bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques to Assess Proprioceptive Impairments of the Upper Limb after Stroke
Authors: Hossain Delowar , Scott Stephen , Cluff Tyler , Dukelow Sean
Published: April 2022

Background
Proprioception is commonly impaired after stroke. Robotic tools precisely measure multiple attributes of position sense and create large datasets. Previously, we quantified individual performance based on single measured robotic parameters and an overall task score in an arm position matching (APM) task. In the present manuscript, we used machine learning and deep learning techniques to classify whether individuals had a stroke or not based on their robotic APM task performance.
Methods
Participants performed an APM task in the Kinarm exoskeleton robot that produced 12 parameters to quantify multiple attributes of position sense. We first quantified impairment in individual parameters and overall task score by determining if participants with stroke fell outside of the 95% cut-off score of control (normative) values. Then, we applied five machine learning algorithms: Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Random Forest with Hyperparameters Tuning, and Support Vector Machine; and a deep learning algorithm: Deep Neural Network, to classify individual participants as to whether or not they had a stroke based only on robotic assessment results using a 10-fold cross-validation approach.
Results
We recruited 429 participants with neuroimaging confirmed stroke (< 35 days post-stroke) and 465 healthy controls. Depending on the APM parameter, we observed that 10.9–48.4% of stroke participants were impaired. Using the overall task score, 44% were impaired. The mean performance metrics of machine learning and deep learning models were: accuracy 82.4%, precision 85.6%, recall 76.5%, and F1 score 80.6%. All machine learning and deep learning models displayed similar classification accuracy; however, the Random Forest model had the highest numerical accuracy (83%). Our models showed high sensitivity and specificity (AUC = 0.89) in classifying individual participants based on their performance in the APM task. We also found that variability was the most important feature of classifying performance in the APM task.
Conclusion
Our machine learning and deep learning models displayed similar classification accuracy. Each model classified more participants correctly as stroke or control than classification of impairment based on individual parameters or overall task score using a cut-off score. Machine learning and deep learning techniques may provide opportunities to better understand proprioceptive impairments after stroke.
Diagnostic guidance for patients with persistent pulmonary abnormalities after COVID-19 infection: the potential benefit of 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT
Authors: Sviridenko Anna , Boehm Anna , Santo Gianpaolo Di , Uprimny Christian , Nilica Bernhard , Fritz Josef , L.Giesel Frederik , Haberkorn Uwe , Sahanic Sabina , Decristoforo Clemens , Tancevski Ivan , Widmann Gerlig , Loeffler-Ragg Judith , Virgolini Irene
Published: April 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related pneumonia challenges clinical practice. We explore the potential diagnostic benefit of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in order to establish the underlying inflammatory or fibrotic repair processes in prolonged structural lung abnormalities in COVID-19 patients.Methods: Six post-COVID-19 patients suspected for pulmonary fibrosis were scheduled for dual tracer PET/CT with 18 F-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) and 68Ga-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-46. The uptake of 68 Ga FAPI-46 in the involved lung was compared to a control group of nine non COVID-19 patients. Clinical data and PET/CT imaging were collected and analysed.Results: PET/CT revealed in all six pulmonary impaired patients the reduced glucose avidity on 18 F-FDG and clear positivity on 68 Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Indicating fibrotic repair mechanisms, 68 Ga-FAPI PET/CT may enhance non-invasive clinical diagnostic performance, drive therapeutic interventions, and facilitate therapeutic response monitoring in patients with long-term CT-abnormalities after severe COVID-19.
Low-temperature Argon Plasma Jet with Cascading Electrode Technique for Biological Applications
Authors: Ghomi Hamid , Seyfi Pourya , Keshavarzi Maryam , Zahedi Saeed , Khademi Ahmad
Published: April 2022

In this study, the design, performance, and characteristics of a low-temperature argon plasma jet with cascading electrode technique (APJCE) are presented. APJCE is designed based on a tip-ring structure with a cascading ring. The effect of plasma jet driven by repetitive high-voltage microsecond pulses in APJCE structure was measured qualitatively in local surface temperature detection system. Then, by applying the generated plasma jet to biological surface and measuring and characterizing the electrical parameters, we obtained a plasma jet, which is electrically and thermally in the cold plasma regime. Simulation of the electric field distribution in the nozzle also yielded similar results to the experimental results. Finally, by cascading electrodes, we were able to guide the plasma column to the nozzle output so that the plasma temperature in four centimeter of the nozzle output is 37℃. The resulting plasma jets were studied by atomic emission spectroscopy and the intensity of the spectral lines of the atmospheric argon plasma jet spectra was obtained as a final experimental result at the output.
Pilot study of home phototherapy for neonatal jaundice monitored in maternity ward during the enforced Italy-wide COVID-19 national lockdown
Authors: Zanardo Vincenzo , Guerrini Pietro , Sandri Andrea , Ramon Clara Maria , Severino Lorenzo , Garani Gianpaolo , Mesirca Paolo , Straface Gianluca
Published: April 2022

Purpose In Italy, where neonatal jaundice treatment is required, it is largely carried out in hospitals. However, it is possible to safely administer home phototherapy (HPT). We report our pilot centre’s experience of HPT and its potential benefits during the COVID-19 enforced national lockdown. Methods This is an observational study performed at the Policlinic Abano Terme, a suburban hospital that covers a large catchment area near the Euganean Hills in Northeast Italy with around 1,000 deliveries per year. HPT was started after regular nursery discharge, and the mothers brought the neonates back to the hospital maternity ward each day to check infants’ bilirubin levels, weight, and general state of health, until it was deemed safe to stop. The efficacy of HPT in bilirubin reduction, hospital readmission rates, and parental satisfaction were evaluated.Results 30 infants received HPT. In 4 of these infants HPT was associated with total serum bilirubin (TSB) between 75th and 95th percentile (high- intermediate-risk zone) and in 26 infants HPT was associated with TSB >95th percentile (high-risk zone) of the Bhutani nomogram. Among these 30 infants, 27 (90%) completed the HPT with a progressive decrease of TSB levels with 4 neonates requiring a second course and 3 infants requiring a third course of 24-hour HPT. 3 (10%) neonates failed HPT and were readmitted after one 24-hour phototherapy course. No abnormalities of breastfeeding, body weight (defined as >10% decrease), temperature, nor COVID infections were detected following HPT consultation in the neonatal ward. Home treatment efficacy with varying degrees of parental satisfaction occurred in all but 3 cases that involved difficulties with the equipment and inconsistent lamp manipulation practices. Conclusions Our pilot study suggests that HPT for neonatal jaundice can be carried out effectively and with parental satisfaction as supported by daily back bilirubin monitoring in the maternity ward during the enforced COVID-19 national lockdown in Italy.
Temperature effects on root exudation in mature beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests along an elevational gradient
Authors: Leuschner Christoph , Tückmantel Timo , Meier Ina C
Published: April 2022

Aims: Root exudation is an important process with presumed large impact on soil biological activity and nutrient cycling. Recent advances in in situ-measurement techniques have enabled deeper insights into the impact of tree root exudation on rhizosphere processes, but the abiotic and biotic controls of exudation rate remain poorly understood. We explored the temperature dependence of exudation of mature beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees.Methods: We measured fine root exudation in seven beech forests along an elevational gradient (310-800 m a.s.l.) and related C-flux rates to prevailing and mean summer temperatures (MST), soil moisture, soil chemistry, and root morphological traits. Results: Average mass-specific exudation (averaged over all sampling dates) ranged from 12.2 µg C g-1 h-1 to 21.6 µg C g-1 h-1 with lowest rates measured at highest elevations and peak rates at mid elevation (490 m). Regression analyses showed a highly significant positive effect of prevailing air and soil temperature on exudation rates (p <0.01) with an average increase by 2 µg C g-1 h-1 per 1 °C temperature increase, identifying temperature as the most influential factor among the tested climatic, edaphic and root morphological parameters. Relations to soil moisture, mean annual precipitation, topsoil N concentration (all negative), and specific root length and soil pH (positive) were less tight, the relation to MST insignificant. Conclusions: Root exudation of beech trees is to a considerable extent controlled by prevailing temperature, whereas the dependence on the site’s average summer temperature is weak.
The Roles of APOBEC-mediated RNA Editing in SARS-CoV-2 Mutations, Replication and Fitness
Authors: Kim Kyumin , Calabrese Peter , Wang Shanshan , Qin Chao , Rao Youliang , Feng Pinghui , Chen Xiaojiang S.
Published: April 2022

During COVID-19 pandemic, mutations of SARS-CoV-2 produce new strains that can be more infectious or evade vaccines. Viral RNA mutations can arise from misincorporation by RNA-polymerases and modification by host factors. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 sequence from patients showed a strong bias toward C-to-U mutation, suggesting a potential mutational role by host APOBEC cytosine deaminases that possess broad anti-viral activity. We report the first experimental evidence demonstrating that APOBEC3A, APOBEC1, and APOBEC3G can edit on specific sites of SARS-CoV-2 RNA to produce C-to-U mutations. However, SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral progeny production in Caco-2 cells are not inhibited by the expression of these APOBECs. Instead, expression of wild-type APOBEC3 greatly promotes viral replication/propagation, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 utilizes the APOBEC-mediated mutations for fitness and evolution. Unlike the random mutations, this study suggests the predictability of all possible viral genome mutations by these APOBECs based on the UC/AC motifs and the viral genomic RNA structure.
Is primary anastomosis a safe procedure? Comparison between primary anastomosis without diverting stoma and Hartmann’s procedure for colorectal perforation: A single- center, retrospective study
Authors: omoto ryosuke , Takeyama Hiroshi , Noura Shingo , Suzuki Yozo , Odagiri Kazuki , Yanagimoto Yoshitomo , Yamashita Masafumi , Shimizu Junzo , Imamura Hiroshi , Iwazawa Takashi , Tomita Naohiro , Dono Keizo
Published: April 2022

BackgroundHartmann’s procedure (HP) has been performed for colorectal perforation to avoid the risk of anastomotic leakage. Few reports have compared the safety between primary anastomosis without diverting stoma (PAWODS) and HP for colorectal perforation, and whether PAWODS or HP should be performed has remained controversial. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of performing PAWODS in comparison to HP for colorectal perforation.Methods We retrospectively collected the data of 97 consecutive patients with colorectal perforation who underwent surgery from April 2010 to December 2020. PAWODS and HP were performed in 51 and 46 patients, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes of patients treated with PAWODS with those treated with HP . ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, low serum albumin (hazard ratio [HR]=3.49 [95%CI=1.247-9.757] P=0.017) and left-sided colon and rectum perforation (HR=16.8 [95%CI=1.792-157.599] P=0.014) were significantly associated with the decision to perform HP. There was significant difference in the mortality of the two groups (PAWODS vs. HP: 0% vs. 8.7%; P=0.047). The severe morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo III-V) was significantly higher in the HP group (PAWODS vs. HP: 10% vs. 30%; P=0.020). In the PAWODS group, anastomotic leakage occurred in 5 of 51 patients (9.8%), 4 (8.7%) of whom required re-operation.ConclusionsIn appropriately selected patients, PAWODS could be safely performed with an acceptable rate of anastomotic leakage. The serum albumin level and site of perforation may be simple and useful factors for guiding decision-making on the surgical procedure.
Intrusion Detection Using Rule Based Approach in RPL Networks
Authors: Muniyal Balachandra , Belavagi Manjula C
Published: April 2022

To satisfy the growing need of wireless sensor networks in areas of defence, Internet of Things, health care, environmental monitoring, and so on., IETF has proposed a new Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy networks which works with IPv6. The nodes of these network are placed in vulnerable environments and critical,sensitive information is transferred between them based on the application. Hence, the security of such a network is very important. Intrusion Detection System plays an important role in providing security to such types of networks, which is computationally costly owing to the limited resources of sensor nodes. By considering the capabilities of wireless sensor networks, an intrusion detection model is designed using Logistic Regression, Gaussian Naive Bayes, Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machine and Random Forest and analyzed on IEEE-IoT-IDS, WSN-DS, and simulated data. Based on the analysis, suitable machine learning algorithm is selected for rule generation. Later, multiple attacks are identified using Rule Based Approach (RBA). For the efficient utilization of the sensor node s energy, the rule based algorithm executes at the base station. Experimental results show that the proposed method gives good results in the identification of multiple intrusions.
The impact of community-based health insurance on health service utilization and financial risk protection in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Yibeltal Kiflie , Dessie Ermias , Medhin Girmay , Birhanu Negalign , Hotchkiss David R. , Teklu Alula Meressa , Kiros Mizan
Published: April 2022

Background: Evidence on the effectiveness of community-based health insurance (CBHI) in low-income countries is inconclusive. This study assessed the impact of CBHI on health service utilization and financial risk protection in Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study nested within a larger national household survey in 2020. Data was collected from three groups of households - CBHI member households (n = 1586), non-member households from CBHI implementing woredas (n = 1863), and non-member households from non-CBHI implementing woredas (n = 789). Indicators of health service utilization, out-of-pocket health spending, catastrophic health expenditure, and impoverishment due to health spending among CBHI members were compared with non-members from CBHI implementing woredas and households from non-CBHI implementing woredas. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to account for possible selection bias.Results: The annual number of OPD visits per capita among CBHI member households was 2.09, compared to 1.53 among non-member households from CBHI woredas and 1.75 among households from non-CBHI woredas. PSM estimates indicated that CBHI members had 0.36 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.44) and 0.17 (95% CI: -0.04, 0.19) more outpatient department (OPD) visits per capita per year than their matched non-member households from CBHI-implementing and non-CBHI implementing woredas, respectively. CBHI membership resulted in a 28–43% reduction in annual OOP payments as compared to non-member households. CBHI member households were significantly less likely to incur catastrophic health expenditures (measured as annual OOP payments of more than 10% of the household’s total expenditure) compared to non-members (p < 0.01).Conclusion: CBHI membership increases health service utilization and financial protection. CBHI proves to be an important strategy for promoting universal health coverage. Implementing CBHI in all woredas and increasing membership among households in woredas that are already implementing CBHI will further expand its benefits.
Tunable multi-band switch with uncoupled graphene-based metamaterial patches
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Hu Zheng-Da , Chen Yuxuan , Zhang Bolun , Wang Jicheng
Published: April 2022

We present the tunable multiple plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) in the terahertz region by using a metamaterial made of two graphene bands and a graphene square ring. As the different modes of multiple PIT effects are independent of each other, the physical mechanism behind multiple PIT effects can be revealed by CMT theory. The PIT window changes significantly with the Fermi energy levels and structural parameters of graphene. The both three resonant frequencies increase linearly with the parameters and the Fermi energy changing, which can exhibit high sensitivities and figure of merit (FOM). Meanwhile, the amplitude modulation system can reach 99.63%, which can achieve excellent photoelectric switching. In addition, the group index can be as high as 2739. Therefore, the graphene-based metamaterial could be widely used in switches, modulators, excellent slow-light functional devices and filters in the terahertz region.
Professional Identity Formation, ProfessionaLism, Leadership And Resilience (PILLAR) in Medical Students: methodology and early results
Authors: Ryan A , Hickey A , Harkin DW , Boland F , Collins ME , Doyle F
Published: April 2022

Background
The fundamental role of medical education is the transformation of student to doctor, through a process of education and professional identity formation (PIF), which can be informed by several educational, behavioural and emotional factors. PIF has been deemed to be of equal importance to the acquisition of clinical knowledge and skills, and includes constructs such as professionalism, leadership and resilience. We aimed to assess PIF, ProfessIonaLism, Leadership And Resilience (PILLAR) in the junior years of medical school in the 2020/2021 academic year and illustrate the potential role of quantitative assessment to demonstrate progression in these areas. In this research, we provide the methods and baseline results for the PILLAR study.
Methods
We implemented a compulsory assessment in pre-clinical years of graduate entry and direct entry medicine in the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. Validated scales were used to assess students’ PIF, professional behaviours, resilience and leadership. Descriptive and univariable statistical techniques were used to compare student scores between respective years.
Results
1,311 students (92% response rate) provided their consent for research. For the psychometric scales, there were no evident trends among years on these assessment measures. Results indicated significant differences in all measures however, these did not correspond to ascending year of seniority.
Conclusion
While PIF is considered difficult to assess, PILLAR may indicate a formal mechanism of quantitative assessment, while also allowing students to track their own progress over time in relation to their peers. The lack of a clear sequential pattern from junior to more senior years may indicate the need for more formal curriculum input into each of these areas.
Genome-wide association study identifies new loci for 1000-seed weight in Brassica napus
Authors: Liu Haijiang , Wang Jingchi , Zhang Bingbing , Yang Xinyu , Yuan Pan , Ding Guangda , Wang Sheliang , Cai Hongmei , Wang Chuang , Xu Fangsen , SHI LEI
Published: April 2022

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is an important oilseed crop worldwide and 1000-seed weight (SW) is the important determinant of seed yield of B. napus. To elucidate the genetic mechanism of SW and mining candidate genes, a panel of 403 diverse B. napus accessions was screened in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 5.58 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study identified 340 SNPs significantly associated with SW by general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM). Through GWAS combined with transcriptome data, two significantly differentially expressed genes were identified as candidate genes (BnaA02g06870D and BnaC06g28920D). Candidate gene association analysis and haplotype analysis showed that the inbred lines carrying ACCC at BnaA02g06870Hap1 and TTGG at BnaC06g28920Hap1 had greater SW than lines carrying other haplotype alleles. Candidate genes and favourable haplotypes identified in this study will be useful for large-seed breeding of B. napus.
A global view on TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis of rat livers during acute hypoxia
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Zhan , Chen Wen-jie , Xin Ming-yuan , Gao Shen-han , Wang Kai-kun , Liu Wen-jing , Ma Jing-wei , Tidwell Tawni , Ren Yan-ming
Published: April 2022

Background: Acute hypoxia consistently results in altitude sickness and can be fatal. Until present, no studies focusing on global proteomic changes induced by acute hypoxia have been reported. Here, we combined animal experiments and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis to identify metabolic changes as a result of acute hypoxia. Methods: We first generated a rat model under acute hypoxia conditions, and combined animal experiments and TMT-based proteomics to identify metabolic changes under acute hypoxia. Then we used qPCR analyses to validate the key regulators, and present a schematic model of acute reactions occurring in the livers of rats subjected to acute hypoxia challenge. Results: We identified a large number of acute hypoxic responsive proteins in diverse biological pathways, which helped unveil the different mechanisms involved in hypoxia responses in rats. These pathways included those of peroxisome, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, lipid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and amino acid metabolism. According to data obtained from proteomic analysis, rats were able to maintain normal physical activity as a response to acute hypoxia by activating their catabolic capacity in order to get more energy (e.g., lipolysis and amino acid catabolism), and decreasing biosynthesis to reduce energy consumption (e.g., biosynthesis of amino acids and lipids). Conclusions: We identified a large number of acute hypoxia-responsive proteins associated with diverse biological pathways, and showed rats quickly respond to acute hypoxia by activating lipid biosynthesis to increase lipid storage, and reducing lipolysis to reduce energy consumption. The observed hypoxia-related changes in the liver proteome of rats provide a deeper understanding on the mammalian response to hypoxia.
A cross-sectional study design to assess the determinants of the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months who returned to Gedeo after being internally displaced in the Guji-Gedeo conflict, in Gedeb district, SNNPR, Ethiopia: Bayesian Binary Logistic Regression Approach
Authors: Genoro Belayneh , Legesse Alemayehu , Haile Arega , Tesfaye Adene
Published: April 2022

Background: The Guji-Gedeo conflict has gradually become the main cause of displacement in the Gedeb district, with 274,548 internally displaced persons (IDPs). Malnutrition is exacerbated in areas affected by conflict. Children affected by the conflict face an imbalanced burden of malnutrition and health problems. The purpose of the current study was to identify determinant factors associated with the nutritional status of the children (aged 6 to 59 months) who returned to the Gedeb District after being internally displaced in Guji-Gedio.Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 6-59 months aged children who returned to the Gedeb district after being internally displaced in Guji-Gedio was conducted from December 2020- to February 2020. A bayesian binary logistic parametric regression model was applied to model the effects of selected demographic, socioeconomic, health, and environmental factors. An inference was made using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach.Results: Malnutrition was found to be prevalent in Gedeb district at 45.9 percent. The covariates such as sex: female (OR: 1.358, CI : 0.584, 3.158), birth Interval: less than 24 month (OR: 3.73, CI: 0.6, 22.9), 24 – 47(OR: 2.12, CI: 0.34, 13.263), birth order: 4 – 5(OR: 0.802, CI: 0.19, 3.338), 6 and above (OR: 1.9, CI: 0.479, 7.675), mother's education level: read and write(OR: 0.490, CI: 0.072, 3.346), primary(OR: 0.266, CI: 0.043, 1.664), secondary and above(OR: 0.25, CI: 0.025, 2.45), place of residence: urban(OR:0.399, CI: 0.098, 1.631),toilet: improve(OR: 0.84, CI: 0.265, 2.66 ), mother body mass index: normal(OR:0.777, CI: 0.332, 1.81 ) and diarrhea: yes(OR: 1.2, CI: 0.218, 2.354) were the most important determinants of children nutritional status in Gedeb district. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of malnutrition in Gedeb district is about 46%. Covariates such as sex, birth interval, birth order, mother's education level, place of residence, toilet, mother's body mass index, and diarrhea were statistically related to malnutrition. Creating awareness in society related to those factors associated with child malnutrition should be further motivated. Also, to reduce childhood malnutrition, due emphasis should be given to improving the knowledge and practice of parents on appropriate young child feeding practices and frequent growth monitoring together with appropriate and timely interventions.
Silver nanoparticles and Griess reaction in determination of bisphenol A
Authors: Shariati-Rad Masoud , Ebrahimi Asma
Published: April 2022

In this work, we introduced two colorimetric methods to determine Bisphenol A (BPA) in water samples using silver nanoparticles (AgNP) prepared by walnut carbon dot and Griess reaction. Therefore, firstly the optimal medium was selected based on acidic, neutral and alkaline media. In determination by AgNPs, the optimal order of addition of the reagents was obtained as: sample containing BPA, sodium hydroxide and AgNP. In the presence of 100 microliter of synthesized AgNPs, the highest variation in the AgNP spectrum while BPA is added was observed. In the presence of BPA, the yellow color of AgNP is faded. In this method, a linear range of 1.0–16.0 ppm and LOD of 0.68 ppm was obtained. In Griess method, nitrite and 2-nitroaniline were used as reagents and BPA act as analyte. In the method, for reaction and observing the color, sample containing BPA was added to the reaction mixture (nitrite and 2-nitroaniline with concentrations of 0.60 M and 0.072 M, respectively). Response surface methodology was used to investigate the Griess reaction. According to the results, the lower the concentration of 2-Nitroanilin and the higher the concentration of nitrite the better the response and the clearer the color change. With Griess reaction, linear range and LOD were 3.0–25.0 ppm and 0.65 ppm of BPA, respectively. Real water sample and spiked samples were analyzed by proposed method which results were satisfactory.
Preliminary comparison of modified extraperitoneal free-PORT single incision technique and transabdominal multi-incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Wang Dong , Ren Shangqing , Ou Yong , Wang Yaoqian , Wei Yi , Luo Cheng , Yang Bo , Yuan Jiazheng , Lv Qian , Zhou Fang , Chen Zhengjun , Nie Yu , Lin Jie , Wu Yilei , Yang Bo , Fan Shida
Published: April 2022

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of modified single-incision technique without special extraperitoneal PORT with that of transperitoneal multi-incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and to explore the feasibility and safety of this innovative technique. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on 259 cases who received robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the Robot Minimally Invasive Center of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2018 to August 2021. Among them, there were 147 cases with no special PORT extraperitoneal single incision (Group A) and 112 cases with multiple incisions by transperitoneal method(Group B). The differences in age, PSA level, Gleason score, prostate volume, body mass index, clinical stage, lower abdominal operation history, and lymph node dissection ratio between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). All operations were performed by the same operator. Results: In this study, all the 259 operations were completed successfully and there was no conversion. There was no significant difference in transperitoneal blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, positive rate of incision margin, indwelling time of urinary catheter, satisfaction rate of immediate urine control, satisfaction rate of urine control 3 months after operation, positive rate of postoperative lymph node pathology and postoperative pathological stage between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in operation time, postoperative exhaust time and incision length (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Modified extraperitoneal no special PORT single incision technique is safe and feasible for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and its curative effect is similar to that of transperitoneal multi-incision RARP. It has the advantages of short operation time, less impact on gastrointestinal tract and more beautiful incision. The long-term effect of treatment needs to be further confirmed by prospective studies.
Genetic characterization and pathotypical analysis of two strains of pigeon Newcastle disease virus of Jiangsu in China
Authors: Qian Jing , Liu Xue , Tang Zhengxu , Wang Jiankun , Wang Yongshan , Wang Wei , Chen Pengju , Zhou Hongbo
Published: April 2022

Pigeon Newcastle disease (ND) is a severe infectious disease caused by pigeon Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1). Genotype VI NDV is a major cause of ND in Columbiformes (i.e. pigeons and doves). In this study, two strains of NDV (Pigeon/China/JS/VI-NJ/2006 and Pigeon/China/JS/VI-HZ/2017) were isolated from diseased pigeons. The virus particles were about 120 nm observed under the transmission electron microscope. The MDT and ICPI values of the two viruses were typically mesogenic. The amino acid sequence at cleavage site of F protein of Pigeon/China/VI-NJ/2006 and Pigeon/China/VI-HZ/2017 strains were 112RRQKRF117 and 112KRQKRF117, with the molecular characteristics of virulent strains. The whole genome homology analysis showed that the two strains had high homology with strains of genotype VI (92.52%~99.13%). Furthermore, based on the phylogenetic tree of the F gene, Pigeon/China/VI-NJ/2006 and Pigeon/China/VI-HZ/2017 were closely related to the sub-genotype VI 2.1.1.2.1 and VI.2.2.2, respectively. The comparison of the amino acid positions of the F and HN proteins from Pigeon/China/JS/VI-HZ/2017 strain showed that there were four mutant sites (20, 22, 235, 514) on the F protein and four mutant sites (253, 280, 288, 326) on the HN protein, demonstrating that genetic variation had occurred. The survival rate of pigeons infected with the two strains were 40% and 20%, with lesions in multiple tissues, indicating that these strains had strong ability to spread and high pathogenicity. In summary, the results showed that the prevalence of genotype VI NDV was contributed by strains from diverse sub-genotypes, suggesting the importance of pigeon NDV surveillance in China.
Recombinant oncolytic adenovirus combined with cyclophosphamide induces synergy in the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Zuo Shuting , Zhang Yan , Li Shanzhi , Yao Wei , Shi Ying , Du Tonghua , Li Yiquan , Jin Ningyi , Li Xiao
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Oncolytic virus therapy has gradually become an important approach in cancer treatment. We intend to explore the therapeutic effects of the combination of a dual cancer-selective anti-tumor recombinant adenovirus (Ad-Apoptin-hTERTp-E1a) and cyclophosphamide on breast cancer cells.Methods: The inhibition of Ad-Apoptin-hTERTp-E1a (Ad-VT), cyclophosphamide, and Ad-VT + Cyclophosphamide on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were investigated by the CCK-8 assay. According to the inhibition rate of different treatment combinations, the combination index (CI) was analyzed and calculated using the CalcuSyn software to determine the best combination. The CCK-8 assay and crystal violet staining were used to detect the cytotoxicity of the combination Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide in breast cancer cells and breast epithelial cells. Subsequently, hoechst staining, Annexin V flow cytometry and JC-1 staining were used to analyze the inhibitory pathway of the combination Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide on breast cancer cells. Cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells were detected using cell-scratch and Transwell assays. The antitumor effect of different treatment groups on tumor-bearing nude mouse model were also analyzed. Results: The results showed that the treatment combination of Ad-VT (40 MOI) and cyclophosphamide (400 µM) significantly inhibited MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and reduces the toxicity of cyclophosphamide in normal cells. Ad-VT mainly induces breast cancer cell apoptosis through the endogenous apoptotic pathway. This apoptotic effect is significantly increased after Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide combined treatment. This combination significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Then in vivo experiments showed that treatment combination of Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended the survival time of mice.Conclusions: The results showed that the combination of Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide had the effects of reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency in the treatment of breast cancer cells.
Genetic variation at IL7 provides mechanistic insights into toxicity to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Fairfax Benjamin , Taylor Chelsea , Watson Robert , Tong Orion , Ye Weiyu , Nassiri Isar , Gilchrist James , Aires Alba Verge de los , Sharma Piyush , Koturan Surya , Cooper Rosalin , Woodcock Victoria , Jungkurth Elsita , Shine Brian , Coupe Nicholas , Payne Miranda , Naranbhai Vivek , Groha Stefan , Emery Paul , Mankia Kulveer , Freedman Matthew , Choueiri Toni , Middleton M , Gusev Alexander
Published: April 2022

Although treatment with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has transformed outcomes for patients with melanoma (1, 2), it frequently triggers immune related adverse events (irAEs), causing serious morbidity and presenting a major hurdle to immuno-oncology (3, 4). The degree to which germline genetic variation predisposes to irAEs is unknown. Here, studying a cohort of 214 patients receiving ICB for melanoma, we observe increased risk of severe irAEs in carriers of the minor allele of rs16906115, intronic to IL7. We find rs16906115 forms a B cell specific expression quantitative trait locus to IL7 in patients only, with risk allele carriers demonstrating increased B cell IL7 expression, immunoglobulin class switching and somatic hypermutation. Notably, increased B cell IL7 expression is independently associated with risk of irAEs. Consistent with the role of IL-7 in T cell development, risk allele carriers have distinct ICB induced CD8+ T cell subset responses, with allelic effects on gene expression and clonality. Risk allele carriers display significantly reduced CD8+ T cell mitotic responses to ICB, with skewing of T cell clonality and increased counts of large clones previously associated with disease response. These observations highlight key roles for both B cells and IL-7 in ICB response and toxicity, and demonstrate the power of agnostic human genetic studies to reveal novel determinants of response to cancer immunotherapy.
New Evidence for Irrigation Systems in Kashgar
Authors: Fletcher Richard N.
Published: April 2022

The importance of Kashgar has been associated with its position on the Silk Road. It is located in a physical bottleneck between the Pamir Mountains to the south and the Tianshan Mountains to the north. It is very much a crossroads, with both northern and southern Silk Routes passing through, with historical evidence for destinations for the caravans that passed through to Central Asia, India, Pakistan, Persia, and China. Most importantly, it was an oasis in the midst of the vast desert of the Tarim Basin, with its irrigated fields producing a wealth of goods and livestock. The basis for that wealth, that agricultural wealth, and for all that made Kashgar important in trade and as a hub on the Silk Road, was the system of irrigation. This paper adds to our knowledge of that system by identifying previously unknown evidence for karez in Kashgar. While this is an important addition, it is only an initial investigation, and indicative of the value of the work which remains to be done. A more exhaustive analysis of satellite images is required, and fieldwork is needed to proof what is seen and provide further evidence for construction and chronology.
Earliest evidence for surgical amputation
Authors: Maloney Tim , Dilkes-Hall India , Vlok Melandri , Oktaviana Adhi , Setiawan Pindi , Priyatno Andika , Ririmasse Marlon , Geria I. Made , Effendy Muslimin , Istiawan Budi , Atmoko Falentinus , Adhityatama Shinatria , Moffat Ian , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Brumm Adam , Aubert Maxime
Published: April 2022

The prevailing view regarding the evolution of medicine is that the emergence of agricultural societies around 10,000 years ago (the ‘Neolithic Revolution’) gave rise to a host of health problems that were previously unknown among non-sedentary foraging populations, stimulating the first major innovations in prehistoric medico-socio-cultural practices1,2. Such changes included the development of more advanced surgical procedures, with the oldest known indication of an ‘operation’ formerly held to consist of a farmer with a surgically amputated arm from a Neolithic site in France, dating to around 7,000 years ago3. This accepted case of amputation would have required comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy and considerable technical skill and has thus been viewed as the earliest evidence in world history for a complex medical act3. Here, however, we report the discovery of skeletal remains from Borneo of a young individual who had their lower left leg surgically amputated, probably as a child, at least 31,000 years ago. The individual survived the surgical procedure, living for at least another six to nine years before intentional burial within Liang Tebo cave—located in East Kalimantan, in a limestone karst area that hosts some of the world’s earliest dated rock art4. This unexpectedly early evidence for successful limb amputation implies that modern human foraging groups had developed sophisticated medical knowledge and skills long before the Neolithic farming transition.
Influence of doping novel perimidine ruthenium complexes on structural, optic, and residual stress properties of ZnO thin films
Authors: Acikgoz Abuzer , Demircan Gokhan , Yalcin Serife , Aytar Emine , Balak Mehmet Vehbi , Aktas Bulent
Published: April 2022

Novel perimidine ruthenium complexes ([Ru(L1-2)(p-cymene)Cl]Cl) were synthesized and these synthesized Ruthenium (Ru) complexes were added to ZnO at content of 2, 4, 6 wt.% to fabricate Ru-doped ZnO thin films by the sol-gel spin-coating method. These films were characterized using XRD, SEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra. All of the films possessed a hexagonal wurtzite structure, according to XRD data. The observed stress was compressive, except for the A4 sample, and ranged from 0.21 GPa to 2.117 GPa as the ruthenium content increased from 0–6%. Residual stress values of Ru-doped ZnO thin films showed a lower value than pure ZnO film. It was obtained that the crystalline quality tended to improve as well as lower residual stress with increasing Ru amount. In the visible range, all the films exhibited approximately transmittance greater than 70%. Further, the optical bandgap was 3.20 eV for pure ZnO and all Ru-doped films' bandgap had between 2.76 and 3.18 eV. This research shows that new high conjugated structures are promising as dopant materials for the ZnO thin film, and good crystalline and optical properties could be obtained from the Ru doped ZnO films prepared by sol-gel for nano-optoelectronic devices.
Molecular characterization of a putative alphapartitivirus from Impatiens balsamina L.
Authors: Zheng Yun , Zhang Daoshun , Wang Haoran , Wei Yan , An Hongliu , Gou Jianyu , Fang Shouguo , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Songbai
Published: April 2022

Two double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that likely represent the genome of an alphapartitivirus tentatively named impatiens cryptic virus 1 (ICV1) were recovered from a symptomless Impatiens balsamina L.. DsRNA1 (2008 bp) codes for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of ICV1, which shares <83% amino acid sequence identities with the RdRp of other alphapartitiviruses. DsRNA2(1906 bp) codes for the capsid protein (CP) of ICV1, which shares <60% amino acid sequence identities with the CP of other alphapartitiviruses. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that ICV1 is closely related to plant alphapartitiviruses including vicia cryptic virus, beet cryptic virus 1, carrot cryptic virus and white clover cryptic virus 1. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with primers specific for dsRNA1 or dsRNA2 showed that ICV1 is common in I. balsamina from a wide range of places of China.
Brain white matter hyperintensities in Kawasaki disease: a case-control study
Authors: Laukka Dan , Parkkola Riitta , Hirvonen Jussi , Ylikotila Pauli , Vahlberg Tero , Salo Eeva , Kivelev Juri , Rinne Jaakko , Rahi Melissa
Published: April 2022

Cerebrobascular involvement of Kawasaki disease (KD) is poorly studied. White matter hyperintensities (WMH) indicate cerebral small vessel disease and increases risk for stroke. We investigated if childhood KD is associated with WMHs later in adulthood. In this case-control study, patients diagnosed with KD (cases) at our tertiary hospital between 1978 and 1995 were invited to brain magnetic resonance (MRI) between 2016 and 2017. Migraine patients (controls) with available brain MRI were matched with cases (ratio 4:1) by age (±2 years) and sex. Two blinded neuroradiologists evaluated independently the brain MRI scans. Modified Scheltens’ visual rating scale was used to evaluate WMH burden. Mean age (years, [SD]) at the time of brain MRI was 33.3 [3.8] and 32.8 [4.0] for cases (n=40) and controls (n=160), respectively (P=.53). Mean follow-up time for cases was 29.5 years [4.3]. Cases had higher total WMH burden (P=.003), deep WMH burden (P=.003), and more periventricular WMHs (prevalence 7.5% vs. 0%, P=.008) than controls. Myocarditis at the acute phase of KD increased risk for periventricular WMHs (P<.05). None of the cases had symptomatic ischemic stroke. History of KD could be associated with increased WMH burden. More studies are needed to confirm our results.
Cellular prion protein offers neuroprotection in astrocytes under oxidative stress
Authors: Cerchiaro Giselle , Marques Caroline M. S. , Gomes Rafael N. , Pedron Tatiana , Batista Bruno L.
Published: April 2022

The cellular prion protein (PrPC), in its native conformation, performs numerous cellular and cognitive functions in brain tissue. However, despite the cellular prion research in recent years, there are still doubts about its activities and how its molecular interface occurs in oxidative and neurodegenerative processes. Also, its metal-protein interaction is not apparent. This study aims to elucidate the participation of PrPC in the neuroprotection cascade in the presence of oxidative stressors. For that, astrocytes from wild-type mice and knockout to PrPC were subjected to the induction of oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and with the toxic oligomer of the beta-amyloid protein (Aβo). We observed that the presence of PrPC showed resistance in the cell viability of astrocytes. It was also possible to monitor changes in basic levels of metals and associate them with an induced damage condition, indicating the precise role of PrPC in metal homeostasis, where the absence of PrPC leads to metallic unbalance culminating in cellular vulnerability to oxidative stress. Activation of specific proteins at different levels was also observed, such as caspase 3, Tau, p-Tau, p53, and Bcl2, which may establish a relationship between a PrPC and an induced damage condition. Complementarily, it has been shown that PrPC prevents the internalization of AβO and/or promotes its degradation under oxidative stress induction and thus prevents protein aggregation in astrocytes. It was also observed that the PrPC is responsible for translocating SOD1 to cell nuclei under conditions of oxidative stress, probably controlling DNA damage. The results obtained in this study proved that PrPC acts against oxidative stress, activating the cellular response and defense by displaying neuroprotection to neurons and ensuring the functionality of astrocytes.
Shell Powder as Source of Calcium in the Development of Gelidium Floridanum (Rhodophyta, Gelidiales) Tetraspores and Explants
Authors: Bruzinga Camila Pereira , Simioni Carmen , Hayashi Leila
Published: April 2022

This work aimed to improve the techniques for cultivating the species Gelidium floridanum, testing different sources of calcium. Tetraspores and explants were grown in the laboratory for 20 days with seawater enriched with 50% von Stosch solution and oyster or mussel shell powder (252 mg L− 1 and 336 mg L− 1), or calcium chloride (147 mg L− 1 and 295 mg L− 1). Tetraspores or explants cultivated with no calcium salts or shell powder were used as control. Tetraspores germination rate and morphology, and germlings morphology, average length, and growth rate were evaluated. Besides, the morphology, upright axes formation, and growth rate of explants were also evaluated. There was no difference in tetraspore germination among treatments and control. Treatments with shell powder impaired the tetraspores' viability, indicated by a greenish color, cellular disorganization, and delay in germ tube development. Germlings cultivated with CaCl2 show better initial development but with no improvement to control. Concerning explants, those cultivated with mussel shell powder showed the highest growth rate (3.92 and 4.28% day− 1, according to concentration) in relation to other treatments. In particular, those cultivated in 252 mg L− 1 showed a significant formation of upright axes (10.15 ± 0.85 upright axes) compared to the control (5.18 ± 0.42 upright axes). Based on the results, we recommend using mussel shell powder at a concentration of 252 mg L− 1 to optimize explant cultivation.