bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meditation-Induced Effects on Whole-Brain Structural and Effective Connectivity
Authors: De Filippi Eleonora , Escrichs Anira , Càmara Estela , Garrido César , Sánchez-Fibla Martí , Gilson Matthieu , Deco Gustavo
Published: August 2021

In the past decades, there has been a growing scientific interest in
characterizing neural correlates of meditation
training. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying meditation remain elusive.
In the present work, we investigated meditation-related changes in structural and functional connectivities (SC and FC, respectively). For this purpose, we scanned experienced meditators and control (naive) subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to acquire structural and functional data during two conditions, resting-state and meditation (focused attention on breathing). In this way, we aimed to characterize and distinguish both short-term and long-term modifications in the brain's structure and function. First, we performed a network-based analysis of anatomical connectivity. Then, to analyze the fMRI data, we calculated whole-brain effective connectivity (EC) estimates, relying on a dynamical network model to replicate BOLD signals' spatio-temporal structure, akin to FC with lagged correlations. We compared the estimated EC, FC, and SC links as features to train classifiers to predict behavioral conditions and group identity. The whole-brain SC analysis revealed strengthened anatomical connectivity across large-scale networks for meditators compared to controls. We found that differences in SC were reflected in the functional domain as well. We demonstrated through a machine-learning approach that EC features were more informative than FC and SC solely. Moreover, we showed that the most informative EC links that discriminated between meditators and controls involved the same large-scale networks previously found to have increased anatomical connectivity.
Overall, the results of our whole-brain model-based approach revealed a mechanism underlying meditation by providing causal relationships at the structure-function level.
Cardiac Computed Tomographic Angiography after Abnormal Ischemia Test as a Gatekeeper to Invasive Coronary Angiography.
Authors: Reis João , Ramos Ruben , Marques Hugo , Daniel Pedro Modas , A Silvia , Morais Luis Almeida , Cruz Madalena , Moreira Rita , Monteiro André , Cacela Duarte , Figueiredo Luisa , Ferreira Rui Cruz
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the impact of systematic coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) use following an abnormal non-invasive ischemia test (NIST) on patient selection strategy for invasive coronary angiography (ICA).BackgroundIn patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD), NIST use frequently results in sub-optimal diagnostic and revascularization yields of ICA.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial, conducted at a single academic tertiary center, selected 220 symptomatic patients with mild-to-moderately abnormal NIST results who were referred for ICA. Patients received either the originally intended ICA (n = 105) or CCTA (n = 115). The primary endpoint was the diagnostic yield of ICA in each group. Revascularization yield and major adverse cardiovascular events at 12 months were also assessed.ResultsThe patients were 69 ± 9 years old, 60% were men, and 31% had typical angina. Mean pre-test probability of obstructive CAD was 34%. Overall prevalence of obstructive CAD was 37.7% on the index angiographic procedure. In the CCTA group, ICA was cancelled by referring physicians in 83 patients (72.2%) after receiving CCTA results. For those undergoing ICA, diagnostic (84.4% vs 41.7%, p < 0.001) and revascularization (71.9% vs 38.8%, p = 0.001) yields were significantly higher for CCTA-guided ICA than for standard NIST-guided ICA. Mean cumulative radiation exposure was significantly lower in the CCTA-guided ICA arm than in the NIST-guided ICA arm (12 ± 9 vs 16 ± 10 mSv, respectively, p = 0.024). There were no significant differences in the primary safety endpoint rates between the strategies (p = 0.439).ConclusionsIn patients with suspected CAD and mild-to-moderately abnormal ischemia tests, a diagnostic strategy including CCTA as a gatekeeper is safe and effective and significantly improves diagnostic and revascularization yields of ICA.
Differentiation Between Combined Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Comparison of Diagnostic Performance Between Ultrasomics-Based Model and CEUS LIRADS v2017
Authors: Li Chao-qun , Zheng Xin , Guo Huan-ling , Cheng Mei-qing , Huang Yang , Xie Xiao-yan , Lu Ming-de , Kuang Ming , Wang Wei , Chen Li-da
Published: August 2021

Background.
The imaging findings of combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) may be similar to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CEUS LI-RADS may not perform well in distinguishing CHC from HCC. Studies have shown that Radiomics has an excellent ability of imaging analysis. This study was to establish and confirm an ultrasomics model for differentiating CHC from HCC.
Methods.
Between 2004 and 2016, we retrospectively identified 53 eligible CHC patients and included 106 eligible HCC with a ratio of HCC : CHC = 2 : 1 randomly, all of which were categorized according to Contrast-Enhanced (CE) ultrasonography (US) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2017. The model based on ultrasomics features of CE US was developed in 74 HCC and 37 CHC, confirmed in 32 HCC and 16 CHC. The diagnostic performance of LI-RADS or ultrasomics model was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.
Results.
In entire and validation cohort, 62.3% and 78.1% of HCC were correctly assigned to LR-5, 73.6% and 87.5% of CHC were assigned to LR-M correctly. Up to 27.4% of HCC and 26.4% of CHC were misclassified by CE US LI-RADS. 97.2% and 90.6% of HCC as well as 94.3% and 87.5% of CHC correctly diagnosed by the ultrasomics model in entire and validation cohort respectively. The AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasomics model were significant improved compared with CE US LI-RADS in entire cohort ( all P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in validation cohort.
Conclusion.
The proposed ultrasomics model had an ability similar to CE US LI-RADS v2017 for differentiating CHC from HCC, which may be more helpful to differentiate CHC from HCC in clinical diagnosis.
Trends in Hysteroscopic Endometrial Sampling in Women 70 Years and Older
Authors: Bar-On Shikma , Solomon Neta , Rattan Gilad , David Alon Ben- , Grisaru Dan
Published: August 2021

Background: Women 70 years of age or older with suspected endometrial pathologies would especially benefit from office hysteroscopy due to the risks of anesthesia and high rates of clinically significant findings in this age group. However, performing office hysteroscopy in those older patients can be technically challenging, and patient cooperation, which is essential for the success of the office procedure, may be compromised in this age group. The objective of the present study was to characterize the clinical and procedural features of office and operating-room hysteroscopy in women 70 years of age or older.Methods: This was a retrospective chart analysis of all women aged 70 years and older who underwent a hysteroscopy procedure in a single tertiary-care medical center between March 2011 and August 2018. We compared the clinical and procedural characteristics of patients who underwent hysteroscopy in our outpatient clinic to those who underwent hysteroscopy under anesthesia in the operating room. Primary outcomes included procedure success and histopathological findings. Secondary outcomes included short-term complications of the procedure. Results: The data of 577 patients were analyzed. The median age at the time of the procedure was 76 years. 225 office hysteroscopy procedures and 405 operating room procedures were included. Of the 236 patients with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), 73 (30.9%) were diagnosed with having malignancy compared to 25/341 (7.3%) patients with no PMB (p < .001, odds ratio (OR) = 5.66; confidence interval (CI) 3.46-9.26). The office procedure was successful in 194 (87%) patients. Fifty-three patients required a second hysteroscopy, which revealed 12 cases of premalignant or malignant lesions. The volume of procedures in the office increased 16 times during the study period, and the diagnostic yield of new abnormal findings by means of the procedure in the office setting has increased over time. Operating room hysteroscopy had a higher rate of complications compared to office hysteroscopy, including mortalities related to the procedure.Conclusions: Office hysteroscopy for women over the age of 70 is safe, feasible, and reliable for diagnosis of endometrial malignancy. Failed hysteroscopy and a moderate-to-high index of suspicion for malignancy indicates the need for a repeat hysteroscopy.
The Use of Soft-Sediment Deformation Structures As Proxies For Paleoseismic Activity And Shaking: A Review
Authors: Zhong Ning , Jiang Hanchao , Li Haibing , Su Dechen , Xu Hongyan , Liang Lianji , Fan Jiawei
Published: August 2021

Quantifying the magnitude of an earthquake is very important for long-term and medium-term earthquake prediction, post-earthquake emergency rescue and seismic hazard assessment. Paleoseismology is the investigation of past earthquakes in the geological record, in particular their location, timing and size. Uncertainties remain in the paleoearthquake magnitudes determined by traditional surface rupture parameters, especially because most seismic events do not result in surface ruptures. In order to address the problem of magnitude evaluation of earthquakes that did not reveal major dislocations, this paper deals with the methods used to determine the seismic shaking intensity based on the types and forms of soft-sediment deformation structures, including maximum liquefaction distance, thickness of disturbed layer, empirical formulae, and thickness of rapidly deposited sand layer. Then we discuss and analyze these methods in terms of their theoretical basis, advantages and disadvantages, accuracy, applicability and problems. We chose two case studies: first, a typical seismics-related deposit (liquefied layer and dsirupted layer) represented by a seismite in the late-Pleistocene Lake Lisan section near Masada in the Dead Sea Basin; and second, the liquefied diapir triggered by an earthquake in the late-Quaternary lacustrine sediments at Luobozhai in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River, east Tibet. The six methods listed above are employed to determine earthquake magnitudes associated with the seismics-related deposit and liquefied diapir, yielding magnitudes of 5.5-6.5 and 6-7, respectively. The combination of the six methods, provided a new and relatively convenient method for determining seismic shaking, especially in lacustrine sediments. This study can serves as a valid reference for comparing methods of calculating the magnitude of a paleoearthquake based on surface rupture parameters, and provides a better understanding of the long-term seismic activity and risk in tectonically active regions.
Genetic Characterization of Rainfed Durum Wheat Genotypes Based On Functional Markers Associated With Grain Quality Proteins
Authors: Kheibary Zahra Moradi , Azizinezhad Reza , Mehrabi Ali Mehras , Khosrowshahli Mahmood , Etminan Alireza
Published: August 2021

Analysis of genetic diversity provides helpful information necessary to develop the breeding and conservation strategies of crops. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 90 durum wheat genotypes maintained at Sararud Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Kermanshah, Iran, were evaluated by using 23 gene-specific markers (functional markers, FMs) encoding high and low molecular weight glutenin and gliadin alleles. Results showed that 12 out of the 23 FMs used were polymorphic and amplified 52 polymorphic loci. Primer Ax2 ⃰ had the highest discriminatory power. The population structure analysis classified the durum wheat collection into four populations. On average, population 4, consisting of 8 genotypes, had the highest allele number as well as genetic variation. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 82% of the total variation was distributed among populations. The diversity among populations and gene flow were 0.14 and 3.03, respectively. The Jaccard distance coefficient revealed that genetic dissimilarities ranged from 0.031 between G62 and G65 to 0.725 between G36 and G51. Neighbor-joining method clustered individuals into six main groups. Results showed a remarkable level of genetic diversity among studied durum wheat genotypes which can be of interest for future breeding programs.
Bifurcation Analysis in a Diffusion Mussel-Algae Interaction System with Delays Considering the Half-Saturation Constant
Authors: Jiang Zhichao , Zhang Weicong
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the kinetics of a class of delayed reaction-diffusion musselalgae system under Neumann boundary conditions with the half- saturation constant is studied. The global existence and priori bounds as well as the existence conditions of positive equilibrium are obtained. The half-saturation constant affect the stability of the system and may result in Turing instability. When the half-saturation constant exceeds a certain critical value, the boundary equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable which means that the larger half-saturation constant forces the mussel population toward extinction. By analyzing the distribution of the roots of the characteristic equation with two delays, the stability conditions of the positive equilibrium in the parameter space are obtained. The stability of the positive equilibrium can be changed by steady-state bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, Hopf-Hopf bifurcation or Hopf-steady state bifurcation, which can be verified by some numerical simulations. Among parameters, the half-saturation constant and two delays drive the complexity of the system dynamics.
Regional Environmental Supervision And Corporate Environmental Investment: From The Perspective of Ecological Damage Compensation
Authors: Zeng Huixiang , Cheng Chen , Jin Youliang , Zhou Qiong
Published: August 2021

Based on the “Pilot Reform of the Compensation System for Ecological and Environmental Damage” launched in 2015 and a research sample of listed companies in China's heavy pollution industry from 2014 to 2017, this paper uses a difference-in-differences model to empirically test the impact of the compensation system on corporate environmental investment, as well as the moderating effect of market degree and firm ownership. The result shows that the implementation of the compensation system has significantly promoted corporate environmental investment, and the market degree has a moderating effect, but the supervision effect remains the same due to firm ownership. Local government’s strict environmental supervision on local enterprises is the important channel to ensure the function of ecological damage compensation system. This research provides a reference for the national government to formulate specific and effective environmental policies, stimulate the environmental governance motivation of local governments, and encourage enterprises to assume environmental responsibilities, to achieve green and sustainable development.
Geotechnical Properties Evaluation Utilizing Geological, Geomorphological and Shallow Geophysical Surveys of Wadi Habib Entrance Site, Eastern Desert, Egypt.
Authors: Omran Awad A.A. , El-Younsy Ahmed-Reda M.
Published: August 2021

An integrated approach is carried out in a proposed engineering site at Wadi Habib, Egypt. The study aimed to characterize the geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological environment evaluate their suitability for civil engineering constructions. The present study reveals that the area is mainly covered by the Eocene carbonate rocks uncomfortably overlain, in some areas, by the Oligocene gravels. The Pliocene mudstone and the Pleistocene/recent fine clastic deposits are recorded in the subdued ground. The surface and subsurface fractures around Wadi Habib area are mainly represented by high angle normal faults trending NNW- SSE, NW-SE, WNW-ESE and ENE-WSW. The morphometric analysis reveals that Wadi Habib is generally of seventh order, sinuous course, elongated, untainous and hilly, course topographic texture and high resistance and low permeable floor. A total of 32 seismic refraction profiles were conducted in two directions N 35° W and N 55° E. Three geoseismic layers of different lithological, compressional and shear velocities and elastic properties are achieved. The geotechnical parameters involving kinetic elastic moduli, soil material competence parameters and the bearing capacity are estimated and hence indicated the characteristics of the foundation materials for civil engineering constructions in the investigated site. Also, 30 VES’es are implemented and interpreted to test the geological and hydrogeological conditions. Subsurface geoelectrical layers are delineated and verified. The proposed site is characterized by a relatively low to moderate seismicity. The geotechnical parameters of geoseismic layers and the hydrogeological probable troublesome (cavities, fractures, faults) for building structure and soil suitability for foundation purposes are concluded
MicroRNAs in Serum Exosomes as Circulating Biomarkers for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis with Fragility Fractures
Authors: Shi Hongli , Jiang Xin , Xu Cuidi , Cheng Qun
Published: August 2021

Background

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) brings a heavy burden to society and seriously affects the quality of life of elderly people. Circulating biomarkers based on miRNAs, especially exosomal miRNAs, are widely studied. However, miRNAs in serum exosomes have not yet been reported in PMOP. The present study aimed to investigate the differences in miRNA expression profiles in PMOP with fragility fractures to identify the key circulating miRNAs in serum exosomes and to validate these molecules as potential biomarkers.
Methods

Postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fracture (severe osteoporosis, SOP group) and normal bone mass (Ctrl group) were selected from community. Serum exosomes were isolated by traditional differential ultracentrifugation from participants. Isolated exosomes were identified by electron microscopy, western blotting and nanoparticle-tracking analysis and then examined for exosomal miRNAs sequencing. Target gene pathways enrichment of differently expressed miRNAs were performed by the online bioinformatics tools TargetScan and DAVID. Moreover, the function of miRNAs associating with bone mineral density (BMD) on bone turnover were further confirmed by transfecting these miRNAs into human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to detect ALP activities.
Results

Compared to control group, 170 miRNAs were found to be significantly upregulated and 69 miRNAs were downregulated in SOP group. Three miRNAs (miR-324-3p, miR-766-3p and miR-1247-5p) were found to be associated with BMD of L1-L4, FN and TH, while miR-330-5p and miR-3124-5p were associated with BMD of FN and TH. Target gene signaling pathways analysis of these five miRNAs showed that Wnt signaling pathway was the most enrichment pathway relating to bone metabolism. Furthermore, miR-330-5p was found to promote the ALP activity of hBMSCs, while mir-3124-5p showed the opposite result.
Conclusion

Serum exosomal miRNAs were differentially expressed in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients with fragility fractures. Our study provides the first evidence that exosomal miRNA profiling revealed aberrant circulating miRNA in postmenopausal osteoporosis. MiR-324-3p, miR-766-3p, miR-1247-5p, miR-330-5p and miR-3124-5p, which were associated with BMD, may serve as candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of PMOP with fragility fractures and provide future research directions.
Secular Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Cervical Cancer in India and its States, 1990- 2019: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study
Authors: Singh Mayank , Jha Ravi Prakash , Shri Neha , Bhattacharyya Krittika , Patel Priyanka , Dhamnetiya Deepak
Published: August 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer that occurs to women worldwide. This study aims to assess trends in incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in India and its states over past three decades for tracking the progress of strategies for the prevention and control of cervical cancer. Methods: Data on cervical cancer incidence and mortality from 1990 to 2019 for India and its states were extracted from Global Burden of Disease study and were utilized for the analysis. Spatial and rank map has been used to see the changes in incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in different Indian states. Further, joinpoint regression analysis is applied to determine the magnitude of the time trends in the age standardized incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. We obtained the average annual percent change (AAPC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each state. Results: Overall, from 1990 to 2019 Jharkhand (Incidence: -50.22%; Mortality: -56.16%) recorded the highest percentage decrement in cervical cancer incidence and mortality followed by the Himachal Pradesh (Incidence: -48.34%; Mortality: -53.37%). Tamilnadu (1st rank), Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (32nd rank) maintained the same rank over the period of three decade for age standardized cervical cancer incidence and mortality. The regression model showed a significant declining trend in India between 1990 and 2019 for age standardized incidence rate (AAPC: −0.82; 95%CI: −1.39 to −0.25; p < 0.05) with highest decline in the period 1998-2005 (AAPC: −3.22; 95%CI: −3.83 to −2.59; p < 0.05). Similarly, a significant declining trend was observed in the age standardized mortality rate of India between 1990 and 2019(AAPC: −1.35; 95%CI: −1.96 to −0.75; p < 0.05) with highest decline in the period 1998-2005 (AAPC: −3.52; 95%CI: −4.17 to −2.86; p < 0.05).Conclusion:Though the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer declined over past three decades but it is still a major public health problem in India. Information, education and communication activities for girls, boys, parents and community for the prevention and control of cervical cancer should be provided throughout the country.
The Impact of Bouxite Mining On The Semanduk Lake Environment: A Case Study In Tayan Hilir, Sanggau District, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia Country
Authors: Purwanto Ajun , Andrasmoro Dony , Eviliyanto
Published: August 2021

Background: Several mining activities, especially bauxite, have been carried out in several areas in West Kalimantan. The areas most widely carried out bauxite mining are Sanggau and Ketapang districts. Bauxite mining is included in the classification of surface mining or often referred to as open mining. This is characterized by the demolition of the upper layers of soil and taking the results of weathering rocks, namely granite rocks. The demolition of topsoil is done with the clearing of vegetation above. In this condition, the land still has the same morphology when clearing has not been done and the soil has not been much disturbed. But after mining there is a lot of clay, sandstone, topsoil materials, of course, this will have a negative impact on the environment.Result: The results showed that the gradient of the slope has an important role in land conservation. The greater gradient of the slope will automatically increase the surface runoff, so the greater the energy of run-off. The soil depth is shallow on average and has poor deep soil drainage. Soil is easily eroded, so a lot of rocks and gravel are exposed on the surface, plants cannot develop properly. Floods often occur, in areas of alluvial plains with a range of more than 24 hours. The water availability capacity is also very low. Rainwater in the area mostly becomes runoff. The nutrient content in the ex-mining area is also low. Therefore it is necessary to improve efforts by means of reforestation of the former land so that in the future it can be used for certain uses, especially for agriculture, plantations, and forests.Conclusion: Slopes have an important role in land conservation. Slope affects runoff, effective soil depth, erosion rate, plant growth, waterlogging. Nutrient content in ex- Bauxite mining areas is also low.
Heterogeneity of Beta-cell Function in Subjects With Multiple Islet Autoantibodies in the TEDDY Family Prevention Study - TEFA
Authors: Martinez Maria Cecilia Månsson , Spiliopoulos Lampros , Salami Falastin , Agardh Daniel , Toppari Jorma , Lernmark Åke , Kero Jukka , Veijola Riitta , Tossavainen Päivi , Palmu Sauli , Lundgren Markus , Borg Henrik , Katsarou Anastasia , Larsson Helena Elding , Knip Mikael , Maziarz Marlena , Törn Carina
Published: August 2021

BackgroundIndividuals with multiple islet autoantibodies are at increased risk for clinical type 1 diabetes and may proceed gradually from stage to stage complicating the recruitment to secondary prevention studies. We evaluated multiple islet autoantibody positive subjects before randomisation for a clinical trial one month apart for beta-cell function, glucose metabolism and continuous glucose monitoring. We hypothesized that the number and type of islet autoantibodies in combination with different measures of glucose metabolism including fasting glucose, HbA1c, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), intra venous glucose tolerance test (IvGTT) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows for more precise staging of autoimmune type 1 diabetes than the number of islet autoantibodies alone.MethodsSubjects (n=57) at 2-50 years of age, positive for two or more islet autoantibodies were assessed by fasting plasma insulin, glucose, HbA1c as well as First Phase Insulin Response (FPIR) in IvGTT, followed one month later by OGTT, and one week of CGM (n=24).ResultsAutoantibodies against GAD65 (GADA; n=52), ZnT8 (ZnT8A; n=40), IA-2 (IA-2A; n=38) and insulin (IAA; n=28) were present in 9 different combinations of 2-4 autoantibodies. Fasting glucose and HbA1c did not differ between the two visits. The estimate of the linear relationship between log2(FPIR) as the outcome and log2(OGTT glucose AUC) as the predictor, adjusting for age and sex was -1.88 (-2.71, -1.05) p = 3.49x10-5. The direction of the estimates for all glucose metabolism measures was positive except for FPIR, which was negative. FPIR was associated with higher blood glucose. Both the median and the spread of the CGM glucose data were significantly associated with higher glucose values based on OGTT, higher HbA1c, and lower FPIR. There was no association between glucose metabolism, autoantibody number and type except that there was an indication that the presence of at least one of ZnT8(Q/R/W)A was associated with a lower log2-transformed FPIR (-0.80 (-1.58, -0.02), p = 0.046). Conclusions The sole use of two or more islet autoantibodies as inclusion criterion for Stage 1 diabetes in prevention trials is unsatisfactory. Staging type 1 diabetes needs to take the heterogeneity in beta-cell function and glucose metabolism into account. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02605148, November 16, 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/nct02605148
Inulin-g-poly-D,L-lactide, a Sustainable Amphiphilic Copolymer for Nano-Therapeutics
Authors: Sardo Carla , Mencherini Teresa , Tommasino Carmela , Esposito Tiziana , Russo Paola , Gaudio Pasquale Del , Aquino Rita Patrizia
Published: August 2021

Cancer therapies started to take a big advantage from new nanomedicines on the market. Since then, research tried to better understand how to maximize efficacy whilst maintaining a high safety profile. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), the gold standard for nanomedicines coating design, although in many cases is a winning choice to ensure a long circulation and colloidal stability, in other cases cause, after the first administration, the development in patients of PEG directed immunoglobulins. The phenomenon, called ABC effect, has been studied and correlated with clinical failure because of the premature removal from the circulation by immune mechanism. Therefore, alternatives to PEG need to be found. Here, looking at the backbone structural analogy, the hydrophilicity, flexibility and its GRAS status, the natural polysaccharide Inulin (INU) was investigated as PEG alternative. In particular, the first family of Inulin-g-poly-D,L-lactide amphiphilic copolymers (INU-PLAs) was synthesized. The new materials were fully characterized from the physic-chemical point of view (solubility, 1D and 2D NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, GPC, DSC) and showed interesting hybrid properties compared to precursors. Moreover, their ability in forming stable colloids and to serve as a carrier for doxorubicin were investigated and compared with the already well known and well characterized PEGylated counterpart, polyethylene glycol-g-poly-D,L-lactide (PEG-PLA). This preliminary investigation showed INU-PLA to be able to assemble in nanostructures less than 200 nm in size and capable of loading doxorubicin with an encapsulation efficiency in the same order of magnitude of PEG-PLA analogues.
Co-Expression of Candidate Genes Regulating Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Barki Lambs in Egypt
Authors: Ghanem Nasser , Zayed Mohamed , Mohamed Ismail , Mohammady Mona , Shehata Mohamed Farag
Published: August 2021

Sheep are considered one of the main sources of animal protein in Egypt while surviving harsh desert conditions. Therefore, the aim of present study was to link the gene expression profile of selected candidate genes with growth performance and carcass traits of Barki lambs. Thirty-eight Barki lambs were kept and fed individually after weaning till 12 months of age. Lambs were divided into 3 groups (fast, intermediate and slow growing) according to growth performance. Carcass traits were recorded directly after slaughtering. Three samples were taken from different body tissues (eye muscle, liver and fat tail) of each group, directly during slaughtering and stored at -80°C until RNA isolation. Real-time PCR was used to profile selected candidate genes (RPL7, CTP1, FABP4, ADIPOQ and CAPN3) and GAPDH was used as a housekeeping gene. The results indicated that, the final body weight was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in fast (49.9 Kg) and intermediate (40.7 Kg) compared to slow growing animals (30.8 Kg). The hot carcass weight was heavier (P ≤ 0.05) in fast, intermediate (24.57 and 19.07 Kg) than low growing lambs (15.10 Kg). The blood profiles of T3 and T4 hormones showed no significant different among fast (1.1 ng/ml and 8.5 µg/dl), intermediate (0.6 ng/ml and 12.4 µg/dl) and slow growing lambs (1.0 ng/ml and 10.5 µg/dl). In addition, the total protein level was not differ in fast (5.94 g/dl), intermediate (6.52 g/dl) and slow growing lambs (6.9 g/dl). Genes involved in protein biosynthesis (RPL7), fatty acid oxidation (CPT1) and lipolysis (FABP4) were up regulated in fast and intermediate growing lambs in all studied tissues. While, gene-regulating lipogenesis (ADIPOQ) was expressed similarly in fat and liver tissues, but increased its expression in muscle of fast and intermediate growing lambs. Expression of CAPN3 was increased in fast and intermediate growing compared to slow growing lambs. In conclusion, the current study indicated a link between variation in gene expression profile in main body tissues with growth performance and carcass weight of Barki lambs, which induced by the genetic makeup however; this hypothesis required a large population for validation. In addition, the transcriptional profile of CPT1, FABP4 RPL7 and CAPN3 are linked with growth performance and carcass traits of Barki lambs, providing an evidence for the importance of co-expression of these genes in body main tissues involved in this process.
An Improved SEIR Model Considering the Impact of Contact-Restricting Policies: A Case Study of COVID-19 in Wuhan
Authors: Chen Silu , Chen Jiangping , Cheng Tianyou
Published: August 2021

Dynamic modeling of infectious disease can simulate transmission processes of COVID-19, a newly been found infectious respiratory disease that has a substantial impact on both people's health and social development, and therefore plays an important role in the prediction and prevention of epidemics. Although there are many models that can accurately represent the number of infected patients, the influence of human factors on the transmission of the virus has not been fully investigated. Here, by considering the influence of policies on restricting contact between people, we modified the SEIR infectious disease model and developed a new model called the Quarantine-considering SEIR model (hereafter referred to as Q-SEIR), combining with dynamic parameter, contact rate, obtained by machine learning method, we can represent the effects of human movement and contact behavior during the epidemic. The experimental results show that this method can effectively represent the effect of patterns of population activity on the development of the epidemic. On one hand, our research results provide guidance for the government before issuing measures to restrict the movement and socialization of people; and on the other hand, our findings help identify the development stage of the epidemic more clearly for the public as well as provide information for citizens’ travel decisions.
Association of Aquaculture Environment Microbiota with Metabolism in American Shad (Alosa Sapidissima)
Authors: Du Jia , Liu Qinghua , Zhang Keqin , Zhang Chengxiang , Yao Gaohua
Published: August 2021

The environment microbiome affects the growth and development of fish species. Information of the environment microbiome is beneficial to increase the production of fish in different aquaculture systems. In this study we analyzed differences in environmental microbial composition, intestinal metabolites and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in American shad living in tank aquaculture and pond aquaculture environment. The results demonstrated that the dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Nitrospirae and Epsilonbacteraeota in two different environments. There were significantly changed of metabolites in different aquaculture environment, including DP-ethanolamine, L-proline, sulfuric acid, L-valine, L-tryptophan, creatinine, uric acid and L-isoleucine. The transcriptome data revealed eight genes (As23G026314, As04G005148, As21G024434, As04G005193, As23G026314, As13G016035, As02G001872 and As07G009244) related to metabolisms significantly changed in pond aquaculture group compared to tank aquaculture group. In addition, the body weight, amino acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism of American shad also significantly changed in the pond aquaculture environment. Therefore, identifying the predominant microbiome in the aquaculture environment may be prevent the disease from occurring and maintain healthy fish reared in the aquaculture environment.
Fluorinated Agents Effects on Orthodontic Alloys: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Condò Roberta , Mampieri Gianluca , Cioffi Alessandro , Cataldi Maria Elena , Dri Maria , Casaglia Adriano , Giancotti Aldo , Pasquantonio Guido , Maita Francesco , Maiolo Luca
Published: August 2021

Background
In fixed orthodontics, fluoride-based mouthwashes and gels are effective preventive oral devices in counteracting demineralisations and dental caries onset but, modifying environmental acidity, they can reduce the resistance to wet corrosion of orthodontic alloys.
Methods
To evaluate the effective chemical stability of these products, a series of in vitro experiments were performed on thirty-two preformed rectangular orthodontic wires, (twenty-four in stainless steel and eight in nickel-titanium), cut in sections, obtaining ninety-six samples. They were weighed before and after immersion in five mouthwashes and two fluorinated dental gel, at three time-points, to measure weight variations and metal ions elution by acid corrosion phenomena. Elution samples, including control group of normal saline, were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, to detect metal ions residual concentration.
Results
Minimal variations in loss from initial weight were recorded. Metallic ions release was quantified, at all time-points, for all wires and it was considered in correlation with alloys composition, pH and Fluor concentration of mouthwashes and gels, and time-exposition.
Conclusions
Acidic pH substances, like fluorinated agents and normal saline considered, cause metal ions dissolution from orthodontic wires. Dissolution depended by chemical nature of the elements, alloys composition, and Fluor concentration in mouthwashes and gels. This study helps in proposing timing and methods for the usage of fluorinated agents to guarantee the prophylactic action without damaging orthodontic alloys superficial structure.
Towards the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of Syphilis 2015-2020: Practice and Progress in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China
Authors: Wang Hong , Ying Xia , Lin Dan , Uwimana Muhuza Marie Parfaite , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: August 2021

Objectives
To estimate the progress towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of syphilis in Zhejiang province.
Methods
Data were obtained from Zhejiang provincial EMTCT network. Childbearing women infected with syphilis during 2015–2020 were recruited from. Joinpoint mode was used to analyze changing trends in syphilis screening, treatment and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), presented as the annual percentage of change (APC). Multivariate logistic regression mode was used to investigate risk factors of APOs.
Results
Of 3,658,266 participants, an average maternal syphilis incidence was 0.38%.From 2015 to 2020, the coverage of syphilis screening in pregnancy (96.31–99.24%; P < 0.001) and coverage of antenatal health care (ANC) within 13 gestational weeks were increased (55.27–77.82%; P = 0.002).The coverage of maternal syphilis treatment(88.30–98.25%; P = 0.001) and adequate treatment were also increased(66.92–83.37%; P = 0.001).Over years, the APC was − 19.30% (95%CI:-24.33~-13.92, P = 0.001 ) in perinatal death,-26.55% in congenital syphilis(95%CI:-38.75~-11.92, P = 0.009)and − 14.67% in infant with abnormal signs (95%CI:-23.96~-4.24, P = 0.019).In 2020, 11.58% of women had APOs. Women with syphilis infection during pregnancy aged (< 20 years) or (≥ 35 years), multiparous, with pregnancy complications increased (all P < 0.05).APOs risk increased in those with higher maternal RPR/TRUST titers, decreased when women had therapy, adequate therapy or early ANC, or aged in 21–34 years (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Despite steady progress towards the goal of EMTCT in implementing universal screening and treatment, syphilis continuously affects a large number of pregnant women. Increasing vulnerable women, small proportions of inadequately treated and delay in early ANC should be noticed.
Credit Default Risk Prediction Based On Deep Learning
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Xiong Yu , Xiong Zehao , Xiong Hailing
Published: August 2021

Logistic regression is the industry standard in credit risk modeling. However, when the model is deployed, the lack of negative samples affects the accuracy of the model, and the nonlinear characteristics of the data itself cannot be learned. In this paper, a residual neural network combined with Gan is applied to the lending club public data set to predict credit default. Among them, the number of bad users is very small, which leads to sample imbalance, and then affects the effect of the model. For this problem, we use Gan (general adverse networks) to produce bad user samples, so that the proportion of good user samples and bad user samples reaches 1:1. Finally, the residual neural network is used to predict credit default, and the accuracy is improved by about 5% compared with logistic regression.
METS-IR, a novel score to evaluate insulin sensitivity, is associated with the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional REACTION study
Authors: Su Wanlu , Wang Jie , Yu Songyan , Chen Kang , Yan Wenhua , Gao Zhengnan , Tang Xuelei , Wan Qin , Luo Zuojie , Ning Guang , Mu Yiming
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a novel noninsulin-based metabolic index used as a substitution marker of insulin resistance. However, whether METS-IR is associated with the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) is not well known. Therefore, we explored the associations between METS-IR and UACR and compared the discriminative ability of METS-IR and its components for elevated UACR. MethodsThis study included 37,290 subjects. METS-IR was calculated as follows: (Ln [2 × fasting blood glucose (FBG) + fasting triglyceride level (TG 0 )] × body mass index (BMI))/[Ln (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C))]. Participants were divided into four groups on the basis of METS-IR: <25%, 25%–49%, 50%–74%, and ≥75%. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between METS-IR vs. its components (FBG, TG 0 , BMI, and HDL-C) with UACR. ResultsParticipants with the highest quartile METS-IR presented a more significant trend towards elevated UACR than towards its components (odds ratio [OR]: 1.260, 95% CI: 1.152–1.378, P < 0.001 in all subjects; OR: 1.321, 95% CI: 1.104–1.579, P = 0.002 in men; OR: 1.201, 95% CI: 1.083–1.330, P < 0.001 in women). There were significant associations between METS-IR and UACR in younger participants (<65 years for women and 55–64 years for men). Increased METS-IR was significantly associated with UACR in men with FBG ≥ 5.6 mmol/L or postprandial blood glucose ≥ 7.8 mmol/L and systolic blood pressure ≥ 120 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mmHg. The relationships were significant in women with diabetes and hypertension.ConclusionsIncreased METS-IR was significantly associated with elevated UACR, and its discriminative power for elevated UACR was superior to that of its components. This findings support the clinical significance of METS-IR for evaluating renal function damage.
Dietary Supplement of Anoectochilus Roxburghii Polysaccharides Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by High Fat Diet via “Gut-Brain” Axis
Authors: Fu Liya , Zhu Wanlong , Tian Dongmei , Wei Qiming , Zhong Xiaoyan , Liu Yuanzhi , Xu Changjing , Zhang Chengbin , Zhao Junyi , Li Mengya , Wu Fan , Qiu Wenqiao , Qin Dalian , Peng Meixuan , Yang Xuping , Huang Yilan
Published: August 2021

Background：Anoectochilus roxburghii, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used for treating numerous metabolic diseases. Anoectochilus roxburghii polysaccharide (ARPs) is an important constituent of Anoectochilus roxburghii. This study tried to investigate whether ARPs could improve cognitive dysfunction in diet-induced obesity.Methods: C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into the normal chow diet group (CD), the high-fat diet group (HFD) and HFD supplemented with ARPs (HARPs). Morris water maze test and Y maze test were used to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Serum TNF-α and LPS concentrations were detected by ELISA. Genes involved in Neurotrophic factors, inflammation and Intestinal permeability were detected by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect TNF-α and ZO-1 proteins. BDNF in hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence staining. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to detect intestinal microbial diversity.Results: Dietary supplement of ARPs ameliorates cognitive dysfunction induced by HFD. Compared with HFD mice, body weight, plasma glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in HARPs group were decreased significantly. Moreover, the cognitive function and memory of HFD mice were decreased, while ARPs abolished these effects. In addition, Tau protein levels were decreased and BDNF increased significantly in hippocampus from HARPs mice. Furthermore, compared with HFD group, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in hippocampus and colon from HARPs mice were decreased. Moreover, ARPs increased the tight junction protein levels and intestinal microbiota diversity significantly.Conclusions: Diet supplemented with ARPs prevented mice from HFD-induced cognitive dysfunction, indicated that ARPs has a good effect on obesity-related neuropathy. Mechanically, these effects at least in part attribute to the “gut-brain” axis regulation, and which can provide reference for the development of ARPs as functional foods in the future.
Molecular Cytogenetics and SLAF-seq-based Specific Molecular Markers for a Wheat–Aegilops geniculata 3M g Alien Addition Line with Resistance to Stripe Rust and Powdery Mildew
Authors: Wang Yongfu , Cheng Xiaofang , Yang Xiaoying , Wang Changyou , Zhang Hong , Deng Pingchuan , Liu Xinlun , Chen Chunhuan , Ji Wanquan , Wang Yajuan
Published: August 2021

Background: Aegilops geniculata Roth is closely related to common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and is a valuable genetic resource for improvement of wheat. Results: In this study, the W19513 line was derived from the BC1F10 progeny of a cross between wheat ‘Chinese Spring’ and Ae. geniculata SY159. Cytological examination showed that W19513 contained 44 chromosomes. Twenty-two bivalents were formed at the first meiotic metaphase in the pollen mother cells, and the chromosomes were evenly distributed to opposite poles at meiotic anaphase. Genomic in situ hybridization demonstrated that W19513 carried a pair of alien chromosomes from the M genome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed detection of variation in chromosomes 4A and 6B. Functional molecular marker analysis using expressed sequence tag–sequence-tagged site and PCR-based landmark unique gene primers revealed that the alien gene belonged to the third homologous group. The marker analysis confirmed that the alien chromosome pair was 3Mg. In addition, to further explore the molecular marker specificity of chromosome 3Mg, based on the specific locus amplified fragment sequencing technique, molecular markers specific for W19513 were developed with efficiencies of up to 47.66%. The W19513 line was inoculated with the physiological race E09 of powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) at the seedling stage and showed moderate resistance. Field inoculation with a mixture of the races CYR31, CYR32, CYR33, and CYR34 of the stripe rust fungus (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. triticii) revealed that the line W19513 showed strong resistance.Conclusions: This study provides a foundation for use of the line W19513 in future genetic research and wheat improvement.
Evaluation of Peripapillary Retinal Thickness Measurement as an Alternative to Fluorescein Angiography for Monitoring the Inflammatory Activity in Behcet’s Retinal Vasculitis
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Pesarakli Hossein , Yaseri Mehdi , Etesali Hamed , Ebrahimiadib Nazanin
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To study the correlation of OCT parameters including central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), peripapillary retinal thickness (PRT), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (PNFLT) with fluorescein angiography (FA) in evaluation of inflammatory activity in Behcet’s retinal vasculitis.Method: In this case-series, concurrent FA and OCT were performed. A scoring system was devised for FA. PNFLT in 3.4-mm-diameter circle as well as PRT in doughnut shaped regions between the 1-mm- and 2.2-mm-diameter and between the 2.2-mm- and 3.45-mm-diameter circles was measured. The correlation of FA and OCT parameters was analyzed.Results: A total of 105 sets of FA from 28 eyes (15 patients) were reviewed. Four (26.6%) were female and mean age was 31.6±8.49 years. Each micron increases in CSMT, PRT2.2, PRT3.45, and PNFLT, caused a rise of 0.018 (95% CI:0.008 to 0.027, P<0.001, r=0.413), 0.053 (95% CI:0.035 to 0.070, P<0.001, r=0.443), 0.086 (95% CI:0.065 to 0.108, P<0.001, r= 0.707), and 0.185 (95% CI:0.152 to 0.218, P<0.001, r= 0.850) unit in in FA score, respectively.Conclusion: Parameters having significant correlation with angiographic inflammatory activity, were CSMT, PRT2.2, PRT3.45 and RNFLT. Those with the strongest correlation, PRT3.45 and PNFLT may be considered as quantitative non-invasive alternatives to FA for monitoring Behcet’s retinal vasculitis.