bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of The Angiopoietin-Like Gene Family and Their Role in Lipid Metabolism in Pigs
Authors: Zheng Zibin , Lyu Wentao , Hong Qihua , Yang Hua , Li Ying , Zhao Shengjun , Ren Ying , Xiao Yingping
Published: July 2021

Background

Lipid metabolism is closely associated with various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. More importantly, it also affects the carcass quality of animals. Angiopoietin-like protein (Angiopoietin-like, ANGPTL) family members are encoded by 8 genes and play an important role in lipid metabolism and angiogenesis. In this study, we first systematically described the phylogenetic characteristics of pig ANGPTL family genes and identified the critical roles of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8 in the lipid metabolism of pigs.
Methods

The amino acid sequence analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and chromosome adjacent gene analysis were performed to identify the ANGPTL gene family in pigs. Furthermore, according to the body weight data from 60 Jinhua pigs, different tissues of 6 pigs with average body weight were used to determine the expression profile of ANGPTL1-8. The ileum, subcutaneous fat, and liver of 8 pigs with distinct fatness were selected to analyze the gene expression of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8.
Results

Results showed the sequence length of ANGPTLs in pigs was between 1186 and 1991 bp, and the pig ANGPTL family members shared common features with human homologous genes, including the high similarity of the amino acid sequence and chromosome flanking genes. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that ANGPTL1-7 had a highly conserved domain except for ANGPTL8. Phylogenetic analysis showed that each ANGPTL homologous gene was clustered with other mammalian sequences, away from other vertebrates. RT-qPCR analysis showed that ANGPTL family members had different expression patterns in different tissues. ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 were mainly expressed in the liver, while ANGPTL4 was expressed in many other tissues, such as the intestine and subcutaneous fat. The expression levels of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 in Jinhua pigs with low propensity for adipogenesis were significantly higher than those of high propensity for adipogenesis.
Conclusions

These results increase our knowledge about the biological role of the ANGPTL family in this important economic species. In addition, it will also help to better understand the role of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8 in lipid metabolism of pigs, and provide innovative ideas for develop strategies to improve pig carcass quality.
Prevalence, Risk, and Outcome of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Cui Na , Jiang Chunguo , Chen Hairong , Zhang Liming , Feng Xiaokai
Published: July 2021

Background: Few data exist on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by acute hypoxemia.Study Design and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 225 adults with ARDS admitted to the Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2020. We analyzed clinical, laboratory, and echocardiography data for groups with and without DVT and for direct and indirect ARDS subgroups.Results: Ninety (40.0%) patients developed DVT. Compared with the non-DVT group, patients with DVT were older, had lower serum creatinine levels, lower partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen, higher serum procalcitonin levels, higher Padua prediction scores, and higher proportions of sedation and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Multivariate analysis showed an association between age, serum creatinine level, IMV, and DVT in the ARDS cohort. The sensitivity and specificity of corresponding receiver operating characteristic curves were not inferior to those of the Padua prediction score and the Caprini score for screening for DVT in the three ARDS cohorts. Patients with DVT had a significantly lower survival rate than those without DVT in the overall ARDS cohort and in the groups with direct and indirect ARDS.Conclusions: The prevalence of DVT is high in patients with ARDS. The risk factors for DVT are age, serum creatinine level, and IMV, which predict DVT and are not inferior to the Padua prediction score and the Caprini score. DVT is associated with decreased survival in patients with ARDS.
Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma of the Ethmoid Sinus: An Uncommon Differential of a Nasal Mass.
Authors: Chowdhary Stuti , Sekar Raghul , Saxena Sunil Kumar , Srini Bheemanathi Hanuman
Published: July 2021

Sino-nasal synovial sarcomas are rare mesenchymal tumors, with most reports describing those arising primarily from the paranasal sinuses. Very few have been described with an extension to the nasal cavity. Due to a range of non-specific symptoms and local aggressiveness, there tends to be confusion in diagnosis. Here we describe a case of primary sino-nasal monophasic synovial sarcoma, diagnosed by histopathology and treated by excision and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. On follow-up, the patient remains symptom-free to date for over two years. A wide range of diagnoses should be kept in mind for nasal masses since all tissue types coexist in this region. Initial definitive surgical excision can be considered a prudent plan of management in very limited nasal sarcomas confined to one or two paranasal sinuses.
Host Phylogeny Determines The Gut Microbial Landscape of Cephalopods
Authors: Kang Woorim , Kim Pil Soo , Tak Euon Jung , Sung Hojun , Shin Na-Ri , Hyun Dong-Wook , Whon Tae Woong , Kim Hyun Sik , Lee June-Young , Yun Ji-Hyun , Jung Mi-Ja , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: July 2021

BackgroundCompared to vertebrate gut microbiomes, little is known about the factors shaping the gut microbiomes in invertebrates, especially in non-insect invertebrates. Class Cephalopoda is the only group in the phylum Mollusca characterized by a closed circulatory system and a well-differentiated digestive system to process their carnivorous diet. Despite their key phylogenetic position for comparative studies as well as their ecological and commercial importances, analyses of the cephalopod gut microbiome are limited. In this study, we characterized the gut microbiota of six species of wild cephalopods by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons.ResultsEach cephalopod gut consisted of a distinct consortium of microbes. Photobacterium and Mycoplasma were prevalent in all cephalopod hosts and were identified as core taxa. The gut microbial composition reflected host phylogeny. The importance of host phylogeny was supported by a detailed oligotype-level analysis of operational taxonomic units assigned to Photobacterium and Mycoplasma, although Photobacterium typically inhabited multiple hosts, whereas Mycoplasma tended to show host-specific colonization. Further, we showed that class Cephalopoda has a distinct gut microbial community from those of other molluscan groups. The gut microbiota of the phylum Mollusca was determined by host phylogeny, diet, and environment (aquatic vs. terrestrial).ConclusionWe provide the first comparative analysis of cephalopod and mollusk gut microbial communities. The gut microbial community of cephalopods is composed of the distinctive microbes and strongly associated with their phylogeny. The genera Photobacterium and Mycoplasma are core taxa in the cephalopod gut microbiota. Collectively, our findings of this study provide evidence that cephalopod and mollusk gut microbiomes reflect phylogeny, environment, and the diet of the host and these data can be suggested to establish future directions for invertebrate gut microbiome research.
Frequency Shifting Model for Diffuse Optical Tomography
Authors: Kazanci Huseyin Ozgur
Published: July 2021

Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) imaging technique has been interesting research field for researchers since it has uncertainties in the solution space. DOT modality is unsolved scientific problem. Inverse problem solution and image reconstruction has never been in its best quality. Reconstructed images have low spatial resolution. Scattering nature of diffusive light is the obscuring effect for DOT modality. DOT has 3 functional sub-branches which of these are Continuous Wave (CW), Time-Resolved (TR), and Frequency-Domain (FD). In this work, one new approach to Frequency Domain Diffuse Optical Tomography (FDDOT) biomedical optic imaging modality is presented to the readers. Frequency Shifting data were added to the forward model problem which basically has source-detector couplings and number of imaging voxels. 100 MHz center core light modulation frequency was selected. 169 source-detector matches were used on back-reflected imaging geometry. Absorption coefficient ma was selected 0.1 cm− 1. Scattering coefficient µs was selected 100 cm− 1. 1 micrometer x, y, z cartesian grid coordinates were used in each direction for imaging tissue-like simulation media. The total of 100 frequency shift was added to the forward model problem which has 5 Hz frequency step. 2 inclusion objects were embedded inside the imaging simulation phantom. 2 inclusion images were successfully reconstructed with the low contrast to noise ratio (CNR) error and position error (PE). Frequency shifting technique is first applied for FDDOT here. This technique has increased the total number of equations in the forward model problem; hence it is helping to solve the inverse problem. In this work, the positive effect of using multi frequency methodology was observed. Differentiation of 2 embedded inclusions was successfully completed and illustrated in this work.
One-Year Mortality Prediction in Elderly Patients With Suspected Pneumonia: The Usefulness of a Holistic Approach
Authors: Nascè Alberto , Malézieux-Picard Astrid , Hakiza Landry , Fassier Thomas , Zekry Dina , Garin Nicolas , Stirnemann Jérôme , Prendki Virginie , Roux Xavier
Published: July 2021

Background

Pneumonia has an impact on long-term mortality in elderly patients. The risk factors associated with poor long-term outcomes are understated. The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of 1-year mortality in older patients having a suspicion of pneumonia, using usual pneumonia severity scores and geriatric evaluation’s scores focused on comorbidities, nutritional status and functionality.
Methods

Consecutive patients over 65 years old and hospitalized with a suspicion of pneumonia were enrolled in a monocentric cohort from May 2015 to April 2016. Three scores were used to assess patients’ comorbidities (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatric, CIRS-G), malnutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment, MNA), functionality (Functional Independence Measure, FIM) respectively. Severity of pneumonia was assessed by using the Confusion, Urea, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, and 65-years old score (CURB65), the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA). With the exception of CIRS-G, all the scores were obtained prospectively within 48 hours after admission. The main outcome was 1-year mortality. Dates of death were obtained by consulting the cantonal register of deaths. Each score was analysed in univariate and multivariate models and logistic regressions were used to identify contributors to 1-year mortality.
Results

200 patients were included (51 % male, mean age 83.8 +/- 7.7). The 1-year mortality rate was 30%. Scores associated with 1-year mortality were CURB-65 (p < .001), SOFA (p < .05), FIM (p < .01), CIRS-G (p < .001) and MNA (p < .001) in univariate analysis. Only CIRS-G (p < .05) and MNA (p < .05) were significant predictors of 1-year mortality in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions

Long-term prognosis of pneumonia was poor and we identified that scores assessing comorbidities and malnutrition were important predictors of 1-year mortality. This should be taken into account for evaluating elderly patients’ prognosis, levels and goals of care.
Care Transitions From Hospital to Community Among Oncological Patients
Authors: Rodrigues Caroline Donini , Lorenzini Elisiane , Romero Manuel Portela , Oelke Nelly Donszelmann , Winter Vanessa Dalsasso Batista , Trindade Letícia Flores , Kolankiewicz Adriane Cristina Bernat
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To analyze the transition of care from the perspective of cancer patients, in a hospital in southern Brazil, correlating perspectives with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.
Methods

Cross-sectional study using the Care Transitions Measure (CTM) with cancer patients undergoing clinical or surgical treatment following hospital discharge. Data collection was completed by telephone between June and September 2019. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results

The average CTM score was 74.1, which was considered satisfactory. The CTM factors, understanding about medications (83.3) and preparation for self-management (77.7) were satisfactory, while secured preferences (69.4) and care plan (66.1) were unsatisfactory for an effective and safe care transition. No statistically significant difference was found between sociodemographic variables and the CTM. Among the clinical variables, primary cancer and the secured preferences factor showed a significant difference (p = 0.044).
Conclusion

The transition from hospital care to the community was considered satisfactory in the overall assessment.
Development of Metamaterial Inspired Nonuniform Circular Array Superstate Antenna using Characteristic Mode Analysis
Authors: Bhavani K Durga , Madhav BTP , Rao MC , Das Sudipta
Published: July 2021

In this work using characteristic mode analysis, a multi-layered nonuniform metasurface structured antenna has been optimized. The driven patch of square structure and the parasitic patch elements of circular radiating cross slotted metastructure are used in proposed model. The modal significance characteristic angles and surface currents are analysed based on characteristic mode to optimise the nonuniform structures. Antenna resonating between 5.5–6.1 GHz, covering WLAN applications with average gain of 7.9 dB and efficiency greater than 90%. Transient mode, terminal mode and eigen mode-based analysis are performed on the proposed design and comparative analysis has been presented in this work. The prototype model fabrication and real time measurement analysis with simulation results matching is presented for application validation.
Constructing A Novel Signature Based on Immune-Related Lncrna to Improve Prognosis Prediction of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Qin Dongchun , Lv Xuefeng , Liu Lu , Li Pengxiang , Yuan Yingying , Peng Mengle , Jin Huifang
Published: July 2021

We downloaded gene expression data, clinical data, and somatic mutation data of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. Predictive lncRNAs were screened using univariate analysis and lasso regression, and risk score of each patient were calculated according to the expression levels of lncRNAs and regression coefficients to establish a risk model that could be a novel signature. We assessed the correlation between immune infiltration status, chemotherapeutics sensitivity, immune checkpoint proteins (ICP) and the signature. Therefore, we selected 11 immune-related lncRNAs (WWC2,AS2, STXBP5.AS1, ERICH6.AS1, USP30.AS1, LINC02073, RBAKDN, IL21R.AS1, LINC02078, DLEU1, LINC00426, BOLA3.AS1) to construct the risk model. Patients with high risk had a shorter survival time than those with low risk. Risk scores in the signature were negatively correlated with macrophage M1, macrophage M2, and T cell CD8+. The expression levels of ICP such as PD-1 were substantially higher in the low-risk group. For chemotherapeutic agents, high-risk scores were associated with higher half-inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of cisplatin. These findings suggested that the risk model can be a novel signature for predicting CSCC patients’ prognosis, and it also can be used to formulate clinical treatment plans for CSCC patients.
TIGIT Induces (CD3+) T Cell Dysfunction by Inhibiting Glucose Metabolism and its Reversal by TIGIT and/or PD-1 Blockade in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: shao qi , Wang Lei , yuan maoling , Jin Xiaohong , wu changping
Published: July 2021

Background: T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) is an immunosuppressive receptor expressed on the surface of immune cells, suppressing immune responses by activating the intracellular negative regulatory signals. TIGIT plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various tumors, but its immune escape in colorectal cancer remains unclear.Methods: In this study, TIGIT expression in the peripheral blood and tissue microarrays was detected flow cytometry and immunofluorescence and its relationship with prognosis was evaluated. The proliferation and cytokines of TIGIT+ T cells were measured. Glucose metabolism and key enzymes were detected by qPCR or western blot. After establishing the co-cultured system and xenotransplant models, TIGIT antibody alone or combined with PD-1 antibody was blocked to observe the tumor growth.Results: We found that the proportion of CD3+TIGIT+ T cells was increased in peripheral blood and cancer tissue in colorectal cancer patients when compared with the healthy donors. These cells exhibited functional defects, low proliferative activity, impaired cytokine production and reduced glucose metabolism. A strong association was also observed between the elevated TIGIT expression and poor prognosis. In the in vitro co-culture assays of T cells and tumor cells, the suppressed glucose metabolic activity of T cells was reversed by TIGIT blockade. In addition, this blockade induced the apoptosis and reduced G2/M transit in tumor cells. The antitumor efficacy of TIGIT Ab therapy was further demonstrated in a human colorectal xenograft mice model while co-blockers of TIGIT and PD-1 exhibited synergistic suppressing effects on tumor growth.Conclusions: It is suggest that while TIGIT induces CD3+ T cell dysfunction in colorectal cancer, co-targeting TIGIT and PD-1 can lead to an effective antitumor response and may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for colorectal patients.
Tunable Single-Atomic Charge/Spin States of Intercalant Co Ions in a Transition Metal Dichalcogenide
Authors: Lim Seongjoon , Pan Shangke , Wang Kefeng , Ushakov Alexey , Sukhanova Ekaterina , Popov Zakhar , Kvashnin Dmitry , Streltsov Sergey , Cheong Sang-Wook
Published: July 2021

Intercalation raises manifold possibilities to manipulate the properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials1, and its impact on local electronic/magnetic properties has drawn much attention with the rise of nano-structured 2D materials2,3. Typically, changing an ionic state in a solid involves a dramatic local change of energy as well as orbital/spin magnetic moment from its ground state. However, the atomic investigation of the charging process of an intercalant ion in 2D material has never been explored while such subject has been studied in artificially deposited atoms on thin insulating 2D layers using scanning probe microscopy4–7. Herein, we demonstrate an atomical manipulation of the charge and spin state of Co ions on a metallic NbS2, obtained by cleaving of Co-intercalated NbS2. Density functional theory investigation of various Co configurations reveals that the charging is possible due to a change in the crystal field at the surface and a significant coupling between NbS2 and intercalants occurs via orbitals of the a1g symmetry. The results can be generalized to numerous other combinations of intercalants and base matrixes, suggesting that intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides can be a new platform to introduce single-atom operation 2D electronics/spintronics.
The Value of NLR Combined SOFA in Assessing the Prognosis of Sepsis Patients
Authors: Li Yixuan , Wang Junyu , Wei Bing , Zhang Xiangqun , Hu Le , Tian Tian , Ye Xinghua
Published: July 2021

Background: In order to evaluate the risk factors and its assessment values in patients with sepsis, and to explore a method to improve the prognosis prediction efficiency of patients with sepsis.Methods: Patients with sepsis admitted to Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to December 2020 were enrolled, and they were divided into survival group and death group according to the prognosis at 28 days. Demographic data of patients and laboratory values at admission were collected. In terms of the first time data within 24h of patients admitted to hospital, the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score were calculated, and compared the difference between the two groups, the logistic regression was used to analysis the risk factors for death within 28 days, as well as the calculated combined predictor of SOFA and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Predicted values of various indicators for 28 days’ mortality in sepsis patients were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: 302 patients in total were included in this study, including 238 patients in survival group and 64 patients in death group. The age (78.36±9.8 years old vs. 71.6±14.1 years old), procalcitonin (PCT) (1.00 ng/ml vs. 0.05 ng/ml), C-reactive protein (CRP) (93 mg/l vs 14 mg/l), lactic acid (Lac) (1.20 mmol/l vs. 2.20 mmol/l), NLR (11.7 vs. 6.20), SOFA score (8 vs. 4) and APACHE Ⅱ score(20.5 vs. 11.0) of death group were significantly higher than those of survival group (all P<0.001). Age (OR=1.046, 95%CI 1.020-1.074, P=0.001), PCT (OR=1.115, 95%CI 1.055-1.177, P<0.001), CRP (OR=1.016, 95%CI 1.011-1.021, P<0.001), Lac (OR=1.887, 95%CI 1.518-2.346, P<0.001), NLR (OR=1.038, 95%CI 1.016-1.060, P=0.001), APACHE Ⅱ score (OR=1.231, 95%CI 1.166-1.300, P<0.001), SOFA score (OR=1.499, 95%CI1.344-1.671, P<0.001), NLR combined SOFA (SOFA+NLR×0.085) (OR=1.492, 95%CI1.341-1.660, P<0.001) were risk factors of 28 days’ mortality in sepsis patients, and the area under the curve (AUC) of APACHE Ⅱ, NLR combined SOFA were 0.853 and 0.855, higher than Lac (0.767, P<0.05), CRP (0.746, P<0.05) and PCT (0.761, P<0.05), the AUC of APACHE Ⅱ was similar with NLR combine SOFA (P>0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of APACHE Ⅱ and NLR combined SOFA to predict the 28 days’ prognosis of sepsis patients were better than the other indicators. Conclusion: NLR combined SOFA was a risk factor for the death of sepsis patients, and its predictive efficacy was similar with that of APACHE Ⅱ score, which is superior to other predictive indexes.
Application of Ultrasonography in Conservative Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fracture in Children
Authors: Li Jun , Tan Xin , Li Xiang , Gou Pan , Yuan Xiaowei , Liu Tao , Shi Mingyan , Liu Xing
Published: July 2021

Background: Most of humeral shaft fractures in children could be treated satisfactorily by conservative treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the application value of ultrasonography in conservative treatment of humeral shaft fracture in children.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed children admitted to our hospital, for humeral shaft fracture from January 2014 to March 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: ultrasonography group and X-ray group. All patients were instructed to evaluat the prognosis according to the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 12 months.Results: A total of 37 children were divided into ultrasonography group, 32 children were divided into X-ray group. There was no significant difference in DASH between the two groups. The mean number of radiation exposures of ultrasonography group was less and ultrasonic examination found radial nerve injury, and using ultrasound reduced the chance of direct or in direct contact with infected peoples.Conclusions: Ultrasound is a non-invasive, non-radioactive test, which could decrease risk of COVID-19 infection and detect the vascular nerve injury caused by fracture. Ultrasonography may be the examination method for follow-up conservative treatment of humeral shaft fracture in children during the epidemic period.
Extensive Cavitary Fungal Pneumonia in A Patient With COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Iqbal Madiha , Sethi Sher Muhammad , Hanif Sadaf , Ameen Abdullah
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Reproductive Toxicity of Chronic Exposure To Polystyrene Microplastics And The Molecular Mechanism of Decrease In Testosterone Levels In Male Mice
Authors: Jin Haibo , Yan Minghao , Pan Chun , Liu Zhenyu , Sha Xiaoxuan , Jiang Chengyue , Li Luxi , Pan Mengge , Li Dongmei , Han Xiaodong , Ding Jie
Published: July 2021

Background: Microplastics (MPs), which are smaller in size and difficult to degrade, can be easily ingested by marine life and enter mammals including human through the food chain. Previous study has demonstrated that acute exposure to MPs induced a reduction of testosterone levels and finally resulted in male reproductive toxicity. Therefore, assessing the harm that MPs dose to the male reproductive system under long-term exposure of environmental concentrations and comprehending the mechanism from cell and molecularlevels are necessary.Results: We affirmed that male reproductive toxicity of chronic exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) in environmental pollution concentrations and explored the underlying mechanism of MPs-induced decrease of testosterone in mice. Polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) treatment resulted in the destruction of testicular histology, abnormal spermatogenesis, and interference of hormone secretion in serum. PS-MPs induced a reduction of testosterone levels through downregulation of LH-mediated LHR/cAMP/PKA/StAR pathway. Moreover, we discovered that PS-MPs attached to and became internalized by Leydig cells.Conclusions: In summary, our study showed that PS-MPs existed toxicity to male reproduction under long-term exposure and environmental pollution concentrations, and these potential hazards may ring alarm bells of public health. As well, the discussing of molecular mechanisms may be instructive to search novel therapeutic targets.
miR-17~92 Promotes Progression of ABC-DLBCL Lymphoma via Regulation of Canonical NF-kB Signaling
Authors: Wang Xianhuo , Wang Huaqing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Bi Chengfeng , McKeithan Timothy W. , Huang Xin , Meng Bin , Chan Wing C. , Vose Julie M. , Zhang Huilai , Fu Kai
Published: July 2021

Background: Activated B-cell like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma characterized by constitutive NF-κB activation. Nevertheless, the role and mechanisms of miR-17~92 in contributing to the NF-κB activation in ABC-DLBCL are still elusive. Methods: The expression of miR-17~92 primary transcript (MIR17HG) and NF-κB target genes was determined using RNA-sequencing. The expression of miR-17~92 was performed using microarray analysis. Plasmids carrying conditional over-expression and loss-of-function of miR-17~92 were respectively constructed and dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the target gene of miR-17~92. Immunoprecipitation and polyubiquitination were further used to the study of potential mechanisms.Results: Expression of MIR17HG was positively correlated with NF-κB activity, miR-17~92 activated the NF-κB signaling in ABC-DLBCL, and its over-expression promoted ABC-DLBCL cell growth, accelerated cell G1 to S phase transition and enhanced cell resistance to NF-κB inhibitor. Importantly, miR-17~92 promoted NF-κB activation through directly targeting multiple ubiquitin-editing regulators to lead to increase the K63-linked polyubiquitination and decrease the K48-linked polyubiquitination of RIP1 complex in ABC-DLBCL. We further found that miR-17~92 selectively activated IκB-α and NF-κB p65 but not NF-κB p52/p100, and high miR-17~92 expression was also associated with poorer outcome in ABC-DLBCL patients. Conclusions: Taken together, miR-17~92 selectively activate the canonical NF-κB signaling via targeting ubiquitin-editing regulators to lead to constitutively NF-κB activation and poorer outcome, which is an innovative function of miR-17~92 and previously unappreciated regulatory mechanism of NF-κB activation in ABC-DLBCL. Targeting miR-17~92 may thus provide a novel bio-therapeutic strategy for ABC-DLBCL patients.
Differential Performance of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin and Cystatin C to Predict Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Peng Ling , Chen Xiaohong , Fu Yanhong , Yang Yuwei , Feng Jiafu
Published: July 2021

Objective Both cystatin C (CysC) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are markers of kidney injury and may also be marker candidates for neuroinflammation. The aim of this article is to explore the relationship between kidney injury and ischemic stroke (IS).Methods 498 IS patients were enrolled, and 173 IS-related disease control (DC) patients and 293 healthy control (HC) subjects were randomly selected. We analyzed the relationship between the levels of serum kidney function markers (including NGAL, Cre, Ure, CysC and eGFR) and the occurrence of IS.Results When they were admitted to the hospital, the NGAL level of patients with first-onset IS was higher than that of both HC group (z=5.964, P<0.001) and DC (z=12.191, P<0.001); The level of CysC of them was higher than that of HC group (z=5.762, P<0.001), and was the similar with that of DC group (z=1.663, P=0.289). The partial correlation coefficient between NGAL and the occurrence of IS was the highest (rp=0.341, P<0.001) in IS patients with normal kidney function. However, the partial correlation coefficient between CysC and IS was the highest (rp=0.460) , P<0.001) in IS patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). For patients with normal kidney function, only NGAL was a risk factor for IS [OR(95%CI)=6.54(3.75,11.41)], and had the certain predictive performance AUC=0.734(z=12.928, P<0.001). However, for CKD patients, CysC has better predictive performance for IS occurrence AUC=0.835 (z=11.343, P<0.001) and risk assessment ability [OR(95%CI)=5.97(2.45, 14.56)] than NGAL.Conclusion IS is related to kidney injury and neuroinflammation. NGAL and CysC are suitable for IS prediction in patients with normal kidney function and CKD, respectively. Researchers should pay attention to the changes of NGAL and CysC for the prevention and treatment of stroke in these two types of patients, respectively.
Dynamic Analysis and Cryptographic Application of a Sinusoidal-polynomial Composite Chaotic System
Authors: Zhu Hegui , Ge Jiangxia , Qi Wentao , Zhang Xiangde , Lu Xiaoxiong
Published: July 2021

Owning to complex properties of ergodicity, non-periodic ability and sensitivity to initial states, chaotic systems are widely used in cryptography. In this paper, we propose a sinusoidal--polynomial composite chaotic system (SPCCS), and prove that it satisfies Devaney's definition of chaos: the sensitivity to initial conditions, topological transitivity and density of periodic points. The experimental results show that the SPCCS has better unpredictability and more complex chaotic behavior than the classical chaotic maps. Furthermore, we provide a new image encryption algorithm combining pixel segmentation operation, block chaotic matrix confusing operation, and pixel diffusion operation with the SPCCS. Detailed simulation results verify effectiveness of the proposed image encryption algorithm.
A case of severe open bite malocclusion with crowding and short roots treated by two-jaw surgery including four-piece LeFort I osteotomy
Authors: Hoshijima Mitsuhiro , Oka Naoki , Matsumura Tatsushi , Iida Seiji , Kamioka Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAppropriate operations in severe anterior open bite (AOB) cases are extremely complicated to perform because of the multiple surgical procedures involved, difficulty of predicting posttreatment aesthetics and high relapse rate.Case reportWe herein report a 16-year-old girl with skeletal Class II, severe AOB malocclusion and crowding with short roots and aesthetic and functional problems. Four-piece segmental LeFort I osteotomy combined with a posterior horseshoe-like osteotomy was performed for maxillary intrusion, and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and genioplasty were performed for mandibular advancement. The malocclusion and skeletal deformity were significantly improved by the surgical orthodontic treatment. Functional and aesthetic occlusion with an improved facial profile was established, and no further root shortening was observed. Acceptable occlusion and dentition were maintained after a two-year retention period.ConclusionThis strategy of surgical orthodontic treatment with a complicated operative procedure might be effective for managing severe AOB malocclusion.
Outcomes of Multiple Gestation Births Compared to Singleton: Analysis of Multicenter KID Database
Authors: Thekkeveedu Renjithkumar Kalikkot , Dankhara Nilesh , Desai Jagdish , Klar Angelle L , Patel Jaimin M
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe available data regarding morbidity and mortality associated with multiple gestation births is also conflicting and contradictingObjectiveTo compare morbidity, mortality, and length of stay (LOS) outcomes between multiple gestation (twin, triplet and higher-order) and singleton births.Methods Data from national multicenter Kids’ Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from the years 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2016 were analyzed using complex survey design using SAS. Neonates with ICD9 and ICD10 codes indicating singletons, twins or triplets, and higher-order multiples were included. Mortality was compared between these groups after excluding transfer outs to avoid duplicate inclusion. To analyze LOS, we included inborn neonates, and excluded transfers and who died inpatient and any neonates who appear to have been discharged less than 33 weeks PMA. The LOS was compared by gestational age groups. ResultsA total of 22,853,125 neonates were analyzed for mortality after inclusion-exclusion; 2.96% were twins, and 0.13% were triplets or more. A total of 22,690,082 neonates were analyzed for LOS. Mean GA, expressed as mean (SD), for singleton, twins and triplets were 38.30(2.21), 36.39 (4.21), and 32.72(4.14), respectively. The adjusted odds for mortality were similar for twin births compared to singleton (aOR: 1.004, 95% CI:0.960-1.051, p=0.8521). The adjusted odds of mortality for triplet or higher-order gestation births were higher (aOR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.128-1.575, p =0.0008) as compared to singleton. Median LOS (in days) was significantly longer in multiple gestation compared to singleton overall (Singletons: 1.59 [1.13, 2.19] vs twins 3.29 [2.17, 9.59] vs triplets or higher order multiples 19.15 [8.80, 36.38], p <.0001), and this difference remained significant within each GA category. ConclusionMultiple gestation births have higher mortality and longer LOS when compared to singleton births. This population data from multiple centers across the country could be useful in counseling parents when caring for multiple gestation pregnancies.
An Open-Label Single-Arm Clinical Trial of Propranolol Cream in Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Nagata Eiko , Kashiwagura Yasuharu , Okada Eisaku , Tanaka Shimako , Sano Shinichiro , Nishida Mitsuhiro , Hayano Satoshi , Iwashima Satoru , Hakamata Akio , Odagiri Keiichi , Inui Naoki , Watanabe Hiroshi , Umemura Kazuo , Uchida Shinya
Published: July 2021

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common tumor in infants that gradually resolves and is often followed up for observation. However, for cosmetic reasons, parents often opt for treatment. Oral propranolol, the first-line therapy for IH, shows several side effects, including hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoglycemia. No clinical studies on topical propranolol have been conducted using standardized procedures. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical propranolol in patients with IH. This multicenter, open-label phase II study was conducted from June 2019 to December 2020 and involved 8 Japanese infants aged 35–150 days with proliferating IH. Patients were treated with 5% propranolol cream twice daily. We examined the efficacy rate based on central evaluation (complete or near-complete healing of the target hemangioma) at weeks 24 and 12, respectively, compared to baseline values. The efficacy rate at week 24 was 68.8% (95% confidence interval: 44.1–85.9%). The surface area, maximum diameter, and color intensity of the target IH decreased over time. Adverse event and drug-related adverse event rates were 87.5% and 0%, respectively. Propranolol cream (5%) is effective and safe in Japanese patients with IH and may be considered a first-choice treatment for small and superficial IHs in cosmetically problematic areas.Trial registration numberThe trial is registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs 041190041).Full date of first registration: 11/06/2019Web link: https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs041190041
A Study of Prevalence and Factors Associated with Geriatric Impairment: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in India
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Chauhan Shekhar , Patel Ratna , Simon David Jean
Published: July 2021

Background: Increasing life expectancy and declining fertility, resulting from improved healthcare systems worldwide, has resulted in a growing elderly population. The paradigm shift of the population towards the aged has tremendous health implications. Therefore, this study intends to examine the five domains of geriatric impairment: physical, cognitive, hearing, vision, and speech impairment. Methods: The prevalence and factors associated with geriatric impairment were examined in this study by utilizing Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave-I data. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used as study tools. Results: The study has demonstrated that higher age had a gradient of negative impact on the older adults, although for the unadjusted model. Results found that female elderly (OR=0.81; C.I.= 0.68-0.97) and educated elderly likely (OR=0.57; C.I.= 0.32-1.02) were less likely to report geriatric impairment than their respective counterparts. Conclusion: There is a need to building partnerships to develop effective programs tackling impairment among the elderly. Launching programs that provide education for older adults to elicit potential health benefits may reduce impairment progression.
Vector-GMA: A New Easy Method for Analyzing Morphometric Data
Authors: Kopylov Dmitry S.
Published: July 2021

The new method of geometric morphometric analysis, called Vector-GMA is proposed. Unlike the classic TPS-based GMA, the new method allows considering missing and inapplicable landmarks and analyzing articulated structures. It also contains a set of tools for analyzing particular morphological features and searching for promising identification characters. The results of the analysis can be easily converted into phylogenetic matrix and analyzed with phylogenetic software. For the case study, the fore wings of all Cretaceous ichneumonids are analyzed.
Cognitive dysfunction associated with COVID-19: a comprehensive neuropsychological study
Authors: Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Valles-Salgado Maria , Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Yus Miguel , Gómez-Ruiz Natividad , Jorquera Manuela , Polidura Carmen , Gil María José , Marcos Alberto , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Matias-Guiu Jordi A
Published: July 2021

Objective. Recent evidence suggests that patients suffering post-acute COVID syndrome frequently report cognitive complaints, but their characteristics and pathophysiology are unknown. This study aims to determine the characteristics of cognitive dysfunction in patients reporting cognitive complaints after COVID-19 and to evaluate the correlation between cognitive function and anxiety, depression, sleep, and olfactory function.Methods. Cross-sectional study involving 50 patients with COVID-19 reporting cognitive complaints 9.12±3.46 months after the acute infection. Patients were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological protocol, and scales of fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep and an olfactory test. Normative data and an age- and education matched healthy control group were used for comparison. Results. COVID-19 patients showed a diminished performance on several tests evaluating attention and executive function, with alterations in processing speed, divided attention, selective attention, visual vigilance, intrinsic alertness, working memory, and inhibition; episodic memory; and visuospatial processing. Cognitive performance was correlated with olfactory dysfunction and sleep quality, but not with anxiety or depression.Conclusions. Patients with COVID-19 reporting cognitive symptoms showed a reduced cognitive performance, especially in the attention-concentration and executive functioning, episodic memory, and visuospatial processing domains. Future studies are necessary to disentangle the specific mechanisms associated with COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction.
Study on the Responsion of Biochemical Composition of S. acuminatus Biomass during the Spray Drying Process
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Gong Ting , Li Jing , Pan Bo , Hu Qiang , Duan Ming , Zhang Xuezhi
Published: July 2021

Spray drying is a very popular method for microalgal biomass drying, however, systematic research on the responsion of biochemical composition during the process of spray drying has not been addressed so far. This study investigated the influence of the inlet temperature and initial solid content on the biochemical composition of spray dried Scenedesmus acuminatus biomass. The fatty acid composition and contents of CHNS, lipid, carbohydrate, protein, starch and pigments were analysed to characterize the quality and bioactivity of dried product. Results showed that the moisture content of dried microalgal powder decreased with the increase of inlet temperature and initial solid content, and the lowest moisture content of 2.37% with a higher drying yield of 84% was achieved at the optimized inlet temperature of 220°C and initial solid content of 16%. The biochemical compositions of CHNS total lipids, carbohydrates, protein, starch and fatty acid were similar with those dried by freeze drying, and were barely altered during the process of spray drying. However, the pigment would be partly degraded as the inlet temperature increased, which could be alleviated by increasing the initial solid content of the microalgal suspension due to the protection of cell aggregates. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) further confirmed that spray drying didn’t affect the quality of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, suggesting that spray-drying technique could be applied to S. acuminatus for the production of both biofuels and nutritional supplements. These results may serve as a reference for the selection of drying method, utilization of the nutritional components in S. acuminatus and selection of biochemical parameters for spray-drying performance evaluation.
Contrasting Effects of Plant-Soil Feedbacks on Growth and Morphology of Two Clonal Plants
Authors: Xue Wei , Huang Lin , Sheng Wei-Jia , Zhu Jia-Tao , Li Shu-Qi , Yu Fei-Hai
Published: July 2021

AimSoil abiotic and biotic conditions are often spatially variable, challenging plants with a heterogeneous environment consisting of favorable and unfavorable patches of soil. Many stoloniferous clonal plants can escape from unfavorable patches by elongating stolon internodes, but aggregate in favorable ones through shortening stolon internodes. However, whether these plants can use their stolons to respond to plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) is largely unknown. MethodsIn the conditioning phase, we grew either Hydrocotyle vulgaris or Glechoma longituba clonal plants separately in mesocosms to condition bulk soil. In the feedback phase, we grew connected mother and daughter ramets of each species in soil inoculated with the unsterilized or sterilized soil conditioned by conspecifics. We grew the plants for 12 weeks and measured the growth of the mother and daughter ramets separately. ResultsThe daughter ramets of H. vulgaris produced more biomass but shorter stolon internodes when grown in soil with sterilized inocula than with unsterilized inocula. However, no difference was found between the daughter ramets of G. longituba grown in soil with unsterilized and sterilized inocula. For both species, no significant difference was found between the mother ramet or between the daughter ramets when the mother ramet was grown in soil with sterilized and unsterilized inocula. Conclusions﻿The daughter ramets rather than the mother ramet of H. vulgaris experienced negative biotic PSFs. However, PSF had no effects on the daughter or mother ramet of G. longituba. Moreover, physiological integration or plasticity in stolon internode lengths cannot help H. vulgaris alleviate the negative PSFs.
Breakdown Voltage Enhancement of Al0.1Ga0.9N channel HEMT With Recessed Floating Field Plate
Authors: Natarajan Ramkumar , Parthasarathy Eswaran
Published: July 2021

In this paper, electrical and microwave characteristics of Al0.1Ga0.9N channel HEMTs was reported. The device performance were evaluated for conventional gate, field plate gate, and recessed floating field plate with Silicon nitride (SiN)/Hafnium oxide (HfO2) passivation. The recessed floating field plate HEMT with gate length LG = 0.8 µm, gate to drain distance LGD = 1 µm, and HfO2(SiN) passivation HEMT reports peak drain current density (IDS) of 0.282(0.288) A/mm at VGS = 0V, three terminal off-state breakdown voltage (VBR) of 677 (617) V, 6.38 Ω.mm of ON-resistance (RON), transconductance (gm,max) of 93(95) mS/mm, and FT/FMAX of 11.4/49 (12/22) GHz. The HfO2 (SiN) passivation device demonstrated the Johnson figure of merit (JFoM)) of 7.71 (7.404) THz.V and FMAX x VBR product of 33.173 (13.574) THz.V. The high JFoM along with high FMAX x VBR indicates the potential of the ultrawide bandgap AlGaN HEMTs for future power switching and high-power microwave applications. The proposed device DC characteristics are validated with reported expeimental work, which shows similar IDS and 54% and and 31% improvement in breakdown voltage on comparisons with conventional HEMT.
High Plasma Llevels of Aβ1-42 Affect Monocytes and Macrophages via Biphasic Effects on Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Granulocyte-Monocyte Progenitors in Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Chunrong , Liu Kangding , Zhu Jie , Zhu Feiqi
Published: July 2021

Backgroud: Microglia play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Plasma Aβ1-42 levels significantly increase 15 years before the onset of dominantly inherited AD. The effects of high plasma levels of Aβ1-42 on monocytes and macrophages, the hematogenous counterparts of microglia, remain unclear. Methods: We investigated the effects of plasma Aβ1-42 on peripheral monocytes and macrophages in three animal models, including 7- and 11-month-old female APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic (Tg) mice, wild-type (Wt) parabiotic with Tg (paWt(Wt-Tg)) mice, and Wt mice. Results: We found that high plasma levels of Aβ1-42, in younger (7-month) AD mice significantly decreased the amounts of pro-inflammatory macrophages, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMP), and the plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). In older (11-month) AD mice, high plasma levels of Aβ1-42 significantly increased the amounts of pro-inflammatory macrophages, MDSCs, GMPs, the plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and the brain infiltration of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). However, high plasma levels of Aβ1-42 consistently increased the amounts of monocytes and the proliferation of bone marrow cells (BMCs) without affecting the phagocytic function of macrophages on Aβ1-42. Conclusion: The response of mouse AD model suggests that a high plasma level of Aβ1-42 affects monocytes and macrophages via its biphasic effects on MDSCs and GMPs. We suggest that intervening in the effects of plasma Aβ1-42 on monocytes and macrophages might offer a new therapeutic approach to AD.