bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Perioperative Serum Potassium and Postoperative Rehabilitation of Patients Undergoing Radical Resection of Gastrointestinal Malignancy
Authors: Tian Shunping , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Ying , Yu Leyang , Yu Yanlong , Li Ning , Yan Shiting , Zhou Wei , Zhang Zhuan
Published: December 2021

Background: To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on perioperative potassium and postoperative rehabilitation. Methods: Totally 124 patients scheduled for elective radical resection of gastrointestinal malignant tumor under general anesthesia were included. and randomly assigned to four groups (n=31): groups D1, D2 and D3 received dexmedetomidine loading dose 1, 1 and 0.5 μg/kg and maintenance dose 0.25, 0.5 and 0.5 μg/kg/h, respectively, group C received normal saline 50 ml/h for 10 min and maintenance dose 10 ml/h. Serum potassium and lactate changes were recorded at 5 min after arteriovenous puncture (T1), 1 h after surgery beginning (T6), surgery ending (T7) and 1 h into the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (T10). Serum potassium was examined at 48 h after surgery (T11). Perioperative rehabilitation indicators were recorded.Results: Compared with basal values, serum potassium concentration in groups C, D1 and D2 increased significantly at T11 (P=0.003, 0.002, and ˂0.001, respectively) and at T7 (P=0.008), T10 (P=0.015) and T11 (P˂0.001) in group D3. Serum potassium at T11 in group D2 was significantly lower than group C (P=0.032). Serum potassium at T7 in group D3 was significantly higher than group D2 (P=0.036). There were no significant differences in perioperative rehabilitation indicators in all groups. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine did not decrease perioperative potassium significantly in patients undergoing radical resection of gastrointestinal malignancy, while its loading dose 0.5 μg/kg and maintenance dose 0.5 μg/kg/h can elevate potassium slightly with no adverse effect on perioperative rehabilitation.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered on the clinicaltrials.gov website (registration number: NCT04771637).
Huangdi Anxiao Attenuated High Glucose-Induced PC12 Cells Neurotoxicity via Inhibiting Apoptosis Pathway of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Ye Ting , Xuan Wei-ting , Zhou Peng , Shao Nan , Song Hang , Wang Yan , Hu Guan-hua , Wang Ting-ting , Wang Guang-yun , Fang Zhao-hui , Cai Biao
Published: December 2021

Background

Huangdi Anxiao (HDAX) is mainly used to treat diabetes and its complications for many years and has a remarkable curative effect. However, the improvement effect of HDAX in the diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) model and the related mechanism is not clear. This study was aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of HDAX and its possible mechanisms in DCD.
Methods

A DCD cell model was established by high glucose-induced PC12 cells, and the effect of HDAX on the cell viability was examined by MTT. Additionally, the expression of relevant genes and proteins in the apoptosis pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was detected.
Results

The results showed that HDAX increased cell viability, reduced GRP78, CHOP, Bax, procaspase-12, procaspase-9, procaspase-3 mRNA levels and GRP78, CHOP, Bax, Caspase-12, Caspase-9, Caspase-3 protein expressions, and decreased Bcl-2 mRNA level and protein expression.
Conclusions

These results suggested that HDAX had neuroprotective effects in the DCD cell model, which may be associated with the inhibition of the apoptosis pathway of ER stress.
Effect of Low Skeletal Muscle Mass and Sarcopenic Obesity on Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Seo Da Hea , Suh Young Ju , Cho Yongin , Ahn Seong Hee , Seo Seongha , Hong Seongbin , Lee Yong-ho , Choi Young Ju , Lee Eunjig , Kim So Hun
Published: December 2021

The causal relationship between low muscle mass and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to investigate the association between low muscle mass or sarcopenic obesity and the risk of incident CKD in patients with T2DM. A total of 3,123 patients with T2DM with preserved renal function were followed up for incident CKD. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of sarcopenia and abdominal obesity. During 8.9 years of follow-up, 530 (17.0%) patients developed incident CKD. When subjects were divided into three groups based on sex-specific tertiles, lower muscle mass was not associated with an increased risk of incident CKD after adjustment for risk factors. However, when patients were divided into four groups according to the presence of sarcopenia and obesity, sarcopenic obesity was associated with an increased risk of incident CKD (adjusted hazard ratio 1.77; 95% confidence interval 1.24-2.51; p=0.001) compared to the other groups. Sarcopenic obesity, but not low muscle mass alone, may increase the risk of CKD in patients with T2DM.
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in all Individuals Diagnosed with Down Syndrome (DS): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol
Authors: Seesahai Judy , Church Paige , Patel Lina , Rotter Thomas , Asztalos Elizabeth , Lam Henry , Belden Brian , Banihani Rudaina
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUNDTraditionally, autism spectrum disorder in people with Down syndrome was believed to be uncommon. This misconception is rooted in the challenges that a dual diagnosis poses. In fact, evidence indicates that children with Down syndrome are at risk for autism spectrum disorder with a potentially higher prevalence than the typically developing population. The purpose of this review is to determine the reported prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome in comparison to the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in the typical population when specific diagnostic tools are used. METHODSWe will conduct a systematic review of the prevalence and incidence data and perform a meta-analysis on these results. This study will consider all studies that reported on children and adults with an existing diagnosis of Down syndrome and diagnosed by the standardized assessments for autism spectrum disorder. We will also consider the diagnoses made by team assessment (psychologist, psychiatrist & developmental pediatrician), according to DSM-III, DSM-IV or DSM-V criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder or if they use autism spectrum disorder screeners. Studies will be considered from all countries that have data reporting prevalence on this topic. We will not apply language restrictions, attempting to translate studies that are not in English. We will search five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL). Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data extraction independently. The articles will be categorized according to key findings and a critical appraisal performed.DISCUSSIONThe results of this review will bring increased awareness of the presence of autism spectrum disorder in individuals with Down syndrome. In doing so, this may facilitate a recommendation for screening and diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome. Based on the research demonstrating the benefits of early identification and intervention on the outcomes of children with autism, we anticipate similar benefits in this population. This will guide the allocation of resources and direct future research.SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATIONWe registerd the review title prospectively on PROSPERO on November 8, 2021. Registration number: CRD42020213282
AKI Risk Score (AKI-RiSc): Developing an Interpretable Clinical Score for Early Identification of Acute Kidney Injury at the Emergency Department
Authors: Ang Yukai , Li Siqi , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Xie Feng , Teo Su Hooi , Choong Lina , Koniman Riece , Chakraborty Bibhas , Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Liu Nan
Published: December 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalised patients is a common syndrome associated with poorer patient outcomes. Clinical risk scores can be used for the early identification of patients at risk of AKI. We conducted a retrospective study using electronic health records of Singapore General Hospital emergency department patients who were admitted from 2008 to 2016. The primary outcome was inpatient AKI of any stage within 7 days of admission based on Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) 2012 guidelines. A machine learning AutoScore algorithm was used to generate clinical scores from the study sample which was divided into training, validation and testing cohorts. Model performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC). Among the 119,468 admissions, 10,693 (9.0%) developed AKI. 8,491 were stage 1 (79.4%), 906 stage 2 (8.5%) and 1,296 stage 3 (12.1%). The AKI Risk Score (AKI-RiSc) was a summation of the integer scores of 6 variables: serum creatinine, serum bicarbonate, pulse, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. AUC of AKI-RiSc was 0.730 (95% CI: 0.713 – 0.747), outperforming an existing AKI Prediction Score model which achieved AUC of 0.665 (95% CI: 0.646 – 0.679) on the testing cohort. At a cut-off of 4 points, AKI-RiSc had a sensitivity of 82.5% and specificity of 46.7%. AKI-RiSc is a simple clinical score that can be easily implemented on the ground for early identification of AKI and potentially be applied in international settings.
Maprotiline Prompt the Anti-tumor Effect by Inhibiting the PD-L1 in Mice Burdened Melanoma
Authors: Zhao Tiesuo , Li Yang , Liu Miaomiao , Zhou Lin , Wu Zunge , Chen Haoqi , Guo Jiaming , Gao Mengdan , Zhong Jiateng , Wang Mingyong , Ren Feng , Feng Zhiwei , Jia Huijie
Published: December 2021

Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1) binds with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) to inhibit the responses of T cells. PD-L1 is significantly upregulated on tumor cells and blocking the PD-L1/PD-1 signal has become an important target of immunotherapy in clinic. At present, some old drugs of non-antitumor have been found that could play the effect of anti-tumor. Maprotiline, as a tetracyclic antidepressant, has been widely used for treating mental depression. Here, we study the anti-tumor effect of maprotiline by strengthening the immune response of mice. In vitro, treatment with maprotiline inhibits the proliferation and migration of B16 cells, increases the cell apoptosis. Importantly, treatment with maprotiline reduces the expression of PD-L1 in tumor tissue, prompts the ratios of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and NK cells in spleens, increases the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor-tissues. In brief, we determine that maprotiline could prompt the anti-tumor immune response by inhibiting the PD-L1 in mice. This study may find a new inhibitor of PD-L1, which provides a new drug treated tumor in clinical.
Islamic Copper-Based Metal Artefacts from the Garb Al-Andalus. A Multidisciplinary Approach on the Alcáçova of Mārtulah (Mértola, South of Portugal)
Authors: Bottaini Carlo Emanuele , Gómez-Martínez Susana , Bordalo Rui , Beltrame Massimo , Mirão José , Rafael Lígia , Schiavon Nick
Published: December 2021

A multidisciplinary approach has been applied to investigate the production technology of a collection of copper-based artefacts found during archaeological excavation campaigns carried out in the Almohad neighbourhood of Mārtulah, the Islamic name of modern Mértola (South of Portugal). In stark contrast to other Islamic materials found in the same site such as common and finely decorated pottery, glass, and bone artefacts, metal objects have received less attention despite the number of artefacts recovered. This study focuses on the chemical characterisation of 172 copper-based artefacts dating back to the 12th and the first half of the 13th centuries. The artefacts are daily use objects and consist of personal ornaments (earrings, rings, and casket ornaments), tools (spindles, spatulas, and oil lamp sticks) and artefacts with unknown functions. X-ray fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), provided information not only about technological issues, as well as on the socio-economic implications of metal consumption at Islamic Mértola. The results revealed that metals were produced with a variety of Cu-based alloys, namely unalloyed copper, brasses, bronzes, and ternary alloys, by mixing Cu, Zn and Sn and Pb without any apparent consistency, as a likely result of recurrent recycling and mixing scrap metals practices or use of minerals available locally.
Soliton, Breather-Like and Dark-Soliton-Breather-Like Solutions for the Coupled Long-Wave-Short-Wave System
Authors: Bi Kuai , Hao Hui-Qin , Zhang Jian-Wen , Guo Rui
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we will obtain the exact $N$-soliton solution of the coupled long-wave-short-wave system via the developed Hirota bilinear method. Through manipulating the relevant parameters, we will construct different types of solutions which include breather-like solutions and dark-soliton-breather-like solutions. Moreover, we will demonstrate that the interactions of two-soliton and two-breather-like solutions are all elastic through asymptotic analysis method. Finally, we will display the interactions through illustrations.PACS 05.45.Yv; 02.30.Ik; 42.81.Dp
Trade-Offs in German Wind Energy Expansion: Building Bridges Between Different Interests, Values and Priorities.
Authors: Reitz Sybille , Goshen Lauren , Ohlhorst Dörte
Published: December 2021

Background: In order to achieve climate targets, a transition to low-carbon energy production is necessary. However, conflicts between different interests, values and priorities, particularly at the community level, can constrain this transition. This paper aims to analyze lines of conflict and opportunities for building bridges between conflicting interests in the expansion of wind energy in Germany at the local level, in order to achieve successful implementation of wind energy projects.Results: Our analysis of four cases of local-level wind energy projects in Germany shows that limited local options for action reinforce the need for local actors to maximize the benefits of energy transition projects. In addition to the conflict over scarce space, the lines of conflict at the local level run primarily along the dimensions of costs and benefits, winners and losers. Real or perceived procedural and distributive injustices have the potential to fuel resistance to wind energy projects in the selected cases. Wind energy projects were successfully implemented in the four selected cases despite the presence of local opposition.Conclusions: The results show that, by integrating procedural and distributive justice and offering tailored solutions, community support for expansion of renewable energy projects can be enhanced. Further, the paper advances the concept of societal sponsorship, which is the willingness of members of a community to bear, or tolerate, decisions despite conflicting opinions. This concept is presented as an alternative to the concept of acceptance, which implies a positive, supportive attitude, and that protest should be avoided or overcome instead of recognized as a contribution to the debate. Societal sponsorship can be enhanced when procedural and distributive justice are adequately addressed.
All-In-One Approaches for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy: Metal-Phenolic Nanoplatform for MR Imaging-Guided Combinational Therapy
Authors: Xie Qi , Li Shichao , Feng Xingxing , Shi Jingyu , Li Yang , Yuan Guanjie , Yang Conglian , Shen Yaqi , Kong Li , Zhang Zhiping
Published: December 2021

Background

Conventional chemotherapy has poor efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) which is highly heterogeneous and aggressive. Imaging-guided therapy is usually combined with diverse treatment modalities, could realize the integration of diagnosis and treatments. Therefore, the primary challenge for combinational therapy is designing proper delivery systems to accomplish multiple synergistic effects.
Results

Herein, a facile nanoplatform is manufactured to fulfill the all-in-one approaches for TNBC combinational therapy. Fe3+-based metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) modification serve as drug delivery carriers to encapsulate bleomycin (BLM), forming BFE NPs@BSA. It is found that BFE NPs@BSA could be further used as photothermal transduction agents and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Once internalized into tumor cells, released BLM could cause DNA damage, while Fenton reactions are initiated to produce highly toxic •OH. Upon laser irradiation, BFE NPs@BSA could convert light into heat to achieve synergistic therapeutic effects. Moreover, as T1-weighted MRI contrast agents, BFE NPs@BSA could provide diagnosis and treatment monitoring for individualized precise therapy.
Conclusions

This strategy provides an all-in-one theranostic nanoplatform for MRI-guided combinational therapy against TNBC.
Efficacy of Liraglutide 3.0 Mg Treatment on Weight-Loss in Patients with Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Muratori Fabrizio , Vignati Federico , Sacco Gianleone Di , Gavazzi Lidia , Pellegrino Domenico , Prete Michela Del
Published: December 2021

Purpose Bariatric surgery, as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), is considered the gold standard treatment to achieve long-term weight-loss in severe obesity. In patients who fail to maintain the achieved weight, pharmacological treatment may be required. Here, we reported our real-life experience on efficacy of liraglutide therapy in 62 patients who regained weight after bariatric surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 62 (60 F-2 M; mean age: 43.6±9.9 years) patients received liraglutide for weight-loss after bariatric surgery (17 RYGB, 22 LGB and 23 LSG). Body mass index (BMI) before and after surgery was respectively of 45.4±5.5 kg/m2 and 29.5±4.9 kg/m2. Patients were followed from 2016 until 2021. Liraglutide was administered after weight regain once-daily subcutaneously at starting dose of 0.6 mg and with weekly increases up to 3.0 mg. Treatments were administered when a weight regain of 10-15% occurred after reaching a minimum weight-loss from bariatric surgery or if weight-loss after bariatric surgery was unsatisfactory. ResultsAfter a mean of 70.7±43.7 months from any bariatric surgery, all patients started liraglutide therapy. At this time, mean BMI was 34.2±4.8 kg/m2 (mean increased BMI: 4.7±2.8 kg/m2). After a mean of 10.5±4.4 months from the beginning of liraglutide, 9 patients achieved normal weight (BMI 24.1±0.9 kg/m2), 28 were overweight (BMI 26.9±1.6 kg/m2). Twenty patients achieved grade I (BMI 32.1±1.5 kg/m2), 5 grade II (BMI 37.3±2.0 kg/m2) obesity, none had grade III obesity (mean BMI change: -5.1±2.5 kg/m2). The treatment was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were recorded.ConclusionThese data confirm the efficacy and safety of liraglutide in patients who experienced weight regain after bariatric surgery. Considering the long-term follow-up, patients should be followed up regularly and the pharmacological treatment should be adapted to the weight fluctuations observed during the clinical history.
Recovery in stroke patients treated with fluoxetine versus placebo: A pooled analysis of 7,165 patients
Authors: Elsnhory Ahmed , Hasan Mohammed Tarek , Hagrass AbdulRahman Ibrahim , Hanbal Ahmed , fathy Anas , Ahmed Eslam , Ouerdane Yassamine , Ragab Khaled Mohamed , Doheim Mohamed Fahmy
Published: December 2021

Purpose

We conducted this study to build clear evidence regarding the outcomes of recovery in stroke patients treated with fluoxetine versus placebo.
Methods

Seventeen randomized clinical trials were identified by searching PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 2021.
Results

Fluoxetine enhances the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score [MD -0.67, 95% CI (-1.19 to -0.15), P = 0.01] and the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (FMMS) score [MD 17.36, 95% CI (12.12 to 22.61), P <0.00001] at three months follow up. However, the NIHSS score showed no significant difference between the two groups at two weeks [MD -0.32 ,95% CI (-0.72 to 0.07), p=0.11] or at six months [MD -0.17 ,95% CI (-0.47 to 0.14), p=0.29]. Fluoxetine and placebo-treated patients had the same overall impact on FMMS scores at one month [MD 7.77, 95% CI (-10.57 to 26.11), P = 0.41]. The fluoxetine had a higher risk of broken bone (RR = 2.30, 95% CI [1.59, 3.32], p < 0.001) and hyponatremia (RR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.19, 3.76], p= 0.01) with lower risk of new depression (RR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.61, 0.84], p< 0.001) in comparison to placebo.
Conclusion

The efficacy of fluoxetine on the NIHSS and FMMS is likely to take time to emerge and is expected to be transient. The BI score did not differ between the fluoxetine and placebo groups. The use of fluoxetine increased the incidence of hyponatremia and bone fractures while decreasing the risk of new-onset depression.
Pelvic Floor Myofascial Pain Might Influence Treatment Outcome of Interstitial Cystitis/bladder Pain Syndrome
Authors: Yu Wan-Ru , Chuang Fei-Chi , Chang Wei-Chuan , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: December 2021

IntroductionIn patients with interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), 85% were found to have pelvic floor myofascial pain (PFMP) and hypertonicity (PFH). However, they are not typically trained to consider or assess PFMP as a contributing factor to patients’ IC/BPS symptoms. This study aimed to explore the relationship between PFMP and treatment outcomes in women with IC/BPS.MethodsPatients with IC/BPS who received any type of treatment were prospectively enrolled. They underwent vaginal digital examination at baseline. PFMP severity was quantified on the visual analog scale (VAS). Subject assessment items included O’Leary-Sant symptom score (OSS), Global Response Assessment (GRA), and Beck’s anxiety inventory. Object assessment items included bladder computed tomography (CT), urodynamic parameters, maximum bladder capacity, and grade of glomerulation.ResultsA total of 65 women with IC/BPS (mean age, 57.1 ± 11.3 years) were enrolled in the study. Patients with more severe PFMP had significantly higher rate of dyspareunia (p = .031); more comorbidities (p = .010); higher number of PFMP sites (p < .001); and higher OSS (p = .012). PFMP severity was not significantly correlated with bladder conditions, whether subjective or objective. Moreover, PFMP severity (VAS) was significantly negatively associated with GRA score.ConclusionPFMP might affect the subjective results of IC/BPS treatment but not the bladder condition. Therefore, in the future treatment of patients with IC/BPS, digital vaginal examinations of pelvic floor muscles should be performed and focused more on the PFM-related conditions, and necessary PFM treatments, such as the vaginal pelvic floor muscle message, should be scheduled.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Confirmed Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Intermediate Uveitis – Analysis of 22 Eyes of 14 Cases From a Tertiary Care Centre in South India.
Authors: Sreeniva Janani , Jain Anupreeti , Kamalini P. Neha , Janani M. K. , Biswas Jyotirmay
Published: December 2021

Background: To report the role of Polymerase Chain Reaction in confirming the diagnosis of presumed mycobacterium Tuberculous Intermediate Uveitis. Method: Retrospective analysis of 22 eyes of 14 cases of presumed tubercular intermediate uveitis wherein intraocular fluid was tested for MTB DNA by Nested & Real time PCR, based on clinical suspicion of tubercular aetiology. QuantiFERON TB gold test and High Resolution CT Chest were done. Patients were treated with anti-tubercular therapy with oral steroids & immunomodulators. In the study, eleven were male (79%) and three female (21%). The median age was 34 years. Nested PCR for both IS 6110 & MPB 64 was positive in 64% of the cases, IS 6110 positive in 23% and MPB 64 positive in 15%. Real time PCR was positive in 48% of the cases. Vision improved in 33% cases, maintained in 57% cases and worsened in 10 % of cases. Conclusion: Presumed Tubercular intermediate uveitis can be confirmed by PCR of intraocular fluids. Anti-tubercular therapy with immunosuppression can improve vision and prevent recurrences in such cases.
Association of Lymphocyte Subsets in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with the Efficacy and Prognosis of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yan Yi , Jia Junmei
Published: December 2021

Background

The adaptation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has achieved promising effects in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, not all patients with NSCLC benefit from immunotherapy. There is an urgent need to explore some biomarkers to predict the efficacy and survival rate of patients with advanced NSCLC after immunotherapy. The objective of this study is to monitor the changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and analyze their correlation with the efficacy and prognosis of immunotherapy.
Methods

A total of 153 patients with advanced NSCLC were examined. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, NK cells, and Tregs were collected before any treatment, before immunotherapy, and after 4 cycles of immunotherapy. T-test was used to analyze the influencing factors of lymphocyte subtypes and their changes before and after immunotherapy. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between lymphocyte subtypes and efficacy with ROC curve being plotted. Log-rank test and Cox regression model were used to evaluate the relationship between lymphocyte subtypes and progression-free survival (PFS).
Results

Gender, age, pathology, distant metastasis, and EGFR mutations all affect the proportion of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with advanced NSCLC. Compared with baseline, the effective group showed that the proportions of CD4+ T cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, NK cells and Tregs were significantly higher, and the proportions of CD8+ T cells were significantly lower in peripheral blood after 4 cycles of immunotherapy. On the contrary, the ineffective group showed no signs of significant differences. Baseline CD4+ T cells, NK cells and Tregs were independent predictors of immunotherapy efficacy and PFS.
Conclusions

Immune checkpoint inhibitors induce changes in the proportion of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in patients with effective immunotherapy. The levels of lymphocyte subsets have a good predictive value for efficacy and prognosis of patients with advanced NSCLC.
Effect of Hydrogen Coverage on Elastic and Optical Properties of Silicene: A First-Principle Study
Authors: Routu Santosh , Malla Jagan Mohana Rao , Yathirajula Suresh , Uppala Nageswar rao
Published: December 2021

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of hydrogenated silicene have been investigated using first-principles DFT calculations. In comparison to pristine silicene, the hydrogenated silicene exhibits high stability, reduced anisotropy, and less birefringence. In the visible range, hydrogenated silicene exhibits a constant refractive index than silicene. The elastic and optical parameters: Young’s modulus (Y), poisson’s ratio (ν), bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), dielectric constant ε(0), refractive index n(0), conductivity threshold (Eth), birefringence Δn(0), and plasmon energy (ħωp) were calculated for the first time for various hydrogen occupancy levels. The estimated parameters are agree well with the experimental and reported values that are available.
Optimization of The Energy Efficiency in Smart Internet of Vehicles Assisted By MEC
Authors: Fu Jiafei , Zhu Pengcheng , Hua Jingyu , Li Jiamin , Wen Jiangang
Published: December 2021

Smart Internet of Vehicles (IoV) as a promising application in Internet of Things (IoT) emerges with the development of the fifth generation mobile communication (5G). Nevertheless, the heterogeneous requirements of sufficient battery capacity, powerful computing ability and energy efficiency for electric vehicles face great challenges due to the explosive data growth in 5G and the sixth generation of mobile communication (6G) networks. In order to alleviate the deficiencies mentioned above, this paper proposes a mobile edge computing (MEC) enabled IoV system, in which electric vehicle nodes (eVNs) upload and download data through an anchor node (AN) which is integrated with a MEC server. Meanwhile, the anchor node transmitters radio signal to electric vehicles with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) technology so as to compensate the battery limitation of eletric vehicles. Moreover, the anchor node equips with full-duplex (FD) and multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) technologies for futher improve the spectrum efficiency. Taking into account the issues above, we maximize the average energy efficiency of electric vehicles by jointly optimize the CPU frequency, vehicle transmitting power, computing tasks and uplink rate. In order to solve this nonconvex problem, we propose a novel alternate interior-point iterative scheme (AIIS) under the constraints of computing tasks, energy consumption and time latency. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme comparing with the benchmark schemes.
Assessment of the Hail Damage on Agricultural Crops from North of Baragan Plain, Romania, Using Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Angearu Claudiu Valeriu , Ontel Irina , Irimescu Anisoara , Sorin Burcea
Published: December 2021

Hail is one of the dangerous meteorological phenomena facing society. The present study aims to analyze the hail event from 20 July 2020, which affected the villages of Urleasca, Traian, Silistraru and Căldăruşa from the Traian commune, Baragan Plain. The analysis was performed on agricultural lands, using satellite images in the optical domain: Sentinel-2A, Landsat-8, Terra MODIS, as well as the satellite product in the radar domain: Soil Water Index (SWI), and weather radar data. Based on Sentinel-2A images, a threshold of 0.05 of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) difference was established between the two moments of time analyzed (14 and 21 July), thus it was found that about 4000 ha were affected. The results show that the intensity of the hail damage was directly proportional to the Land Surface Temperature (LST) difference values in Landsat-8, from 15 and 31 July. Thus, the LST difference values higher than 12° C were in the areas where NDVI suffered a decrease of 0.4-0.5. The overlap of the hail mask extracted from NDVI with the SWI difference situation at a depth of 2 cm from 14 and 21 July confirms that the phenomenon recorded especially in the west of the analyzed area, highlighted by the large values (greater than 55 dBZ) of weather radar reflectivity as well, indicating medium–large hail size. This research also reveals that satellite data is useful for cross validation of surface-based weather reports and weather radar derived products.
Copper-Iron Oxide: A Highly Effective Photocatalyst Than TiO2 Prepared by One-Step Sparking Process
Authors: Panthawan Arisara , Jumrus Nidchamon , Sanmuangmoon Panupong , Thongpan Winai , Kumpika Tewasin , Sro Wattikon , Kantarak Ekkapong , Tuantranont Adisorn , Singjai Pisith , Thongsuwan Wiradej
Published: December 2021

Copper-iron (Cu-Fe) oxide composite films were successfully deposited on quartz substrate by a facile sparking process. The nanoparticles were deposited on the substrate after sparking off the Fe and Cu tips with different ratios and were then annealed at different temperatures. The network particles was observed after annealed the film at 700°C. Meanwhile, XRD and SAED patterns of the annealed films at 700°C consisted of a mixed phase of CuO, γ-Fe2O3, CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O. The film with a lowest energy band gap (Eg) of 2.56 eV was observed after anneal at 700°C. Interestingly, the optimum ratio and annealing temperature show highly photocatalytic activity than annealed TiO2 at 500 and 700°C. This is a novel photocatalyst which can be replace TiO2 for photocatalytic applications in the future.
Directed Evolution of The PobR Allosteric Transcription Factor To Generate A Biosensor For 4-Hydroxymandelic Acid
Authors: Liang YaoYao , Luo Juan , Yang Chenhao , Guo Shuning , Zhang Bowen , Chen Fengqianrui , Su Kairui , Zhang Yulong , Dong Yi , Wang Zhihao , Fu Hongda , Sui Guangchao , Wang Pengchao
Published: December 2021

4-Hydroxymandelic acid (HMA) is widely applied in pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics. In this study, we aimed to develop an allosteric transcription factors (aTFs) based biosensor for HMA. PobR, an aTF for HMA analog 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, was used to alter its selectivity and create novel aTFs responsive to HMA by directed evolution. We established a PobR mutant library with a capacity of 550,000 mutants using error-prone PCR and Megawhop PCR. Through our screening, two mutants were obtained with responsiveness to HMA. Analysis of each missense mutation indicating residues 122-126 were involved in its PobR ligand specificity. These results showed the effectiveness of directed evolution in switching the ligand specificity of a biosensor and improving HMA production.
A Bayesian Network Structure Learning Approach to Identify Genes Associated with Stress in Spleens of Chickens
Authors: Rodriguez E. A. Videla , Mitchell John B.O. , Smith V. Anne
Published: December 2021

Differences in the expression patterns of genes have been used to measure the effects of non-stress or stress conditions in poultry species. However, the list of genes identified can be extensive and they might be related to several biological systems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify a small set of genes closely associated with stress in a poultry animal model, the chicken (Gallus gallus), by reusing and combining data previously published together with bioinformatic analysis and Bayesian networks in a multi-step approach. Two datasets were collected from publicly available repositories and pre-processed. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify genes common to both datasets that showed differential expression patterns between non-stress and stress conditions. Bayesian networks were learnt using a Simulated Annealing algorithm implemented in the software Banjo. The structure of the Bayesian network consisted of 16 out of 19 genes in addition to the stress condition. CARD19 displayed a direct relationship with the stress condition, and three other genes, CYGB, BRAT1, and EPN3 were also relevant for the stress condition. The biological functionality of these genes are related to damage, apoptosis, and oxygen provision, and they could potentially be further explored as biomarkers of stress.
Efficacy of Fluralaner (Exzolt®) for the Treatment of Natural Allopsoroptoides Galli Infestations in Laying Hens
Authors: Soares Nilce Maria , Tucci Edna Clara , Perdoncini Gustavo , Junior Ricardo Della Matta
Published: December 2021

BackgroundMite infestations in laying hens can cause losses to producers due to stress, reduced egg production and even death of birds. A new species of mite, Allopsoroptoides galli (A. galli), Analgoidea: Psoroptoididae, was recently identified in commercial laying farms in Brazil, causing damage due to its highly aggressive infestation that results in a sharp drop in egg production and culling. The present study evaluated the acaricidal action of a formulation containing fluralaner (Exzolt®) against A. galli.Methods The study was carried out from November 2019 to January 2020. Thirty-four laying hens naturally infested with A. galli were equally divided into a fluralaner-treated group and an untreated control group. The fluralaner-treated group received Exzolt® in drinking water at a dose of 0.05 mL/kg body weight (equivalent to 0.5 mg fluralaner/kg body weight), twice, seven days apart. Both groups were followed for 70 days evaluating the level of infestation by counting mites in skin scrapings and assessment of skin lesions.Results The average mite count of the treated group decreased significantly, dropping from 61.6 to 3.8 mites (D+7 to D+70). The efficacy progressively increased on subsequent days, reaching 98.8% on day +56 post-treatment and 96.9% on day +70. Recovery of skin lesions was observed after administration of Exzolt®, showing a marked remission in the degree of lesions (2.5 on day -14 to 0.2 on day +70). The mean number of mites in the untreated control group ranged from 79.3 to 124.1 and the lesion score from 2.6 to 2.9, thus remaining stable throughout the study.Conclusion The results obtained in the present study demonstrated that Exzolt® administered at a dose of 0.05 mL of product/kg body weight (equivalent to 0.5 mg of fluralaner/kg body weight), twice at a seven-day interval, in drinking water was effective in the treatment of the mite Allopsoroptoides galli in naturally infested laying hens.
Assessment of GRACE/GRACE Follow-On Estimates of Global Mean Ocean Mass Change
Authors: Kim Jae-Seung , Seo Ki-Weon , Chen Jianli , Wilson Clark
Published: December 2021

Global mean sea level has increased ~3.5 mm/yr over several decades due to increases in ocean mass and changes in sea water density. Ocean mass, accounting for about two-thirds of the increase, can be directly measured by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow-On (GFO) satellites. An independent measure is obtained by combining satellite altimetry (measuring total sea level change) and Argo float data (measuring steric changes associated with sea water density). Many previous studies have reported that the two estimates of global mean ocean mass (GMOM) change are in good agreement within stated confidence intervals. Recently, particularly since 2016, estimates by the two methods have diverged. A partial explanation appears to be a spurious variation in steric sea level data. An additional contributor may be deficiencies in Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) corrections and degree-1 spherical harmonic (SH) coefficients. We found that erroneous corrections for GIA contaminate GRACE/GFO estimates as time goes forward. Errors in GIA corrections affect degree-1 SH coefficients, and degree-1 errors may also be associated with ocean dynamics. Poor estimates of degree-1 SH coefficients are likely an important source of discrepancies in the two methods of estimating GMOM change.
Evolution of Physicochemical Properties of 2-(2-(4-(4-chloro) phenyl) vinyl)-1, 1, 3-trimethyl-1H-benzo[e] Indolium Iodide via Experimental and Quantum Chemical Calculation for Third-Harmonic Generation Applications
Authors: Palaniyasan Eniya , Radhakrishnan Anbarasan , Maidur Shivaraj R. , Patil Parutagouda Shankaragouda , Jeyaperumal Kalyana Sundar
Published: December 2021

In this work, the authors have reported the synthesis, crystal structure, and physicochemical properties of new Indolium based nonlinear optical crystal of 2-(2-(4-(4-chloro) phenyl) vinyl)-1, 1, 3-trimethyl-1H-benzo[e] Indolium iodide. The title crystal was grown by slow evaporation technique using methanol as a solvent. The harvested crystal is subjected to the single-crystal X-ray diffraction study and found that the title crystal belongs to the monoclinic system with a space group of P21/n. The bandgap and optical window of the material are studied by UV-visible spectroscopic analysis, and the found values are 4.2 eV and 295-800 nm, respectively. The grown crystal is subjected to analyze the thermal stability and found that high-temperature stability value upto 264 oC and which is sufficient for industrial applications. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on the grown crystal dielectric properties such as dielectric constant and dielectric losses is investigated by impedance spectroscopic analysis. The molecular charge transfer on the material is studied from density functional theory. The various intermolecular interactions existence in the crystal is explored from Hirshfeld surface analysis. Finally, the Z-scan parameters expose that title crystal is a potential material for third-harmonic generation applications. The overall structural studies and functional properties disclose that the grown crystal is well suitable for harmonic generation applications.
The Risk of Prostate Cancer Associated With Common Mutations of AR Gene in Iranian Population: a Perspective Study of Personalized Treatment
Authors: Rahbaran Marzieh , Doabsari Maryam Hassani , Sharifi Farshad , Afshari Mahdi , Hasanzad Mandana
Published: December 2021

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers among men. Genetic predisposition is emerging as a risk factor for PC development. The Androgen receptor (AR) gene is associated with the development and prognosis of PC. Understanding the AR mutations is very important in the precision treatment of PC-resistant patients to androgen deprivation therapy. In this study, we investigate any association between common AR mutations with the risk of PC.Methods and results: In this case-control study, blood samples were collected from 121 radical prostatectomy (RP) patients who were pathologically diagnosed with PC and 120 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) subjects as a control group. The targeted area of the AR gene was amplified by PCR and confirmed by the Sanger sequencing method. The target area of the AR gene screened for 124 alterations in intron 7, 44 mutations in exon 8, and 52 variants in the 3'UTR region. rs113528927 DelIns AC>ACACACCAC had the most frequent mutant alleles between case and control groups, but this genotype distribution among the two recruited groups was not significant. Only one mutation, c.2644C>A, was observed in exon 8 in BPH subjects, and six alterations were detected in 3'UTR.Conclusions: For the first time in the Iranian population, AR common mutations were screened in PC patients, and our results indicate no relationship with the risk of PC, which means that other potential molecular risk factors may be engaged for PC in our population.
Bioinformatics analysis of UNC93B1 gene and prognostic value in breast cancer
Authors: Yi Xiaoqiong , Shi Huadi , Shi Zhenyi , Zhong Fulan , Wu Yingying , Ou Feiyan , Xu Zumin , Chen Xinggui
Published: December 2021

Background: The Unc-93 homolog B1 (UNC93B1) is a transmembrane protein that is associated with immune diseases such as influenza, herpes simplex encephalitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus; however, the role of UNC93B1 in cancer (including human breast cancer) is known less. The analysis of the association between UNC93B1 expression and breast cancer survival is also unclear. Methods: We used multiple online databases including Oncomine, GEPIA, bcGenExMiner v4.6 and PrognoScan, to conduct bioinformatics analysis of clinical parameters and survival data related to UNC93B1 in breast cancer patients. Results: It was found that UNC93B1 was expressed in different subtypes of breast cancer compared to normal tissues. Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) classification, Nottingham prognostic index (NPI), estrogen receptor (ER) negative, progesterone receptor (PR) negative epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) positive and lymph node positive are positively correlated with the UNC93B1 level. We found that increased expression of UNC93B1 was associated with worse relapse-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival. We also confirmed the positive correlation between UNC93B1 and ALDH3B1 gene expression. Conclusion: The lower expression of UNC93B1 was correlated with better clinical prognostic parameters and clinical survival in breast cancer on the basis of the bioinformatic analysis.
WITHDRAWN: Analysis of Autophagy-Related Signatures in The Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Identification of Clinical Prognostic Markers in Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Huifeng , Chen Dayin , Zhang Zhihui , Cheng Liang , Luo Zhenguo , Yu Junjuan
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Bladder carcinoma (BLCA) is one of the most common malignant diseases of urinary system. Our study aimed to investigate the autophagy-related signatures in the tumor immune microenvironment and construct effective prognosis prediction model.Methods: RNA sequencing data and corresponding clinical information of BLCA were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Autophagy-related genes were extracted from TCGA dataset for consensus clustering analysis, and differences in survival rate were analyzed. STIMATE algorithm was used to analyze the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune cell infiltration was compared between different clusters. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different clusters were identified, followed by function annotation. Independent prognostic signatures were further revealed to construct prognostic prediction model.Results: We identified 35 autophagy-related genes associated with prognosis. Survival rate of samples in cluster 1 was significant lower than that in cluster 2. Cluster 2 had markedly lower tumor purity and significantly higher estimate score and stromal score than cluster 1. The proportions of T cells CD8, macrophages M1, T cells CD4 memory activated, NK cells activated, and dendritic cells activated were higher in cluster 1. There were 1,275 DEGs which were mainly enriched in functions and pathways related to immune response and cancer. Seven genes (ATF6, CAPN2, NAMPT, NPC1, P4HB, PIK3C3, and RPTOR) were further identified as the independent prognostic signatures to construct risk score prediction model, which had good prediction performance.Conclusion: Prognosis prediction model based on 7 autophagy-related genes may have great value in BLCA prognosis prediction.
Dissection of Maize Drought Tolerance at the Flowering Stage Using Ge-Nome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Khan Siffat Ullah , Zheng Yanxiao , Chachar Zaid , Zhang Xuhuan , Zhou Guyi , Zong Na , Leng Pengfei , Zhao Jun
Published: December 2021

Drought is one of the most critical environmental factors constraining corn production especially when it occurs during flowering, resulting in serious yield losses. In this study, anthesis to silk interval (ASI), plant height (PH), and ear biomass at the silking date (EBM) of 279 inbred lines were evaluated under water-stress (WS) and well-water (WW) field conditions for three consecutive years. Averagely, ASI was extended by 25.96%, ear biomass was decreased by 17.54%, and the PH was reduced by 12.47% under drought stress conditions. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) were carried out using phenotypic values under WS, WW and drought-tolerance index (WS-WW or WS/WW) applying mixed linear model controlling both population structure and relative kinship. Totally, 71, 159, and 21 SNPs were significantly (P < 10-5) associated with ASI, ear biomass, and PH, respectively. Candidate genes encoding ARABIDILLO 1 protein, glycoprotein, Tic22-like and Zinc finger family protein for ASI, and 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit-9 for EBM, were identified under both WW and WS conditions. Pyridoxal phosphate transferase was associated with EBM under drought stress treatment in consecutive two years. Furthermore, most candidate genes were evidenced to be drought responsive in the association panel. Meanwhile, the favourable/drought tolerance haplotypes were identified based on haplotype analysis. These findings provide insights into the genetic basis of drought tolerance at the flowering stage especially for the female inflorescence development and will facilitate high drought tolerant maize breeding.