bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-production of contaminated landscapes: anthropogenic loading and food web structure drive mercury bioaccumulation in abandoned gold mines
Authors: Leiva Jimena Diaz , Ruhi Albert , Potts Matthew
Published: October 2020

Artisanal and small-scale mining is a significant and growing livelihood across the global South, which all too often leaves a legacy of contaminated landscapes. Given the increasing reliance of economies on metals and minerals, it is critical to understand what controls contamination outcomes in this rapidly developing extractive practice. Here, we demonstrate that the emerging concept of co-production offers a novel way to elucidate the joint contributions of natural and societal factors in shaping contaminant exposure from artisanal and small-scale mining. Specifically, understanding the co-production of contaminated landscapes requires attention to both the political economy of mining, including how labor and extraction methods differ across mines, as well as the sources and pathways of mercury exposure. In Madre de Dios, Peru, we measured mercury levels in wildlife inhabiting abandoned gold mining sites worked with different extraction technologies. We found that the type of technology used, whether heavy machinery or suction-pump based, influenced mercury loading into mines, and together with differences in food-web structure, mediated mercury biomagnification rates. Mercury concentration increased 2.1 to 3.7-fold per trophic level, and bioaccumulation levels were high in both mined and unmined sites—indicating elevated background levels in the region. We also found evidence of lateral transfer of mercury from abandoned mining pits to terrestrial food webs. This observation indicates that the footprint of mercury contamination extends well beyond individual mines, affecting the larger landscape. Our findings underscore the necessity of understanding the entangled ways in which social and ecological factors contribute to the production of toxic landscapes.
Efficacy of intravenous infusions of UC-derived MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19: A structured summary of a phase II double blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Mehmood Azra , Tarar Moazzam Nazeer , Nawaz Zafar , Riazuddin S. Amer , Khan Aisha , Riazuddin Sheikh
Published: October 2020

In this clinical research project, we will conduct a highly rigorous clinical trial where we randomize the patients between umbilical cord (UC)-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and standard of care (SOC). This study will ask the question whether the allogenic MSCs are effective in reducing death and/or progression of COVID-19 disease when administered to patients with moderate to severe symptoms. MSCs are unique group of cells with minimal immune reactivity and produce multiple beneficial effects, which include reduction of severe inflammatory reaction. There is convincing evidence from human studies that intravenous (IV) delivery of MSCs can directly impact the hyper-inflammatory responses of COVID-19 induced injury of the heart and lungs. Our study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogenic UC-derived MSCs administered intravenously to COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptom in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. In addition, we will determine whether : (i) UC-derived MSCs are effective in reducing 30-day all-cause mortality (primary endpoint) and (ii) UC-derived MSCs are effective in preventing progression to mechanical ventilation, and/or reducing an inflammatory response, and/or improving overall patient condition (secondary endpoints).
Disturbance of Circadian Rhythms Extensively Affects Blood Biochemical Parameters and Serum miRNA Profiles
Authors: Huang Guo-Bin , Ma Huan , Gan Xi-Hui , Li Si-Lin , Ma Xiao-Hong , Chen Si-Yu , Yang Hui-Ying , Zhang Liang , Tian Zhi-Qiang , Wang Xin , Liao Zhen , Zhou Tuo-Yang , Shao Yong-Cong , Yang Ye-Bing , Jiang Hong-Mei , Guo Jin-Hu
Published: October 2020

Background: Circadian clock plays a critical role in synchronizing the inner molecular, metabolic and physiological processes to the environmental cues with a period of 24 h. Misalignment in the circadian rhythms leads to decreased adaptation and performance and increased risk of associated disorders. The non-24-h schedules and shift schedules are commonly used in maritime operations, both of which could result in disturbance of circadian rhythms.Methods: In this study, we recruited volunteers and conducted two experiments: in one experiment 15 subjects followed an 8-h on and 4-h off schedule (non-24-h schedule), and in the second experiment 12 subjects followed a 3-d rotary schedule with consecutive shift in sleep time (phase-changing schedule). The serum/blood biochemical variables were measured and the serum miRNAs of the volunteers in the second experiment were subjected to transcriptomic miRNA sequencing.Results: The results show both of the schedules caused comprehensive changes in the blood/serum biochemical variables. Notably, significant elevation in serum phosphate was observed in both experiments: 1.210 ± 0.141 in control and 1.330 ± 0.117 in recovery (P = 0.014) in the first experiment and 1.193 ± 0.152 in control and 1.343 ± 0.099 in recovery (P = 0.007) in the second experiment. In addition, a subset of serum miRNAs targeting genes involved in circadian rhythms, sleep homeostasis, phosphate metabolism and multiple critical physiological processes or pathways were identified in the second experiments.Conclusions: This study reveals that non-24-h and shift schedules lead to changes in a large spectrum of blood/serum biochemical variables due to circadian misalignment. Schedules with frequent shift may cause remarkable changes in serum miRNAs which are involved in multiple physiological pathways. These findings would help understand the deleterious effects of shift schedules and develop optimized strategy to enhance welfare and performance of the shift workers.
Study on the derived based catalysts from Theobroma cacao pod husks for the conversion of beef tallow blend with waste used vegetable oil for fatty acid ethyl ester synthesis: burnt, submerged fermented, calcination, hybrid design, catalyst refining and reusability
Authors: F Adepoju T , Mayen Ibeh A , O Babatunde E , C Eloboka
Published: October 2020

Billions of dollars paid by industries on catalysts used as feedstocks to obtain their end products are increasing at a geometrical rate, the report revealed that the global marketplace price of catalysts stood at USD 26.1 billion in 2019, and is anticipated to increase by 4% in 2020, and 4.5% progress rate in 2025. To salvage the world from extravagance spending, there is an urgent need for biomass wastes consideration and utilization. In this paper, three novel CaO-based catalysts derived from Theobroma cacao pod husks were tested based on efficacy for the production of biodiesel (fatty acid ethyl ester: FAEE) from the blend of beef tallow-waste use oil in the ratio of 5:95 (BTO5),10:90 (BTO10),15:85 (BTO15), 20:80 (BTO20),….., 95:5 (BTO95), respectively. Process optimization of the transesterification reaction was carried out using a hybrid design to determine the effects of catalyst on the FAEE yield. The efficiencies of the catalyst were tested via the refining and reusability test. Results revealed the oil blend ratio of BTO60: WUO40 sufficiently produced low viscous oil that was easily converted to biodiesel. Catalysts' characterization revealed the three catalysts produced high CaO-based of 68.20, 81.46, and 87.65 (wt.%), which accounted for the high yield of FAEEs.Mathematical optimization showed that the catalyst amount (F-value between 14159.69-3063.24 with P-value between 0.0053-0.0115), played the most significant role in oil conversion to biodiesel among the constraint factors considered (reaction time, catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and EtOH/OMR).Based on Box-Cox transformation, the values of the lambda obtained indicated a normal data results with an inverse function of Y2 and Y3 and normal function of Y3 for polynomial model accuracy. Optimum validated FAEEs yields of 92.81, 93.02, and 99.64 (%wt.), respectively, with high R2. The qualities of the FAEEs were within the standard specification and the produced catalysts can serve as feedstocks for industrial application.
Weight Encode Reconstruction Network for Computed Tomography in a Semi-Case-Wise and Learning-Based Way
Authors: Pan Hujie , Li Xuesong , Xu Min
Published: October 2020

Classic algebraic reconstruction technology (ART) for computed tomography requires pre-determined weights of the voxels for the projected pixel values to build the equations. However, such weights cannot be accurately obtained due to the high physical complexity and computation resources required. In this study, we propose a semi-case-wise learning-based method named Weight Encode Reconstruction Network (WERNet) to co-learn the target voxel values and intrinsic physics of the case in a self-supervised manner without labeling the target voxel set. With the help of gradient normalization, the WERNet reconstructed voxel set with a high accuracy and showed a higher capability of denoising compared to the classic ART methods. Moreover, the encoder of the network is transferable from a voxel set with complex structures to unseen cases without the deduction of the accuracy. Our method can be applied in tomography-related applications and similar inversion problems even with unclear intrinsic physics.
Delivery of High-Priority Recommended Clinical Preventive Services: Result from a Population-Based Nationwide Study
Authors: Agrawal Siddarth , Gołębiowska Justyna , Mazur Grzegorz
Published: October 2020

Background Systematic reviews of scientific evidence have identified clinical services that prevent or ameliorate illness and reduce mortality. Most prior studies have considered the provision of a single domain of preventive services such as vaccination or cardiac care and failed to evaluate a systemic approach to preventative care. The study aimed to assess the level of delivery of all high-priority evidence-based preventive services in a publicly funded healthcare setting. MethodsWe conducted a population-based nationwide cross-sectional computer-assisted telephone survey of 1000 Polish adults. Self-reported use of all high-priority clinical preventive services was assessed, including mammography, colonoscopy, blood glucose screening, vaccination, blood pressure screening, and preventive counselling. ResultsOnly 6.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.88, 7.92) of adults had received all recommended preventive screening, whereas only 4.3% (95% CI: 3.04, 5.56) had received appropriate counselling. GP visits, blood pressure screening, blood glucose screening, and cervical smear were among the most commonly provisioned interventions, at more than 60%, while flu vaccination, PSA assessment, and preventive counselling were among the least frequently delivered services. Despite the low uptake of preventive interventions, nearly three-quarters of the respondents expect the public health system to provide access to these services, and over 75% is interested in remote access to preventive services using telemedicine platforms and e-consultations.ConclusionOur findings suggest that there are significant gaps in the receipt of high-priority preventive interventions. Services that are most commonly not being delivered, such as preventive counselling, need to be emphasized to achieve greater coverage of the population. Further improvements require not only changes in the incentive system for healthcare providers, but also system-level innovation such as telemedicine solutions to deliver preventive services remotely and engage individuals in the monitoring process. The effective preventive strategy will attain the multiple objectives of improving the quality of life, extending the human lifespan, and making the best use of scarce resources.
Dynamic variation and prognostic value of weight loss during radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A large-scale cohort study
Authors: Jin Ya-Nan , Xia Tian-Liang , Mai Dong-Mei , Yao Ji-Jin , Jiang Chang , Peng Kun-Wei , You Ya-Fei , Wang Lei , He Wen-Zhuo , Xia Liang-Ping
Published: October 2020

Background: We investigated the dynamic variation and prognostic value of weight loss among nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Methods: 1149 newly diagnosed NPC patients receiving radical radiotherapy (RT) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ weights were measured at initiation of RT and every week during RT. Recursive partitioning analyses (RPAs) were utilized to determine cut-off value for rate of weight loss (RWL). To assess predictive value of RWL survival analysis was performed. Disease-free survival (DFS) was our primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS).Results: RWLs were 0%, 0%, -1.54%, -2.86%, -4.11%, -5.98%, -6.56% at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th week of RT, respectively. RWL optimal threshold with respect to DFS was 5.3% based on RPAs. Thus, a consistent threshold of -5% (>-5% versus ≤-5%) was selected to classify NPC patients into low RWL and high RWL groups for survival analysis. Compared to high RWL (≤-5%), patients with low RWL (>-5%) had significantly better ten-year DFS (78.6% versus 61.2%; P< 0.001), OS (86.6% versus 70.1%; P< 0.001), and DMFS (88.5% versus 80.2%; P = 0.007). However, no difference was observed between LRRFS groups (91.7% versus 94.3%; P= 0.173). In multivariate analysis, RWL ≤-5% was an independent risk factor for DFS (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.19-2.03; P= 0.001), OS (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-2.15; P= 0.011) and DMFS (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10; P= 0.033) in patients with NPC. Additionally, chemotherapy and old age were attributed to the development of high RWL.Conclusions: Weight loss during RT was significantly associated with decreased survival among NPC patients. Clinicians should continuously inform patients on the health impact of minimizing weight loss under 5%.
Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and associated ceRNA networks in Patau syndrome
Authors: Chen Jieping , Zhou Jun , Hu Zhiyang , He Huiyan , Sui Weiguo , Lin Hua , Chen Jiejing , Tang Donge , Dai Yong
Published: October 2020

Objective: LncRNAs are a class of competing for endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) with no coding ability and have miRNA binding sites that competitively bind to miRNAs and inhibit miRNA-mediated regulation of target genes. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have recognized the biological functions of lncRNAs.Methods: Illumina RNA-Seq technology was used to analyze the cord blood with Patau syndrome (PS) fetal and the peripheral blood of pregnant women to obtain differential expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Further, Combined with bioinformatics analysis of the biological functions of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs). Results: The results showed that 467 DElncRNAs, 8512 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), and 18 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were found to be co-expressed in cord blood and peripheral blood. The hsa-miR-15a-5p is located on chromosome 13. We constructed the ceRNA network with hsa-miR-15a-5p, lncRNAs as the bait, and mRNAs as the targe. Conclusion: We consider that the DElncRNAs may indirectly regulate the target gene CLASRP or KARS by binding hsa-miR-15a-5p to participate in the occurrence of PS.
Production and Evaluation of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 Immunogenicity as a Recombinant Fc Fusion Multi-Stage Vaccine Candidate Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Karbalaei Mohsen , Mosavat Arman , Soleimanpour Saman , Farsiani Hadi , Ghazvini Kiarash , Amini Abbas Ali , Sankian Mojtaba , Rezaee Seyed Abdolrahim
Published: October 2020

AimsTuberculosis (TB) is one of the life-threatening infectious diseases, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). In the present study, a multi-stage M.tb immunodominant Fcγ1 fusion protein (Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1) was produced and its immunogenicity as an hFcγRI targeted delivery systems for selective antigen presentation was evaluated in a mouse model. Methods and ResultsThe novel Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 recombinant fusion protein was designed and expressed in the Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). After affinity chromatography purification, the purity of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 was confirmed by ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting methods. The immunogenicity of the construct was evaluated by assessing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in a mouse model. Co-localization results of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 with hFcγRI (CD64) confirmed its function for binding with its receptor and inducing Th1 selective responses. There was a significant difference in the expression of both IFN-γ, (P≤0.02) and TGF-β, (P=0.05).ConclusionsThe co-localization assay confirmed functionally the binding of the Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 to CD64 (FcγRI). Furthermore, in vitro assay showed that Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 can stimulate a modulated immune response in favor of anti-intracellular microbes, as IFN-γ increased, and also TGF-β as an immune-modulatory cytokine prevented the induction of hypersensitivity reactions.Significance and Impact of StudyThe combination of Ag85B as the most immunodominant M.tb Ag with HspX, as an Ag and adjuvant, could open a new venue for more studies for the design of multi-stage subunit vaccines for TB. Of note, an Fcγ1 fusion protein can be considered as a functional approved selective delivery vehicle for targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and inducing cross-presentation.
A Multi-Center Retrospective Study of Clinical features, Laboratory Characteristics, and Outcomes of 325  Hospitalized Children with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); A Preliminary Report from Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD)
Authors: Sedighi Iraj , Fahimzad Alireza , Pak Neda , Khalili Mitra , Shokrollahi Mohammad Reza , Heydari Hosein , Movahedi Zahra , Dashti Anahita Sanaei , Cheraghali Fatemeh , Shamsizadeh Ahmad , Mirkarimi Mohammadreza , Alisamir Mohsen , Hashemian Houman , Soltani Jafar , Hosseininasab Ali , Hamedi Abdolkarim , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh , Sayyahfar Shirin , Kahbazi Manijeh , Abedini Aliakbar , Akhondzadeh Afsaneh , Sherkatolabbasieh Hamid Reza , Razlansari Ali Akbar , Alibeik Mina , Malayeri Soheil Omid , Shalchi Zohreh , Shahabinezhad Ali , Asl Parinaz Khalkhali , Monfared Fatemeh Nafe , Maleki Shiva , Kakavand Rezvan , Farahmand Mohammad , Shahbaz Babak , Tavakoli Ahmad , Rezayat Sara Akhavan , Karimi Mohammad Reza , Jafarpour Ali , Soltani Saber , Ghaziasadi Azam , Dowran Razieh , Azimi Shohreh , Marvi Shima Sadeghipour , Abazari Foad , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Background: The objectives of this study were to analyze the clinical features and laboratory profiles and risk factors associated with critical illness of children with SARS-CoV-2.Methods: 325 COVID-19 pediatric patients were recruited through a collaborative research network between March and May 2020. Demographics, clinical, laboratory, and radiological results were obtained from patient files. Results: Of 325 patients, 189 (58%) and 136 (42%) were males and females, respectively. The mean age was 6.18 ± 4.99. 195 (60%) and 130 (40%), had moderate and severe conditions, respectively. 45 (13.9%) of patients died. The common symptoms were fever (72.6%), cough (59%) and shortness of breath (36%). 254 (78%) and 145 (44.6%( had gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, respectively. Shortness of breath, rhinorrhea, nausea/vomiting, decrease in platelet counts; increase values in C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and blood urea nitrogen, decrease in the blood PH and HCo3 were significantly associated with the disease severity. 58.2% and 65.4% of patients showed abnormal radiographic appearance in Chest X-ray and in chest CT scan, respectively, which were correlated with disease severity. 104 (32%) of patients referred to ICU. The coexistence of comorbidity was the main factor associated with ICU admission, shock, arrhythmia, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute cardiac injury, and death. Conclusions: We describe a higher than previously recognized rate of COVID-19 mortality in Iranian pediatric patients. Epidemiological factors, such as relatively high case fatality rate in the country and the presence of underlying diseases are the main factors for the high death rate.
Application of COOK ok Cervical Ripening Balloon Combined With Artificial Rupture of Membranes and Oxytocin in Labor Induction for Full-term Pregnancy
Authors: Dong Ying , Li Chuyu , Zhao Xin , Zhang Lin , Jia Xiaojun , Fu Zhongxing , Du Yan , Wang Ling
Published: October 2020

Background The use of COOK balloon in the process of induction of labor is gradually promoted. This study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of COOK double balloon dilation for pre-induction cervical maturation and induction of labor. Methods A total of 343 pregnant women with full-term pregnancy in Shanghai Putuo Maternity & Infant Health Hospital from January 1st to September 30th of 2016 were enrolled. Of all the pregnant women, 166 had labor induction, which included the use of a COOK balloon, the implementation of artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) and oxytocin intravenous (IV) drip (COOK group). The other 177 pregnant women with spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) and mature cervix only administrated with oxytocin IV drip to promote regular uterus contraction (oxytocin group). Maternal adverse reactions, mode of delivery and delivery outcomes of two groups were subsequently compared between the two groups. Results There were significant differences of maternal age (28.29 ± 3.34 vs. 29.25 ± 3.62 years, P = 0.02), gestational age (283.49 ± 4.53 vs. 274.71 ± 7.04 years, P < 0.001) and birth weight (3435.27 ± 340.29 vs. 3354.63 ± 387.96 g, P = 0.02) between the COOK group and the oxytocin group. There were no significant differences in terms of gravidity, parity, mode of delivery, analgesia, 1 min and 5 min Apgar score, labor time, postpartum hemorrhage, and adverse events. Conclusion Use of a COOK balloon may help full-term pregnancy women with immature cervix obtain the same pregnancy results as those with mature cervix, without extra occurrence of adverse events.Trial registration This is an observational study and no registration is required.
Unhealthy Attitude or Behavior Factors and Habitual Sugar Sweetened Beverages Consumption in Junior School Students: a Cross-Sectional Study in 2020 and Long Term Trend From 2012 to 2020
Authors: Peng Yuting , Wang Danyang , Zhang Rui , Ai Rujun , Lin Xiaofang , Wu Jieshu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundSugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption is the major source of added sugar intake and a common unhealthy eating behavior among youth in China and around the world. Excessive intake of SSBs has a negative impact on both short- and long-term health of adolescent. The targeting nutritional education and behavioral guidance, single use or as a supplement to the policy intervention like sales ban, is a low cost and effective intervening approach. The purpose of this study was to identify unhealthy attitudes and behaviors that affect youth's consumption of sugary drinks to provide evidence for subsequent targeted interventions.MethodsUsing the stratified cluster sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 1560 junior school students in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, in northern China and Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, in southern China. The content of the questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported consumption frequency of SSBs, attitude, behaviors and habits related to SSBs consumption. The Cronbach coefficient of questions was 0.855. Data from the series surveys of 2012 and 2018 were also used in the long-term trend analysis.ResultsIn 1466 Chinese junior school students, 5.1 % consumed SSBs every day and 13.6 % consumed it 3-6 times/week. The binary logistic regression was significant (R2=31.1%, P=0.001), and the attitude and behavior factors contributed to 22.1% of the 31.1% variation that could be explained. Among all factors, four unhealthy attitudes or behaviors with the highest OR were "Drink SSBs as water" (OR=10.288, 95%CI: 6.392~16.558), "Deem SSBs not affect health” (OR=2.735, 95%CI: 2.032~3.681), "Just want to drink SSBs” (OR=2.302, 95%CI: 1.524~3.478) and “Purchase SSBs in advance” (OR=2.245, 95%CI: 1.454~3.465). The SSBs consumption frequency increased with the increase of risk score of unhealthy attitudes and behaviors. (χ²-trend=127.470, P<0.001). Both frequency of drinking SSBs and holding rates of unhealthy attitudes or behaviors decreased with the passage of time (P trend<0.005). The drinking times per month was significantly positively correlated with the risk scores from 2012 to 2020 (r=0.314, P<0.001).ConclusionThe consumption of sugary drinks was largely influenced by unhealthy attitudes and behaviors. Adolescents are in the critical period of cognitive and habit formation, thus targeted intervention should be taken to promote their SSBs related healthy attitude and behavior to reduce the intake of added sugar and benefit them for life.
An inexpensive, efficient and safe regimen containing Pasiniazid for MDR-TB in high Tuberculosis epidemic areas – A prospective study in China
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Tang Qin , Wang Jie , Yang Jinhui , Yu Fangyou , Yang Hua , Fan Lin
Published: October 2020

Background: MDR-TB（multidrug-resistant tuberculosis） remains the challenge with low success rate of treatment. Pasiniazid had been applied in China for two decades, but relevant clinical studies are rare. To verify the efficacy and safety of a regimen containing pasiniazid on MDR-TB, a prospective clinical study was conducted in China. Methods: Patients with MDR-TB satisfied with inclusion criteria were prospectively enrolled into the study from 2017 June to 2018 Dec, given the regimen and followed up, observed the treatment outcome and adverse effect of drugs made up the regimen.Results: A total of 114 patients diagnosed as MDR Pulmonary tuberculosis(MDR-PTB) were enrolled into the study and given the regimen with six months of Capremycin(Cm), Levofloxacin(Lfx), Cycloserine(Cs), Protionamide(Pto), Pyrazinamide(Z) and Pasiniazid（Pa）, followed by 12 months of LfxCsPtoZPa. The overall treatment success rate in all enrolled patients was 79.8% (91/114) while it was significantly higher in newly treated MDR-PTB (91.7%, 33/36) than that in retreated MDR-PTB(74.4%，58/78, p value was 0.03); Patients infected with strains resistant to fluoroquinolones impacted the treatment outcome (P<0.05) while other drugs did not (P >0.05). Pasiniazid was taken safely without adverse reaction during the course of treatment.Conclusions: The long term of anti-MDR-PTB regimen containing Pasiniazid was proved to be effective, safe and inexpensive although it contained injectable agents. This regimen is suited to be applied in areas with poor resource and high TB burden.
Immediate Reactions to Iodinated Contrast Media Prevalence of IgE-mediated Hypersensitivity
Authors: Caron Juliette , SEYNAVE Maxime , GRAF Sahara , MORALY Tomas , DELEBARRE-SAUVAGE Christine
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAfter administration of iodinated contrast media (ICM) some patients develop an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (IHR). A specific allergic IgE-mediated mechanism may be involved. ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of allergic patients among ICM reactors and to evaluate the negative predictive value (NVP) of skin testing for ICM.MethodsAll patients who attended a single center for an allergy work-up between 2010 and 2019 due to a prior IHR after an ICM injection were included retrospectively. ICM allergy was diagnosed if prick tests or intradermal tests were positive. Further information concerning secondary exposure to ICM was obtained from all patients with negative skin tests to determine whether ICM re-exposure led to an IHR.ResultsSkin tests identified ICM allergy in 7 out of 85 patients (8.2%). Frequency of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity among patients increased with increasing reaction severity. The NPV of skin testing for ICM allergy was 87.8% [95%CI 75.2;95.4.ConclusionThe low prevalence of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity among patients with IHR to ICM should not delay allergy workup. Earlier skin tests and provocation tests with skin-test negative ICM may help allergists to find a reliable alternative ICM.
Fatal Case of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Tuberculosis: A Case Report from an University Hospital in Colombia
Authors: Celis-Preciado Carlos Andres , Torres-González July , Arbelaez-Collazos Lina , Betancur-Palacio Camila , Pantoja Óscar David Lucero
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe term aspergillosis from a clinical point of view includes allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, invasive forms of the airway, cutaneous and extrapulmonary aspergillosis and finally chronic non-invasive or semi-invasive pulmonary forms. All of them produced by different species of Aspergillus. In addition, the presentation of aspergillosis together with tuberculosis are rare in scientific literature. We report a case of Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and tuberculosis in a 72-year-old man Case presentation The patient is a 72-year-old man who was admitted with a 2-year history of constitutional syndrome, dry cough and moderate exertion dyspnea. Chest X-ray showed a rounded mass in the upper lobe of the left lung surrounded by radiolucent areas that suggest cavitations. Computed tomography with chest contrast revealed "tree in bud" pattern in the upper right and middle lobe and lesions of a cystic appearance with the presence of multiple masses with a density of soft tissues. Bronchioalveolar lavage analyses demonstrate Aspergillus fumigatusConclusionsChronic cavity aspergillosis is an uncommon form characterized by cavitation, fibrosis and pleural thickening seen in immunocompetent or mildly immunocompromised patients with chronic respiratory diseases, especially TB.
Anti-rollover Motion Planning for Automated Heavy Trucks
Authors: Jin Zhilin , Li Jingxuan , Wang Hong , Li Jun , Huang Chaosheng
Published: October 2020

Anti-rollover is an important performance for automated heavy trucks, which has been seldomly considered in the motion planning. This paper proposes an anti-rollover motion planning based on model predictive control (MPC) for automated heavy trucks. Taking the coupling of roll motion of sprung mass of the front axle with that of the drive axle into consideration, a seven degrees of freedom rollover dynamics model is established, and an evaluation index that can accurately describe the rollover motion is derived for heavy trucks. Then, a model predictive control strategy is designed for motion planning that combines the rollover dynamics, the artificial potential field for obstacle avoidance, and the trajectory tracking. In addition, the optimal path is calculated that considers collision avoidance, anti-rollover and vehicle dynamic constraints. Furthermore, three typical scenarios are applied to validate the performance of the proposed motion planning algorithm. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed anti-rollover motion planning can effectively avoid collisions and reduce the rollover risk simultaneously when confronting edge scenarios.
Loading and Release of Anti-Cancer Drugs Using Simultaneous pH and Temperature Responsive Nanohybrid
Authors: Maleki Reza , Dahri Mohammad , Akbarialiabad Hossein
Published: October 2020

Background: Todays, drug nanocarrier development and improving its biophysical properties is one of the updated and intended of nano-biopharmaceutical science researches. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), as a typical carbon structure based nanocarrier, but have some obstacles in drug delivery mechanisms. In that current study, the penetration, loading, and release of Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel, as two anticancer agents, were investigated using a novel modified and functionalized SWCNT.Results: This study was carried out using molecular dynamics simulation based on a dual-responsive smart biomaterial. At the in-silico study, Interaction energies between drugs and carriers, numbers of hydrogen bonds, diffusion coefficient, and gyration radius were investigated. The kinetic analysis of drug adsorption and release revealed that, fascinatingly, drug loading and drug release are selective at physiological and cancerous acidic pH, respectively. Interaction of Dimethyl acryl amid-trimethyl chitosan, as a biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogel, with SWCNT indicated that degradation reaction in acidic condition destructs the polymer, which leads to a smart release in cancerous tissue at specific pH. Moreover, it resolves hydrophilicity, optimum nanoparticle size, cell membrane penetration, and cell toxicity concerns.Conclusions: The simulation results indicated a marvelous role of dimethyl acryl amide-trimethyl chitosan in the adsorption and release of anticancer drugs in normal and neoplastic tissue. The interaction of trimethyl chitosan also improves biocompatibility as well as biodegradability of the carrier. Overall, that novel drug carrier can be a virtuous nanoparticle for loading, transporting, and releasing the anticancer drugs.
Screening and Identifying m6A Regulators in Pancreatic Cancer Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas Database
Authors: Lin Bi , Sun Hongwei , Yu Dinglai , Xiang Yukai , Zhang Jie , Chen Shengchuan , Dai Shengjie , Huang Chaohao
Published: October 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors of the digestive system and its treatment has rarely progressed for the last two decades. Studies on m6A regulators for the past few years have seemingly provided a novel approach for malignant tumor therapy. m6A-related factors may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This research is focused on the gene characteristics and clinical values of m6A regulators in predicting prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Methods: In our study, we obtained gene expression profiles with copy number variation (CNV) data and clinical characteristic data of 186 patients with pancreatic cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas portal (TCGA). Then, we determined the alteration of m6a regulators and their correlation with clinicopathological features using the log-rank tests, Cox regression model, and chi-square test. Results: The results suggested that pancreatic cancer patients with ALKBH5 CNV were associated with worse overall survival and disease-free survival than those with diploid genes. Additionally, upregulation of the writer gene ALKBH5 had a positive correlation with the activation of AKT pathways. Conclusion: Our study not only demonstrated genetic characteristic changes of m6A-related genes in pancreatic cancer and found a strong relationship between the changes of ALKBH5 and poor prognosis but also provided a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer therapy.
Transferrin receptor is another receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry
Authors: Lai Ren , Tang Xiaopeng , Yang Mengli , Duan Zilei , Liao Zhiyi , Liu Lei , Cheng Ruomei , Fang Mingqian , Wang Gan , Liu Hongqi , Xu Jingwen , Kamau Peter , Zhang Zhiye , Yang Lian , Zhao Xudong , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: October 2020

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been suggested as a receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry to cause coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, no ACE2 inhibitors have shown definite beneficiaries for COVID-19 patients, applying the presence of another receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry. Here we show that ACE2 knockout dose not completely block virus entry, while TfR directly interacts with virus Spike protein to mediate virus entry and SARS-CoV-2 can infect mice with over-expressed humanized transferrin receptor (TfR) and without humanized ACE2. TfR-virus co-localization is found both on the membranes and in the cytoplasma, suggesting SARS-CoV-2 transporting by TfR, the iron-transporting receptor shuttling between cell membranes and cytoplasma. Interfering TfR-Spike interaction blocks virus entry to exert significant anti-viral effects. Anti-TfR antibody (EC50 ∼16.6 nM) shows promising anti-viral effects in mouse model. Collectively, this report indicates that TfR is another receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry and a promising anti-COVID-19 target.
Is There a HbA1c Threshold for Symptoms of Chronic Hyperglycaemia?
Authors: Müller Nicolle , Lehmann Thomas , Müller Ulrich A , Kloos Christof
Published: October 2020

Aims of the study: The minimum therapeutic goals regarding metabolic control for people with diabetes mellitus is “absence of symptoms of hyperglycaemia”. However, it is uncertain, if a level of HbA1c can be defined which guarantees the absence of these symptoms. The aim was to define an HbA1c threshold above which most patients show hyperglycaemic symptoms.Methods: In a multicenter cross-sectional study 137 patients with type 1 and 285 with type 2 diabetes were asked about their symptoms during periods of hyperglycaemia with a standardized questionnaire. Seventeen symptoms of hyperglycaemia were summarized to the total hyperglycaemia symptom score (THSS; min. 0; max. 68). The answers could be given according to the frequency and intensity in the last 4 to 6. Results: The HbA1c threshold above which most patients showed hyperglycaemic symptoms was for patients with diabetes type 1 10.05% and with type 2 8.9%. Most confidence was reached on the symptoms of frequent urination” and “tiredness”. The mean THSS was 19.4 (±9.0) and showed a positive correlation with age (r=0.167; p<0.001) and HbA1c (r=0.254; p<0.001).Conclusions: We identified a HbA1c threshold above which most patients show symptoms of hyperglycaemia. In the treatment of people with diabetes mellitus a safety margin to this threshold should be maintained to preserve well-being and avoid distress. However, since hyperglycaemia symptoms are subject to many influencing factors, an adjustment of the therapy, both intensification and de-intensification, should always be carried out in combination with the requested hyperglycaemia symptoms and HbA1c value.
Clinical Relevance and Prognostic Value of the Neuronal Protein Neuroligin 2 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Gang , Sun Yi , Wu Zheng-sheng , Huang Xing
Published: October 2020

Background: Neuroligin 2 (NLGN2) is a well-recognized transmembrane scaffolding protein that functions in synapse development and neuronal signal transduction. Interestingly, NLGN2 has recently been implicated involved in multiple diseases of peripheral ectodermal origin. However, its potential roles in tumor genesis and progression remain ill-defined. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical relevance and prognostic value of NLGN2 in breast cancer.Methods: Breast cancer datasets were extracted from TCGA, THPA and other public databases, and survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The immunological relevance of NLGN2 and its subcellular localization were also investigated by cross-analyses. The results of the in silico outcome were further validated by immunohistochemistry analyses using in-house tumor tissue specimens.Results: NLGN2 was identified as a prognostic factor in breast cancer subtypes, and its high expression levels were correlated to a favorable survival outcome. Moreover, NLGN2 overexpression in the breast cancer was significantly associated with larger size, lymph node metastasis, late TNM stage and high histological grade. Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between the expression level of NLGN2 and the immunomodulatory molecules, as well as increased interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes. Additionally, NLGN2 was observed predominantly localized in the mitochondria of breast cancer cells.Conclusions: NLGN2 has a prognostic role and immunoregulatory potential in breast cancer, and its functions likely have a mitochondrial basis. It is a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer and should be explored further.
Probiotics Ameliorate Alveolar Bone Loss by Regulating Gut Microbiota
Authors: Jia Leming , Tu Ye , Jia Xiaoyue , Du Qian , Zheng Xin , Yuan Quan , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Xin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundEstrogen deficiency is an etiological factor of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), which not only decreases bone density in vertebrae and long bone, but also aggravates inflammatory bone loss in alveolar bone. Recent evidence has suggested the critical role of gut microbiota in osteoimmunology, and modulation of gut microbiota may have positive influence on bone metabolisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of probiotics on alveolar bone loss under estrogen-deficient condition. Inflammatory alveolar bone loss induced by either chronic periodontitis or apical periodontitis was established in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, which were gavage-fed with probiotics daily until sacrifice. Gut microbiota and gut permeability, as well as alveolar bone loss and the related osteoimmune were evaluated to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms by which probiotics counter the alveolar bone loss under estrogen-deficiency. ResultsWe found that administration of probiotics significantly prevented periodontal and apical bone resorption in OVX rats. Administration of probiotics significantly enriched butyrate-producing genera and enhanced gut butyrate production, resulting in improved intestinal barrier and decreased gut permeability in the OVX rats. Furthermore, the estrogen deprivation-induced inflammatory responses were suppressed in probiotics-treated OVX rats, as reflected by reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and a balanced distribution of CD4+IL-17A+Th17 cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells in the bone marrow. ConclusionOur data demonstrate that probiotics can effectively attenuate alveolar bone loss by modulating gut microbiota and further regulating osteoimmune, and thus represent a promising adjuvant in the treatment of alveolar bone loss under estrogen-deficiency.
Resveratrol inhibits autophagy in HTR-8/SVneo model by alleviating trophoblast oxidative stress
Authors: LI Meihe , KANG Minchao , AN Peng , DANG Huimin , XU Xin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe normal function of the placenta at each time stage of pregnancy is essential to a successful outcome. Placental dysfunction and increased oxidative stress and autophagy are the cause of a series of severe pregnancy complications. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that has shown beneficial effects in many diseases. We aim to investigate whether excessive autophagy is associated with oxidative stress in the trophoblast oxidative stress model. Resveratrol was taken to clarify its role in excessive autophagy of placental trophoblasts. MethodsWe established an in vitro model of oxidative stress by exposing the human first-trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo to H2O2. Levels of autophagy-related proteins (LC3, Beclin-1, p53 and mTOR) were detected by western blot.ResultsTreatment with resveratrol significantly ameliorated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, morphological damage, oxidative stress and autophagy. Mechanistically, resveratrol restored the levels of autophagy-related proteins including LC3-II, Beclin-1 and p53, mTOR that were dysregulated by H2O2.ConclusionsResveratrol may protect human trophoblasts against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by reducing excessive autophagy, thus ensuring the normal biological functions of trophoblasts.
The effect of using the metal tube on laser welding of the battery case and the tab for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Lee Dongkyoung
Published: October 2020

Given the drawbacks of the conventional welding methods in joining the battery case and tab in the lithium-ion battery, the laser welding technique using the metal tube has been introduced for the weld. The metal tube is supposed to contribute a positive effect on protecting the outside structure by blocking the injection of the spatters. However, the use of the metal tube is believed to affect the intensity as well as the power distribution of the laser gaussian beam. Through the observation and analysis in this study, both advantages and disadvantages of the application of the metal tube on the weld have been clarified. The use of the metal tube prevents the ejection of the spatter to the outside of the welding zone, the gap between the battery case and tab in the weld is also minimized. Besides, the limitation of the intensity and the power energy distribution of the laser Gaussian beam has caused significant changes in the morphology, mechanical, and electrical properties of the weld.
Influence of Mg Incorporation on Mechanical, Dielectric and Biological Properties of Hydroxyapatite Ceramic
Authors: Qamar Alliya , Zia Rehana , Riaz Madeeha , Hussain Tousif , Anjum Safia
Published: October 2020

This research focused on the mechanical electrical and biological properties of magnesium doped (Mgx, x = 0.5 - 2.5 mol%) hydroxyapatite(Hap) using chemical method. It was observed that addition of magnesium produced the secondary phase (whitlockite) depended on the concentration of magnesium using the XRD, FTIR and Raman techniques. These two phases forming BCP(Biphasic) are beneficial from the implant point of view. The dielectric properties were measured as a function of frequency for different concentration of Mg. For 1.0 -2.0mol% doped Mg samples showed dielectric constant value within the range required for implant material. The bioactivity and However, beyond 2mol% of Mg third phase of magnesium oxide was also observed which enhanced the micro-hardness and bioactivity of specimen.
Apstraktni film – izlagačko-doživljajna obilježja
Authors: Obad Vanja
Published: October 2020

U članku se razmatra specifična svrha postupaka i doživljaja koje nastoje generirati različite eksperimentalističko-filmske struje apstraktnog filma. Namjera je prikazati na koji način apstraktni film zaokuplja našu pažnju te pokazati kako on upravo i računa na tip raspoloženja u situacijama odmaka od nužde snalaženja (kauzalne logike), na prepuštanje percepciji neobičnih vizualno-zvukovnih nadražaja koji potiču drugačija emotivna i asocijativna polja. Analizirat će se izlagački elementi različitih struja apstraktnog filma, oslanjajući se prvenstveno na klasične primjere apstraktnog filma i animacije (braća Whitney, McLaren, Richter i Eggeling i dr.).
Jezik boli – između epistemološke asimetrije i biološki zadane društvenosti
Authors: Jurčić Katunar Cecilija
Published: October 2020

Kako je bol fenomenološki dostupna tek nositelju iskustva, što predstavlja prepreku objektivne kategorizacije u jezičnome mediju, želeći je učiniti dostupnom za sugovornika, pacijenti opisuju bol detaljnim i elaboriranim metaforičkim scenarijima, najčešće onima koji se odnose na neki oblik oštećivanja tijela – osiguravajući takvim utjelovljenim metonimijskim i metaforičkim profiliranjima adekvatnu imaginativnu simulaciju subjektivna iskustva za primatelja, neophodnu za razvijanje empatije. Rad donosi pregled filozofijskih razmišljanja o fenomenologiji boli, kao i pregled suvremenih neuroznanstvenih istraživanja o snažnoj biološki utemeljenoj društvenoj dimenziji boli, a onda i rezultate kognitivno-lingvističke analize vokabulara boli na korpusima pridjevskih deskriptora iz upitnika za procjenu boli McGill, te autentičnih dijaloga između liječnika i pacijenta.