bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal Regulation of AMPK-SIRT1 Complex Control of Colorectal Cancer Cell Metastasis by Metformin
Authors: Zhou Peng , Li Dan-yang , Qiu Zhu , Zeng Di , Wei Qiang , Li Xiao-peng , Ran Jian-hua , Chen Di-long , Li Jing
Published: December 2020

Background： Liver and lung metastases of Colorectal cancer (CRC) make it as the world’s fourth most deadly cancer. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key cellular sensor of metabolism that regulate cellular acetylation levels through distinct mechanisms. However, the acetylation of AMPK and its contribution to regulating CRC metastasis remain poorly understood. This aim of this study was to explore the underlying relationship between AMPK acetylation and CRC metastasis. MethodsImmunoprecipitation method was used to detected the level of AMPK acetylation in clinical tumor samples and cell samples. Spleen injection model was used to detect the effect of AMPK activator Metformin on liver and lung metastasis. Co-immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were conducted to investigate the complex mechanism that reciprocal regulation of AMPK-SIRT1 Complex on CRC metastasis.ResultsIn advanced stages of CRC, we observed the increased acetylation of AMPK subunit AMPKβ2. Metformin, an AMPK activator, suppressed the metastasis of HCT-116 cells in the metastasis model. Furthermore, metformin also reduced the migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro. Mechanistic investigation revealed that metformin activated AMPK and induced the deacetylation of AMPKβ2 which was relayed through SIRT1 accumulation. Phosphorylated AMPKα increased the deacetylating activity of SIRT1 by directly phosphorylating SIRT1 at Ser47, and the elevated SIRT1 deacetylated AMPKβ2 to further increase the selective activity of AMPKα on p300 in return. Subsequently, phosphorylated SIRT1 at Ser47 was relocated to the nucleus, and reduced the transcriptional activity of NF-kB/p65 on MMP-9 by deacetylating NF-kB/p65. SIRT1 knockdown or inhibition of AMPK phosphorylation impaired AMPK self-regulatory deacetylation and the anti-metastasis effect of metformin. ConclusionsOverall, our findings provide new insights into the self-regulatory deacetylation of AMPK in inhibiting CRC metastasis and suggest that metformin has potential therapeutic application against CRC metastasis.
Genetic association between two Estrogen Receptor 2 (ER2) Gene Polymorphism (rs4986938 and rs1256049) and SYNTAX Score in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Report from Southern Iran
Authors: Foroughinia Farzaneh , Dehghani Pooyan , Dianatpour Mehdi , Amiri Arghavan , Jamhiri Iman , Ghasemiyeh Parisa
Published: December 2020

Background

One of the most common causes of death in the world is coronary artery disease (CAD). Estrogen, the most important early sex hormones in women, plays an important role in the risk reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Expression of estrogen as well as its receptorsˈ including estrogen receptor alpha (ER1) and estrogen receptor beta (ER2) might have an association with the severity or complexity of CAD. Since most articles have focused on the relationship between ER1 gene polymorphism and CAD, in this study we aimed to evaluate the association of two ER2 gene polymorphisms, AluI and RsaI, with severity of CAD.
Methods

148 patients with confirmed CAD who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in this study. Blood samples were collected before coronary angiography and ER2 gene polymorphisms were analyzed by the PCR-RFLP method. The STNTAX Score (SS), grading system for CAD complexity, was evaluated by an interventional cardiologist who was blinded to other data.
Results

110 men and 38 women were participated in this study. Our results revealed a statistically significant relationship between SS and RsaI polymorphism of ER2 (p = 0.01). In contrast, there was no association between AluI genotypes and SS.
Conclusions

Besides to estrogen level, the genetic variation of its receptors might play an important role in the severity or complexity of CAD. According to our results, RsaI polymorphism of ER2 gene may assert a pivotal role in the severity of CAD; however this assumption needs to be proved in studies with a larger population.
Observations of On-Demand Quantum Correlation Using Poisson-Distributed Photon Pairs
Authors: Kim Sangbae , Ham Byoung
Published: December 2020

Complementarity or wave-particle duality has been the basis of quantum mechanics over the last century. Since the Hanbury Brown and Twiss experiments in 1956, the particle nature of single photons has been intensively studied for various quantum phenomena such as anticorrelation and Bell inequality violation. Regarding the fundamental question on quantumness or nonclassicality, however, no clear answer exists for what quantum entanglement should be and how to generate it. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the secrete of quantumness using the wave nature of single photons.
On-demand quantum correlation control using coherent photons
Authors: Ham Byoung
Published: December 2020

Over the last several decades, quantum entanglement has been intensively studied for potential applications in quantum information science. Although intensive studies have progressed for nonlocal correlation, fundamental understanding of entanglement itself is still limited. Here, the quantum feature of anticorrelation, the so-called HOM dip, based on probabilistic entangled photon pairs is analyzed for its fundamental physics and compared with a new method of on-demand entangled photon pair generations using coherent light. The fundamental physics why there is no correlation in HOM dip measurements is answered, and new coherence quantum physics is proposed for macroscopic quantum entanglement generations.
Anti-invasion and anti-proliferation effects of 3-acetyl-5,8-dichloro-2-((2,4-di-chlorophenyl)amino)quinolin-4(1H)-one (ADQ) via regulation of Akt and Twist1 in liver cancer cells
Authors: Ha Jain , Lee Sewoong , Park Jiyoung , Seo Jihye , Kang Eunjeong , Yoon Haelim , Kim Ba Reum , Lee Hyeon Kyu , Ryu Seong Eon , Cho Sayeon
Published: December 2020

When primary cancer faces limited oxygen and nutrient supply, it undergoes an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which increases cancer cell motility and invasiveness. The migratory and invasive cancer cells often exert aggressive cancer development or even cancer metastasis. In this study, we investigated a novel compound, 3-acetyl-5,8-dichloro-2-((2,4-dichlorophenyl)amino)quinolin-4(1H)-one (ADQ), that showed significant suppression of wound healing and cellular invasion. This compound also inhibited anchorage-independent cell growth, multicellular tumor spheroid survival/invasion, and metalloprotease activities. The anti-proliferative effects of ADQ were mediated by inhibition of the Akt pathway. In addition, ADQ reduced the expression of mesenchymal markers of cancer cells, which was associated with the suppressed expression of Twist1. In conclusion, ADQ successfully suppressed carcinogenic activity by inhibiting the Akt signaling pathway and Twist1, which suggests that ADQ may be an efficient candidate for cancer drug development.
The Relation of Kinematic Synergy to Stabilize the Center of Mass During Walking With Future Falls: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yamagata Momoko , Tateuchi Hiroshige , Shimizu Itsuroh , Saeki Junya , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: December 2020

Background: An incorrect transfer of center of mass (CoM) to outside the base of support is a frequent cause of falls, and segmental coordination to control CoM is crucial during walking. Uncontrolled manifold (UCM) analysis is a method of examining the relation between variances in segmental coordination and the CoM stability. However, no study has investigated through a prospective cohort study how variance in segmental configurations to stabilize CoM relates to future falls. This study explored whether variances to stabilize the CoM were related to future falls.Methods: At the baseline visit, 30 community-dwelling older adults walked 20 times on a 6-m walkway. Using kinematic data during walking, UCM analysis was performed to investigate how segmental configuration contributes to the CoM stability in the frontal plane. One year after the baseline visit, we evaluated whether the subjects experienced falls; 12 had experienced falls and 16 had not. Comparisons of variances between older adults with and without falls were conducted by covariate analysis.Results: No significant differences in variances were found in the mediolateral direction, whereas in the vertical direction, older adults with fall experiences had a greater variance, reflecting unstable CoM, than those with no fall experiences.Conclusions: We verified that the high variance in segmental configurations that destabilize CoM in the vertical direction was related to future falls. The variables of UCM analysis can be useful to evaluate fall risks.
Research on the impact of payoff reflection mechanism on cooperation evolution
Authors: Wang Bin , Huang Bo , Sheng Jinfang , Dong Qiangqiang , Kang Wenjun
Published: December 2020

Taking into account the results of historical behavior in real life on the choice of strategy, we proposes a payoff reflection mechanism. In the process of cooperation evolution, the game individuals will judge whether to learn each other's strategies based on the historical payoff of himself and his neighbors, that is, the strategy learning is affected by the historical payoff. If the current strategy can bring greater payoff in historical behavior, the game players will change the current strategy with less possibility. For this reason, the historical payoff reference coefficients w and u of the game individuals and their neighbors are proposed to measure the degree of reference of game individuals to their own and neighbors' historical payoff. The memory interval length is expressed by M. The experimental results show that the payoff reflection mechanism can greatly improve the cooperation level of the group. However, the reference rate of historical payoff is not the bigger the better. The strength of memory ability and the level of betrayal temptation will affect the optimal value of w and u.
Framework Design and Material Processing of Gymnastics Teaching Network Courseware
Authors: Chen Bingxin , Kuang Lifei , He Wei
Published: December 2020

With the continuous development of the economy, science and technology have achieved unprecedented development along with the improvement of the economy. The first thing to bear is the continuous popularization and application of the Internet, which drives the development of Internet technology. Many online learning platforms currently used by universities only focus on the teacher system and teaching system. Compared with other subjects, there are fewer learning materials on the Internet for gymnastics teaching, and the lack of systematic teaching is the primary problem that most schools need to overcome. The current method of online learning has changed the relatively scarce phenomenon of resources in face-to-face teaching in the past, and has excellent improvements in the organization and improvement of resources. By constructing the framework of a professional teaching resource library, collecting and properly sorting out learning materials, and at the same time designing and producing network multimedia courseware to facilitate the learning of scholars. Network teaching technology is realized by the combination of Internet and multimedia equipment. This technology can not only give play to the advantages of computers in network data transmission, but also embody a new teaching model with teachers and students as the main body. Therefore, adjusting teaching methods, building a better learning space, and using CAI courseware learning resources connected by campus network is an important way for students to make compensatory learning, and it is also the main direction for scientific and technological progress in gymnastics teaching. The experimental results prove that the online multimedia learning platform can provide students with more gymnastics learning resources, increase students' interest and time in learning; it can effectively improve the teaching quality of teachers, and use the convenient interactivity of the network to realize a resource library The rapid update of the content enables the teaching content to keep up with the needs and pace of the development of the times.
Synergism of Pro-neurogenic miRNAs Provides a More Effective Strategy to Target Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Kosti Adam , Barreiro Rodrigo , Guardia Gabriela , Ostadrahimi Shiva , Kokovay Erzsebet , Pertsemlidis Alexander , Galante Pedro A.F. , Penalva Luiz
Published: December 2020

Background: Tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) have been explored as agents to target cancer stem cells. Most strategies use a single miRNA mimic and present many disadvantages, such as the amount of reagent required and the diluted effect on target genes. miRNAs work in a cooperative fashion to regulate distinct biological processes and pathways. This information can be used to design more efficient ways to target cancer stem cells via miRNA combinations. Methods: We transfected glioma stem cell and neuroblastoma lines with miRNA combinations and evaluate their impact on cancer relevant phenotypes and neuronal differentiation. RNA-seq analysis was conducted then to determine the expression alterations induced by the miRNA combination and map target genes and affected pathways. Results: We have shown that miR-124, miR-128, and miR-137 function synergistically to regulate neurogenesis. We used a combination of these three miRNAs to treat glioma stem cells. miR-124, miR-128 and miR-137 combined treatment was much more effective than single miRNAs in disrupting cell proliferation and survival and promoting differentiation and response to radiation. Transcriptomic analyses indicated that transcription regulation, angiogenesis, metabolism, and neuronal differentiation are among the main biological processes affected by transfection of this miRNA combination. Finally, in search of other combinations of other tumor suppressor/pro-neurogenic miRNAs, we identified a miRNA cluster based on target predictions and established miR-29, miR-101, and miR-218 combination as an alternative to be used in cancer therapy.Conclusions: We demonstrated the value of using combinations of neurogenic miRNAs to disrupt cancer phenotypes and glioma stem cell growth. Our genomic analyses in GSCs established that the synergistic effect of these three miRNA amplified the repression of oncogenic factors and the effect on cancer relevant pathways. These results suggest that future therapeutic approaches would benefit from utilizing miRNA combinations, especially when targeting cancer-initiating cell populations.
The SRSF1/circATP5B/miR-185-5p/HOXB5 Feedback Loop Regulates the Proliferation of Glioma Stem Cells via the IL6-mediated JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Junshuang , Jiang Yang , Zhang Haiying , Zhou Jinpeng , Chen Lian , Li Hao , Xu Jinkun , Zhang Guoqing , Jing Zhitao
Published: December 2020

BackgroundGlioma is the most common and malignant tumor of central nervous system. The tumor initiation, self-renewal, and multi-lineage differentiation abilities of glioma stem cells (GSCs) are responsible for glioma proliferation and recurrence. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in the progression of glioma, the detailed mechanisms remain unknown. MethodsqRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and bioinformatic analysis were performed to detect the expression of circATP5B, miR-185-5p, HOXB5, and SRSF1. Patient-derived GSCs were established, and MTS, EDU, neurosphere formation, and limiting dilution assays were used to detect the proliferation of GSCs. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to detect these molecules' regulation mechanisms. ResultsWe found circATP5B expression was significantly upregulated in GSCs and promoted the proliferation of GSCs. Mechanistically, circATP5B acted as miR-185-5p sponge to upregulate HOXB5 expression. HOXB5 was overexpressed in glioma and transcriptionally regulated IL6 expression and promoted the proliferation of GSCs via JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Moreover, RNA binding protein SRSF1 could bind to and promote circATP5B expression and regulate the proliferation of GSCs, while HOXB5 also transcriptionally regulated SRSF1 expression. ConclusionsOur study identified the SRSF1/circATP5B/miR-185-5p/HOXB5 feedback loop in GSCs. This provides an effective biomarker for glioma diagnosis and prognostic evaluation.
Substance Use and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders: a Prospective Cohort of Patients With Severe Substance Use Disorders in Norway
Authors: Aas Christer Frode , Vold Jørn Henrik , Gjestad Rolf , Skurtveit Svetlana , Lim Aaron G. , Gjerde Kristian Varden , Løberg Else Marie , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThere is high co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders. We aimed to assess impact of substance use patterns and sociodemographic factors on mental health distress using the ten-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-10) over time.MethodsNested prospective cohort study of 707 participants with severe SUD across nine opioid-agonist-therapy outpatient clinics and low-threshold municipality clinics in Norway, during 2017-2020. Descriptive statistics were derived at baseline and reported by means and standard deviation (SD). A linear mixed model analysis was used to assess the impact of substance use patterns and sociodemographic factors on SCL-10 sum score with beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsMean (SD) SCL-10 score was 2.2 (0.8) at baseline with large variations across patients. We observed more symptoms of mental health disorders among people with frequent use of benzodiazepines (beta 3.6, CI:2.4;4.8), cannabis (1.3, CI:0.2;2.5), opioids (2.7, CI:1.1;4.2), and less symptoms among people using frequently stimulants (-2.7, CI:-4.1;-1.4) compared to no or less frequent use. Females (1.8, CI:0.7;3.0) and participants with debt worries (2.2, CI:1.1;3.3) and unstable living conditions (1.7, CI:0.0;3.3) had also higher burden of mental health symptoms. There were large individual variations in SCL-10 score from baseline to follow-up, but no consistent time trends indicating change over time for the whole group. 65 % of the cohort had a mean score >1.85, the standard reference score.ConclusionsPeople with SUD are considerably more likely to have symptoms of mental health disorders compared to the general population. The lack of association between substance use patterns on change in mental health symptoms over time could suggest that the differences observed were indicating flattening of effects or self-medication to larger degree than medication-related decline in mental health. This call for better individualized mental health assessment and patient care.
Diagnostic Accuracy of SPECT/CT Arthrography in Patients With Suspected Aseptic Joint Prosthesis Loosening
Authors: Bao Bo , Liu Crystal , Masson Edward C.O , Abele Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SPECT/CT arthrography in patients with suspected aseptic prosthesis loosening following hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods A retrospective review of 63 SPECT/CT arthrogram studies (36 knees and 27 hips) between February 1, 2013 and July 1, 2018 was conducted. All patients underwent clinical and radiologic evaluation as part of their assessment for persistent pain following hip and knee arthroplasty. The detection of tracer activity along the bone-prosthetic interface on SPECT/CT suggests aseptic loosening. Operative assessment as well as clinical/ radiologic follow-up at a minimum of one year were used as the reference standard. Results The sensitivity and specificity of SPECT/CT for detection of aseptic loosening was 6/7 (86%) and 55/56 (98%) respectively. This gives a positive predictive value (PPV) of 6/7 (86%), a negative predictive value (NPV) of 55/56 (98%), and a diagnostic accuracy of 61/63 (97%). Conclusion SPECT/CT arthrography has a high diagnostic accuracy (97%) in the evaluation of loosening of both hip and knee arthroplasties in patients with persistent post-procedural pain.
A kernel Principal Component Analysis (kPCA) Digest with a New Backward Mapping (pre-image reconstruction) Strategy
Authors: García-González Alberto , Huerta Antonio , Zlotnik Sergio , Díez Pedro
Published: December 2020

Methodologies for multidimensionality reduction aim at discovering low-dimensional manifolds where data ranges. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is very effective if data have linear structure. But fails in identifying a possible dimensionality reduction if data belong to a nonlinear low-dimensional manifold. For nonlinear dimensionality reduction, kernel Principal Component Analysis (kPCA) is appreciated because of its simplicity and ease implementation. The paper provides a concise review of PCA and kPCA main ideas, trying to collect in a single document aspects that are often dispersed. Moreover, a strategy to map back the reduced dimension into the original high dimensional space is also devised, based on the minimization of a discrepancy functional.
Porous Tantalum Implant for Treatment of Early-stage Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Minimum 5-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Sun Jian-Ning , Yang Zhi , Chen Wang , Hu Zheng-Hao , Hua Zi-Jian , Chen Xiang-Yang , Feng Shuo
Published: December 2020

Background To evaluate the survival rate of porous tantalum rod implantation in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, to evaluate its clinical effect and imaging results, and to analyze the reasons for its failure to conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).Methods From January 2008 to December 2013, tantalum rod implantation for osteonecrosis of the femoral head was performed in two institutions. Statistical analysis of operation data, including operation time, blood loss and blood transfusion. Histopathological observations were performed on femoral head specimens with the tantalum rods that failed THA after tantalum rod implantation.Results 52 hips were followed up completely, the average follow-up time was 85.7 months (60-132 months). 24 hips turned to THA at the end of follow-up (46.2%), the average time was 44.3±32.8 months, and the average Harris score before THA was 57.1±7.6. Cox proportional-hazards model revealed that ARCO stage (P=0.017), bone marrow edema (P=0.006) and age＞40 years(P=0.043)were independent risk factors for conversion to THA. Histopathological examination revealed the implant surface is in contact with sparse Island bone. There is limited bone tissue extending inward from the implant.Conclusion The medium and long-term clinical effect of tantalum rod implantation in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is not as satisfactory as we expected, and the osteogenic activity of tantalum rod in the femoral head is limited. ARCO stage, age and bone marrow edema were risk factors for the failure of tantalum rod implantation to THA.
Surgical Management of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: a Single Institutional Experience of More Than Two Decades.
Authors: Deng Xicheng , Deng Zuosheng , Huang Erjia
Published: December 2020

Background: We present here our experience with surgical management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, trying to find out the era impact of different periods on the outcome and risk factors of mortality. Methods: A series of 63 patients with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia were referred to us and operated on during March, 1990-August, 2017. The patient records were reviewed and statistically analyzed to demonstrate injury characteristics and to find out optimal treatment strategy, risk factors of death as well as the difference between two periods (1990-2005, 2005-2017) divided by introduction of computed tomography at our institution.Results: The overall mean age was 31.2±16.3 years old with a female to male ratio of 11/52. The mechanism was penetrating trauma in 19 cases (30.2%), and blunt trauma in 44 cases (69.9%). Two thirds of the patients in the latter period yet none in the former period underwent computed tomography. Ten patients (15.9%), of which 8 in the former and the other 2 in the latter period (p=.042), had late diagnoses. The most commonly used incision was a thoracotomy (n=43, 89.6%). There was no statistical difference in etiology or mortality between the two periods. Univariate analysis showed survivors were younger, and had lesser injury severity scores (ISS) and lower American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade than nonsurvivors. By multiple logistic regression analysis, increased age (odds ratio, 1.275; p=.013) and greater ISS (OR, 1.174; p=.028) were risk factors of death in all patients.Conclusions: High definition computed tomography has significantly improved the preoperative diagnosis rate. The transthoracic approach could be used in selected cases with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with good outcomes. Patients with greater ISS and advanced age are at higher risk of death.
Repeatability Analysis of Overconstrained Kinematic Coupling Using a Parallel-Mechanism-Equivalent Model
Authors: Ding Jianzhong , Liu Xueao , wang chunjie
Published: December 2020

A novel method for repeatability analysis of overconstrained kinematic coupling using a parallel-mechanism-equivalent-model is proposed. An overconstrained Kelvin-type coupling with one additional support is introduced and used for method illustration. Contact forces of the overconstrained coupling under preload are computed with Moore-Penrose inverse and the deformations are obtained using the Hertz theory. The couping is equivalently modeled as a 7-SPS parallel mechanism, spherical joints of which represent the centers of the supporting balls and the contact points, respectively, and prismatic joints are used to simulate the deformations. Therefore, pose error of the coupling arisen from preload is analyzed using the well-appraised incremental method for forward kinematics analysis of parallel mechanisms. The uncertainties of the preload are discussed and a boundary-sampling method is proposed for repeatability analysis. The main contribution of this study lies in that the proposed parallel-mechanism-equivalent-model and the boundary-sampling method greatly simplify the repeatability analysis of overconstrained kinematic couplings. Finally, the proposed methods are validated by case study.
Asymmetric Effects of Remittances on Economic Growth in Nigeria: Evidence From Non-linear ARDL Analysis
Authors: Olayungbo David Oluseun , Olaniyi Clement Olalekan , Ojeyinka Titus Ayobami
Published: December 2020

Most of the extant studies on remittance-growth nexus have been limited to symmetric and linear effects of remittance on economic growth. Unlike previous studies, we examine asymmetric and nonlinear association between remittance and economic growth within the framework of nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model utilizing Nigeria’s data from 1981 to 2018. The study finds the evidence to support that growth responds asymmetrically to remittances only in the long-run. It is established that both positive and negative variations in remittance inflows dampen the productive base of the economy in the long-run while positive and negative changes in remittances are growth-retarding and growth-enhancing respectively in the short-run. The study, therefore, concludes that persistent increase in remittance inflows have not been channeled to productive ventures that are capable of stimulating growth in Nigeria. Thus, consistent with the view of pessimistic theorists, continual inflows of remittances to Nigeria could not be termed brain gains to the economy. JEL CLASSIFICATION: F24, F43, O11
Comparative analysis of room temperature plasmonic graphene hot electron bolometric photodetectors
Authors: Gosciniak Jacek , Khurgin Jacob B.
Published: December 2020

We appraise a waveguide-integrated plasmonic graphene photodetector based on the hot carrier photo-bolometric effect, with performance characterized simultaneously by high responsivity, on the scale of hundreds of A/W, and high speed on the scale of 100’s of GHz. Performance evaluation is based on a theory of bolometric effect originating from the band nonparabolicity of graphene. Results compare favorably with the state-of-the-art plasmonic bolometric photodetectors, predicting up to two orders of magnitude increase in a responsivity while keeping speed on the same level, defined by the electron-lattice scattering time in graphene.
Effect of climate change and deforestation on vector borne diseases in the North-Eastern Indian state of Mizoram bordering Myanmar
Authors: Karuppusamy Balasubramani , Sarma Devojit Kumar , Lalmalsawma Pachuau , Pautu Lalfakzuala , Karmodiya Krishanpal , Nina Praveen Balabaskaran
Published: December 2020

Background

Malaria and dengue are the two major vector-borne diseases in Mizoram. Malaria is endemic in Mizoram, and dengue was first reported only in 2012. It is well documented that climate change has a direct influence on the incidence and spread of vector-borne diseases. The study was designed to study the trends and impact of climate variables (temperature, rainfall and humidity) in the monsoon period (May to September) and deforestation on the incidence of dengue and malaria in Mizoram.
Methods

Temperature, rainfall and humidity data of Mizoram from 1979–2013 were obtained from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System Reanalysis and analyzed. Forest cover data of Mizoram was extracted from India State of Forest Report (IFSR) and Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Centre. Percent tree cover datasets of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer missions were also used to study the association between deforestation and incidence of vector-borne diseases. The study used non-parametric tests to estimate long-term trends in the climate (temperature, rainfall, humidity) and forest cover variables. The trend and its magnitude are estimated through Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope method. Year-wise dengue and malaria data were obtained from the State Vector Borne Disease Control Program, Mizoram.
Results

The Mann-Kendall test indicates that compared to maximum temperature, minimum temperature during the monsoon period is increasing (p < 0.001). The Sen’s slope estimation also shows an average annual 0.020C (0.01–0.03 at 95% CI) monotonic increasing trend of minimum temperature. The residuals of Sen’s estimate show that temperature is increasing at an average of about 0.10C/year after 2007.Trends indicate that both rainfall and humidity are increasing (p <. 0.001); on an average, there is a 20.45 mm increase in monsoon rainfall per year (5.90–34.37 at 95% CI), while there is a 0.08% (0.02–0.18 at 95% CI) increase in relative humidity annually. IFSR data shows that there is an annual average decrease of 162 sq.km (272.81–37.53 at 95% CI, p < 0.001) in the dense forest cover. Mizoram in 2012 was the last state in India to report the incidence of dengue. Malaria transmission continues to be stable in Mizoram; compared to 2007, the cases have increased in 2019.
Conclusion

Over the study period, there is an ~ 0.80C rise in the minimum temperature in the monsoon season which could have facilitated the establishment of Aedes aegypti, the major dengue vector in Mizoram. In addition, the increase in rainfall and humidity may have also helped the biology of Ae. aegypti. Deforestation could be one of the major factors responsible for the consistently high number of malaria cases in Mizoram.
Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the control of COVID-19 in Iran: A mathematical modeling study
Authors: Nakhaeizadeh Mehran , Eybpoosh Sana , Jahani Yunes , Gohari Milad Ahmadi , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , White Lisa , Sharifi Hamid
Published: December 2020

Background

During the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Iran reported high numbers of infections and deaths in the Middle East region. In the following months, the burden of this infection decreased significantly, possibly due to the impact of a package of interventions. We modeled the dynamics of COVID-19 infection in Iran to quantify the impacts of these interventions.
Methods

We used a modified susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered (SEIR) model to model the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran, from 21 January to 21 September 2020, using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation to calculate 95% uncertainty intervals (UI). We used the model to assess the effectiveness of physical distancing measures and self-isolation under different scenarios. We also estimated the control reproductive number (Rc), using our mathematical model and epidemiologic data.
Results

If no non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were applied, there could have been a cumulative number of 51,800,000 (95% UI: 19,100,000–77,600,000) COVID-19 infections and 266,000 (95% UI: 119,000–476,000) deaths by September 21 2020. If physical distancing interventions, such as school/border closures and self-isolation interventions, had been introduced a week earlier than they were actually launched, a 30% reduction in the number of infections and deaths could have been achieved by September 21 2020. The observed daily number of deaths showed that the Rc was one or more than one almost every day during the analysis period.
Conclusions

Our models suggest that the NPIs implemented in Iran between 21 January and 21 September 2020 had significant effects on the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, we recommend that these interventions are considered when designing future control programs, while simultaneously considering innovative approaches that can minimize harmful economic impacts on the community and the state. Our study also showed that the timely implementation of NPIs showed a profound effect on further reductions in the numbers of infections and deaths. This highlights the importance of forecasting and early detection of future waves of infection and of the need for effective preparedness and response capabilities.
Serum soluble CD26/DPP4 titer variation is a potential prognostic biomarker in cancer therapy with a humanized anti-CD26 antibody
Authors: Kaneko Yutaro , Hatano Ryo , Hirota Naoto , Isambert Nicolas , Trillet-Lenoir Véronique , You Benoit , Alexandre Jérôme , Zalcman Gérard , Valleix Fanny , Podoll Thomas , Umezawa Yoshimi , Takao Seiichi , Iwata Satoshi , Hosono Osamu , Taguchi Tetsuo , Yamada Taketo , Dang Nam H. , Ohnuma Kei , Angevin Eric , Morimoto Chikao
Published: December 2020

Background
The phase I trial of the humanized anti-CD26 monoclonal antibody YS110 for CD26-expressing tumors was conducted recently. The present study identifies a potential prognostic biomarker for CD26-targeted therapy based on the phase I data.
Methods
Box and Whisker plot analysis, Scatter plot analysis, Peason product moment correlation/Spearman’s rank-difference correlation, Bar graph analysis, and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) were used to examine the correlation between sCD26 titer variation with YS110 administration and tumor volume change, RECIST criteria evaluation and progression free survival (PFS). Mechanism for serum sCD26 titer variation was confirmed by in vitro experimentation.
Results
Serum sCD26/DPP4 titer was reduced following YS110 administration and gradually recovered until the next infusion. Serum sCD26/DPP4 titer before the next infusion was sustained at lower levels in Stable Disease (SD) cases compared to Progressive Disease cases. ROC analysis defined the cut-off level of serum sCD26/DPP4 titer variation at day 29 pre/post for the clinical outcome of SD as tumor response or PFS. In vitro experimentation confirmed that YS110 addition reduced the sCD26 production from CD26-expressing tumor and non-tumor cells.
Conclusions
Our study indicates that serum sCD26/DPP4 titer variation in the early phase of YS110 treatment is a predictive biomarker for evaluating therapeutic efficacy.
Hemispheric difference of regional brain function exists in patients with acute stroke in different cerebral hemispheres：a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Gao Jingchun , Yang Canhong , Li Qixiong , Chen Lanpin , Jiang Yijing , Liu Songyan , Zhang Jing , Liu Gang , Chen Junqi
Published: December 2020

Objective: To explore the different compensatory mechanisms of brain function between the patients with brain dysfunction after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in dominant hemisphere and the non-dominant hemisphere, based on Resting-state Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Rs-fMRI).Methods: In this trial, 15 healthy subjects(HS) were used as blank controls. 30 hemiplegic patients with middle cerebral artery acute infarction of the different dominant hemisphere were divided into the dominant hemisphere group (DH) and the non-dominant hemisphere group (NDH), scanned by a 3.0 T MRI scanner, to obtain the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) and compare the differences.Results: Compared with the HS, increased ALFF values in the brain areas such as bilateral midbrain were observed in DH. While decreased ReHo values in the brain areas such as right postcentral gyrus (BA3) were also observed. Enhanced ALFF values in the brain areas such as left BA6, and enhanced ReHo values in the brain areas such as left precuneus were observed in NDH. And the ALFF and ReHo values of right BA9 and precentral gyrus were both increased. Compared with DH, NDH have lower ALFF values in left supplementary motor area and lower ReHo values in right BA10.Conclusion: After acute infarction in the middle cerebral artery of the dominant hemisphere, a compensation mechanism is triggered in brain areas of the ipsilateral cortex regulating motor-related pathways, while some brain areas related to cognition, sensation and motor in the contralateral cortex are suppressed, and the connection with the peripheral brain regions is weakened. After acute infarction in the middle cerebral artery of the non-dominant hemisphere, compensatory activation appears in motor control-related brain areas of the dominant hemisphere. After acute middle cerebral artery infarction in the dominant hemisphere, compared with the non-dominant hemisphere, functional specificity in bilateral supplementary motor area weakens. After acute middle cerebral artery infarction in different hemispheres, there are hemispheric differences in the compensatory mechanism of brain function. Trial registration: Ethics Committee of the China-Japan Union Hospital at Jilin University approval. Trial Registration Number:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-15007672. Registered July 18, 2016 (No. 2016ks043).
Prophylactic Effect of Brimonidine To Minimize The Incidence of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage after 23G Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Desco M. Carmen , Martín Julio Cesar Molina , Mataix-Boronat Jorge , Pascual-Camps Isabel , Palacios-Pozo Elena , Barón-García Marisa , Pinero David , Navea-Tejerina Amparo
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSeveral studies have already investigated the prophylactic effect of brimonidine drops in preventing subconjunctival hemorrhage in some microincisional ophthalmic surgeries. The aim of the current study was to determine if subconjunctival hemorrhage after 23G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) could be prevented with the use of prophylactic topical brimonidine.Main textIt was a phase III, prospective, interventional, randomized, controlled single-center clinical trial with a follow-up of 2 weeks. A total of 77 eyes (mean age: 68.4 ± 10.7 years) undergoing 23G PPV were included and randomized into 2 groups: group 1 including 41 patients receiving prophylactic preoperative treatment with brimonidine, and Group 2 (control group) including 36 patients not receiving this prophylactic treatment. Differences in terms of number of conjunctival quadrants affected with subconjunctival hemorrhage were evaluated in each of the follow-up visits. The presence of subconjunctival hemorrhage was similar in both groups the first days after surgery (p > 0.05). At the last visit, this condition was significantly more frequent in control group where there was a significant difference, being more frequent in the control group (7.3% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.022). The number of conjunctival quadrants affected was also similar in both groups, except for the last visit in which most of patients treated with brimonidine (92.7%) showed no bleeding compared to 71.4% in control group. No effect on the efficacy of brimonidine treatment of the presence of blood hypertension, diabetes and antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment was observed.ConclusionsBrimonidine seems to be a useful option to decrease subconjunctival hemorrhage after micro-incisional vitreoretinal surgery or improve its resolution during the first postoperative week. This finding should be mainly due to the vasoconstrictor effect of brimonidine.Trial registrationEudraCT, 2012-002895-15. Registered 19 December 2012, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2012-002895-15
Species Composition, Relative Abundance and Distribution of Rodents in Wof-Washa Natural State Forest, North Shewa, Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Dadi Mulu Negesse , Mammo Dereje Yazezew , Teferedegn Gezahegn Degefe , Zelelew Gezahegn Getachew
Published: December 2020

Background: The species composition, relative abundance and distribution of rodents were studied in Wof-Washa Natural State Forest, Ethiopia from December 2016 to May 2017 during dry and wet seasons. A total of 49 Sherman live traps were set per grid at 10 m intervals in permanent 4900 m2 (70mx70m) live trapping grids established in intact forest, disturbed forest, Erica woodland, plantation forest and Farmland habitats. Result: A total of 621 individuals of rodents were captured in 2,560 trap nights by using both live traps and snap traps. Seven species of rodents in family Muridae were recorded. Out of the total rodents caught in the study period, Stenocephalemys albipes, Pelomys harringtoni and Lophuromys flavopunctatus are endemics to Ethiopia. Plantation forest had the highest mean trapping success whereas the lowest trap success was in the Erica woodland. The distribution of rodent species was significantly differed (P<0.05) among studied habitats. Higher trap success was recorded in dry season (26.2) than the wet season (24.4). The highest value of Shannon index was recorded in plantation forest (H’ = 1.82) followed by farmland habitat (H’ =1.67) during the wet season and the lowest value was observed in the intact forest (H’ = 0.67) and Erica woodland (H’ = 0.67) during the dry season. From the total catch, adults comprised 260(41.9%), sub-adults 248(39.9%) and juveniles 113(18.2%).Conclusion: The present study provides the first valuable demonstration on the species composition, relative abundance and distribution of rodents in the WWNSF. Further monitoring and inventory of small mammals is warranted to document and conserve the different endemic and endangered rodent species to designing important biodiversity management plan in the area.
Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal in Agricultural Soil and Transfer to Rice Grains
Authors: Mahmud Upoma , Salam Md. Tareq Bin , Khan Abu , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: December 2020

Higher accumulation of toxic heavy metals in rice grain and agricultural soil may lead to an imbalanced ecosystem. The present study was carried out to assess the risk of different heavy metals nickel, copper, arsenic, lead, and manganese in agricultural soil and transfer status to rice grain. The samples were collected from four agricultural fields at different times in the Dumuria Upazila (sub-district) under Khulna district in Bangladesh. Heavy metal concentration in soil extracts, irrigation water samples, and grain samples was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Average metal concentrations were calculated and compared with the reference value in soil. In most of the cases, the existence of heavy metals in agricultural soil was greater than the reference soil which is a rising concern. Overall risk index (RI) stated that the examined soils were at moderate risk of contamination. Transfer factor (TF) of Arsenic (0.037 to 0.115) and Manganese (0.056 to 0.155) from soil to rice grain were higher that is also a matter of concern. On the other hand, TF of Lead (Pb) was found in a very negligible amount which is a good sign. Regular monitoring of heavy metals in agricultural soil should be initiated and the awareness level should be increased to avoid environmental problems.
A Cross Sectional Study on Out of Pocket Expenditures Among Cardiovascular Disease Affected Household in Khartoum State 2019.
Authors: Mohamed Roaa A. , Elkhidir Osama
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Assessing the Reliability and Validity of Attitudes and Confidence Scales for the Care of Women and Girls Affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Authors: Marea Christina X. , Warren Nicole , Glass Nancy , Johnson-Agbakwu Crista , Perrin Nancy
Published: December 2020

Background: Approximately 545,000 women and girls in the USA have undergone Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting (FGM/C) or have mothers from a country where FGM/C is practiced. Women and girls living with FGM/C in the USA may experience stigma and bias due to their FGM/C, immigration, racial, and language status. Health care provider attitudes toward FGM/C and confidence for related clinical care may affect the quality of care, yet there are no validated instruments. Methods: We developed the instruments via review of the FGM/C literature, the development of scale items, expert review, and pre-testing. We validated the instruments using a convenience sample of providers in Arizona and Maryland. We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to confirm factor structures, and compared scores between known groups to assess validity.Results: The EFA revealed a two-factor solution for attitudes, including subscales for Negative Attitudes and Empathetic Attitudes toward FGM/C and those who practice with Cronbach’s alphas of 0.814 and 0.628 respectively. The EFA for confidence revealed a two-factor solution including Confidence in Clinical FGM/C Care and Confidence in Critical Communication Skills for FGM/C Care with Cronbach’s alphas of 0.857 and 0.694 respectively.Conclusions: Health care provider attitudes and confidence toward FGM/C care may affect quality of care and health outcomes for women and girls. Our study describes the rigorous psychometric analysis to create reliable and valid instruments to assess health care provider attitudes and confidence for the care of women and girls who have experienced FGM/C.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.Gov ID # NCT03249649, Study ID# 5252. Public website: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03249649