shifting the distance of the PDD’s build-up curve until it overlaid that with no bolus. The penumbra size and width of the 50% dose were evaluated using lateral dose profiles. The D1mm with no bolus, 5-mm gel bolus, and 1-, 2-, and 3-mm STR boluses were 47.6%, 91.5%, 86.6%, 89.3%, and 89.4%, respectively, and the respective dmax values were 15, 10, 12, 11, and 10 mm. The water-equivalent thicknesses of the 1-, 2-, and 3-mm STR boluses were 4.4, 4.9, and 5.1 mm, respectively. There were no differences for those in lateral dose profiles. The 1-mm-thick STR thin bolus shifted the depth dose profile by 4.4 mm and could be used as a customized bolus for photon radiotherapy.
Structural, Dielectric, and Magnetic Studies of ZnCuFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: D Baba Basha
Published: May 2021

The zinc copper ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrothermal method. Further, the X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of cubic spinel structure. The microstructure was analyzed using the FESEM and TEM study. The results revealed that the symmetrical and asymmetrical nanospheres were found in the surface morphology. The dielectric studies indicated that the behavior of dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of frequency and composition. In addition, the Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization was observed. Similarly, the ac-electrical conductivity behavior was well understood. The M-H loops indicated the ferromagnetic behavior of ZnCu ferrite samples.
A UAV- and field-based investigation of the land degradation and soil erosion at opencast coal mine dumps after 5 years’ evolution of natural processes
Authors: Xiao Wu , Ren He , Sui Tao , Zhang Heyu , Zhao Yanling , Hu Zhenqi
Published: May 2021

Open-pit coal mining has a large impact on land surface, both at the mining pits themselves and at waste sites. After artificial management is stopped, a reclaimed opencast coal mine dump is affected by wind and water erosion from natural processes, resulting in land degradation and even safety incidents. In this paper, the soil erosion and land degradation after 5 years of such natural processes, at the Xilinhot open pit coal mine dump in Inner Mongolia, were investigated. A multi-source data acquisition method was applied: the vegetation coverage index was extracted from GF-1 satellite imagery, high-precision terrain characteristics and the location and degree of soil erosion were obtained using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and the physical properties of the topsoil were obtained by field sampling. On this basis, the degree and spatial distribution of erosion cracks were identified, and the causes of soil erosion and land degradation were analyzed using a geographical detector. The results show that: 1) The multi-source data acquisition method can provide effective basic data for the quantitative evaluation of the ecological environment at dumps; 2) slope aspect and vegetation fractional coverage are the main factors affecting the degree of degradation and soil erosion. Based on this analysis, several countermeasures are proposed to mitigate land degradation: 1) The windward slope be designed to imitate the natural landform; 2) engineering measures should be applied at the slope to restrain soil erosion; 3) pioneer plants should be widely planted on the platform at the early stage of reclamation.
Spatio-Temporal Variation in Stable Isotope and Elemental Composition of Key-Species Reflect Environmental changes in the Baltic Sea
Authors: LIENART Camilla , GARBARAS Andrius , QVARFORDT Susanne , WALVE Jakob , Karlson Agnes ML
Published: May 2021

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are increasingly used to study long-term change in food web structure and nutrient cycling. Whether isotope composition in primary producers and consumers (so-called isotope baselines) reflect environmental changes in a similar manner is largely unknown. We take advantage of long-term oceanographic monitoring data and archived biological samples for the well-studied Baltic Sea to retrospectively analyse elemental composition (C, N and P) and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) in the filamentous ephemeral macroalgae Cladophora spp. and in blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus from three contrasting regions (coastal Bothnian Sea and Baltic proper, open sea central Baltic) with the aim to statistically link the observed spatial and interannual (8–24 years’ time-series) variability in elemental and isotope baselines with environmental changes. We find clear differences in isotope baselines between the two major Baltic Sea basins. However, the temporal development in Mytilus δ13C was remarkably similar among regions and, at the open sea station, mussels and algae δ13C also correlated over time, likely reflecting a global Baltic Sea or Northern Hemisphere pattern. In contrast, δ15N of both taxa responded to regional and local drivers (water nutrient concentrations). δ15N in source amino acids allowed detection of diazotrophic N signal in Mytilus, which was masked in bulk δ15N. Finally, Cladophora N:P reflected regional nutrient levels in the water while P %, which differed for both taxa, was linked to food quality for Mytilus. This study highlights the potential of a multi-taxa and multi-stable isotope approach to understand nutrient dynamics and monitor long-term environmental changes.
Clinical Evaluation of Protein Energy Wasting in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: jing ZHANG , jie TIAN , hongling WANG , zhengzhong HE
Published: May 2021

Background: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a common complication of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study aimed to explore the PEW evaluation method in MHD patients. Methods: Clinical data, physical parameters, laboratory values, and a questionnaire survey of MHD patients were collected from PEW and non-PEW patients in our hospital from September to December 2019. Analysis of variance was used to assess the difference between the two groups. ROC analysis was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy of physical measurement and nutrition scores and find the appropriate evaluation criteria for clinical application. Results: 1. There were statistically significant differences in many physical parameters between the two groups (p<0.05). 2. ROC curve analysis showed that the diagnostic efficiency of a single physical measurement or nutritional score was not high, and multiple indexes should be combined. 3. The simplified Pew risk score formula was 27.4 + abdominal circumference + 0.4 * main handgrip strength - 3.2 * body mass index -1.9 * upper arm circumference, which had a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 94.4% at AUC of 0.864 and cutoff of 0.043346. Conclusion: A combination of abdominal circumference, main handgrip strength, BMI, and upper arm circumference could comprehensively evaluate PEW to improve the diagnostic efficiency.
Role of Aspirin Resistance, Mechanical Factors and Inflammation on Early Saphenous Vein Graft Thrombosis After CABG
Authors: hanafy Dudy Arman , Setianto Budhi Setianto , Rachmat Jusuf , Soesanto  , Abdullah Arman Adel , Sukrisman Lugyanti , Adisasmita Asri C , Puruhito Ito
Published: May 2021

Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the role of pre-operative and transient aspirin resistance in the formation of early saphenous vein graft (SVG) thrombosis six weeks after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and to analyze the other factors, such as mechanical and inflammation factors, that are also suspected of contributing to the formation of early thrombosis.Methods: Pre- and post-operative blood samples were taken from 99 subjects, whom 74 patients were undergoing elective on-pump CABG and receiving aspirin as monotherapy, for evaluation of inflammation parameters and the state of aspirin resistance using a Platelet Function Analyzer-200 (PFA-200). Transit time flow measurements (TTFM) were performed intra-operatively to determine mechanical factors. Multi-sliced computed tomography (MSCT) was done six weeks after surgery to determine the patency of the vein grafts.Result: In the 222 vein conduits, aspirin resistance was related to early vein graft failure due to thrombosis (p < 0.001; relative risk (RR) = 3.69). The massive increase of interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels after surgery were related to the existence of post-operative transient aspirin resistance (p < 0.001). Transient aspirin resistance (IL-6 > 122.5) was associated with early graft failure (p = 0.029; RR = 8.6) compared to the aspirin-sensitive group (IL-6 > 122.5).Conclusion: Aspirin resistance plays a primary role in early vein graft thrombosis. Transient aspirin resistance accompanied by an increase of inflammation factor (IL-6) significantly increases the risk of early vein graft thrombosis after CABG.
Combination therapy of Tocilizumab and steroid for COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: moosazadeh Mahmood , Mousavi Tahoora
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe coagulation markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-2R, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-a) and Lymphopenia are associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease. The use of anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids (CS) or Tosilizumab (TCZ) has been suggested for the treatment of advanced stage of COVID-19 and reduction of mechanical ventilators and mortality. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the role of combination therapy with Tocilizumab and steroid in COVID-19 patient. Material and methodsRelevant studies were found using online international databases and suitable studies were selected and assessed by two independent researchers. The quality of all papers were determined by a checklist. Heterogeneity assay among the primary studies was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2 index. The statistical analyses were done using Stata ver. 14 package (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) software. Publication bias was estimated through the Egger's test and the impact of each study on the overall estimate was assessed by sensitivity analysis.Result 6 studies were entered into this meta-analysis. The results of these studies showed that the risk of death for COVID-19 patients treated with the combination of corticosteroids and Tocilizumab compared to Tocilizumab or [C1] control group was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.36-1.50) and 0.48(95% CI: 0.31-0.74) respectively. ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that the risk of death in COVID-19 patients who treated with Corticosteroids and Tocilizumab was lower than Tocilizumab and control group (26% and 52% respectively).
Randomized Phase II Study of SOX+B-mab Versus SOX+C-mab in Patients With Previously Untreated Recurrent Advanced Colorectal Cancer With Wild-Type KRAS (MCSGO-1107 Study)
Authors: Nishizawa Yujiro , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Kim Hirotoshi , Ide Yoshihito , Nakata Ken , Okamura Shu , Kudo Toshihiro , Satoh Taroh , Uemura Mamoru , Matsuda Chu , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Murata Kohei , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: May 2021

Background: Although chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has improved, the standard chemotherapy regimens for patients with RAS wild-type mCRC remain debated.Methods: This randomized phase II, open-label, multicenter study compared the efficacy and safety of S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX)+bevacizumab (B-mab) with SOX+cetuximab (C-mab) in patients with previously untreated recurrent advanced CRC with wild-type KRAS. Between February 2012 and October 2016, 45 patients were enrolled.Results: Overall response rates were 59.1% and 43.5% (p=0.29) and disease control rates were 90.9% and 91.3% (p=0.96) in the SOX+B-mab and SOX+C-mab groups, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was 25.3 and 15.5 months (HR=0.607, p=0.167) and median progression-free survival (PFS) were 11.7 and 5.5 months (HR=0.558, p=0.077) in the SOX+B-mab and SOX+C-mab groups, respectively. The OS and PFS of patients with early tumor shrinkage (ETS) were not significantly different in the SOX+B-mab group. However, they were significantly better when ETS was ≥20 in the SOX+C-mab group (p=0.032 and p=0.003, respectively).Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of SOX+B-mab and SOX+C-mab for wild-type KRAS recurrent advanced CRC as first-line chemotherapy were almost the same. Consideration of the treatment strategy based on ETS may improve patient prognosis, especially in patients receiving the SOX+C-mab regimen.Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000006706)Date of registration: NOV/11/2011URL of trial registry record:https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000007920
High Expression of PPFIA1 Is Associated With Tumor Progression and a Poor Prognosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Hongdian , Jia Ran , Yang Yueyang , Sui Zhilin , Xiao Wanyi , Wu Xianxian , Gong Lei , Yu Zhentao , Tang Peng
Published: May 2021

Background: PTPRF interacting protein alpha 1 (PPFIA1) is reportedly related to the occurrence and progression of several types of malignancies. However, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the expression and clinical value of PPFIA1 in ESCC.Methods: The Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Enrichment Analysis (GEPIA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were utilized to explore PPFIA1 mRNA expression in esophageal cancer. The associations of PPFIA1 expression with clinicopathological variables and prognosis were evaluated in the GSE53625 dataset and verified in quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)-based cDNA array and immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based tissue microarray (TMA) datasets. The interactions between PPFIA1 and other genes based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was analyzed via the STRING website.Results: PPFIA1 expression was obviously upregulated in ESCC tissues versus adjacent normal tissues according to online database analyses (all P<0.05). High PPFIA1 expression was significantly associated with several clinicopathological features, including tumor size, histological grade, tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. High PPFIA1 expression was related to worse outcomes and was identified as an independent prognostic indicator of overall survival (OS) in ESCC patients GSE53625 dataset, P=0.004; cDNA array dataset, P<0.001; TMA dataset, P=0.039). PPI analysis demonstrated that PPFIA1 was highly correlated with multiple genes, including UNC13B, RAB3A, PTPRD, and SYT1.Conclusion: PPFIA1 may be associated with ESCC progression and could be used as a biomarker for prognostic evaluation in ESCC patients.
Perinatal and neonatal outcomes of pregestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study
Authors: Capobianco Giampiero , Gulotta Alessandra , Tupponi Giulio , Dessole Francesco , Virdis Giuseppe , Cherchi Claudio , Vita Davide , Petrillo Marco , Olzai Giorgio , Antonucci Roberto , Saderi Laura , Cherchi Pier Luigi , Dessole Salvatore , Sotgiu Giovanni
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate maternal-foetal and neonatal clinical outcomes in a group of patients with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) such as diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY).MethodsOverall, 174 pregnant women, nulliparous and multiparous, with single pregnancy were enrolled. The selected patients were divided into two groups: PGDM (42 with DM1, 14 with DM2, and 2 with MODY); 116 patients with a negative pathological history of diabetes mellitus were the control.ResultsWe reported an incidence of preterm delivery of 55.2% in the PGDM group, of 59.5% in the DM1 group, and 42.9% in the DM2 group VS. 6% in the controls. Foetal growth disorders, such as intrauterine growth retardation, small for gestational age, and foetal macrosomia were found in 19% and 3.6% in the case and in the control group, respectively. A relationship between DM2 and gestational hypertension was found.Conclusionspatients with PGDM are at increased risk of perinatal and neonatal complications in comparison with pregnant women without PGDM.
Determination of the velocity of an opaque body moving uniformly by measurements inside it
Authors: Elektronov Nasko
Published: May 2021

In this paper we show how the velocity of a moving uniform opaque body can be calculated without external references. This is done with the help of photodetectors, which measure the time of arrival of light from a point source to fixed equal distances inside the body. The calculation of the body’s velocity is based on the postulates of the special theory of relativity that space is homogeneous, isotropic and the speed of light in vacuum is an invariant constant with a certain value independent of the velocity of the radiation source.
Distribution of Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria in Rajasthan, India and Establishing an Early Warning System for Locust Control in India
Authors: Jhiknaria Hameer
Published: May 2021

Desert Locust is considered to be the most serious pests that cause a devastated damage to the crops and the other agricultural products during their invasions. The Desert Locust is a major threat for food security, livelihoods, environment and economic development in a region. The recent Locust Outbreak caused major damage to standing crops and vegetables in the Central and Western states of India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, with Rajasthan being the most affected. India had experienced such massive locust invasion after two decades. Establishing an Early Warning System for Locust Control in India is essential to reduce the impact by providing timely and relevant information in a systematic way contributing to increasing in resilience of the country. The distribution of Desert Locusts in Rajasthan, India has been presented from June 2019 to August 2020, along with the key Environmental Factors of Temperature, Rainfall, Soil Moisture and Prevalence of Vegetation significantly affecting Locust Activity. All the datasets used were obtained from Secondary sources. These datasets were obtained from Open Government Data (OGD) Platform. The Maps created in the study show the Distribution of Desert Locusts in Rajasthan, India; along with this the Choropleth map show Average- Temperature, Rainfall, Soil Moisture and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), all at District level. The Early Warning System for Desert Locust Control in India is a key integration of four key elements of: Risk Knowledge, Monitoring and Warning Service, Dissemination and Communication and Response Capability, and four-four sub elements of each key element. Establishing an Early Warning System for Locust Control in India is of paramount importance and a major achievement for the nation itself.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION OF UKRAINE WITH POLAND: ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION AND STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
Authors: Yarova I. , Ivanenko O.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to methodological and practical aspects of assessment and formation of strategic directions for the international economic cooperation development between Ukraine and Poland, taking into account the parameters of national security. The paper clarifies the substantive basis of international economic cooperation. The state of international economic cooperation development is analyzed according to quantitative and qualitative indicators taking into consideration such strategic directions as: export-import operations; exchange of labor resources; investment cooperation; assessment of the level of national security of Ukraine's foreign economic relations with Poland. In particular, the assessment of the state of relations on the exchange of labor resources has been carried out in relation to the migration volumes, comparative assessment of incomes and from the standpoint of contribution to the country's economy. Emphasis is placed on the need to strengthen the strategic guidelines for investment cooperation. The main problems in this area of ​​production have been outlined. The dynamics of investment cooperation has been characterized. In particular, it was established that the largest volume of direct investment in Ukraine has been observed in 2010, the positive dynamics has been manifested since 2016. Examples of strategic cooperation in the investment sphere have been given.
The security indicators of export-import operations have been assessed. It was established that the positive dynamics has been observed from 2018. It was stated that there were certain risks, the main of which was the irrational structure of barter transactions.
APPLICATION OF DESIGN APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Yevdokymova A. , Dehtiarenko A. , Petrenko N.
Published: May 2021

The paper analyzes the peculiarities of the development of the energy sector in Ukraine, as well as in European countries. Existing approaches to energy production are shown. The situation in Ukraine has changed in recent years. Energy production has shifted from centralized to distributed. The emergence of new types of power plants has made it possible to connect to the grid in places where it was previously impossible, a large number of consumers already have their own power units. Therefore, managing the energy network is becoming increasingly complex and therefore requires new approaches. The normative and legislative beginning of the active development of alternative energy in Ukraine already exists, and European and world experience should help Ukraine achieve energy independence and high environmental standards. Existing problems in the development of power grids arise due to the intensive growth of production and consumption of electricity, while the management of power systems is complicated by the growing share of distributed and renewable energy sources with changing production schedule. Improved controllability of electrical networks allows to prevent emergencies by load control programs, division of the network into autonomous zones, etc. Investment is a crucial factor in creating a flexible and efficient power grid based on innovative technical solutions. Implementation of energy efficiency projects is a guideline for improving the intelligent level of the energy system, which will allow energy companies to manage the energy network as a single system, increase profitability, reliability and uninterrupted, reduce technical and commercial losses, improve network management and efficiency. An important role is played by the interaction of all stakeholders in projects - the state, production, energy and energy sales companies, consumers and equipment manufacturers. Thus, the international experience in the transmission and distribution of electricity creates opportunities for successfully implementing projects for the introduction of energy-efficient technologies in our Ukraine.
In Vitro Induction and Characterization of Polyploid Hydrangea macrophylla and H. serrata
Authors: Deans Lauren E. , Palmer Irene E. , Touchell Darren H. , Ranney Thomas G.
Published: May 2021

Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. and H. serrata (Thunb.) Ser. are popular and commercially important landscape and floriculture crops. Although both species are typically diploid, induced polyploids often exhibit horticulturally valuable traits. Procedures for inducing polyploidy vary by species and often have low or inconsistent efficacy. In this study, oryzalin and nitrotyrosine were investigated as in vitro mitotic inhibitors for inducing polyploidy in H. macrophylla ‘Robert’ and H. serrata ‘MAK20’. First, shoot apices of ‘MAK20’ were treated with 15 μm oryzalin for 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 days, and the ploidy of shoots was determined after 8 weeks. A regression analysis showed that the proportion of polyploids (tetraploid plus mixoploid shoots) increased with the exposure duration. During a follow-up experiment, ‘MAK20’ and ‘Robert’ were treated with oryzalin (0 or 15 μm) and nitrotyrosine (0, 25, 50, and 100 µm for ‘MAK20’ and 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µm for ‘Robert’) in a factorial treatment arrangement. Oryzalin, nitrotyrosine, and their interaction influenced polyploid frequency for ‘Robert’, whereby the combination of oryzalin (15 μm) and nitrotyrosine (50 μm) resulted in the highest polyploid induction of 50%. Oryzalin influenced polyploid frequency for ‘MAK20’ ( = 30.4%), but not nitrotyrosine or the interaction between nitrotyrosine and oryzalin. Morphology and pollen germination of these autotetraploid ‘Robert’, ‘MAK20’, and previously developed autotetraploid H. macrophylla ‘David Ramsey’ plants were compared with their diploid counterparts 1 year after plants were moved ex vitro. Compared with diploids, tetraploid hydrangeas had larger leaves, thicker stems, lower leaf area/fresh weight ratios, and longer internodes. Although all tetraploids exhibited fewer inflorescences per plant, both H. macrophylla cultivars had larger inflorescence diameters and ‘David Ramsey’ had a greater number of showy florets (sterile florets with enlarged, decorative sepals) per inflorescence. Sepal colors were compared using International Commission on Illumination L*a*b* color space. Tetraploid ‘MAK20’ had lower L* values (darker sepals), and tetraploid ‘Robert’ and ‘MAK20’ both had higher a* values (redder sepals). Pollen germination rates were greatly reduced in all tetraploid lines, but they retained some viability. These results provide an effective protocol for in vitro polyploid induction of Hydrangea sp. and documented certain desirable traits associated with tetraploid phenotypes.
Outcomes of surgical reconstruction of the superior vena cava syndrome in patients with locally advanced thymomas
Authors: Boyko Valeriy , Krasnoyaruzhskyi Andriy , Minukhin Dmytro , Dubovyk Dmytro , Ponomarova Kateryna , Sochnieva Anastasiya , Kritsak Vasil
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study: to study and demonstrate the potential and technical aspects of the surgical treatment of locally advanced thymus tumours with the tumour infiltrate affecting superior vena cava and its branches.

Methods. 56 patients with locally advanced thymomas complicated by SVCS were study. The control group included 30 patients with SVCS were treated with conventional techniques, while the experimental group included 26 patients who underwent a novel bypass surgery developed by us.

Results. Based on our observations, patients tolerated these surgeries much better. The venous bypass was mandatorily complemented with cytoreduction. Auriculo-jugular (left and right) and auriculo-subclavian (left and right) bypasses were used in our observations

Complications in the post-operative period were reported from the experimental group and included auriculo-subclavian bypass thrombosis, post-operative complications were reported in the control group including haemorrhage from the sternotomy wound in 1 (3.3 %) case, superior vena cava thrombosis in 2 (6.6 %) cases, pneumonia in 2 (6.6 %) cases and thromboembolism of small pulmonary arteries in 2 (6.6 %) cases.

Post-operative lethality in the study groups was reported in the control and in the experimental group. Total lethality rate was 8.9 % (5 patients). The relative risk of complications and lethal outcome was calculated for patients from both groups. It was found that the risk of complications was twice as high in the control group as in the experimental group (standard error of relative risk equals 0.64), whereas the risk of lethal outcome increased by a factor of 3.5 in the control group (standard error of relative risk equals 1.09)

Conclusion. It has been established that the superior vena cava syndrome in patients with locally advanced thymoma is an emergency condition whose surgical correction must be personalised depending on the anatomic and topographic classification of SVC lesion types. It is known that an obligatory pre-condition of the perioperative period in this category of patients is an adequate vascular approach to the superior vena cava system. The first mandatory step of the radical surgery in patients with locally advanced thymomas with SVC invasion should be the auriculo-jugular and auriculo-subclavian bypasses, which can reduce the relative risk of post-operative complications by a factor of the risk of lethal by a factor of 3.5.