bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratospheric modulation of winter temperature trends in a warming climate
Authors: Butler Amy , Karpechko Alexey , Garfinkel Chaim
Published: July 2021

Variability in the circumpolar westerly winds of the Northern Hemisphere winter polar stratosphere-- the stratospheric polar vortex-- has a known downward influence on the extratropical surface climate on sub-seasonal timescales. On longer timescales, observed trends towards a weakening stratospheric polar vortex have been linked to cooling surface temperatures over Eurasia from 1990-2009. Here, we show that 10-40 year polar vortex weakening trends occur as often as strengthening trends in large-ensemble historical climate simulations, and that decadal variability in polar vortex trends is significantly linked to decadal variability in regional surface temperature trends across the Northern Hemisphere even as the climate warms. We find that 74% of ensemble members with cooling trends over Eurasia during an 1850-2099 climate simulation also exhibit a weakening polar vortex, while 70% of members with accelerated warming over Eurasia exhibit a strengthening polar vortex. Decadal variability in the polar vortex thus modulates extratropical anthropogenically-forced warming trends.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Version of the Resilience Scale for Children with Cancer
Authors: Chung Joyce Oi Kwan , Li William Ho Cheung , Wei Xia , Cheung Ankie Tan , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Chan Godfrey Chi-Fung
Published: July 2021

Background: To test the psychometric properties of a traditional Chinese version of the Resilience Scale for Children (RS-10) and examine its factorial structure via a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).Methods: One hundred and eighty-six Hong Kong Chinese children with cancer were recruited in the paediatric oncology units of two public acute-care hospitals in Hong Kong to participate in this cross-sectional study. The psychometric properties of the traditional Chinese version of the RS-10 were assessed, namely its content validity, convergent and discriminant validity, construct validity, internal consistency and test–retest reliability.Results: The newly translated traditional Chinese version of the RS-10 demonstrated adequate internal consistency, excellent test–retest reliability, good content validity and appropriate convergent and discriminant validity. The CFA results demonstrated that there was a good fit between the factor structure of the Chinese version of the RS-10 and the observed data, thereby confirming the construct validity of this instrument.Conclusions: The traditional Chinese version of the RS-10 was found to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing the resilience of Hong Kong Chinese children with cancer. The newly developed traditional Chinese version of the RS-10 is an appropriate clinical research tool for evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions in enhancing the resilience of and promoting mental well-being in children with cancer. Trial registration: NCT03544190
Seismic Behavior of Top-weld Bottom-bolt Joints between CFST Columns and H-beams
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Rong Xian , Zhang Xiaowei , Li Yanyan , Du Yansheng , Shi Xiaona
Published: July 2021

In recent decades, connections between concrete-filled steel tubular columns (CFST) and H-steel beams have been well designed and implemented. However, owing to poor construction quality, brittle failure often occurs at weld seams. In this study, an innovative joint was developed to connect CFST columns and H-steel beams using a top-weld bottom-bolt (TWBB) connection to minimize the effect of welding quality on the seismic resistance of joints. Six specimens were designed for cycle-reversed loading tests to discuss the seismic performance of this joint. Four configurations, including different connection methods, beam heights, column forms, and stiffener thicknesses, were considered in the test. The impacts of different configuration forms on the failure mode, strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation of the specimens were evaluated. The test results demonstrated that the columns with or without concrete had a significant effect on the deformation capacity. However, a smaller effect was observed on other indicators. The replacement of the through-diaphragm and an increase in the beam height adversely influenced the ductility of the joint. Moreover, changing the stiffener thickness and using a full-bolted connection affected the failure mode. The joint type analyzed in this study satisfies the strong column–weak beam design criterion and the related seismic provisions.
Mechanism of Gradient Strengthening Layer Formation Based on Microstructure and Microhardness of Inconel 718 Grinding Surface
Authors: Dong Zhigang , Xu Nianwei , Zhang Yuan , Han Lu , Kang Renke , Wu Xiaofeng , Wang Yan
Published: July 2021

Gradient strengthening layer will emerge on the grinding surface of Inconel 718 due to the difference of microstructure. The surface microstructure and microhardness are not independent of each other, and the microhardness is the embodiment of the microstructure evolution in the strength aspect. In this paper, the microstructure observation, microhardness experiments and strengthening theory were combined to analyze. The experimental results show that the grinding surface consists of grain refinement layer and high-density dislocation layer. The grain refinement layer is constituted of equiaxed nano-grains and elongated grains, in which grain boundary strengthening occurred leading to an increase in microhardness. Dislocation strengthening occurred in the high-density dislocation layer, in which the increment of dislocation density is approximately 3.54 × 109 mm− 2 compared with inner matrix. Microhardness of high-density dislocation region reaches the maximum (438.6 ± 11.1 HV0.01) because of the dislocation strengthening. The variation of microhardness is discussed from two strengthening mechanisms of grain boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening, and the strengthening mechanism in the different regions of grinding surface is revealed. The calculated microhardness increments through these mechanisms in the refined-grain region and the high-density dislocation region are basically consistent with the measured values.
Exploring the Dynamics of Triglyceride With Stroke Onset in the Chinese Population Through Parameterized Joint Models
Authors: Mao Qian , Gao Wenfeng , Yang Liping , Zhao Qian , Liu Yujie , Wang Zhe , Guan Peixia , Cong Huiwen , Wang Lianyuan , Yang Yi , Zhu Gaopei , Qi Xiao , Kong Yujia , Meng Weijing , Shi Fuyan , Wang Suzhen
Published: July 2021

Background: Stroke has become one of the diseases with the highest mortality and disability rates in the world, especially in low-income and developing countries. Our objective was to discuss the relationship between the longitudinal dynamic changes of TG and stroke onset in healthy population by constructing different parametric joint models.Methods: 298 participants aged 23 to 69 in Xijing hospital of Xi’an City in Shanxi Province from 2008 to 2015 were included. The Cox proportional hazards model was performed to analyze the correlation between TG and stroke incidence at baseline. Different parameterized joint models were used to analyze the impact of dynamic changes of TG on the incidence of stroke under longitudinal data.Results: Of the 298 participants, a total of 70 (23.49%) subjects developed stroke during the study period. Cox proportional hazards model showed that the risk of disease increased by 1.056 times (95%CI=0.920-0.975) for each 1 unit of baseline age decrease. Each 1 mmol/L increase in sqrt(TG) increased the risk by 1.816 times (95%CI=1.017-3.245). Joint model showed that the risk of sqrt (TG) increased by 4.869 times (95%CI=3.987-8.857) for each 1 mmol/L increase in longitudinal direction.The lagged effects (HR=5.284, 95%CI=4.397-9.680) and cumulative effects (HR=1.786, 95%CI=1.613-3.399) of sqrt (TG) dynamic trajectory were also statistically related to the incidence of stroke.Conclusions: Over time, the longitudinal growth of TG levels in individuals will increase the risk of stroke even more. People should pay more attention to the dynamic changes of individual TG value, as well as the lagged effect and cumulative effect, to reduce the incidence of stroke.
Effect of Community-Level Intervention on Early Initiation and Optimal Antenatal Care Attendance: A Quasi-Experimental Study Among Post-Partum Women in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Wafula Solomon T , Nalugya Aisha , Kananura Rornald M , Mugambe Richard K , Kyangwa Moses , Isunju John B , Kyobe Betty , Ssekamatte Tonny , Namutamba Sarah , Namazzi Gertrude , Ekirapa Elizabeth K , Musoke David , Walter Florian , Waiswa Peter
Published: July 2021

Background: Initiating antenatal care within the first trimester and making at least four visits during pregnancy are recommended to enable screening and support for healthy lifestyles, well-being, and self-care in pregnancy. Due to glaring evidence on inequalities in access to antenatal care, this study assessed the effect of engaging community health structures on utilization of antenatal care services during pregnancy in resource-constrained rural settings in Uganda. Methods: A quasi-experimental evaluation study was conducted among mothers in Eastern Uganda. The intervention components included community dialogues and empowering community health workers to sensitize expectant mothers on the use of maternal health services, and health facility strengthening. The primary outcomes were early initiation of antenatal care and completion of at least 4 ANC visits. We used Difference in Differences (DiD) analysis and multivariate regression to assess the effect of the intervention on ANC attendance.Results: Early initiation of antenatal care increased from 35.7% to 48.1% in the intervention area and 26.9% to 40.7% in the control area but with a non-significant net change of -1.3% (DID, p = 0.733) in the intervention area with respect to changes in the control area. The DiD results revealed the intervention resulted in a 5.5% net significant improvement in attendance of at least 4 ANC visits (p= 0.037). Higher education level of husband (PR1.19,95%CI 1.02–1.39), higher household size (PR=0.81, 95%CI 0.70–0.95), and higher wealth index (PR1.19,95%CI 1.03–1.37) predicted early initiation. Making at least 4 visits for antenatal care was influenced by post-primary education (PR1.14, 95%CI 1.02–1.30), higher wealth quintile (PR1.17, 95%CI 1.06 – 1.30), early initiation (PR1.58, 95%CI 1.49–1.68), and the community intervention (PR1.16, 95%CI 1.01–1.33). Conclusion: Although the community intervention improved the attendance of at least four antenatal care visits, effect estimates are low hence raising scepticisms on the feasibility of at least 8 visits as per the new WHO recommendations. Women with less education should be prioritized in maternal and child health (MCH) interventions as their families need economic empowerment to reduce financial barriers when access MCH services.
Faulty Gear Diagnosis Using Weighted PCA with Swish Activated BLSTM Classifier
Authors: Ghulanavar Rohit , Jagadeesh A , Dama Kiran Kumar
Published: July 2021

The early faulty gear diagnosis is most necessary in the industry. In the current decade, with the tremendous growth of ANN (Artificial Neural Network), the researcher planned to use DL (Deep Learning) methods to sketch out faults in gear in an early stage. Traditional gear fault diagnosis method mostly utilizes deep NN (Neural Network) related to tine sequence of gathered signals. In this instance, feature extraction in the direction of inverse time domain signal is commonly ignored. To overcome this issue, here in this paper, proposed Weighted Principal Component Analysis (WPCA) and BLSTM (Bi-Directional Long Short Term Memory) along with Swish Activation function for faulty gear diagnosis from the vibration signals. WPCA is utilized to extract multi-scale features related to faulty gear from the vibration signal. Likewise, BLSTM is used to classify the extracted features to diagnose the fault in an earlier stage. Several experiments were conducted to evaluate the proposed work of categorizing the defects in gear from the vibrating signal. Experiments were conducted on three kinds of the dataset to classify the type of faulty gear accurately. The proposed work proves its superiority in organizing the gear faults in a most efficient way than existing methods.
BCL11B Upregulates the Expression of NF-κB in T Cells Stimulated with SEA
Authors: Yan Yuhui , Wang Senlin , Lin Chen
Published: July 2021

BackgroundNF-κB is one of the most important inflammatory mediators in the tumour microenvironment promotes inflammation-induced cancer. Many studies report that NF-κB is activated in many kinds of leukaemia, so that some researchers by inhibiting NF-κB to treat leukaemia. The overexpression of BCL11B has been primarily reported in T cell malignancies. Some studies have reported that BCL11B is a potential transcriptional repressor which has several splice isoforms. MiR-21-5p promotes cell proliferation by targeting BCL11B in Thp-1 human monocytes. Both NF-κB and BCL11B transcription factors are related to inflammation and leukaemia. Whether there is correlation between NF-κB and BCL11B transcription factors? If BCL11B is a potential important transcription factor in treatment of T lymphocyte leukaemia? In this study, we stimulated Jurkat cells and normal peripheral blood T cells with staphylococcal enterotoxin A(SEA), and we detected the expression of both the BCL11B and NF-κB genes and their respective proteins at different stimulation times. Then, the BCL11B gene was suppressed by BCL11B-siRNA and detected at another stimulation time. ResultsWe found that the mRNA expression of BCL11B and NF-κB increased in two kinds of T cell lines over time which stimulated by SEA or PMA+IO. A similar result was confirmed for BCL11B and NF-κB protein expression. While the expression of the NF-κB protein did not increase on equal conditions in the BCL11B-knockdown group. ConclusionOur result suggested that the gene and protein expression levels of both BCL11B and NF-κB were related, and BCL11B regulates NF-κB expression in Jukat cells and healthy human peripheral blood through the TCR signalling pathway. This study reveals that BCL11B can be used as a new therapeutic target for chronic inflammation and T cell leukaemia pathogenesis.
Administration of Quercetin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide Induced Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Singh Sukhdev , Sahu Kuleshwar , Kapil Lakshay , Singh Charan , Singh Arti
Published: July 2021

Background: Quercetin is a natural flavonoid which is known to have numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects against various neurological disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent endotoxin, reported to cause various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Stroke (Brain Attack), Meningitis. Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the possibility thatquercetin ameliorates LPS induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in adult zebrafish. Materials and methods: Zebrafish (weighing 470-530 mg) were treated with single injection of LPS (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) followed by post treatment for 7 days with quercetin (50 and 100 mg/kg; i.p.). After sacrificed, brain was harvested and subjected for biochemical, molecular and histological analyses. Results: Results revealed post treatment with quercetin was able to ameliorate the behavioral abnormalities as in novel diving test- time spent in top zone (TSTZ), and number of entries in top zone was significantly more as compared to time spent in bottom zone (TSBZ). In light-dark chamber test- time spent in light zone (TSLZ), and number of entries in light zone was significantly more as compared to time spent in dark compartment (TSDC). Additionally, results of histopathology (H & E stain) studies showed less disruption in neuronal cells as compared to LPS treated group. Moreover, results of molecular analysis implies that quercetin treatment significantly decrease TNF-α and IL-1β level as compared to LPS treated animals. Further, results of biochemical analysis reveal that quercetin reduce the level of LPO, nitrite, AChEs and increases anti-oxidant GSH. Conclusion: Quercetin treatment helps to prevent oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in LPS treated adult zebrafish.
Fragmentation disrupts the seasonality of Amazonian evergreen forests
Authors: Nunes Matheus , Camargo José Luís , Vincent Grégoire , Calders Kim , Oliveira Rafael , Huete Alfredo , Moura Yhasmin , Nelson Bruce , Smith Marielle , Stark Scott , Maeda Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Predictions of the magnitude and timing of leaf phenology in Amazonian forests remain highly controversial, which limits our understanding of future ecosystem function with a changing environment. Here, we use biweekly terrestrial LiDAR surveys spanning wet and dry seasons in Central Amazonia to show that plant phenology of old-growth forests varies strongly across strata but that this seasonality is sensitive to disturbances arising from forest fragmentation. In combination with continuous microclimate measurements, we found that when maximum daily temperatures reached 35 °C in the latter part of the dry season, the upper canopy of large trees in undisturbed forests shed their leaves and branches. By contrast, the understory greens-up with increased light availability driven by the upper canopy loss alongside more sunlight radiation, even during periods of drier soil and atmospheric conditions. However, persistently high temperatures on forest edges exacerbated the upper canopy losses of large trees throughout the dry season, and the understory seasonality in these light-rich environments was disrupted as a result of the altered canopy structure. These findings demonstrate the plant-climate interactions controlling the seasonality of wet Amazonian forests and show that forest fragmentation will aggravate forest loss under a hotter and drier future scenario.
Genome Analysis Suggests The Bacterial Family Acetobacteraceae is a Source of Undiscovered Specialized Metabolites
Authors: Guzman Juan David , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: July 2021

Acetobacteraceae is an economically important family of bacteria that is used for industrial fermentation in the food/feed sector and for the preparation of sorbose and bacterial cellulose. It comprises two major groups: acetous species (acetic acid bacteria) associated with flowers, fruits and insects, and acidophilic species, a phylogenetically basal and physiologically heterogeneous group inhabiting acid or hot springs, sludge, sewage and freshwater environments. Despite the biotechnological importance of the family Acetobacteraceae, the literature does not provide any information about its ability to produce specialized metabolites. We therefore constructed a phylogenomic tree based on concatenated protein sequences from 127 type strains of the family and predicted the presence of small-molecule biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) using the antiSMASH tool. This dual approach allowed us to associate certain biosynthetic pathways with particular taxonomic groups. We found that acidophilic and acetous species contain on average ~6 and ~3.4 BGCs per genome, respectively. All the Acetobacteraceae strains encoded proteins associated involved in hopanoid biosynthesis, with many also featuring genes encoding type-1 and type-3 polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide synthases, and enzymes for aryl polyene, lactone and ribosomal peptide biosynthesis. Our in silico analysis indicated that the family Acetobacteraceae is a potential source of many undiscovered bacterial metabolites and deserves more detailed experimental exploration.
Association Between Oligo-Residual Disease and Patterns of Failure During EGFR-TKI Treatment in EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Miyawaki Taichi , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Kodama Hiroaki , Nishioka Naoya , Miyawaki Eriko , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Ko Ryo , Wakuda Kazushige , Ono Akira , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Mori Keita , Harada Hideyuki , Endo Masahiro , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: July 2021

Background: Local ablative therapy (LAT) may be beneficial for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with oligo-residual disease after treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). However, this has not been fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the predominant progressive disease (PD) pattern limited to residual sites of disease after treatment with EGFR-TKI.Methods: Patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC treated with EGFR-TKIs as first-line therapy were retrospectively analysed during a 7-year period. Oligo-residual disease was defined as the presence of 1 – 4 lesions (including the primary site) at 3 months from the start of EGFR-TKI treatment. The predictive factors of PD patterns after EGFR-TKI treatment were evaluated.Results: A total of 207 patients were included. Three months after the start of EGFR-TKI treatment, 66 patients (32%) had oligo-residual disease. A total of 191 patients had PD, 60 with oligo-residual disease and 131 with non-oligo-residual disease. Regarding the pattern, 44 patients (73%) with oligo-residual disease and 37 patients (28%) with non-oligo-residual disease had PD limited to the residual sites. Multivariate logistic regression analysis at 3 months from the start of EGFR-TKI treatment revealed that oligo-residual disease (P < 0.001), the lack of residual central nervous system metastases (P = 0.032), and initial treatment with osimertinib (P = 0.028) were independent predictors of PD limited to residual disease sites.Conclusions: This study provided a rationale for LAT to all sites of residual disease in patients with oligo-residual disease during EGFR-TKI treatment.
PIVKA-II Combined with Alpha-Fetoprotein for the Diagnostic Value of Hepatic Tumors in Children: A Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Gao Hongxiang , Xie Chenjie , Wang Jing , Ma Ji , Liu Shijian , Xie Li , Zheng Yijie , Dong Rui , Wang Shan , Fang Yongjun , Wu Yurui , Zhang Xianwei , Lu Xianying , Li Yang , Li Weisong , Pan Qiuhui , Xu Min , Gu Song
Published: July 2021

Background:We aimed to investigate whether the protein induced by the vitamin K antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) combined with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can improve the diagnostic and differential diagnostic accuracy of childhood hepatic tumors.Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was performed at nine regional institutions around China from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020, and a total of 257 eligible patients were enrolled. Children with confirmed hepatic masses were placed in the test group (Group T, n=144) and divided into the hepatoblastoma group (Group THB, n=98) and the hemangioendothelioma group (Group THE, n=46), and children with extrahepatic abdominal masses were placed in the control group (Group C, n=113). Peripheral blood was collected from each patient prior to surgery or chemotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUROC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic and differential diagnostic efficiency.Results:The mean levels of PIVKA-II and AFP were both significantly higher in Group T than in Group C (P=0.001, P＜0.001) and in Group THB than in Group THE (P=0.018, P=0.013). For the diagnosis performance, PIVKA-II had a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 81.3% at a cutoff of 32.6 mAU/ml vs. 84.1% and 81.8% for AFP at a cutoff of 120 ng/ml (AUROC 0.867 vs. 0.857, respectively). The combination of PIVKA-II and AFP had higher sensitivity (88.5%), specificity (84.7%) and AUROC (0.891) than PIVKA-II or AFP alone. The differential diagnostic value of PIVKA-II and AFP in differentiating hepatoblastoma from hemangioendothelioma was further assessed. PIVKA-II had a sensitivity of 71.7% and a specificity of 88.7% at a cutoff of 47.1 mAU/ml, and there was 63.0% and 78.6% of AFP at a cutoff of 560 ng/ml (AUROC 0.876 vs. 0.743, respectively). The combined markers also showed a higher sensitivity (72.7%), a higher specificity (91.8%) and a higher AUROC (0.895) than PIVKA-II or AFP alone.Conclusions:The serum level of PIVKA-II was significantly higher in children with hepatic tumors, especially those with malignant tumors. PIVKA-II had superior sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of childhood hepatic tumors. The combination of PIVKA-II and AFP further increased the diagnostic performance.Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT03645655. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03645655
Urine Cellular DNA Point Mutation and Methylation as Potential Biomarkers for Early Detection of Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Xu Ran , lu qiang , Xu zhenzhou , Liu jianye , li pei , zhang yaqun , luo lufeng , zhou chuanchi , Tang Wei , cao manman , Xu genming , Wang Long
Published: July 2021

Background: Previously, our team identified a seven-gene mutation panel in urine sediment to discriminate UBC from benign urological diseases. In the present study, we aimed to validate the panel in an expanded and close to natural population cohort of hematuria. Also, we tried to optimize the panel by incorporating methylation biomarkers. We performed external validation to investigate the robustness and stability of the novel panel. Methods: Patients with urothelial carcinomas and controls were prospectively recruited in clinical trial ChiCTR2000029980. The mutation panel was validated in the expanded cohort(n=333) from Hunan multicenter. Several UBC-specific methylation biomarkers were identified by comprehensive analyses of a series of TCGA, GEO and an independent cohorts, and examined in the expanded cohort. Random Forest algorithm was used to construct an optimal panel. External validation of the optimal panel was carried out in Beijing single center cohort(n=89). NGS technique was used to analyze the DNA point mutations and MS-PCR for methylation.Results: The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of the mutation panel in expanded cohort were 0.81, 0.67 and 0.90, respectively. After screening, only cg16966315, cg17945976 and cg24720571 were left for further analysis. The optimal panel consisted of cg24720571 and 8 point mutations, including TERT 228(G_A), FGFR3 568(C_T), TERT 250(G_A), FGFR3 099(A_G), PIK3CA 091(G_A), PIK3CA 085(A_G), PIK3CA 082 (G_A) and HRAS 874(T_C). The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of the optimal panel in training group were 0.89, 0.84 and 0.79, respectively, and in test group were 0.95, 0.91 and 0.95, respectively. In the external validation, the AUC, sensitivity and specificity were 0.98, 0.93 and 0.93, respectively.Conclusions: The optimal panel was obviously superior to previous mutation panel and showed a highly specific and robust performance. The optimal panel may be used as a replaceable approach for early detection of UC.Trial registration: This research was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR2000029980).
Breaking the symmetry: Suppressing Plateau-Rayleigh instability and optimizing hydropower utilization
Authors: Zhao Zhipeng , Li An , Li Huizeng , Fang Wei , Cai Zheren , Li Mingzhu , feng Xiqiao , Song Yanlin
Published: July 2021

Droplet impact on solid surfaces is essential for natural and industrial processes. Particularly, controlling the instability after droplet impact, and avoiding the satellite drops generation, have aroused great interest for its significance in inkjet printing, pesticide spraying, and hydroelectric power collection. Herein, we found that breaking the symmetry of the droplet impact dynamics using patterned-wettability surfaces can suppress the Plateau-Rayleigh instability during the droplet rebounding and improve the energy collection efficiency. Systematic experimental investigation, together with mechanical modeling and numerical simulation, revealed that the asymmetric wettability patterns can regulate the internal liquid flow and reduce the vertical velocity gradient inside the droplet, thus suppressing the instability during droplet rebounding and eliminating the satellite drops. Accordingly, the droplet energy utilization was promoted, as demonstrated by the improved hydroelectric power generation efficiency by 36.5%. These findings deepen the understanding of the wettability-induced asymmetrical droplet dynamics during the liquid-solid interactions, and facilitate related applications such as hydroelectric power generation and materials transportation.
Early Lung Carcinogenesis and Tumor Microenvironment Observed by Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Cha Yoon Jin , Lee Sang Hoon , Jeong Sukin , Choi Young Jun , Moon Duk Hwan , Lee Sungsoo , Chang Yoon Soo
Published: July 2021

Background: Ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are radiologically defined pulmonary nodules characterized by preserved bronchial and vascular structures in the lung window on chest computed tomography. Lung adenocarcinoma present in the form of persistent GGN is a good model for studying early lung carcinogenesis. We sought to decipher the transcriptome of early lung cancer and its tumor microenvironment from nonsmokers.Methods: Eleven surgical specimens from 6 patients with persistent pure or part-solid GGNs and no smoking or long-term nonsmoking history were obtained and studied by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis.Results: Early lung cancer cells showed enrichment of genes related to small vesicle processing and surfactant homeostasis compared to normal lung epithelial cells, suggesting that the surfactant-related pathway is strongly involved in early lung carcinogenesis. Even in this early stage of lung carcinogenesis, the tumor immune microenvironment was disrupted, with myeloid-derived suppressor cells showing activation of tumor-promoting cytokine pathways, making the tumor microenvironment more permissive for tumor progression and promoting infiltration of regulatory T cells and depletion of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (TCs) and γδ TCs. Although mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) B cells (BCs) and follicular BCs are present in small proportions, they showed increased infiltration in tumor tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues. Overexpression of hypoxia-related genes and active suppression of normal angiogenesis were observed in cancer-associated fibroblasts.Conclusions: Changes in the tumor microenvironment that begin very early in lung cancer create an environment prone to immune evasion, suggesting that regulation of such changes is a strategy for inhibiting cancer growth.
The Efficacy of Transitioning Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension From Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors To Riociguat: A Systematic Analysis And Retrospective Chart-Review
Authors: Sun Kelly , Kendzerska Tetyana , Foxhall Julia , Mielnizuk Lisa , Contreras-Dominguez Vladimir , Stewart Duncan , Pugliese Carolyn , Chandy George
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive disease with significant mortality. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are an effective therapy, however, patients often progress despite treatment. This review examined the efficacy of transitioning patients from a PDE5i to riociguat by analyzing changes in the 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD) and hemodynamic parameters in adults with PAH. Methods: This was a combined systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature (Jan 2013 – Oct 2019) and a retrospective database study (Jan 2013-Aug 2017) from a tertiary pulmonary hypertension center in Ontario, Canada. All English language studies were searched through PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science and EBSCO from 2013 to 2019. Results were combined using a random effect model. We used an I² statistic estimate (percent) to quantify inconsistency.Results: The results were combined from a total of 6 published studies (4 cohort studies, 1 case report and 1 case series), and a retrospective database study. Mean difference across studies demonstrates a 6MWTD improvement of 43.7m (CI 3.72- 83.7, P=0.03, I2=77%), favouring riociguat. There was an improvement in all the secondary outcomes examined, including World Health Organization functional class, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and cardiac index, demonstrating a propensity to favour riociguat.Conclusion: This review demonstrates significant improvement in both clinical and hemodynamic outcomes when patients with PAH are transitioned to riociguat from PDE5i. However, the number of studies included was small, and the quality of studies was moderate with limited evidence regarding outcomes of interest. PROSPERO registration #: CRD42020154661Registered April, 2020
Design and Test of Intelligent Inspection and Monitoring System for Cotton Bale Storage based on RFID
Authors: Zhao Weipeng , Zhao Bo , Yang Qizhi , Zhou Liming , Jiang Hanlu , Niu Kang , Ding Jian
Published: July 2021

In order to solve the patrol inspection problems in cotton storage and the need for environmental monitoring in the modern cotton bale warehousing process, RFID positioning technology, wireless temperature and humidity real-time monitoring technology and handheld terminal intelligent inspection technology are used to design and develop RFID-based cotton bale intelligence Inspection and intelligent temperature and humidity monitoring system. The artificial neural network (ANN) method performs Gaussian filter processing on the system monitoring data to establish an accurate RSSI and label position classification model. The system finally realizes the functions of locating cotton bales in storage, collecting bale information, and real-time measurement and collection of temperature and humidity parameters in the cotton bale warehouse. The test results show that the relative error of RFID cotton bale intelligent inspection and monitoring system positioning and monitoring does not exceed 6.7%, effectively improving the work efficiency of inspectors and the safety of cotton bale storage. The relative error of temperature is less than 8%, and the relative error of humidity is less than 7%. It can display the storage environment temperature in real time and meet the real-time requirements. It improves the effective positioning and inspection of the cotton stack by management personnel, prevents the loss of cotton bale and reduces the probability of cotton stack deterioration.
Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidences in Japan Between 1996 and 2019
Authors: Nakano Masahito , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Bekki Shigemune , Takami Yuko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Yoshimaru Yoko , Honda Koichi , Komorizono Yasuji , Harada Masaru , Shibata Michihiko , Sakisaka Shotaro , Shakado Satoshi , Nagata Kenji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Itoh Shinji , Sohda Tetsuro , Oeda Satoshi , Nakao Kazuhiko , Sasaki Ryu , Yamashita Tsutomu , Ido Akio , Mawatari Seiichi , Nakamuta Makoto , Aratake Yoshifusa , Matsumoto Shuichi , Maeshiro Tatsuji , Goto Takashi , Torimura Takuji
Published: July 2021

Background: While the proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases with non-viral etiology continues to increase in Japan, the epidemiological trends in the sex and age distribution of new HCC cases remain unclear. This study examines the epidemiological trends, including the distribution of sex, age, and disease etiology, in HCC incidence over 24 years.Methods: Data of 20,547 newly diagnosed HCC patients in 1996–2019 at 19 institutions participating in the Liver Cancer Study Group of Kyushu were analyzed in this prospective study. We divided the study period into four 6-year quarters. HCC etiology was categorized as hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV+hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, HCV infection, and both negative (non-BC). Results: The incidences of HCC per quarter of the study period were 4,311 (21.0%), 5,505 (26.8%), 5,776 (28.1%), and 4,955 (24.1%) cases, sequentially. Overall, 14,020 (68.2%) patients were male. The number of HCC cases in patients ≤50 years, 60–69 years, 70–79 years, and ≥80 years were 3,711 (18.1%), 6,652 (32.4%), 7,448 (36.2%), and 2,736 (13.3%), respectively. The average age of newly diagnosed patients increased in each quarter. HCC was associated with HBV, HBV+HCV, and HCV infections and non-BC in 2,997 (14.6%), 187 (0.9%), and 12,019 (58.5%), and 5,344 (26.0%) cases, respectively. The number of HCV-associated cases decreased in each quarter, while that of non-BC-associated cases increased.Conclusions: HCC incidence tends to increase in the elderly and in non-BC patients; in contrast, HCC incidence due to HCV tends to decrease. In countries where HCV infection is likely the predominant cause of HCC, similar trends in HCC incidence are anticipated in the future.
dl922-947 Adenovirus and G-Quadruplex Binder Combination Against Breast Cancer and Modulation of Monocyte Activity
Authors: Napolitano Fabiana , Somma Sarah Di , Amato Jussara , Pagano Bruno , Randazzo Antonio , Portella Giuseppe , Malfitano Anna Maria
Published: July 2021

Background: G-quadruplex (G4) are nucleic secondary structures characterized by G-tetrads. G4 motif stabilization induces DNA damage and cancer cell death; therefore, G4-targeting small molecules are the focus of clinical investigation. DNA destabilization induced by G4 ligands might potentiate the anticancer activity of agents targeting DNA or inhibiting its repair like oncolytic viruses. This study represents the first approach combining G4 ligands and the adenovirus dl922-947 in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines.Methods: We used G4 binders, BRACO-19 (B19), pyridostatin (PDS) and dl922-947 or their combination in cytotoxicity assays. G4 motif formation and distribution, cell cycle and viral entry were evaluated using agents alone or in combination by flow cytometry. Viral replication was evaluated by RT-PCR. Cell senescence was assessed by microscope observation and count of blue SA-b-Gal blue-stained cells. Phagocytosis of THP-1 cells was evaluated by flow cytometry.Results: G4 binders and dl922-947 induce cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. G4 binders induce G4 motifs mainly distributed in the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle in MCF-7 cells. The combination G4 binders/dl922-947 increased viral entry, replication and cell cytotoxicity. The combinatory treatments increased the subG0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, whereas the agents used singularly or in combination similarly enhanced cell senescence. Noteworthy, dl922-947 induces G4 motifs and its combination with PDS potentiates this effect. The conditioned media of MCF-7 cells increased phagocytosis whereas the combination dl922-947/PDS restored it to the control values and did not affect monocyte proliferation.Conclusions: We present the first evidence of a new mechanism of oncolytic viruses able to induce senescence and G4 structures in breast cancer cells. We suggest a novel strategy based on the use of G4 binders/virotherapy combination to enhance anti-cancer activity. Indeed, oncolytic viruses and G4 ligands are already singularly employed in clinical settings, thus their combination may be envisioned for translational studies.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression, Prognostic Value and Immune Microenvironment of CMTM Family Members in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Yin Yue , Sun Zhenxing , Liu Yuan , Wang Yiru , Chen Xiuwei
Published: July 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer (OV) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide, and its immunotherapy has considerable prospects. Multiple members of the CMTM family were aberrantly expressed in human cancers and controled key malignant biological processes and immune regulation in cancer development. However, little is known about the function of this gene family in ovarian cancer, especially in terms of immunity.Methods: GEPIA, Oncomine, HPA, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA and TIMER were used to analyze the differential gene expression, prognostic value, genetic alterations and alterations in the immune microenvironment of the CMTM family in patients with ovarian cancer. Importantly, RT-qPCR was used to verify the gene expression of the CMTM family.Results: CMTM1/3/4/6/7/8 showed abnormally high expression at the mRNA and protein levels in OV tissues based on the GEPIA and HPA databases. RT-qPCR showed that CMTM1/6/8 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines. Survival analysis showed that high expression of CMTM1/2/3/5/8 can lead to a significant reduction in overall survival and progression-free survival. There were many types of genetic alterations in the CMTM family. And CMTM1/2/3/6 had a certain correlation with the changes of immune microenvironment such as immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression, which may be the potential mechanism of the CMTM family in ovarian cancer.Conclusion: This study confirmed that the CMTM family has abnormal expression in ovarian cancer and can be used as a biomarker for prognostic evaluation. And the CMTM family may be used as a potential target for immunotherapy based on the suppression of immune checkpoints.
Identification of SPINT3 as a Metastatic Suppressor in Gastric Cancer Through Induction of TGF-β1 Secretion
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Teng Li-song , Wang Haohao
Published: July 2021

Background: Cancer metastasis is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. SPINT3 (serine peptidase inhibitor, Kunitz type, 3) is a newly identified gene, and its relationship with gastric cancer has not been well studied.Methods: We first designed an sgRNA sub-library to screen for metastatic suppressors, and chose SPINT3. We then used QPCR and western blotting to detect the expression level of SPINT3 in gastric cancer tumor tissues. In addition, we used annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) to detect changes in apoptosis. PI staining and wound healing assays were used to detect the cell cycle and changes in cell migration, respectively. Finally, CyTOF and T cell proliferation experiments were performed to detect changes in immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.Results: SPINT3 sgRNA (based on the sgRNA library used) was present in every metastatic tumor. The expression of SPINT3 was low in gastric cancer tissues, and this increased the metastatic ability of gastric cancer cells. In addition, high expression of SPINT3 induced cell apoptosis, downregulated cell proliferation, and impaired cell migration. Furthermore, low expression of SPINT3 induced the secretion of TGF-β1 and an immunosuppressive signal, which could be blocked by apatinib and SB431542.Conclusion: We confirmed that SPINT3 is a metastasis suppressor in gastric cancer.
A Pilot Study on Developing Quantitative Indices for Age-Related Changes in Maxillary Primary Molar Root Canal Morphology
Authors: Dou Guili , Xia Bin , Zhao Yijiao , Sun Zhipeng
Published: July 2021

Objectives To elucidate age-related changes in the root canal morphology of primary molars and determine new indices to detail the root canal anatomy by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods CBCT data of primary molars from 57 children aged 3–8 years without systemic diseases that affect tooth development were collected. The following indices were defined and calculated using Mimics 17.0, 3-Matic 9.0, and ImageJ software: (i) the cross-sectional area of the root canal; (ii) R.15: the proportion of the lateral canal wall with an inner diameter less than 0.15 mm; (iii) LC/LR: the ratio between the canal length and root length; and (iv) Ndis: the discontinuous canal count. Correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to assess the variants and age-related changes in canal morphology.Results On CBCT analysis, the cross-sectional area of the root canals for mesiobuccal (MB) roots, palatal (P) roots and distobuccal (DB) roots was negatively correlated with age (P<0.05), with a correlation coefficient of -0.41, -0.42, and -0.26, respectively. The R.15 of MB roots was positively correlated with age (P<0.05, rs=0.39). The value of LC/LR for MB, DB, and P roots decreased with age, with a correlation coefficient of -0.39, -0.42, and -0.29, respectively (P<0.05). The risk of discontinuous canals (Ndis) for MB, DB, and P roots increased with age (P<0.05), with an odds ratio of 1.61, 1.48, and 1.60 respectively.Conclusions The new indices developed in the study based on CBCT successfully demonstrate age-related changes in the root canals of primary molars.
Heterogeneous Catalysis of African Pear Seed Oil and Modelling of Some Thermo-Physical Properties of its Biodiesel
Authors: Ude Callistus Nonso , Onukwuli Dominic O. , Okey-Onyesolu Faith C. , Nnaji Patrick C. , Okoye Chukwunonso C. , Uwaleke Chidebe C.
Published: July 2021

The heterogeneous catalysis of African pear seed oil (APO) and modelling of some thermo-physical properties of the biodiesel was carried out. The oil was extracted with petroleum ether solvent and characterized with Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The catalysts were synthesized by thermal, acid and alkaline activation of clay. The catalysts were characterized and used to transesterify the APO. The biodiesel produced were characterized using American Society for Testing Materials ASTM D6571 and some the thermo-physical properties such as density, kinematic viscosity and cetane number were modelled using multilinear regression analysis of Polymath version 5.0. The 52% yield of oil from the African pear seeds using the petroleum ether was comparable with yields obtained from other nonedible seeds. The transesterification of the oil was significantly affected by increase in process variables but the yield of methyl ester decreased beyond 3 h reaction time, 3 wt% catalyst concentration, 10:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, 60 oC reaction temperature and 300 rpm agitation speed. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesel produced meet the ASTM standard and were within the acceptable limits. The biodiesel produced via transesterification of APO using thermally, acid and alkaline activated catalyst have similar properties and can be blended to form a homogeneous fuel. The coefficients of determination are close to 1 while the root mean square value is less than 0.2. This shows that the multilinear regression can model the thermo-physical properties of the biodiesel.