bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of driving simulator performance for post-call orthopaedic surgery residents
Authors: Grandizio Louis C , Barreto Rocha Daniela F , Holbert J Alexander , Pavis Elizabeth J , Hopkins David , Volarich Kathryn , Klena Joel C
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Despite the associations between workhours, fatigue and motor vehicle accidents, driving abilities for residents post-call have been infrequently analysed. Our purpose was to compare orthopaedic surgery resident performance on a driving simulator after a night of call compared with their baseline.

Study design

All residents from a single orthopaedic programme were asked to complete baseline and post-call driving simulator assessments and surveys. The primary outcome measure was brake reaction time (BRT) and secondary outcome measures included lane variance, speed variance and accidents on the driving simulator.

Results

All 19 orthopaedic residents agreed to participate. Compared with the baseline assessment, residents demonstrated significantly higher levels of sleepiness on the Stanford Sleepiness Scale post-call (1.6 vs 3.4; p<0.0001). Despite higher levels of fatigue post-call, there was no statistically significant differences between baseline and post-call assessments for mean BRT, accidents, lane variation and speed variation.

Conclusions

These data suggest that for orthopaedic residents, driving simulator performance does not appear to be worse after a single night of call compared with baseline. Future collaborative, multicentre investigations on post-call driving safety that incorporate different call types and frequencies are necessary to better define the impact of post-call fatigue on driving performance. Recognising that motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death for people under the age of 30 years, these continued areas of study are necessary to truly establish a culture of resident safety.
12-month results from the real-life observational treat-to-target and tight-control therapy NOR-Gout study: achievements of the urate target levels and predictors of obtaining this target
Authors: Uhlig Till , Karoliussen Lars F , Sexton Joseph , Borgen Tove , Haavardsholm Espen A , Kvien Tore K , Hammer Hilde Berner
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Gout is often not adequately treated, and we aimed to apply urate lowering treatment (ULT) combined with individual information to achieve target serum urate (sUA) in clinical practice, and to identify predictors of achievement of this sUA target.

Methods

Patients with a recent gout flare and sUA >360 µmol/L (>6 mg/dL) were consecutively included in a single-centre study and managed with a treat-to-target approach combining nurse-led information about gout with ULT. All patients were assessed with tight controls at baseline, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months including clinical examination, information on demographics, lifestyle, self-efficacy and beliefs about medicines. The treatment target was sUA <360 µmol/L and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of target attainment with ORs and 95% CIs.

Results

Of 211 patients (mean age 56.4 years, disease duration 7.8 years, 95% males), 186 completed the 12-month study. Mean sUA levels decreased from baseline mean 500 to 311 µmol/L at 12 months with 85.5% achieving the treatment target. Alcohol consumption at least weekly versus less frequently (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.55) as well as beliefs in overuse of medicines (OR per unit 0.77; 95 CI 0.62 to 0.94) decreased the chance of reaching the treatment target, while higher self-efficacy for arthritis symptoms (OR 1.49 per 10 units; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.05) increased the likelihood.

Conclusions

This study shows that target sUA can be achieved with ULT in most patients. Less self-reported alcohol consumption, low beliefs in overuse of medicines and higher self-efficacy are associated with treatment success.
Ethnic inequalities in mental health and socioeconomic status among older women living with HIV: results from the PRIME Study
Authors: Solomon Danielle , Tariq Shema , Alldis Jon , Burns Fiona , Gilson Richard , Sabin Caroline , Sherr Lorraine , Pettit Fiona , Dhairyawan Rageshri
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Women living with HIV in the UK are an ethnically diverse group with significant psychosocial challenges. Increasing numbers are reaching older age. We describe psychological and socioeconomic factors among women with HIV in England aged 45–60 and explore associations with ethnicity.

Methods

Analysis of cross-sectional data on 724 women recruited to the PRIME Study. Psychological symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 and social isolation with a modified Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Scale.

Results

Black African (BA) women were more likely than Black Caribbean or White British (WB) women to have a university education (48.3%, 27.0%, 25.7%, respectively, p<0.001), but were not more likely to be employed (68.4%, 61.4%, 65.2%, p=0.56) and were less likely to have enough money to meet their basic needs (56.4%, 63.0%, 82.9%, p<0.001). BA women were less likely to report being diagnosed with depression than WB women (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.40, p<0.001) but more likely to report current psychological distress (aOR 3.34, p<0.05).

Conclusions

We report high levels of poverty, psychological distress and social isolation in this ethnically diverse group of midlife women with HIV, especially among those who were BA. Despite being more likely to experience psychological distress, BA women were less likely to have been diagnosed with depression suggesting a possible inequity in access to mental health services. Holistic HIV care requires awareness of the psychosocial needs of older women living with HIV, which may be more pronounced in racially minoritised communities, and prompt referral for support including psychology, peer support and advice about benefits.
Programmatic mapping and size estimation of female sex workers, transgender sex workers and men who have sex with men in İstanbul and Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Gokengin Deniz , Aybek Georgetta , Aral Sevgi O , Blanchard James , Serter Demir , Emmanuel Faran
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Despite a growing HIV threat, there is no definition and characterisation of key populations (KPs), who could be the major drivers of the epidemic in Turkey. We used programmatic mapping to identify locations where KPs congregate, estimate their numbers and understand their operational dynamics to develop appropriate HIV programme implementation strategies.

Methods

Female and transgender sex workers (FSWs and TGSWs), and men who have sex with men (MSM) were studied in İstanbul and Ankara. Within each district, hot spots were identified by interviewing key informants and a crude spot list in each district was developed. The spot validation process was led by KP members who facilitated spot access and interviews of KPs associated with that spot. Final estimates were derived by aggregating the estimated number of KPs at all spots, which was adjusted for the proportion of KPs who visit multiple spots, and for the proportion of KPs who do not visit spots.

Results

FSWs were the largest KP identified in İstanbul with an estimate of 30 447 (5.8/1000 women), followed by 15 780 TGSWs (2.9/1000 men) and 11 656 MSM (2.1/1000). The corresponding numbers in Ankara were 9945 FSWs (5.2/1000 women), 1770 TGSWs (1/1000 men) and 5018 MSM (2.5/1000 men). Each KP had unique typologies based on the way they find and interact with sex partners. MSM were mostly hidden and a higher proportion operated through internet and phone-based applications. Night time was the peak time with Friday, Saturday and Sunday being the peak days of activity in both İstanbul and Ankara.

Conclusions

This study has highlighted the presence of a substantial number of FSWs, TGSW and MSM in İstanbul and Ankara. The information obtained from this study can be used to set priorities for resource allocation and provide HIV prevention services where coverage could be the highest.
Sexual health (excluding reproductive health, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence) and COVID-19: a scoping review
Authors: Kumar Navin , Janmohamed Kamila , Nyhan Kate , Forastiere Laura , Zhang Wei-Hong , Kågesten Anna , Uhlich Maximiliane , Sarpong Frimpong Afia , Van de Velde Sarah , Francis Joel M , Erausquin Jennifer Toller , Larrson Elin , Callander Deton , Scott John , Minichiello Victor , Tucker Joseph
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health disparities, including disparities in sexual health and well-being. While there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and population health disparities generally—including some with attention to HIV—none has focused on sexual health (ie, STI care, female sexual health, sexual behaviour). We have conducted a scoping review focused on sexual health (excluding reproductive health (RH), intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV)) in the COVID-19 era, examining sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes.

Methods

A scoping review, compiling both peer-reviewed and grey literature, focused on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and COVID-19 was conducted on 15 September 2020. Multiple bibliographical databases were searched. Study selection conformed to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. We only included English-language original studies.

Results

We found that men who have sex with men may be moving back toward pre-pandemic levels of sexual activity, and that STI and HIV testing rates seem to have decreased. There was minimal focus on outcomes such as the economic impact on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and STI care, especially STI care of marginalised populations. In terms of population groups, there was limited focus on sex workers or on women, especially women’s sexual behaviour and mental health. We noticed limited use of qualitative techniques. Very few studies were in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).

Conclusions

Sexual health research is critical during a global infectious disease pandemic and our review of studies suggested notable research gaps. Researchers can focus efforts on LMICs and under-researched topics within sexual health and explore the use of qualitative techniques and interventions where appropriate.
The rise and fall of countries on world trade web: A network perspective
Authors: Fan Tianlong , Li Hao , Ren Xiao-Long , Xu Shuqi , Gou Youzhao , Lü Linyuan
Published: March 2021

World Trade Web is the backbone of the global economy system. Identifying influential countries and regions in such a network and revealing their importance evolution over time are helpful for understanding global economic development. Here, we collect the worldwide trade data in commodities of 232 countries and regions from 1996 to 2015 from the UN Comtrade Database, based on which a series of weighted world trade networks are constructed. Since the networks are almost fully connected, most of the existing methods may fail in identifying the important nodes. To tackle this issue, we apply the generalized Degree, [Formula: see text]-index and Coreness (DHC) theorem to the constructed networks and use weighted degree and coreness to quantify nodes’ importance, since they can make full use of the weight information to accurately evaluate nodes’ significance. Then, we analyze the rankings of countries and regions measured by various indicators, whose differences and advantages are also compared. We further present the evolution of countries’ significance over time, two typical groups of countries. The results show that the influence of a country or region has a strong correlation with its economic scale, but a relatively weak correlation with the diversity of its trade structure. Finally, based on the findings, we put forward corresponding strategies to enhance the trade influence for different types of countries.
How to Make a Query in Image Retrieval with Partial Information Extracted from Multiple Image Samples?
Authors: Chan Sheung Wai , Cheung Yiu-Ming
Published: March 2021

The existing image retrieval methods generally require at least one complete image as a query sample. From the practical point of view, a user may not have an image sample in hand for query. Instead, partial information from multiple image samples would be available. This paper therefore attempts to deal with this problem by presenting a novel framework that allows a user to make an image query composed of several partial information extracted from multiple image samples via Boolean operations (i.e. AND, OR and NOT). Based on the request from the query, a Descriptor Cluster Label Table (DCLT) is designed to efficiently find out the result of Boolean operations on partial information. Experiments show the promising result of the proposed framework on commodity query and criminal investigation, respectively, although it is essentially applicable to different scenarios as well by changing descriptors.
Baggage Image Retrieval with Attention-Based Network for Security Checks
Authors: Huang Gan , Yang Li , Zhang Ding , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Yanfu
Published: March 2021

Baggage image search is the task of finding the same baggage across several cameras, which can improve the efficiency of security check. Since existing state-of-the-art image retrieval requires a significant amount of training data, we aim to investigate the few-shot situation, utilizing only a few samples for each baggage. In this paper, the framework we introduced is called AttentionNet, exploring the weak region-wise annotations as attention clues to improve the retrieval performance. Specifically, we integrate the semantic and recognition tasks using shared convolutional neural networks by multi-task learning. Semantic attention mechanism is used to explicitly re-weight the feature map for emphasizing the foreground. To prevent overfitting in few-shot training, we adopt a variant of the triplet loss to perform deep metric learning with an online hard triplet mining strategy. Once trained, AttentionNet identifies a probe image by computing its embedding’s cosine distance with images in the gallery. Experiments show that our method achieves state-of-the-art accuracy in image search. For instance, we obtain 82.9% Rank-1 score on the MVB dataset, dramatically outperforming the currently existing methods.
A Low-Leakage Variation-Aware 10T SRAM Cell for IoT Applications
Authors: Raikwal Pushpa , Shah Ambika Prasad , Neema Vaibhav
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a novel low-leakage 10T SRAM cell along with its new read circuitry. It utilizes isolated read path for the read operation that enhances the read stability of the cell as compared to conventional 6T SRAM cell. The proposed cell has been introduced for IoT applications where low power devices are the primary requirement in order to enhance the battery life. To minimize the leakage current, the PMOS transistor has been employed at the read circuitry which assists to minimize the leakage current due to induced stacking effect. The leakage current is 37.66%, 40.11% and 67.39% less as compared to 6T SRAM, 8T SRAM and RDPFC 9T SRAM cells, respectively. The read delay for the proposed cell is 39.80%, 89.13% and 42.33% less as compared to 6T SRAM, 8T SRAM and RDPFC 9T SRAM cells, respectively. Also, the results depict the speed improvement of 48.60%, 52.49% and 55.71% during write “0” and 46.97%, 57.5% and 54.52% improvement during write “1” operation as compared to 6T SRAM, 8T SRAM and RDFC 9T SRAM cells, respectively. The RSNM of the proposed cell is 649 mV that shows enhanced read stability over conventional 6T SRAM cell. The proposed cell proves its robustness against worst-case process variations. All the simulation work has been completed on the Cadence Virtuoso environment at 180 nm technology node.
Transformation of primordial cosmological perturbations under the general extended disformal transformation
Authors: Alinea Allan L. , Kubota Takahiro
Published: March 2021

Primordial cosmological perturbations are the seeds that were cultivated by inflation and the succeeding dynamical processes, eventually leading to the current universe. In this work, we investigate the behavior of the gauge-invariant scalar and tensor perturbations under the general extended disformal transformation, namely, [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being a general functional of [Formula: see text]. We find that the tensor perturbation is invariant under this transformation. On the other hand, the scalar curvature perturbation receives a correction due the conformal term only; it is independent of the disformal term at least up to linear order. Within the framework of the full Horndeski theory, the correction terms turn out to depend linearly on the gauge-invariant comoving density perturbation and the first time-derivative thereof. In the superhorizon limit, all these correction terms vanish, leaving only the original scalar curvature perturbation. In other words, it is invariant under the general extended disformal transformation in the superhorizon limit, in the context of full Horndeski theory. Our work encompasses a chain of research studies on the transformation or invariance of the primordial cosmological perturbations, generalizing their results under our general extended disformal transformation.
STABILITY ANALYSIS AND OPTIMAL CONTROL OF AN INTRACELLULAR HIV INFECTION MODEL WITH ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT
Authors: VIRIYAPONG R. , SAWANGTHIT S.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a deterministic model describing the dynamics of the in-host HIV infection of CD4[Formula: see text] T-cells is proposed. The model incorporates the presence of the CD[Formula: see text] T-cells and two types of antiretroviral drugs, for disrupting new infection and for inhibiting virus production, respectively. First, the existence, boundedness and positivity of the model solutions are shown, the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] being then derived and shown to be a threshold value as far as the stability of the equilibria is concerned. When [Formula: see text] the infection-free equilibrium point is globally stable, whereas when [Formula: see text] the system is uniformly persistent and the infected equilibrium point is globally asymptotically stable. Further, we develop an optimal control model by taking the effect of the antiretroviral drugs to be control variables in order to minimize the HIV infection in different scenarios. By using Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle and solving the model numerically, the results show that each antiretroviral drug in isolation can play a key role in reducing the count of both infected CD4[Formula: see text] T-cells and HIV viruses. However, a combination of both drugs could reduce the in-host HIV infection more significantly.
Maximal almost disjoint families, determinacy, and forcing
Authors: Bakke Haga Karen , Schrittesser David , Törnquist Asger
Published: March 2021

We study the notion of [Formula: see text]-MAD families where [Formula: see text] is a Borel ideal on [Formula: see text]. We show that if [Formula: see text] is any finite or countably iterated Fubini product of the ideal of finite sets [Formula: see text], then there are no analytic infinite [Formula: see text]-MAD families, and assuming Projective Determinacy and Dependent Choice there are no infinite projective [Formula: see text]-MAD families; and under the full Axiom of Determinacy [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] or under [Formula: see text] there are no infinite [Formula: see text]-mad families. Similar results are obtained in Solovay’s model. These results apply in particular to the ideal [Formula: see text], which corresponds to the classical notion of MAD families, as well as to the ideal [Formula: see text]. The proofs combine ideas from invariant descriptive set theory and forcing.
Absence of torsion in orbit space
Authors: Sharma Sampat
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a local ring of dimension [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] then the group [Formula: see text] has no [Formula: see text]-torsion, provided [Formula: see text] We also prove that if [Formula: see text] is a regular ring of dimension [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] acts transitively on [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] acts transitively on [Formula: see text]
On skin substitutes for wound healing: Current products, limitations, and future perspectives
Authors: Kelangi Sarah Susan , Theocharidis Georgios , Veves Aristidis , Austen William G. , Sheridan Robert , Goverman Jeremy , Bei Marianna
Published: March 2021

Cutaneous wound healing is a highly coordinated process involving numerous molecular pathways that regulate the function of specific skin cell types. One of the key decisions in acute and/or chronic wound healing management is to choose the skin substitute that, based on its composition and/or properties, may act as permanent skin replacement or temporary wound cover.

The current products however are limited in their action, especially in the context of large chronic wounds or extensive second-/third-degree burns, due to the risk of developing infection, the limited vascularization, the inability to integrate to host tissue, and the lack in the healed area of skin apparatus responsible for temperature control, pigmentation, immune regulation, and nerve supply. In addition, the high cost of skin substitutes precludes their use in small- and moderate-size burns because they are economically impractical and protract the time to definitive wound closure. Thus, the need to develop cost-effective substitutes of high quality is imperative. The purpose of this review is to discuss current available products, their limitations and to provide some perspectives on future research toward generation of cost-effective, high-quality substitutes.
Using landslide-inventory mapping for a combined bagged-trees and logistic-regression approach to determining landslide susceptibility in eastern Kentucky, USA
Authors: Crawford Matthew M. , Dortch Jason M. , Koch Hudson J. , Killen Ashton A. , Zhu Junfeng , Zhu Yichuan , Bryson Lindsey S. , Haneberg William C.
Published: March 2021

High-resolution LiDAR-derived datasets from a 1.5 m digital elevation model and a detailed landslide inventory (
n
 ≥ 1000) for Magoffin County, Kentucky, USA were used to develop a combined machine-learning and statistical approach to improve geomorphic-based landslide-susceptibility mapping.

An initial dataset of 36 variables was compiled to investigate the connection between slope morphology and landslide occurrence. Bagged trees, a machine-learning random-forest classifier, was used to evaluate the geomorphic variables, and 12 were identified as important: standard deviation of plan curvature, standard deviation of elevation, sum of plan curvature, minimum slope, mean plan curvature, range of elevation, sum of roughness, mean curvature, sum of curvature, mean roughness, minimum curvature and standard deviation of curvature. These variables were further evaluated using logistic regression to determine the probability of landslide occurrence and then used to create a landslide-susceptibility map.

The performance of the logistic-regression model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve, which was 0.83. Standard deviations from the probability mean were used to set landslide-susceptibility classifications: low (0–0.10), low–moderate (0.11–0.27), moderate (0.28–0.44), moderate–high (0.45–0.61) and high (0.62–1.0). Logistic-regression results were validated by using a separate landslide inventory for the neighbouring Prestonsburg 7.5-minute quadrangle, and running the same regression function. Results indicate that 74.9% of the landslide deposits were identified as having moderate, moderate–high or high landslide susceptibility. Combining inventory mapping with statistical modelling identified important geomorphic variables and produced a useful approach to landslide-susceptibility mapping.

Supplementary material:
The statistical data used in the combined machine-learning functions are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5351313.v3

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Digitization and Digitalization in engineering geology and hydrogeology collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/digitization-and-digitalization-in-engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology
An in vivo protein landscape of the mouse DCT during high dietary K+ or low dietary Na+ intake
Authors: Kortenoeven Marleen L. A. , Cheng Lei , Wu Qi , Fenton Robert A.
Published: March 2021

The mineralocorticoid aldosterone, essential for maintaining body K+ and Na+ balance, has different effects if secreted due to hypovolemia or hyperkalemia. Here, we used proteomics to profile kidney distal convoluted tubule (DCT) cells isolated by a novel FACS approach from mice fed a low-Na+ diet (mimicking hypovolemia) or a high-K+ diet (mimicking hyperkalemia). The study provides the first in-depth proteome of the mouse DCT and insights into how it is physiologically regulated.
Experimental Study on the Coupled Heat‐Moisture‐Heavy Metal Pollutant Transfer Process in Soils
Authors: Nie Qingke , Wang Wei , Guo Wenkai , Li Huawei
Published: March 2021

The coupled physical mechanism of heat conduction, moisture migration, and heavy metal transfer in a kaolin soil was studied by one‐dimensional column tests. Two cyclic temperature tests show that, during the second cycle, the temperature close to the heat source of the soil column is lower than that during the first cycle and the temperature far away from the heat source is low, which reflects the influence of heating path. Correspondingly, the moisture content distribution during the second cycle is quite different from that during the first cycle. The higher the soil dry density is, the better the heat conduction is. The lower the dry density is, the more favorable the moisture migration is. The placement direction of the soil column and the set of temperature boundaries affect the moisture distribution of the soil column through the difference in the temperature, gravity, and solid matrix potentials. The temperature‐driven liquid water movement effectively promotes the transfer of heavy metal contaminant in unsaturated soils; it is closely correlated with the convection of the heavy metal substances easily dissolved in liquid water. However, the transfer of heavy metal substances in unsaturated soil is not obvious without a thermal driving force. The test results for the different heavy metal ions indicate that the thermally induced transfer distance of the heavy metal pollutants with low adsorption properties (e.g., Cu2+) to soil particles is much larger than that of the heavy metal pollutants with high adsorption properties (e.g., Cd2+).
Rapid Identification of Chemical Constituents in Hericium erinaceus Based on LC-MS/MS Metabolomics
Authors: Yang Fei , Wang Honglin , Feng Guoquan , Zhang Sulan , Wang Jinmei , Cui Lili
Published: March 2021

Hericium erinaceus is a precious edible and medicinal fungus with high nutritional value. It has many functions, such as enhancing immunity, antitumor antioxidation, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and protecting gastric mucosa. However, there are few researches about the H. erinaceus compounds. In this paper, ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-exactive-MS/MS) was used to isolate and identify the compounds in H. erinaceus. 102 compounds were identified in H. erinaceus by comparing with standard databases such as MZVault, MZCloud, and BGI Library (self-built standard Library by BGI Co., Ltd), including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, steroids, organic acids, and amino acids.
Influence of Selenium on Growth, Physiology, and Antioxidant Responses in Maize Varies in a Dose-Dependent Manner
Authors: Naseem Munaza , Anwar-ul-Haq Muhammad , Wang Xiukang , Farooq Naila , Awais Muhammad , Sattar Hina , Ahmed Malik Hina , Mustafa Adnan , Ahmad Jalil , El-Esawi Mohamed A.
Published: March 2021

There is a very narrow margin in selenium deficiency and toxicity although it is an important element for humans, animals, and plants. Effects of selenium (Se) on the growth and physiomorphological parameters in maize were studied grown in soil spiked with sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) in 5 different concentrations (i.e., 0. 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg kg−1). The growth of plants was affected by high Se concentration. However, maximum increases in plant height and root length were observed at low Se (2.5 mg kg−1) which were 17.89 and 23.17%, respectively. At higher Se concentrations (20 mg kg−1), a considerable reduction was observed in dry matter, root length, antioxidant enzymes, and other physiological parameters. The dry matter of plants was also analyzed for nutrient (Fe and Zn) concentrations. Results indicated that Se stress inhibits plant growth. Gas exchange parameters were also found to be decreased under stress conditions, but at a lower Se level (2.5 mg kg−1), improvement in transpiration rate (63.46%), photosynthetic rate (47.47%), and stomatal conductance (54.55%) was observed. The reduction in growth attributes may be due to the high accumulation of Se in roots and the disturbance in gas exchange parameters. However, the principal component analysis revealed that higher Se levels were more hazardous for maize growth and physiological responses as compared to low Se levels.
Quasi-Synchronization of Nonidentical Fractional-Order Memristive Neural Networks via Impulsive Control
Authors: Chen Ruihan , Zhao Tianfeng
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the quasi-synchronization of nonidentical fractional-order memristive neural networks (FMNNs) via impulsive control. Based on a newly provided fractional-order impulsive systems comparison lemma, the average impulsive interval definition, and the Laplace transform, some quasi-synchronization conditions are obtained with fractional order

0
<
α
<
1

. In addition, the error convergence rates and error boundary are also obtained. Finally, one simulation example is presented to show the validity of our results.
Null Controllability of a Nonlinear Age Structured Model for a Two-Sex Population
Authors: Traoré Amidou , Sougué Okana S. , Simporé Yacouba , Traoré Oumar
Published: March 2021

This paper is devoted to study the null controllability properties of a nonlinear age and two-sex population dynamics structured model without spatial structure. Here, the nonlinearity and the couplage are at the birth level. In this work, we consider two cases of null controllability problem. The first problem is related to the extinction of male and female subpopulation density. The second case concerns the null controllability of male or female subpopulation individuals. In both cases, if

A

is the maximal age, a time interval of duration

A

after the extinction of males or females, one must get the total extinction of the population. Our method uses first an observability inequality related to the adjoint of an auxiliary system, a null controllability of the linear auxiliary system, and after Kakutani’s fixed-point theorem.
Amelioration of Hepatic Encephalopathy Using Dunaliella salina Microalgae in Rats: Modulation of Hyperammonemia/TLR4
Authors: El-Baz Farouk K. , Elgohary Rania , Salama Abeer
Published: March 2021

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disease that is developed as a complication of both acute and chronic liver failure affecting psychomotor dysfunction, memory, and concentration. This study is aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effects of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) microalgae in thioacetamide‐ (TAA‐) induced HE in rats. HE was induced by TAA (200 mg/kg; i.p.) for three successive days. Forty male Wister albino rats were divided into 4 groups; the first group was served as a normal, and the second group was injected with TAA and served as TAA control. The third and fourth groups were administered D. salina (100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.), respectively, after TAA injection for 7 days. The behavioral and biochemical markers as well as histological aspects of HE were estimated. This study revealed that TAA caused behavioral changes, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, nuclear pyknosis, and neurons degeneration. D. salina improved liver function and decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory mediator as TLR4 protein expression. Also, D. salina elevated HSP‐25 and IGF‐1 as well as improved brain histopathological alterations. In conclusion, D. salina exerted a therapeutic potential against HE via its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and cytoprotective effects.
Efficacy and Safety of Ningmitai Capsules in Patients with Chronic Epididymitis: A Prospective, Parallel Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Jing Zhang , Liying Guan , Zhenqing Wang , Hui Zhang , Shuai Liu , Dingqi Sun , Qiang Fu , Keqin Zhang
Published: March 2021

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ningmitai (NMT) capsules in patients with chronic epididymitis. Methods. This prospective randomized controlled trial included 112 patients diagnosed with chronic epididymitis. The patients were randomized (1 : 1 : 1) to receive levofloxacin (LVX), NMT, or NMT combined with LVX for 4 weeks. The patients were followed up at 2 and 4 weeks after initiation of treatment and were evaluated in terms of Chronic Epididymitis Symptom Index (CESI) scores, epididymal nodules, and safety parameters. The primary endpoints were the CESI scores at the end of 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints included the mean epididymal nodule diameter and the clinical efficacy rate. Safety was evaluated by hepatorenal function tests and adverse event reports during the trial. Results. After 2 weeks of treatment, the CESI score of the NMT group was significantly lower than that of the LVX group (

P
<
0.05

). In addition, the clinical efficacy rate of the NMT group was significantly higher than that of the LVX group (55% vs. 8.33%,

P
<
0.0001

), indicating that NMT has a rapid effect on chronic epididymitis. After 4 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in CESI scores or clinical efficacy rates between the two monotherapy regimens (

P
>
0.05

); however, the mean diameter of epididymal nodules was significantly smaller in the NMT group than in the LVX group (

P
<
0.0001

). Moreover, after 4 weeks of treatment, the patients in the LVX + NMT group, which had a clinical efficacy rate of 97.22%, had lower CESI scores (both

P
<
0.01

) and a smaller epididymal nodule diameter (vs. LVX,

P
<
0.0001

; vs. NMT,

P
<
0.05

) than those in the other two groups. No adverse events or abnormal hepatorenal function were found during the study. Conclusion. NMT significantly improved CESI scores and epididymal nodule diameter in patients with chronic epididymitis. The combination of NMT and LVX provides a much better effect than monotherapy, and this treatment regimen was well tolerated.
MYC-Activated LncRNA MNX1-AS1 Promotes the Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Stabilizing YB1
Authors: Wu Qi-Nian , Luo Xiao-Jing , Liu Jia , Lu Yun-Xin , Wang Yun , Qi Jingjing , Liu Ze-Xian , Huang Qi-Tao , Liu Ze-Kun , Lu Jia-Bin , Jin Ying , Pu Heng-Ying , Hu Pei-Shan , Zheng Jia-Bo , Zeng Zhao-Lei , Ju Huai-Qiang , Xie Dan , Zhao Qi , Xu Ruihua
Published: March 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are involved in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer are still unknown. In this work, through transcriptomic profiling analysis of 21 paired tumor and normal samples, we identified a novel colorectal cancer–related lncRNA, MNX1-AS1. MNX1-AS1 expression was significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer and associated with poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that MNX1-AS1 promotes the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. MNX1-AS1 bound to and activated Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB1), a multifunctional RNA/DNA-binding protein, and prevented its ubiquitination and degradation. A marked overlap between genes that are differentially expressed in MNX1-AS1 knockdown cells and transcriptional targets of YB1 was observed. YB1 knockdown mimicked the loss of viability phenotype observed upon depletion of MNX1-AS1. In addition, MYC bound the promoter of the MNX1-AS1 locus and activated its transcription. In vivo experiments showed that ASO inhibited MNX1-AS1, which suppressed the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in both cell-based and patient-derived xenograft models. Collectively, these findings suggest that the MYC–MNX1-AS1–YB1 axis might serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.

Significance:

This study highlights the discovery of a novel colorectal cancer biomarker and therapeutic target, MNX1-AS1, a long noncoding RNA that drives proliferation via a MYC/MNX1-AS1/YB1 signaling pathway.
POT1 Regulates Proliferation and Confers Sexual Dimorphism in Glioma
Authors: Jalali Ali , Yu Kwanha , Beechar Vivek , Bosquez Huerta Navish A. , Grichuk Anthony , Mehra Deepika , Lozzi Brittney , Kong Kathleen , Scott Kenneth L. , Rao Ganesh , Bainbridge Matthew N. , Bondy Melissa L. , Deneen Benjamin
Published: March 2021

Germline POT1 mutations are found in a spectrum of cancers and confer increased risk. Recently, we identified a series of novel germline POT1 mutations that predispose carrier families to the development of glioma. Despite these strong associations, how these glioma-associated POT1 mutations contribute to glioma tumorigenesis remains undefined. Here we show that POT1-G95C increases proliferation in glioma-initiating cells in vitro and in progenitor populations in the developing brain. In a native mouse model of glioma, loss of Pot1a/b resulted in decreased survival in females compared with males. These findings were corroborated in human glioma, where low POT1 expression correlated with decreased survival in females. Transcriptomic and IHC profiling of Pot1a/b-deficient glioma revealed that tumors in females exhibited decreased expression of immune markers and increased expression of cell-cycle signatures. Similar sex-dependent trends were observed in human gliomas that had low expression of POT1. Together, our studies demonstrate context-dependent functions for POT1 mutation or loss in driving progenitor proliferation in the developing brain and sexual dimorphism in glioma.

Significance:

This study shows that manipulation of POT1 expression in glioma has sex-specific effects on tumorigenesis and associated immune signatures.
A Novel Therapeutic Anti-ErbB3, ISU104 Exhibits Potent Antitumorigenic Activity by Inhibiting Ligand Binding and ErbB3 Heterodimerization
Authors: Hong Mirim , Yoo Youngki , Kim Miyoung , Kim Ju Yeon , Cha Jeong Seok , Choi Myung Kyung , Kim Uijin , Kim Kyungyong , Sohn Youngsoo , Bae Donggoo , Cho Hyun-Soo , Hong Seung-Beom
Published: March 2021

ErbB3, a member of the ErbB receptor family, is a potent mediator in the development and progression of cancer, and its activation plays pivotal roles in acquired resistance against anti-EGFR therapies and other standard-of-care therapies. Upon ligand (NRG1) binding, ErbB3 forms heterodimers with other ErbB proteins (i.e., EGFR and ErbB2), which allows activation of downstream PI3K/Akt signaling. In this study, we developed a fully human anti-ErbB3 antibody, named ISU104, as an anticancer agent. ISU104 binds potently and specifically to the domain 3 of ErbB3. The complex structure of ErbB3-domain 3::ISU104-Fab revealed that ISU104 binds to the NRG1 binding region of domain 3. The elucidated structure suggested that the binding of ISU104 to ErbB3 would hinder not only ligand binding but also the structural changes required for heterodimerization. Biochemical studies confirmed these predictions. ISU104 inhibited ligand binding, ligand-dependent heterodimerization and phosphorylation, and induced the internalization of ErbB3. As a result, downstream Akt phosphorylation and cell proliferation were inhibited. The anticancer efficacy of ISU104 was demonstrated in xenograft models of various cancers. In summary, a highly potent ErbB3 targeting antibody, ISU104, is suitable for clinical development.
Randomized Controlled Trial of the Gastrin/CCK2 Receptor Antagonist Netazepide in Patients with Barrett's Esophagus
Authors: Abrams Julian A. , Del Portillo Armando , Hills Caitlin , Compres Griselda , Friedman Richard A. , Cheng Bin , Poneros John , Lightdale Charles J. , De La Rue Rachel , di Pietro Massimiliano , Fitzgerald Rebecca C. , Sepulveda Antonia , Wang Timothy C.
Published: March 2021

Hypergastrinemia has been associated with high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus, and experimental studies suggest proinflammatory and proneoplastic effects of gastrin on Barrett's esophagus. This is of potential concern, as patients with Barrett's esophagus are treated with medications that suppress gastric acid production, resulting in increased physiologic levels of gastrin. We aimed to determine whether treatment with the novel gastrin/CCK2 receptor antagonist netazepide reduces expression of markers associated with inflammation and neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of netazepide in patients with Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia. Subjects were treated for 12 weeks, with endoscopic assessment at baseline and at end of treatment. The primary outcome was within-individual change in cellular proliferation as assessed by Ki67. Secondary analyses included changes in gene expression, assessed by RNA-sequencing, and safety and tolerability. A total of 20 subjects completed the study and were included in the analyses. There was no difference between arms in mean change in cellular proliferation (netazepide: +35.6 Ki67+ cells/mm2, SD 620.7; placebo: +307.8 Ki67+ cells/mm2, SD 640.3; P = 0.35). Netazepide treatment resulted in increased expression of genes related to gastric phenotype (TFF2, MUC5B) and certain cancer-associated markers (REG3A, PAX9, MUC1), and decreased expression of intestinal markers MUC2, FABP1, FABP2, and CDX1. No serious adverse events related to study drug occurred. The gastrin/CCK2 receptor antagonist netazepide did not reduce cellular proliferation in patients with nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus. Further research should focus on the biological effects of gastrin in Barrett's esophagus.

Prevention Relevance: Treatment of patients with Barrett's esophagus with a gastrin/CCK2 receptor antagonist did not have obvious chemopreventive effects.
Scopoletin Attenuates Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Induced Brain Injury and Improves Neurological Performance in Rats
Authors: Zhang Wanzeng , Zhao Wangmiao , Ge Chunyan , Li Xiaowei , Sun Zhaosheng
Published: March 2021

Background: Among the hypertension-related complications, the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a destructive stage and is the most disabling type of stroke that has the highest death rate. At present, there is no promising treatment for ICH. Objectives: The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the safeguarding effect of scopoletin against ICH-induced brain injury. Methods: We used Wistar male rats and divided them into 4 groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 was induced with ICH, group 3 served as scopoletin-pretreated ICH rats, and group 4 as scopoletin drug control. During the experimental period, neurobehavioral outcome, cerebral edema, and neuroinflammation parameters were evaluated using RT-PCR and other biochemical analyses. Results: The rats that received scopoletin treatment demonstrated a significant attenuation in neurological deficits, neurodegeneration markers expression (TREM-1, SERPINE-1), and restored cerebral edema compared to ICH animals. On the other hand, an upsurge in inflammatory cytokines, for example, TNF-α, IL-13, IL-1β, and IL-17, was observed in ICH rats and was reduced to the level near normalcy in the scopoletin-treated groups. Conclusion: Our investigations propose that the effectiveness of scopoletin in improving acute neurological function after ICH is promising, and this could be a lead molecule for the development of treatment plans in ICH treatment.
Potential of Circulating Proangiogenic MicroRNAs for Predicting Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events in Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Patients Who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Shen Jian , Chang Chun , Ma Jie , Feng Qiang
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aimed to explore the association of 14 proangiogenic microRNAs (miRNAs) with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurrence in unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 196 ULMCAD patients who underwent first ever CABG were recruited. The peripheral blood samples were collected prior to CABG, and then plasma samples were separated to detect expressions of 14 proangiogenic miRNAs by the reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Patients were regularly followed up to MACCE occurrence or 36 months after CABG. Results: MACCE occurrence at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years was 7.1, 11.2, and 14.3%, respectively, and accumulating MACCE occurrence time was 32.7 (95% confidence interval: 31.5–33.9) months. Both Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate Cox’s regression analyses displayed that miR-let-7f, miR-19a, miR-126, miR-130a, and miR-378 high expressions were associated with lower accumulating MACCE occurrence. Furthermore, forward stepwise multivariate Cox’s regression disclosed that miR-let-7f high expression and miR-378 high expression independently predicted decreased accumulating MACCE occurrence, whereas BMI (>25.0 kg/m2), diabetes, previous stroke, and higher disease extent were independent predictive factors for elevated accumulating MACCE occurrence. Conclusion: Measurement of circulating proangiogenic miRNAs especially miR-let-7f, miR-19a, miR-126, miR-130a, and miR-378 helps predict MACCE risk in ULMCAD patients who underwent CABG.
Cricoid Ossification Mimicking an Esophageal Foreign Body: A Victim of Overdiagnosis
Authors: Bhardwaj Rohit , Preet Tuli Isha , PK Mohamed Shareef , Gupta Ankur , Makkar Saurabh
Published: March 2021

Laryngeal cartilages undergo ossification, usually after the third decade of life. Variations exist in the extent and age of onset of ossification. Radiologically, these ossified cartilages may mimic an aerodigestive tract foreign body. We present an unusual case where the ossified cricoid cartilage masqueraded as a fish bone in the aerodigestive tract. A 48-year-old male patient presented to us with a foreign body sensation and throat pain after consuming fish. We found no fish bone on endoscopic laryngopharyngeal assessment but noted a linear opacity against the C-6 vertebral body in the aerodigestive tract on a lateral X-ray film of the neck. Rigid esophagoscopy also did not reveal any foreign object, but a computed tomography (CT) scan showed a linear hyperdensity in the wall of the aerodigestive tract, against the C-6 vertebral body, due to linear ossification in the midline of the cricoid lamina posteriorly. The patient’s symptoms improved within 1 week of anti-reflux medications, and he remains asymptomatic. It is possible to encounter such rare cases of cartilage ossification while dealing with foreign body aerodigestive tract in adult patients in clinical practice. Proper assessment using CT scan prevents unnecessary procedures and anxiety to the patient.