bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Diabetes Health Plan Have a Differential Impact on Medication Adherence Among Beneficiaries with Fewer Financial Resources?
Authors: Huang  , Turk MS Norman , Ettner Susan L. , Mangione  , Moin  , O'Shea  , Luchs MS Robert , Chan MS Charles , Duru
Published: June 2021

Background: The Diabetes Health Plan (DHP), a value-based insurance plan that reduces cost sharing, was previously shown to modestly increase employer-level medication adherence. However, it is unclear whether the DHP has a larger impact on individual-level medication adherence among lower- or higher-income beneficiaries. Methods: An employer-level propensity score match was done to identify suitable control employers, followed by individual-level propensity score weighting. These weights were applied to difference-in-difference (DID) models examining 1) the effect of the DHP and 2) the effect of income on changes in adherence to metformin, statins, and ACE/ARBs. The weights were then applied to a differences-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) model to estimate the differential impact of DHP status on changes in adherence by income group. This is a retrospective, quasi-experimental study.Results: There were no significant differences in changes to adherence for any medications between beneficiaries enrolled in the DHP versus standard plans. However, changes in adherence were higher for all medications among those in the highest income strata (>$75,000) versus those in the lowest income strata (<$50,000; p < 0.01). Finally, the DDD term examining the impact of income on the DHP effect was not significant for any comparisons. Conclusion: We did not find significant associations between the DHP and changes in individual-level medication adherence, even for low-income beneficiaries. New strategies to improve consumer engagement may be needed in order to translate value-based insurance designs into changes in patient behavior.
Contribution of Metasilicates Containing TENORM to Radon Activity Concentration in Building Materials
Authors: Nicolino Antonella , Ligato Mattia Rocco , Ferraro Mario , Procopio Salvatore
Published: June 2021

Radon exhalation from soil and ores is among the most dangerous risks for the public health care. The impact becomes even more powerful when technological enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) are used for public and private building. Here, we report the realization of a down-scaled model of a building, whose construction materials contain TENORM harvested in a site in Crotone (Italy). We observe an increase of the radon activity in the model when TENORM residues are employed. These results have then been compared to a real use case. The correspondence found between the values of radon activity concentration in the model and in the use case suggests that estimating the radon concentration is an useful method to target TENORM presence inside buildings.
Housing Situation, Residential Relationship And The Prevention Of Chronic Diseases Of The Elderly
Authors: Duan Yajun , Luo Juan
Published: June 2021

Background:To understand the impact of housing and living-related factors on the chronic diseases of the elderly floating population, and to provide preventive measures for reducing the risk of chronic diseases among the elderly floating population in my country.Methods: In this paper, we used the data from the 2017 National Floating Population Health and Family Planning Dynamic Detection Survey, selected housing and housing-related factors as explanatory variables, and adopted a binary logistic regression analysis method.Result: People living in free housing are more mobile and more susceptible to chronic diseases; most people in self-owned housing need to repay their mortgages in their daily lives, and there is a certain life pressure that affects them to enjoy a high-quality life; elderly floating population who migrate with spouses or children Life pressure is heavier, and there is a greater probability of chronic disease risk.Conclusion: This article proposes that all localities should strictly control housing prices, increase housing supply for the floating population, improve the service level of the elderly floating population, improve the social security system and mechanisms, and effectively improve the happiness of the elderly floating population.
Deep Learning Method for Quantitative Analysis of Covid -19 using CT Chest Images
Authors: Kumar Indrajeet , Rawat Jyoti
Published: June 2021

The manual diagnostic tests performed in laboratories for pandemic disease such as COVID19 is time-consuming, requires skills and expertise of the performer to yield accurate results. Moreover, it is very cost ineffective as the cost of test kits is high and also requires well-equipped labs to conduct them. Thus, other means of diagnosing the patients with presence of SARS-COV2 (the virus responsible for COVID19) must be explored. A radiography method like chest CT images is one such means that can be utilized for diagnosis of COVID19. The radio-graphical changes observed in CT images of COVID19 patient helps in developing a deep learning-based method for extraction of graphical features which are then used for automated diagnosis of the disease ahead of laboratory-based testing. The proposed work suggests an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technique for rapid diagnosis of COVID19 from given volumetric CT images of patient’s chest by extracting its visual features and then using these features in the deep learning module. The proposed convolutional neural network is deployed for classifying the infectious and non-infectious SARS-COV2 subjects. The proposed network utilizes 746 chests scanned CT images of which 349 images belong to COVID19 positive cases while remaining 397 belong negative cases of COVID19. The extensive experiment has been completed with the accuracy of 98.4 %, sensitivity of 98.5 %, the specificity of 98.3 %, the precision of 97.1 %, F1score of 97.8 %. The obtained result shows the outstanding performance for classification of infectious and non-infectious for COVID19 cases.
Pinpointing Synechococcus Rubisco Large Subunit Sections Involved in Heterologous Holoenzyme Formation in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Ong Wei Chi , Yap Moh Lan , Wong Hann Ling , Lim Boon Hoe
Published: June 2021

Background: Heterologous holoenzyme formation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) have been a challenge due to limited understanding of its biogenesis. Unlike bacterial Rubiscos, eukaryotic Rubiscos are incompatible with the Escherichia coli chaperone system to fold and assemble into the functional hexadecameric conformation (L8S8), which comprise eight large subunits (RbcL) and eight small subunits (RbcS). Our previous study reported three sections (residues 248-297, 348-397 and 398-447) within the RbcL of Synechococcus elongatus PCC6301 may be important for formation of L8S8 in E. coli. Present study further examined these three sections separately, by dividing them into six sections of 25 residues (i.e. residues 248-272, 273-297, 348-372, 373-397, 398-422 and 423-447). Methods and Results: Six chimeric Rubiscos with each section within the RbcL from Synechococcus replaced by their respective counterpart sequence from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were constructed and checked for their effect on holoenzyme formation in E. coli. Present study shows that Section 1 (residues 248-272; section of Synechococcus RbcL replaced by corresponding Chlamydomonas sequence), Section 2 (residues 273-297), Section 3 (residues 348-372) and Section 6 (residues 423-447) chimeras failed to fold and/or assemble despite successful expression of both RbcL and RbcS. Only Section 4 (residues 373-397) and 5 (residues 398-422) chimeras could form L8S8 in E. coli. Conclusion: As GroEL chaperonin mediates folding of bacterial RbcL in E. coli, residues 248-297, 348-372 and 423-447 of Synechococcus RbcL may be important for interacting with the GroEL chaperonin for successful holoenzyme formation in E. coli.
Can Environmental Regulation Promote Domestic Market Integration? Evidence From China
Authors: Lai Aolin , Yang Zhihui , Cui Lianbiao
Published: June 2021

While local protectionism and market segmentation owing to fiscal decentralization are not conducive to broad economic development, they may be rational choices on a local scale. Based on a spatial Durbin model, we analyzed the relationship between environmental regulations and market segmentation in China using interprovincial panel data for 2004–2018. The results indicated that the “beggar-thy-neighbor” phenomenon persists in China; environmental regulations have a U-shaped impact on market segmentation, i.e., in most regions, environmental regulations strongly promote local market integration. Regions with greater decentralization are better able to promote local market integration through environmental regulation, suggesting that local governments are better able to compensate for market failures when vested with greater power. Hence, we propose that the central government should improve performance evaluation indicators for local governments and grant them greater autonomy; additionally, local governments should increase the intensity of environmental regulations as appropriate, thereby promoting both environmental protection and the unification of domestic markets.
Debulking Operation, Radiation Therapy, and Sphincter-Sparing Local Wide Excision for The Lower Rectal Melanoma: A Case Report
Authors: Chiu Hao-Tse , Liu Tung , Wen Chia-Cheng
Published: June 2021

Background Rectal melanoma is a rare disease that accounts for about 1% of rectal cancers. Abdominoperineal resection was the standard surgical intervention for local control. However, it can lead to complications and reduce the quality of life due to colostomy. Debulking surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and sphincter-sparing wide local excision (WLE) were performed on a patient with rectal melanoma.Case presentationA case of a 79-year-old woman with anal pain and bloody stool for 1 month was reported in this study. The digital examination of the rectum revealed a big polypoid mass over the lower rectum. Stage II rectal melanoma was diagnosed by colonoscopy, biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. The patient initially received debulking surgery to relieve the symptoms of active bleeding followed by radiotherapy for the residual tumor with partial response. Finally, a sphincter-sparing WLE was performed for the residual tumor to preserve the anal function. The postoperative course went smoothly. No local recurrence and anal symptoms were observed during the 2-years follow-up period.Conclusions: Combining debulking surgery, RT, and WLE may be a viable alternative for rectal melanoma that cannot be completely resected at the beginning and accompanied by bleeding symptoms.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Caused by Tislelizumab and Axitinib
Authors: Sun Yang , Guo Yanjun , Wu Yaqing , Luo Ningning , He Xinjia
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy combinations have changed the treatment paradigm of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Notably, immunotherapy induces a new spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare and potentially fatal nervous system irAE. The activation of T-cell is considered a triggering factor of GBS. We herein reported a case of GBS-like syndrome during treatment of tislelizumab and axitinib in a patient with RCC. To our knowledge, this is the first report of tislelizumab-related GBS.
Self-Reported Accounts of Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatments: The Voice of Ghanaian Women
Authors: Asante-Afari Kwadwo , Darteh Eugene KM , Doku David Teye
Published: June 2021

Background: In Ghana, the infertility prevalence rate continues to be high. To avert this phenomenon, individuals with fertility challenges access assisted reproductive technology (ART). This paper explores the experiences of women who have undergone ART treatments. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, the paper explores the self-reported account of 35 women who have gone through assisted reproductive technology procedures and awaiting to be tested for pregnancy. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to explore women’s experiences. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data.Results: Findings from the study indicated that some women sought ART treatment to save their marriages from collapse while others indicated that pressure and demands from in-laws and families, as well as shame, forced them to utilise ART. Women who went through ART treatment services complained of the high cost of the treatment. As a result, some borrowed money from friends, family members, banks and in some instances sold their assets to pay for their treatments. Self-reported health implications such as anxiety, depression and changes in menstrual flows were reported by some women who went through the procedure. Other experiences such as sleeplessness, weight loss, joint pains, whole body pains, breast tenderness and bleeding were also reported. Women who went through the procedure also reported disruption in sexual life and daily routines activities.Conclusion: Undergoing ART treatment for infertility comes with experiences such as hospitalisation, disruption of work and daily activities, high cost, health and other implications. There is the need for patients to go through thorough counselling especially about the entire procedure and perceived implications associated with assisted reproductive technology treatments.
Investigating the Plant Growth Promoting and Biocontrol Potentiality of Endophytic Streptomyces sp. SP5 Against Early Blight in Tomato Seedling
Authors: Devi Sapna , Sharma Manish , Manhas Rajesh kumari
Published: June 2021

Background: Early blight (EB), caused by Alternaria solani, is one of the alarming diseases that restrict tomato production globally. Existing cultural practices and fungicide applications are not enough to control the early blight diseases. Therefore, the study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize an endophytic Streptomyces strain exhibiting the potential to control early blight in tomato and also promote plant growth. Results: From a Citrus jambhiri leaf, an endophytic Streptomyces sp. SP5 isolated with antagonistic activity against Alternaria solani, Colletotrichum acutatum, Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria brassicicola, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium moniliforme. It was identified as a Streptomyces sp. designated as SP5 through 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis. It also produced 40μg/ml indole acetic acid which was further confirmed by TLC and HPLC analyses. Treatment of pathogen infected plants with Streptomyces sp. SP5 antagonist (culture cells/culture supernatant/solvent extract/ acetone precipitates) decreased the early blight disease incidence and significantly increased the various agronomic traits Conclusion: The present study concluded that Streptomyces sp. SP5 possessed antifungal activity against different fungal pathogens and had significant potential to control early blight disease in tomatoes and also promote plant growth by producing IAA.
Which Sagittal Assessment System Can Effectively Predict the Risk of Mechanical Complications in the Treatment of Elderly Patients With Adult Degenerative Scoliosis? Roussouly Classification or Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP) Score
Authors: Sun Xiangyao , Sun Wenzhi , Sun Siyuan , Hu Hailiang , Zhang Sitao , Kong Chao , Lu Shibao
Published: June 2021

Background: In order to achieve the proper sagittal alignment, previous studies have developed different assessment systems for degenerative spinal deformity which could help us in making treatment strategies. The purpose of our study is to evaluate whether Roussouly classification or GAP score is more appropriate in the prediction of mechanical complications in the treatment of ADS.Methods: The ADS patients who received long segmental fusion in the treatment during the period from December 2016 to December 2018 were evaluated in this study. The basic information of the patients and all radiologic measurements, which were included in GAP score and Roussouly classification, were collected for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups according to occurrence or absence of mechanical complications for comparison. The correlation between evaluation systems and mechanical complications could be analyzed in logistic regression model via stepwise backward elimination based on the Wald statistics. ROC curve was used to determine the predictability of the evaluation systems in the occurrence of mechanical complications and calculate their cut-off value. A two-tailed P value < 0.05 was statistically significant for all statistical tests.Results: A total of 80 cases were included in this study. The results of logistic regression showed: GAP score (P = 0.008) and GAP categories (P = 0.007) were positively correlated with Mechanical complications; Roussouly score was negatively correlated with mechanical complications (P=0.034); GAP score was positively correlated with PJK (P = 0.021); Roussouly score was negatively correlated with implant-related complications (P = 0.018); GAP categories were correlated with implant loosening (P = 0.023). Results of ROC showed that GAP score was mostly effective in predicting PJK (AUC = 0.863) and PJF (AUC = 0.724); GAP categories (AUC = 0.561) was more effective than GAP score (AUC = 0.555) in predicting implant-related complications.Conclusions: Roussouly-type matching could not accurately predict the risk of mechanical complications. In contrast, GAP score was mostly effective in predicting PJK and PJF. The GAP score was better than Roussouly classification in predicting mechanical complications.
Development of Novel 2-Acetylphenol-O-Alkylhydroxyethylamine Derivatives as Multifunctional Agents for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Authors: zhu Gaofeng , li xinfeng , Yang Jing , he ying , mi jing , tang lei , sang zhipei
Published: June 2021

Due to the complex pathogenesis of AD, the multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy presented the best pharmacological option for AD treatment. Herein, a series of novel 2-acetylphenol-O-alkylhydroxyethylamine derivatives was rationally designed and synthesized. Of these derivatives, 5c was a good multifunctional agent (eeAChE IC50 =7.9 μM, MAO-B IC50 = 9.9 μM, BACE1 IC50 = 8.3 μM) in vitro and displayed a mixed-type AChE inhibition, which could bind to the CAS and PAS of AChE. Compound 5c also exhibited good antioxidant activity (ORAC = 2.5 eq) and neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, compound 5c was a selective metal ions chelator. And it could cross blood-brain barrier in vitro and complied with drug-like properties rule of 5. Therefore, compound 5c was a promising multifunctional agent for the treatment of AD.
Sintilimab, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Granulocyte-macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor as Second-line Therapy for Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Safety Run-in Results of a Multicenter, Single-arm, Phase II Trial
Authors: Ni Jianjiao , Zhou Yue , Wu Lin , Ai Xinghao , Dong Xiaorong , Chu Qian , Han Chengbo , Wang Xiaofei , Zhu Zhengfei
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The SWORD trial is the first multicenter, single arm, phase II study assessing the safety and efficacy of a PD-1 inhibitor (Sintilimab), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without sensitizing driver mutations. A safety run-in phase was conducted to determine the tolerability of the experimental treatment. Materials and Methods: Twenty metastatic NSCLC patients who failed first-line chemotherapy were enrolled, and they received SBRT (8Gy x 3) to one lesion, followed by Sintilimab (200 mg d1, every 3 weeks, until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 35 cycles) and GM-CSF (125 μg/m2 d1-d14, cycle 1) within 2 weeks after SBRT. In addition, blood and tissue samples were serially collected for translational research. Results: Median age of the patients was 61 and all of them had more than 5 lesions at baseline. The sites of SBRT included lung (n=11), mediastinal lymph node (n=5), liver (n=1), abdominal lymph node (n=1), pleural nodule (n=1) and vertebra (n=1). No patients had dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and 18 patients experienced treatment-related adverse event (TRAE). The most common TRAEs were fatigue (50%), fever (30%), and ostealgia (20%), and they all were grade 1. Only 2 grade 3 TRAEs were observed, including elevation of liver enzymes in one and transient acute heart failure in another. No grade 4 or 5 AE was observed. Conclusion: Sintilimab, SBRT and GM-CSF for advanced NSCLC is safe with manageable TRAEs and the trial continues to recruit participants. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04106180. Registered 26 September 2019, SBRT in Combination With Sintilimab and GM-CSF for the Treatment of Advanced NSCLC - Tabular View - ClinicalTrials.gov
An Investigation Towards Understanding the Role of CDH1 Gene in Different Types of Breast Cancers
Authors: Sengupta Antara , Banerjee Raja
Published: June 2021

At recent age breast cancer attracts the attention of both the medical and the scientific community for its deadly occurrence throughout the globe as it is considered to be happened due to genetic aberration. Out of several genes expressed, it is found that cadherin 1, type 1 (CDH1) is responsible in several ways to control the metabolic order in human. Very recently it has been shown that deregulation of the function of protein E-cadherin, expressed from CDH1 plays an important role in lobular breast cancer. In order to understand the root cause of this recent claim, we focus on CDH1 gene whether the genetic information translated due to any deviation/alteration/modification in its sequence is related for the occurrence of the several other types of this deadly disease. Towards this end, study of the available genomic sequences of CDH1 gene obtained from the Sanger Database for 79 patients, suffering from various types of breast cancer, clearly emphasizes that alternation/modification in the sequence of the CDH1 gene can be detrimental. This would affect the regular function of the cell which may have a potential role in damaging the different types of breast tissues, causing malfunction and leading to breast cancers.
Research a New Tradeoff Method Between Privacy and Utility in Differential privacy
Authors: sun panjun
Published: June 2021

The solution of the contradiction between privacy protection and data utility is a research hotspot in the field of privacy protection. Aiming at the problem of tradeoff between privacy and utility in the scenario of differential privacy offline data release, the optimal differential privacy mechanism is studied by using the rate distortion theory. Firstly, based on Shannon communication theory, the noise channel model of differential privacy is abstracted, and the mutual information and the distortion function is used to measure the privacy and utility of data publishing, and the optimization model based on rate distortion theory is constructed. Secondly, considering the influence of associated auxiliary background knowledge on mutual information privacy leakage, a mutual information privacy measure based on joint events is proposed, and a minimum privacy leakage model is proposed by modifying the rate distortion function. Finally, aiming at the difficulty in solving the Lagrange multiplier method, an approximate algorithm for solving the mutual information privacy optimization channel mechanism is proposed based on the alternating iterative method. The effectiveness of the proposed iterative approximation method is verified by experimental simulation. At the same time, the experimental results show that the proposed method reduces the mutual information privacy leakage under the condition of limited distortion, and improves the data utility under the same privacy tolerance
Double Flap Technique is an Effective Reconstruction Procedure After Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Saze Zenichiro , Kase Koji , Nakano Hiroshi , Yamauchi Naoto , Kaneta Akinao , Watanabe Yohei , Hanayama Hiroyuki , Hayase Suguru , Momma Tomoyuki , Kono Koji
Published: June 2021

Background

In accordance with an increase of proximal gastric cancer, proximal gastrectomy came to be widely performed. Several types of reconstructive procedures after proximal gastrectomy have been developed and it is still controversial which procedure has the advantages in preservation of postoperative gastric stump function and nutritional status after proximal gastrectomy. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed reconstructive procedures in our consecutive case series for proximal gastrectomy, with particular focus on postoperative body weight maintenance, nutritional status, and gastric remnant functional preservation.
Methods

We enrolled 69 patients who received proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in our institute from 2005 to 2020. Short-term complications, preservation of gastric remnant functions, nutritional status, and post-operative weight changes were compared.
Results

After proximal gastrectomy, the numbers of cases receiving Direct Esophago-Gastrostomy, Jejunal Interposition, Double Tract Reconstruction, and Double Flap Technique were 9, 10, 14, and 36, respectively. Double Flap Technique cases suffered no reflux esophagitis after surgery. Prevalence of gastric residual at 12-month after surgery of Double Flap Technique was the lowest. Double Flap Technique group has better tendency in post-operative changes of serum albumin ratios. Furthermore, post-operative body weight changes ratio of Double Flap Technique was the smallest and significantly better than Double Tract at all the time points.
Conclusions

Double Flap Technique after proximal gastrectomy was considered as the most effective reconstruction which can maintain body weight, cause less reflux esophagitis and gastric residual.
SARS-CoV-2 infection
studies in lung organoids
identify TSPAN8 as novel mediator
Authors: Roose Jeroen , Hysenaj Lisiena , Little Samantha , Kulhanek Kayla , Gbenedio Oghenekevwe , Rodriguez Lauren , Shen Alan , Lone Jean-Chrostophe , Lupin-Jimenez Leonard , Bonser Luke , Bahl Kriti , Mick Eran , Serwas Nina , Vivianne Dong , Li Jack , Maishan Mazharul , Matsumoto Shotaro , Fragiadakis Gabriela , Matthay Michael , Jablons David , Ott Melanie , Langelier Charles , Sil Anita , Krummel Matthew , Combes Alexis , Erle David , Kratz Johannes , Roose Jeroen
Published: June 2021

SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing a global pandemic with large variation in COVID-19 disease spectrum. SARS-CoV-2 infection requires host receptor ACE2 on lung epithelium, but epithelial underpinnings of variation are largely unknown. We capitalized on comprehensive organoid assays to report remarkable variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of lung organoids from different subjects. Tropism is highest for TUBA- and MUC5AC-positive organoid cells, but levels of TUBA-, MUC5A-, or ACE2- positive cells do not predict infection rate. We identify surface molecule Tetraspanin 8 (TSPAN8) as novel mediator of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is not downregulated by this specific virus. TSPAN8 levels, prior to infection, strongly correlate with infection rate and TSPAN8-blocking antibodies diminish SARS-CoV-2 infection. We propose TSPAN8 as novel functional biomarker and potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.
3D Cohesive Finite Element Minimum Invasive Surgery Simulation Based on Kelvin Voigt Model
Authors: Jiang Yonghang , Song Qinghua , Luo Xichun
Published: June 2021

Minimum Invasive Surgery is an important means of cytopathological examination. At present, there are few researches on three dimensional (3D) puncture simulation model base on suitable constitutive model, so a reasonable three dimensional puncture simulation model can reveal the internal deformation state of the tissue at the micro level. In this paper, a new viscoelastic constitutive equation suitable for muscle tissue and a method to define the fracture characteristics of muscle tissue material in the simulation process are proposed. The fracture of muscle tissue in contact with puncture needle is simulated by using the cohesive zone model, and a 3D puncture finite element model is established to analyze the deformation of muscle tissue. The stress nephogram and reaction force under different parameters were compared and analyzed to study the deformation of biological soft tissue, so as to guide the actual operation process and reduce pain.
Equol Production Status is An Effective Predictor of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Women
Authors: Akahane Takemi , Kaya Daisuke , Noguchi Ryuichi , Kaji Kosuke , Miyakawa Haruna , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Tsuji Yuki , Takaya Hiroaki , Sawada Yasuhiko , Furukawa Masanori , Kitagawa Koh , Ozutsumi Takahiro , Kawaratani Hideto , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: June 2021

Equol is a metabolite of daidzein, a major soybean isoflavone with estrogenic and antioxidant activities. As the production of equol depends on the presence of certain members of the intestinal microflora, not all individuals can produce equol. The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) increases in menopausal women, and estrogen is associated with the progression of NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, the status of equol production might also be related to the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH in women. We, thus, examined the relationship between NASH histological features and equol production. Thirty-eight NAFLD patients who underwent liver biopsy were included in this study. In women, the degree of fibrosis and ballooning in nonproducers was significantly higher than that in producers. The percentage of nonproducers with NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥5 was significantly higher than that of producers. None of the histological features were significantly different between nonproducers and producers in men. Decision tree analysis identified the predictors of NAS ≥5 in women. The status of equol production was the strongest predictor, followed by fasting glucose. Equol can be noninvasively detected in urine, suggesting its application as a screening test for predicting the diagnosis and progression of NASH in women.
Fine Mapping and Identification of the Candidate Gene BFS for Fruit Shape in Wax Gourd (Benincasa Hispida)
Authors: Cheng Zhikui , Liu Zhengguo , Xu Yuanchao , Ma Lianlian , Chen Jieying , Gou Jiquan , Su Liwen , Wu Wenting , Chen Yong , Yu Wenjin , Wang Peng
Published: June 2021

Fruit shape is an important agronomic trait in wax gourds [Benincasa hispida (Thunb) Cogn.]. However, the candidate genes for this important trait, and their genetic mechanisms, remain unknown. In this study, we identified a candidate gene for fruit shape in wax gourds using a next-generation sequencing-based bulked segregant analysis in F2 populations derived from a cross between GX-71 (long cylindrical fruit, FSI = 4.56) and MY-1 (round fruit, FSI = 1.06) genotypes. According to bulked segregant analysis, the candidate gene is located in the 17.18 Mb region on chromosome 2, and the kompetitive allele specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) marker was used to reduce it to the 19.6 Kb region. There is only one gene in the corresponding region of the reference genome, Bch02G016830 (designated BFS). We sequenced BFS in six wax gourd varieties with different fruit shapes. Sequence analysis showed that there were two non-synonymous mutations in the spherical wax gourd and one non-synonymous mutation in the cylindrical wax gourd. Quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression of BFS in round fruits was significantly higher than in long cylindrical fruits at the ovary formation stage. Therefore, BFS is a candidate gene for determination of the fruit shape of wax gourds. The predicted protein encoded by the BFS gene belongs to the IQD protein family, which have the structural characteristics of scaffold proteins and coordinate Ca2+ CaM signaling from the membrane to the nucleus. The BFS gene can assist with the breeding of new varieties that possess ideal fruit shapes.
Discrete Bright-dark Soliton Interaction Dynamic Behaviors for Nonautonomous 2+1-Dimensional Soliton Equation
Authors: Li Li , yu fajun
Published: June 2021

The non-autonomous discrete bright-dark soliton solutions(NDBDSSs) of the 2+1-dimensional Ablowitz-Ladik(AL) equation are derived. We analyze the dynamic behaviors and interactions of the obtained 2+1-dimensional NDBDSSs. In this paper, we present two kinds of different methods to control the 2+1-dimensional NDBDSSs. In first method, we can only control the wave propagations through the spatial part, since the time function has not effect in the phase part. In second method, we can control the wave propagations through both the spatial and temporal parts. The different propagation phenomena can also be produced through two kinds of managements. We obtain the novel "л"-shape non-autonomous discrete bright soliton solution(NDBSS), the novel "λ"-shape non-autonomous discrete dark soliton solution(NDDSS) and their interaction behaviors. The novel behaviors are considered analytically, which can be applied to the electrical and optical fields.
Smoking Related Attention Alteration in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Smoking Comorbidity
Authors: Zeng Feiyan , Hong Wei , Zha Rujing , Li Ying , Liu Ying , Liu Hao , Liu Mengqiu , Liu Mei , Xu Fei , Hu Daiju , Song Hongwen , Yu Yongqiang , Zhang Xiaochu
Published: June 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a respiratory disease that causes a wide range of cognitive impairments. Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-smoking comorbidity is common, the relationship between smoking and cognitive function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-smoking comorbidity remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 85 participants, including 42 patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(20 smokers and 22 non-smokers) and 43 healthy participants(22 smokers and 21 non-smokers). And we used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore effects of smoking on attention in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Behavioral analysis revealed that smokers had a shorter course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and showed a worse attention performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-smoking comorbidity compared to non-smokers. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis revealed that smokers showed lower regional homogeneity value of the fusiform gyrus in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-smoking comorbidity than non-smokers. Importantly, the regional homogeneity of the fusiform gyrus was positively associated with attention and mediates the effect of smoking on attention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In summary, our study provides behavioral and neurobiological evidence supporting the positive effect of smoking on attention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This may be helpful for understanding and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and even other diseases comorbid with smoking.
Terahertz Conductivity of Silver Nanowire Layers
Authors: Przewloka Aleksandra , Smirnov Serguei , Nefedova Irina , Krajewska Aleksandra , Nefedov Igor , Demchenko Petr , Zykov Dmitry , Chebotarev Valentin , But Dmytro , Stelmaszczyk Kamil , Lisauskas Alvydas , Oberhammer Joachim , Khodzitsky Mikhail , Knap Wojciech , Lioubtchenko Dmitri
Published: June 2021

We present the study of the influence of different thin silver nanowire layers on electrical and optical properties in the Terahertz (THz) frequency range. We demonstrate that the absorbance, transmittance and reflectance of the metal nanowire layers in the frequency range of 0.2~THz to 1.2~THz is non-monotonic and depends on the nanowire dimensions and density. We present and validate also a theoretical approach describing well the experimental results and allowing to model the THz response as function the nanowire layer structure. Our results pave the way toward the application of silver nanowires as a perspective material for transparent and conductive coatings, and printable antennas operating in the terahertz range – significant for future wireless communication devices.
Trend and factors associated with iron supplementation during pregnancy among women who had pregnancy in the preceding five years of the 2005, 2011 and 2016 EDHS: Multivariate decomposition analysis
Authors: Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Bekele Ermias
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Study estimated in 2019 iron deficiency related anemia accounts 1.89% and 1.07% of total disability adjusted life years (DALYS) to reproductive age women globally and sub saran Africa respectively. Anemia at the time of pregnancy may cause small sized baby, preterm birth, and perinatal, neonatal and maternal mortality. Iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy will minimize the risk of iron deficiency and risk of anemia.Methods: for this time series analysis, dataset of 2005, 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian demographic health surveys was used. A total weighted sample of 7234 in 2005, 7786 in 2011 and 7543 in 2016 are encompassed in this study. The Logit based Multivariate decomposition analysis for non-linear response outcome was calibrated to detect the factors contributed to the change in iron supplementation between 2005 and 2016 study period. The Logit based multivariate decomposition analysis utilizes the output from the logistic regression model to assign the observed change in iron supplementation over time into two components. Stata version 16.0 was used to analysis the data.Results: proportion of iron supplementation during pregnancy increased by more than a third (32%) between the period of 2005 and 2016. From the output of multivariate decomposition regression, major of the change in iron supplementation was due to change in coefficients. Women’s age, working s status and region of living (all except Dire Dawa) were variables as sources of change in iron supplementation under the category of change in coefficients. Additionally, age, region, wealth status, employment status/working status, ANC follow up to the last pregnancy and media exposure were variables attributable to the change of iron supplementation during pregnancy under the category of endowment. Conclusion: rate of iron supplementation at the time of pregnancy increased dramatically over the last decade in Ethiopia. Change in the proportion of women aged ≥ 35 years, population of each region, wealth status (poorer, middle & richer), working women, ANC follow up and media exposed as well as change in behavior of women aged ≥ 35 years, employed women and region of living were sources of change for iron supplementation between 2005 and 2016 period. Keywords: iron supplementation, trends, EDHS, Ethiopia, multivariate decomposition analysis
ReString – Automating Functional Enrichment Retrieval and Results Aggregation
Authors: Manzini Stefano , Busnelli Marco , Colombo Alice , Franchi Elsa , Chiesa Giulia
Published: June 2021

Functional enrichment analysis is an analytical method to extract biological insights from gene expression data, popularized by the ever-growing application of high-throughput techniques. Typically, expression profiles are generated for hundreds to thousands of genes/proteins from samples belonging to two experimental groups, and after ad-hoc statistical tests, researchers are left with lists of statistically significant entities, possibly lacking any unifying biological theme. Functional enrichment tackles the problem of putting overall gene expression changes into a broader biological context, based on pre-existing knowledge bases of reference: database collections of known expression regulation, relationships and molecular interactions. STRING is among the most popular tools, providing both protein-protein interaction networks and functional enrichment analysis for any given set of identifiers. For complex experimental designs, manually retrieving, interpreting, analyzing and abridging functional enrichment results is a daunting task, usually performed by hand by the average wet-biology researcher. We have developed reString, a cross-platform software that seamlessly retrieves from STRING functional enrichments from multiple user-supplied gene sets, with just a few clicks, without any need for specific bioinformatics skills. Further, it aggregates all findings into human-readable table summaries, with a built-in feature to easily produce user-customizable publication-grade clustermaps. Herein, we outline a complete reString protocol, showcasing its features on a real use-case.
Malignant Transformation Of Fibrous Dysplasia In Combination With Bone Cyst: A Case Report.
Authors: Xu Meitao , Wang Jiajia , Zhang Xi , wang xuquan
Published: June 2021

Background: Fibrous dysplasia and Simple bone cyst are all common benign lesions. A case of osteosarcoma developing from fibrous dysplasia in combination with unicameral bone cyst will be discussed. The radiologic, histologic characteristics and clinical prognostic of the patient will be described. As far as we know, this is the first case report of malignant transformation secondary to fibrous dysplasia in combination with unicameral bone cyst, which is extremely rare and worthy of clinical attention or vigilance. Case presentation: This study describes a case of a 20-years-old male who suffered a 7-years history of intermittent pain in his right proximal tibia, obvious after activity and progressively worsening. Clinical symptoms and imaging examination were consistent with the characteristics of benign primary bone tumor. He underwent a successful curettage operation. Pathological diagnosis was fibrous dysplasia in combination with unicameral bone cyst. After the curettage surgery, the pain in his right knee quickly disappeared and function activities returned to normal during a regular follow-up postoperative. However, He was diagnosed with a recurrence of fibrous dysplasia in combination with unicameral bone cyst and osteosarcoma malignant transformation by chief complaint symptoms of pain and swelling in the right proximal tibia, adequate imaging examination, and pathological diagnosis at 2 years follow-up. Then the patient undergo a limb salvage with tumor prosthesis reconstruction of the right knee. Unfortunately, multiple and unresectable lymph nodes distant metastases happened even with two weeks localized inguinal radiotherapy treatment and one course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy monthly. He eventually received cancer hospice care and died eight months after the diagnosis as malignant transformation and systemic multiple organ metastasis.Conclusions: Although malignant transformation of fibrous dysplasia in combination with unicameral bone cyst is very rare, patients with this disease should be monitored and received lifelong follow-up to obtain early detection, diagnosis and treatment to maximize the efficacy of treatment and survival time. The histological and immunohistochemical findings is very important but not enough. Further research is required to clarify the pathogenesis and prevent malignant transformation.
Case Report: A Rare Huge Giant Cell Tumor of the Proximal Tibia
Authors: Zheng Bingxin , Sun Lingling , Qu Guojian , Ren Chongmin , Yan Peng , Yue Bin
Published: June 2021

Background: Giant cell tumor of bone is a common primary borderline bone tumor, while giant cell tumor of bone in the extremities are generally not very large. Because most tumors have already been controlled by some treatments at the time of pain or finding the tumor. Huge giant cell tumors of bone in the limbs are very rare.Case presentation: We describe a case of a huge giant cell tumor of the proximal tibia with 6-year history and not receiving any treatment. It is not until the rupture and bleeding appeared that the patient is referred to the doctor, and amputation is the only treatment.Conclusions: This report suggests that although giant cell tumor of bone is a borderline tumor, early diagnosis and treatment are essential in order to improve patient prognosis.
A Case Report of Multifocal PEComa Affecting the Pancreas and Liver and a Literature Review
Authors: Guan Jian , Shen Guihua , Huang Wenting
Published: June 2021

Background: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare tumor derived from soft tissues and organs. Its morphology includes several types such as angiomyolipoma, lymphangiomyomatosis and pulmonary clear-cell “sugar” tumor with similar immunophenotype. Multifocal PEComa is a rarer lesion, which would cause confusion in imaging examination and clinical management. We reported a case of multifocal angiomyolipoma in pancreas and liver. At the same time, we reviewed the literature to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and possible pathogenesis of multifocal PEComa.Case presentation: A 28-year-old woman presented with a lesion in the head of the pancreas and liver 5/6 segment respectively, initially suspected of pancreatic tumor with liver metastasis. In the liver mass resection and pancreatic mass biopsy, it was found that the two lesions had similar pathological morphology. The tumor cells were mainly epithelioid and spindle cells arranged in nests pattern and partially radially distributed around blood vessels. The tumors had no malignant manifestations in morphology. Immunohistochemical assay showed that the tumor cells expressed melanocytic and smooth muscle markers. A diagnosis of pancreatic and liver angiomyolipoma was rendered.Conclusion: Based on the case we reported here and the other 12 cases we reviewed for the study, multifocal PEComa with no indications of malignancy based on morphology is biologically benign and has a good prognosis. The lesion may be caused by the blood dissemination of tumor cells rather than metastasis. Radical treatment should not be used in clinical management. In addition, follow-up for PEComa would be long-term, because a second PEComa lesion may appear many years later for the “benign” dissemination of tumor cells.