bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Persian Brain-Computer Interface Speller Based on P300 and Language Model Utilization
Authors: Veisi Hadi , Amini Hessam , Daeijavad Parisa
Published: August 2021

Background: Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a system in which complete control is exerted directly through brain signals. One of the most important applications of BCI is in spellers, which are designed to restore communication ability for people with severe speech and motor impairments. These people can communicate using a BCI speller by spelling their desired words. The goal of this paper is to present the achievements of a project whose ultimate purpose is to propose a Persian BCI speller, which utilizes a Persian language model as an assisting tool to improve its performance.Method: In this study, we first present our method for data collection. To collect the dataset, we designed a screen that is used to display the visual stimuli. Furthermore, we carefully selected the words used in the data collection process. Using the designed stimuli screen and the selected words, the dataset from 5 subjects is collected. This dataset is used in different signal processing and machine learning methods in the designed speller. To classify the P300 signal for spelling purposes, first, the feature vectors of data samples were extracted by the concatenation of the electroencephalography (EEG) channels, which were filtered using a moving average filter. Then, using a support vector machine (SVM), the samples were classified and the results were fused with character-level N-grams to detect the target characters.Results: In the evaluation of the system, we have achieved an average accuracy of 93.2% in character detection by utilizing a character-level 5-gram language model.Conclusions: The assessment of the language models in the system demonstrated that using the 5- gram language model resulted in increasing the accuracy by 1.9% compared to when no language models were used.
Assessment of Nutritional And Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Selected Genotypes of Cordia Myxa L.: A Potential Underutilized Fruit Crop of Indian Arid Zone
Authors: Meghwal Purkha Ram , Singh Dalpat , Swami Saurabh , Singh Akath
Published: August 2021

Cordia myxa is one of the important underutilized fruit plants suitable for arid and semi-arid regions of India having potential for commercial exploitation in vegetable and pickle industry. Fruits of four improved genotypes of Cordia myxa were analyzed for nutritional value, total phenol content and free radical scavenging activity. Acetone extracts from dried fruit samples were prepared to determine total phenol content and free radical scavenging activity using DPPH essay. The fruits harvested at 20 or 30 days after fruit set recorded higher crude fibre and crude protein as compared to at full ripening stage. The total phenol content was found highest in fruits harvested earliest irrespective of genotypes. The correlation coefficient between total phenol content and free radical scavenging activity of fruit extract was found positive and significant. The results suggest that the fruits of Cordia myxa should be harvested at 20 to 30 days after fruit set to get maximum benefits of its anti-oxidant and other nutritional properties.
Postoperative Pulmonary Infection in Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture: More Attention Needed
Authors: Yu Yibing , Zheng Peiwen
Published: August 2021

Background: Postoperative pulmonary infection is a serious complication in elderly patients with hip fracture, it’s necessary to identify the influencing factors of pulmonary infection in patients with hip fracture.Methods: Elderly patients with hip fractures admitted from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021 were included. The characteristics of patients with pulmonary infection and no infection were evaluated and compared. Logistic multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the risk factors of pulmonary infection.Results: 267 patients with hip fracture were included, the incidence of pulmonary infection in patients with hip fracture was 13.11%. There were significant differences in the age, diabetes mellitus, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, anesthesia method and duration of surgery between infection and no infection group, no significant differences in the gender, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type of fracture, preoperative oxygen saturation, white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, estimated blood loss during surgery were detected between infection and no infection group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age≥70y(OR2.326 , 95%CI1.248~3.129), diabetes mellitus(OR2.123, 95%CI1.021~3.551), anemia(OR3.199,95%CI1.943~5.024), hypoalbuminemia(OR2.377, 95%CI1.211~3.398), general anesthesia(OR1.947, 95%CI1.115~3.038), duration of surgery≥120min(OR1.621 , 95%CI1.488~2.534) were the risk factors of pulmonary infection in elderly patients with hip fracture(all p<0.05). Escherichia Coli(33.33%), Klebsiella pneumoniae(28.57%), Staphylococcus aureus(21.43%) were the most common bacteria of pulmonary infection.Conclusion: There are many risk factors for pulmonary infection in elderly patients with hip fractures after surgery. In clinical practice, medical workers should take targeted interventions for those risk factors to reduce the risk of pulmonary infection.
A Novel Risk Predictive Scoring Model For Predicting Subsequent Infection After Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Colonization In Hematological Malignancies Patients
Authors: Wu Qiuling , Qian Chenjing , Ying Hua , Liu Fang , Wu Yaohui , Li Weimig , Xia Linghui , Ma Ling , Hong Mei
Published: August 2021

PurposeTo investigate the high-risk factors associated with the increased vulnerability for subsequent clinical infection in Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) colonized hematological malignancies (HMs) patients, and build a statistical model to predict subsequent infection.MethodAll adult HMs patients with positive anal swab culture for CR-GNB between January 2018 and June 2020 were prospectively followed to assess for any subsequent CR-GNB infections and to investigate the risk factors and clinical features of subsequent infection.ResultsA total of 392 HMs patients were enrolled. Of them, 46.7% developed a subsequent clinical infection, and 42 (10.7%) were confirmed infection and 141 (36%) were clinically diagnosed infection. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the dominant species. The overall mortality rate of patients colonized and infected with CR-GNB was 8.6% and 43.7%. A multivariate analysis showed that remission induction chemotherapy, the duration of agranulocytosis, mucositis, and hypoalbuminemia were significant predictors of subsequent infection after CR-GNB colonization. According to our novel risk predictive scoring model, the high-risk group were > 3 times more likely to develop a subsequent infection in comparison with the low-risk group.ConclusionOur risk predictive scoring model can early and accurately predict subsequent infection in HMs patients with CR-GNB colonization. Early administration of CR-GNB-targeted empirical therapy in the high-risk group is strongly recommended to decrease their mortality.
Significance of Rock Mineral Composition On Rock Mechanical Properties And Brittleness Evaluation of Roof And Floor of Broken Soft Coal Seam
Authors: Hu Guangqing , Liang Wenxu , Shan Qingting , Zhao Meng , Shi Xianzeng , Wu Dun
Published: August 2021

Fracture of coal structure and low permeability were the main reasons for the “difficult to released gas” in broken soft coal seam. Exploration of horizontal well coalbed gas technology of roof and floor of broken soft coal seam provided a new technical way for coalbed gas development in broken soft coal seam. In this paper, taking Xinxie -1 drilling as an example, the evaluation method of fractured reservoirs in roof and floor of broken soft coal seam was improved. By systematic studied on mineralogy, petrology and engineering mechanics characteristics of top and bottom plates in broken soft coal seam, the influence of rock mineral composition on the rock mechanics properties of the roof and floor of coal seam was explored. In addition, By used correlation analysis and grey relational analysis, a brittle evaluation method of coal seam top and bottom plates based on mineral composition was established. The research results showed that: ①The main components of rock minerals in the top and bottom plates of broken soft coal seam were quartz and clay minerals, followed by plagioclase, siderite and pyrite. The main types of rock cementation were quartz enlargement and siderite cementation, and the pore damage caused by cementation was much greater than that of compaction; ②With the increased of rock particle size, compressive strength (CS) and elastic modulus (E) showed a gradual increase trend, Poisson's ratio (μ) showed a gradual decrease trend, other rock mechanical parameters had no obvious changes. The difference of mineral composition and cementation type was the key factor cause abnormal mechanical properties of rocks; ③Compared with clay minerals, the change of brittle mineral content such as quartz, plagioclase and siderite in rocks were sensitive to the mechanical properties of rocks. The sensitive minerals of compressive strength, shear strength, elastic modulus and softening coefficient were quartz, the sensitive minerals of compressive strength were plagioclase and siderite, and the sensitive minerals of Poisson's ratio are quartz and clay; ④The calculation results of the established mineral weight analysis method were more realistic. It could be concluded that the roof of 13-1 coal, 11-2 coal, 9-2 coal and 4-2 coal seams were more inclined to form fracture network during fracturing, which had guiding significance for the optimization of fracturing horizon.
Polarity Protein Par3 Sensitizes Breast Cancer to Paclitaxel by Promoting Cell Cycle Arrest.
Authors: Chen She , Zhao Yannan , Peng Huitong , Liang Limiao , Li Yi , Hu Xichun , Wang Biyun , Xu Yingying
Published: August 2021

Purpose Paclitaxel, belongs to tubulin-binding agents (TBAs), showed a great efficacy against breast cancer via stabilizing microtubules. Drug resistance limits its clinical application. Here we aimed to explore a role of Polarity protein Par3 in improving paclitaxel effectiveness.Methods Breast cancer specimens from 45 patients were collected to study the relationship between Par3 expression and paclitaxel efficacy. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cell viability was measured in breast cancer cells (SK-BR-3 and T-47D) with Par3 over-expression or knockdown. The flow cytometry assays were performed to measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle. BrdU incorporation assay and Hoechst 33258 staining were performed to measure cell proliferation and cell apoptosis, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to detect microtubule structures. Results Par3 expression is associated with good response of paclitaxel in breast cancer patients. Consistently, Par3 overexpression significantly sensitizes breast cancer cells to paclitaxel by promoting cell apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation. In Par3 overexpressing cells upon paclitaxel treatment, we observed intensified cell cycle arrests at metaphase. Further exploration showed that Par3 overexpression stabilizes microtubules of breast cancer cells in response to paclitaxel, and resists to microtubules instability induced by nocodazole, a microtubule-depolymerizing agent. Conclusion Par3 facilitates polymeric forms of tubulin and stabilizes microtubule structure, which aggravates paclitaxel-induced delay at the metaphase-anaphase transition, leading to proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Par3 has a potential role in sensitizing breast cancer cells to paclitaxel, which may provide a more precise assessment of individual treatment and novel therapeutic targets.
Retrospective Cohort Study of Neonatal Blood Transfusion in China
Authors: Ma Ting , Sun Yang , Wang Qiushi , Liu Fenghua , Hua Kai , Wang Liqin , Song Aowei , Wang Wenhua , Xie Xinxin , Li Xiling , Yang Jiangcun
Published: August 2021

Background: Blood transfusion treatment is extremely important for newborns，but the threshold of neonatal blood transfusion is not same in different countries, which may be due to differences in regions, races and nationalities, as well as medical conditions and treatment methods. Up to now, there are not enough clinical studies and prospective follow-up to determine the suitable threshold for Chinese newborns. Therefore, it is important to establish a retrospective and prospective multicenter cohort study to evaluate whether the blood transfusion scheme is suitable for newborns in China.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of neonatal blood transfusion and prospective follow-up from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021, aim to evaluate the effect of restricted and unrestricted blood transfusion on neonatal health. Diagnosis and blood transfusion data of 5,669 newborns between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018 from 46 hospitals in China were analyzed through retrospective study and followed up for 1w,1m and 3y after discharge. The variable data of newborns and their mothers was collected in this cohort study with 280 variables and 2.98 million data volumes including in the database. The primary outcome index of the study was death, and the secondary outcome index was complications during hospitalization, hospitalization time, NICU hospitalization days and hospitalization expenses.Discussion: The groups were grouped by birth weight, and each group was defined as a restricted and unrestricted cohort according to the Recommended Program for Neonatal Blood Transfusion (5th Edition), and evaluate applicability of this scheme for Chinese newborns based on outcome indicators. According to the neonatal treatment data, a appropriate neonatal blood transfusion threshold and neonatal blood transfusion program for China would be determined.
Influence of Size Effect on Dynamic Mechanical Properties of OFHC Copper at Micro/Mesoscopic Scale
Authors: Jing Chuanzhi , Wang Jilai , Zhang Chengpeng , Sun Yan , Shi Zhenyu
Published: August 2021

The dynamic mechanical properties of metallic materials have been extensively investigated at the macro-scale in terms of deformation mechanisms, strain rate strengthening, and fracture mechanisms. However, the dynamic mechanical properties affected by size effects at micro/meso-scales have rarely been investigated. To explore the size effects on the dynamic mechanical properties at micro/meso-scales, the experiments of quasi-static compression and SHPB were carried out using oxygen-free, high-conductivity (OFHC) copper with different geometrical and grain sizes. The experimental results show that the quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties of OFHC copper are affected by size effects at micro/meso-scales. In particular, OFHC copper exhibits strain rate strengthening effects at the micro/meso-scales, and the presence of micro-cracks was observed in the SHPB experimental specimens. The J-C constitutive model based on the surface layer model is proposed and the analysis of the average relative error of the modified model and the original constitutive model is performed. Finite element analysis was carried out based on the modified J-C model and the original model, and the results show that the modified J-C model was in good agreement with the experimental results.
Characterization of the microRNA Transcriptomes and Proteomics of Cochlea Tissue-derived Small Extracellular Vesicles From Different Age of Mice After Birth
Authors: Jiang Pei , Ma Xiangyu , Han Shanying , Ma Leyao , Ai Jingru , Wu Leilei , Zhang Yuan , Xiao Hairong , Tian Mengyao , Tao W. Andy , Zhang Shasha , Chai Renjie
Published: August 2021

The cochlea is an important sensory organ for both balance and sound perception, and the formation of the cochlea is a complex developmental process. The development of the mouse cochlea begins on embryonic day (E)9 and continues until postnatal day (P)21 when the hearing system is considered mature. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), with a diameter ranging from 30 nm to 200 nm, have been considered as a significant medium for information communication in both the processing of physiological and pathological. However, there are no studies exploring the role of sEVs in the development of the cochlea. Here, we isolated tissue-derived sEVs from the cochleae of FVB mice at P3, P7, P14, and P21 by ultracentrifugation. These sEVs were first characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blotting. Next, we used small RNA-seq and mass spectrometry to characterize the microRNA transcriptomes and proteomics of cochlear sEVs from mice at different ages. Many microRNAs and proteins were discovered to be related with inner ear development, anatomical structure development, and the auditory nervous system development. These results all suggest that sEVs exist in the cochlea and are likely to be essential for the normal development of the auditory system. Our findings provide many sEV microRNA and protein targets for future studies of the roles of cochlear sEVs.
HOXA11-AS Regulates NIPAL3 via Hsa-miRNA-19a-3p, Hsa-miR-141-3p and Hsa-miR-140-5p in Keloid Fibroblast: Bioinformatic Analysis and In Vitro Validation
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Wei , Sun Xiaojie
Published: August 2021

Background: The long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS is significantly increased in keloids with an unknown mechanism.Methods: Keloid-derived fibroblasts were primarily cultured from keloid explants (Sample 0). Small inference RNAs (siRNAs) against HOXA11-AS were transinfected in two keloid fibroblasts (Sample 1 and Sample 2). Nonspecific siRNA was transinfected into one keloid fibroblast (Sample 3). The blank plasmid was transinfected into one keloid fibroblast (Sample 4). Five keloid fibroblast samples were sequenced for lncRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs. Differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs or lncRNAs were obtained in HOXA11-AS-knockdown keloid fibroblasts via DE RNAs from sample 1 intersected from sample 2, removing overlapping nonspecific interfered DE RNAs from sample 3 combined with sample 4. Using stepwise bioinformatics, dominantly functioning mRNAs downstream of HOXA11-AS were scored based on a first-step lncRNA-mRNA-protein (LMP) network in keloid fibroblasts, removing overlapping mRNAs from the nonspecific group. Screened genes were further validated by real-time PCR and western blotting. Validated mRNAs were overtaken to predict a sequence-matched competing endogenous ceRNA network involving the HOXA11-AS (down)- miRNA (up)- validated mRNA (down) pathway in keloid fibroblasts.Results: Six DE profiles (lncRNA, mRNA, miRNA) were obtained in the HOXA11-AS-knockdown group or in the nonspecific interference group. Fourteen dominantly functional genes were enriched in three biological pathways. SNED1, NIPAL3 and VTN were validated in keloid fibroblasts by knocking down HOXA11-AS via real-time PCR. Only NIPAL3 was predicted as a competing endogenous gene downstream of the HOXA11-AS pathway via three sponging miRNAs (hsa-miRNA-19a-3p, hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-140-5p).Conclusions: HOXA11-AS regulated NIPAL3 via three miRNAs in keloid fibroblasts.
Inhibiting α1-adrenergic Receptor Signaling Pathway Ameliorates Alzheimer’s Disease Type Pathologies and Behavioral Deficits in an AD Mouse Model
Authors: Yu Zhong-Yuan , Yi Xu , Wang Ye-Ran , Zeng Gui-Hua , Tan Cheng-Rong , Cheng Yuan , Sun Pu-Yang , Liu Zhi-Hao , Wang Yan-Jiang , Liu Yu-Hui
Published: August 2021

Background The role of α1 adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has rarely been investigated. Clarifying pathophysiological functions of α1-ARs in the AD brain is helpful for better understanding the pathogenesis and screening novel therapeutic target of AD. Methods This study included 2 arms of in vivo investigations: 1) 6-month-old female APPswe/PS1 mice were intravenously treated with AAV-PHP.eB-shRNA (ARs)-GFP or AAV-PHP.eB-GFP for 3 months. 2) 3-month-old female APPswe/PS1 mice were daily treated with 0.5 mg/kg terazosin or equal saline for 6 months. SH-SY5Y cell lines bearing human Amyloid precurssor protein were treated with terazosin or saline for investigating possible mechanisms. Results α1-ARs knockdown mice exhibited improved behavioral performances than control mice. α1-ARs knockdown mice had significantly lower brain amyloid burden, as reflected by soluble Aβ species, compact and total plaques, than control mice. The α1-ARs inhibitor terazosin substantially reduced Aβ deposition, attenuated downstream pathologies including Tau hyperphosphorylation, glial activation, neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction, and rescued behavioral deficits of APPswe/PS1 mice. In vitro investigation demonstrated that α1-ARs inhibition down-regulated BACE1 expression, and promoted ser9 phosphorylation of GSK-3β, thus reduced Aβ production. Conclusions This study indicates that inhibition of α1-ARs signaling pathway might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
Tracking the Randomized Rollout of a Veterans Affairs Opioid Risk Management Tool: A Multi-method Implementation Evaluation Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: McCarthy Sharon , Chinman Matthew , Rogal Shari , Klima Gloria , Hausmann Leslie , Mor Maria , Shah Mala , Hale Jennifer , Zhang Hongwei , Gordon Adam , Gellad Walid
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe Veterans Health Administration (VHA) developed the Stratification Tool for Opioid Risk Mitigation (STORM) dashboard to assist VHA clinicians in identifying Veterans at risk for adverse opioid overdose or suicide-related events. In 2018, a national policy was implemented requiring providers at all VHA facilities to complete case reviews of Veterans identified by STORM as very high risk for adverse events. Nationally, facilities were randomized by the type of oversight required when sufficient case reviews were not completed and also by the timing of an increase in the number of required case reviews. As part of a comprehensive assessment of this policy intervention, we aimed to 1) identify barriers and facilitators to implementing case reviews as required in the policy; 2) assess variation across the four arms of the study; and 3) evaluate associations between facility characteristics and implementation barriers and facilitators.MethodsUsing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we developed a semi-structured interview guide to examine barriers to and facilitators of implementing the STORM policy. Staff from 40 purposefully selected facilities who were involved in implementation were invited to participate in telephone interviews. Interview transcripts were coded and then organized into memos, which were numerically rated using the -2 to +2 CFIR rating system for each construct. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the mean ratings on each CFIR construct, the associations between ratings and study arm, and three facility characteristics (size, rurality, and level of academic detailing) associated with CFIR ratings. We used the mean CFIR rating for each site to determine which constructs differed between the sites with highest and lowest overall CFIR scores, and these constructs were described in detail. ResultsInterviews with 78 staff at 39 VHA facilities identified a slightly positive (+0.2) overall mean CFIR rating. CFIR ratings were not significantly different between the four study arms, nor associated with facility characteristics. Overall, two important barriers to implementation were CFIR constructs Access to knowledge and information and Evaluating and reflecting. Having time to complete the reviews was a pervasive barrier. Sites with higher overall CFIR scores showed three important facilitators: Leadership engagement, Engaging, and Implementation climate. ConclusionAlthough there was variability in implementation barriers and facilitators across facilities, these were unrelated to study arms and facility characteristics. Leadership, resources, and overall implementation climate were the strongest facilitators of policy implementation.
Early Warning System triggers in Intensive Care Unit after receiving Intrathecal Morphine: A Retrospective Analysis.
Authors: Skelly James Richard Skelly , Jonker Wouter R
Published: August 2021

BackgroundNeuraxial analgesia, including intrathecal morphine(ITM) administration, provides excellent analgesia in the post-abdominal surgery setting. As a corollary, such patients are commonly admitted to HDU/ICU for post-operative monitoring, and as such, bed availability can curtail its use. Reluctance to ward based postoperative care for this cohort is evident. Ward based postoperative care could benefit post-operative analgesic management.MethodsWe reviewed post-operative vital signs constituting the Irish National Early Warning System (INEWS), for general surgical patients admitted to our ICU after ITM administration, as would be undertaken at ward level. Data analysis for a period between January 2015 and August 2018. Inclusion criteria included: abdominal surgery; preoperative ITM and ICU admission post-operatively. Data for the initial 24 hours of ICU admission were obtained, including: AVPU score; respiratory rate(RR); fraction inspired oxygen(FiO2); arterial oxygen saturation(SpO2); heart rate(HR); systolic blood pressure(sBP). Additional measurements include recorded: ITM dose, age, weight, ASA grade, APACHE II Score, visual analogue pain scale scores, analgesic requirements.ResultsThirty patients were included. The ITM dose was 548.3±28.2mcg(mean±SD). Mean maximum constituent INEWS Scores were: 1.7±0.2(RR); 1.5±0.2(SpO2); 1.6±0.3(AVPU); 1.1±0.2(HR); 2.0±0.2(sBP) giving a mean maximum total INEWS score of 4.9±0.3. Four subjects scored ≥7. No patient had INEWS de-escalated for supplemental oxygen and as such the addition of 3 NEWS points for oxygen supplementation would be applied to 96.7% (n=29) of patients. ConclusionsThe current study demonstrates that patients receiving these doses of ITM can exhibit high INEWS scores which would trigger escalation as outlined by the INEWS scoring system if located on a level 1 ward.
Effects of Potassium Management on Physiological Traiats, Enzyme Activity and Cotton Fiber Cellulose Content
Authors: Echer Fábio , Perez Vinicius José Souza , Baltazar Giuliano Oliveira Carnevalli , Silva Gustavo Ricardo Aguiar , Moro Adriana Lima , Gorni Pedro Henrique , Rosolem Ciro Antonio
Published: August 2021

AimsPotassium (K) is prone to be washed out of plant tissues independent of mineralization since it is not strongly bound to organic structures in the plant. Therefore, cover crops can enhance K cycling in cropping systems increasing the nutrient use efficiency by taking it up deep in the soil profile and releasing it on the soil surface. However, it is not clear if this cycling would have an effect on cotton morphophysiology, enzyme activity, and eventually on fiber quality. MethodsPotassium was applied to two cotton cultivars, either to the cover crop ruzigrass (Urochloa ruzisiensis), or to cotton grown after the grass or not, and split between the cover crop and cotton. ResultsCotton leaf area index was increased late in the season by K, with small differences between fertilized treatments, but was highest at full bloom when at least part of the K was applied to cotton. Stomatal conductance was improved, mainly late in the season and when cotton was grown after ruzigrass. Consequently, the enzymatic activity and accumulation of cellulose in the cotton fiber were also increased. ConclusionPotassium fertilization improves cotton physiological parameters such as leaf area index and stomatal conductance, but the effect on enzyme activity depends on the enzyme and on the cotton cultivar. Early cellulose accumulation in the fiber is favored by potassium fertilization and cotton rotation with ruzigrass.
Preparation and Characterization of Hypoxia Sensitive Cationic Liposomal Doxorubicin and Evaluation Its Anti-tumor Activity in Mice Bearing C26 Tumors
Authors: Mashreghi Mohammad , Maleki Mahdi Faal , Askarizadeh Anis , Farshchi Helaleh , Farhoudi Leila , Nasrollahzadeh Mahda Sadat , Hadizadeh Farzin , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza
Published: August 2021

The goal of this study was to prepare cationic nanoliposomal doxorubicin in which PEG molecule attached to the liposome via a hypoxia-sensitive azo linker. The cost-effective hypoxia-sensitive molecule (HSM) was synthesized composing of C18H37 lipophilic tail, azo-linker, and PEG2000 hydrophilic molecule. The NMR and FTIR were employed to characterize the HSM. Then, this compound was post-inserted into the cationic liposome (Cat-lip), and PEG-Azo-Cat-lip was prepared and characterized using DLS. In vitro release and cytotoxicity studies were performed in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In vivo biodistribution and anti-tumor activities of the formulations were studied on mice bearing C-26 colon carcinoma tumor model and compared with PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx®). Besides, the histological test confirmed the formulation biosafety on healthy mice. The results of NMR and FTIR indicated the synthesis of HSM. The decrease in the zeta-potential of formulation from +18.4 mV for Cat-lip to +6.1 mV along with the increase in the size of the PEG-Azo-Cat-lip indicated the successful post-insertion of HSM. The release study showed that PEGylation results in the more stable PEG-Azo-Cat-lip compared to the Cat-lip. The increased cytotoxicity of the PEG-Azo-Cat-lip in the hypoxic condition also indicated the cleavage of the azo-linker in the hypoxic environment. In vivo biodistribution using animal imaging has shown higher tumor accumulation of the PEG-Azo-Cat-lip than Cat-lip during the 120 h of the study. The results of anti-tumor activities and biosafety of the formulations also showed the higher efficiency of the PEG-Azo-Cat-lip compared with the Cat-lip. The results of this study, indicated the anti-tumor efficacy of this hypoxia-sensitive which merits further investigation.
Fluorescence-guided Surgery of Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Aljohani Suad , Brunner Teresa Franziska , Chronopoulos Aristeidis , Fliefel Riham , Binmadi Nada , Otto Sven
Published: August 2021

BackgroundOsteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is one of the most severe head and neck complications in patients treated with radiotherapy (RT), and it is one of the diseases difficult to manage. The goal of the treatment is to achieve mucosal healing or suppress ORNJ progression. Currently, surgical removal of the necrotic bone is an effective management approach for advanced stages of ORNJ. This study aimed to identify the outcomes of fluorescence-guided surgery for ORNJ. MethodsNineteen ORNJ lesions in 15 hospitalized patients received fluorescence-guided surgery. Demographics, comorbidities, local preceding event, location, ORNJ stage, and treatment outcomes were retrospectively reviewed with a median follow-up period of 12 months.ResultsThe first 12 lesions (63%) were operated under tetracycline fluorescence, and 7 lesions (37%) were operated under auto-fluorescence. Overall, 4 lesions (21%) achieved complete mucosal healing, 8 lesions (42%) showed partial mucosal healing with bone exposure and no signs or symptoms of inflammation, and 7 lesions (37%) were progressive. The results showed that either healing or ORNJ stabilization was achieved in 63% of the lesions (n = 12). No significant association was observed between healing and the fluorescence technique.ConclusionFluorescence-guided surgery can be beneficial in curing or stabilizing ORNJ. Within the study limitations, autofluorescence-guided surgery seems to be as effective as tetracycline fluorescence-guided surgery for management of ORNJ. Trial registration: not applicable
Potassium-metasomatism in Anthracite: A Cluster of Geochemical Evidences
Authors: Ghosh Santanu , Ojha Anwita , Varma Atul Kumar
Published: August 2021

The present study focuses on the inorganic geochemical features of the bituminous coal samples from the Raniganj and the Jharia Basin, as well as the anthracite samples from the Himalayan fold-thrust belts of Sikkim, India. The SiO2 content (48.05 to 65.09 wt% in the ash yield of the bituminous coal samples and 35.92 to 50.11 wt% in the ash yield of the anthracite samples) and the ratio of Al2O3/TiO2 (6.97 to 17.03 in the bituminous coal samples and 10.34 to 20.07 in the anthracite samples) reveal the intermediate igneous source rock composition of the minerals. The ratio of the K2O/Al2O3 in the ash yield of the bituminous coal samples (0.03 to 0.09) may suggest the presence of kaolinite mixed with montmorillonite, while its range in the ash yield of the anthracite samples (0.16 to 0.27) may imply the presence of illite mixed with kaolinite. The chemical index of alteration values may suggest the moderate to strong chemical weathering of the source rock under sub-humid to humid climatic conditions. The plot of the bituminous coal samples in the A-CN-K diagram depicts the traditional weathering trend of parent rocks, but the anthracite samples plot near the illite field and are a bit offset from the weathering trend. This may imply the plausible influences of the potassium-metasomatism at post coalification stages. The Fourier transform infrared spectra further reveal the hydroxyl stretching intensity of the illite in the anthracite samples substantiating the effect of the epigenetic potassium-metasomatism. The decrease in total kaolinite intensity/compound intensity of quartz and feldspar may provide additional evidence towards this epigenetic event.
Peritoneal Effluent MicroRNA Profile in Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: Wu Kun-Lin , Chou Che-Yi , Li An-Lun , Chen Chien-Lung , Tsai Jen-chieh , Wang I-Kuan , Chen Chiung-Tong , Tseng Chin-Chung , Chen Jin-Bor , Chan Yi-Fan , Chang Hui-Yin , Huang Chiu-Ching , Ma Nianhan
Published: August 2021

Background: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a catastrophic complication of chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD). Late diagnosis is associated with high mortality. With the advancement of new diagnostic technologies, such as microRNA (miRNA), we attempted to develop a noninvasive test to assist in the diagnosis of EPS. Methods: MiRNA expression profiles of PD effluents from patients with or without EPS were examined by a high-throughput real-time PCR array to first screen candidate miRNAs. Candidate miRNAs were verified by single real-time PCR. The model for EPS prediction was evaluated by multiple logistic regression. Results: We collected eight-hour PD effluents from 71 non-EPS and 56 EPS patients. The screening set included 28 samples (20 of non-EPS vs. 8 of EPS). After analyzing the ratio values of two miRNA expression levels from the PCR-array of 377 miRNAs, eight candidate miRNAs were selected. The prediction model was conducted using 127 samples (71 of non-EPS vs 56 of EPS) to produce an area under the curve (AUC) value of the miRNA classifier. The ratios of the five miRNAs with the top five ROC values were selected to calculate the combined AUC by logistic regression. The AUC value to detect EPS with the five miRNA ratios was 0.8929 with an accuracy of 78.7%. The accuracy of the EPS diagnosis was further improved to 94.1% after considering clinical characteristics (AUC value 0.9931). Conclusions: A signature-based model of clinical characteristics and miRNA expression in PD effluents can efficiently assist in the diagnosis of EPS, thus preventing the catastrophic prognosis.
Polymethyl Methacrylate Cure Time in Simulated In Vivo Total Knee Arthroplasty Versus In Vitro Conditions
Authors: Funk Daniel , Nguyen Viet , Swank Michael
Published: August 2021

Background: The present means of confirming the cure of intra-operative polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement is to wait for the remainder cement to harden. To our knowledge, there is no available technique to determine the precise moment of cure for in-vivo cement beneath the tibial tray. This study uses a novel means to determine cement curing time in two environments. One environment represents the operating theater, and the other environment attempts to model cement conditions under the tibial tray during surgery.Materials and Methods: We determined the temperature-versus-time plot of cement curing using the following two temperature sensors: one in a simulated implanted tibial tray and another in the remainder cement. We performed 55 tests using dental methyl methacrylate cement mixed in the same ratio as the orthopedic cement. To simulate in vivo conditions, a simulated stainless-steel tibial tray was implanted on a cancellous bone substitute (Sawbones, Vashon Island, WA, USA) using standard cement technique and subsequently placed in a 90°F (32.2 °C) circulating water bath. We positioned a temperature sensor in the cement mantel and positioned a second sensor in a portion of the remaining cement. The temperature from both sensors was measured simultaneously, beginning at 5 mins after mixing and continuing for 20 mins. The first derivative of the temperature provided the precise curing time for each condition. We analyzed the results of 55 repeated experiments with an independent samples t-test. Results: With the described technique, we were able to accurately determine the moment of cure of the cement beneath the simulated tray. There was a mean difference between cure time of 5 mins and 26 s (p-value<0.001) between the two conditions. Conclusions: We validated that our technique was successful in determining the precise time to cure in two different environments.Level of Evidence: This was not a clinical trial and did not involve patients as such the level of evidence was Grade A: Consistent 1 and 2
Effectiveness and Safety of Bedaquiline-containing Regimens for Treatment on Patients With Refractory Rifampicin/multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study in East China
Authors: Zhang Shao-Jun , Yang Yan , Sun Wen-Wen , Zhang Zhong-Shun , Xiao He-ping , Li Yu-Ping , Zhang Zhe-Min , Fan Lin
Published: August 2021

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of bedaquiline-containing and bedaquiline-free regimens for treatment of patients with refractory rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB).Methods: Patients with refractory RR/MDR-TB receiving bedaquiline-containing regimens (bedaquiline group, n=102) and bedaquiline-free regimens (non-bedaquiline group, n=100) were included in this retrospective historical control study across East China. The culture conversion, end-of-treatment outcomes, cavity closing rate, and adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of treatment success and culture reversion.Results: The baseline characteristics of the patients were well balanced between the two groups. The culture conversion rates in the bedaquiline group at month 3 (89.2% vs. 66.0%), month 6 (90.2% vs. 72.0%), month 9 (91.2% vs. 66.0%), and month 12 (94.1% vs. 65.0%) were all significantly higher than those in the non-bedaquiline group (all p<0.001). Similar results were observed in the cavity closing rate at month 9 (19.6% vs. 8.0%, p=0.017) and month 12 (39.2% vs. 15.0%, p<0.001). Patients receiving bedaquiline-containing regimens had more treatment success than those receiving bedaquiline-free regimens (p<0.001; cure rate, 69.6% vs. 45.0%; complete the treatment, 22.5% vs. 18.0%; treatment success, 92.2% vs. 63.0%). The use of bedaquiline was identified as an independent predictor of both treatment success (OR=7.356, 95% CI: 2.920–18.530, p<0.001) and culture reversion (OR=0.124, 95% CI: 0.035–0.452, p<0.001). AEs were similarly reported in 26.5% of patients in the bedaquiline group and 19.0% in the non-bedaquiline group (p=0.206).Conclusions: Bedaquiline-containing regimens resulted in better treatment outcomes and similar safety relative to bedaquiline-free regimens for patients with refractory pulmonary RR/MDR-TB.
HOTAIR, HOXC13, and HOXC10 Are Overexpressed in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Habibi Mahvash , Fakhari Reza , Zamani Mina , Galehdari Hamid
Published: August 2021

Gastric cancer is concerned as the second leading cause of tumor-associated death worldwide after lung tumors and is specified as one of the most common malignant cancers. Given the increasing importance of HOX genes in gastric cancer research, this study was aimed at exploring the expression profile of HOTAIR, HOXC13, HOXC10, HOXC13-AS, and HOXC‑AS3 in gastric cancer. To achieve this goal, 30 pairs of tumor and normal margin samples were assessed for these genes expression analyses via qRT-PCR. result we found that, the HOTAIR, HOXC13, and HOXC10 expression was significantly increased in cancer tissue samples in comparison with adjacent normal tissue samples, P<0.01. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between the expressions of genes studied: HOXC‑AS3 and HOXC10 (r=0.52, P<0.003), HOXC13-AS and HOXC13 (r=0.57, P<0.001), HOTAIR and HOXC‑AS3 (r=0.39, P<0.03), HOTAIR and HOXC13-AS (r=0.36, P<0.05). The HOXC13 and HOXC10 expression exhibited a significant relationship with both distant metastasis and perineural invasion (metastasis: P<0.014, r=0.443 and P<0.0041, r=0.51 perineural invasion: P<0.025, r=0.41 and P<0.0017, r=0.55). The HOXC13-AS displayed a significant relationship with the sex factor so that in females the expression of this gene was higher than males (P<0.030, r=0.4). Our findings suggest that the expression of HOXC genes and HOTAIR lncRNA increased through gastric tumor progression and thus they possibly participate in malignant transformation and gastric carcinoma metastasis.
Process Optimization and Adsorptive Mechanism for Reactive Blue 19 Dye by Magnetic Crosslinked Chitosan/MgO/Fe3O4 Biocomposite
Authors: Jawad Ali H. , S Rangabhashiyam , Abdulhameed Ahmed Saud , Syed-Hassan Syed Shatir A. , ALOthman Zeid A. , Wilson Lee D.
Published: August 2021

A new biocomposite magnetic crosslinked glutaraldehyde-chitosan/MgO/Fe3O4 (CTS-GL/MgO/Fe3O4) adsorbent was prepared and applied for the removal of reactive blue 19 (RB 19) synthetic textile dye. The prepared CTS-GL/MgO/Fe3O4 was subjected to the several instrumental characterizations such as XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, pH-potentiometric titration, and pHpzc analyses. The influence of the input adsorption parameters such as A: CTS-GL/MgO/Fe3O4 dosage, B: initial solution pH, C: process temperature, and D: contact time on RB 19 removal efficiency was statistically optimized using Box-Behnken design (BBD). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates the presence of five significant statistical interactions between input adsorption parameters i.e. (AB, AC, AD, BC, and BD). The adsorption kinetic and equilibrium study reveals a good to the pseudo-second-order model, and multilayer adsorption as proven by Freundlich isotherm model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of CTS-GL/MgO/Fe3O4 towards RB19 was found to be 193.2 mg/g at 45 ºC. This work highlights the development of feasible and recoverable magnetic biocompsite adsorbent with desirable adsorption capacity towards textile dyes with good separation ability by using an external magnetic field.
Persistently Reduced Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Patients With Mild COVID-19 One Year After Discharge: a Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Han , Peng Yi , Hou Pengwei , Chen Zhu , Xing Guoqiang , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2021

Purpose The epidemiological and clinical features, pathogenesis, and complications of patients with COVID-19 in the acute phase have been well described, but the long-term prognosis and rehabilitation of the patients remain largely unknown.Methods 39 COVID-19 patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. The mental health, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life were assessed by Self-Depression Scale and the Self Anxiety Scale, pulmonary function test, 6MWT, 36-Item Short-Form, respectively. Results Total 33 survivors completed the assessment, 40.8 ± 0.8 years, body mass index= 22.7 ±1.3 kg/m2. The length of hospital stays was 19.6 ± 6.6 d. One year after discharge, the mean scores of SDS and SAS showed decreasing trends from 3-months to 12-months post-discharge. 6 patients (18.2%) had FVC <80% of the predicted value, 12 patients (36.4%) had FEV1 <80% of the predicted value. And 9 (27.3%), 3 (9.1%), and 2 (6.1%) of the patients showed reduced FEF25, FEF50, and FEF75 (<70% expected values), respectively. The mean 6MWD values increased significantly from 397±25.4 m at 3-months to 514±40.8 m at 12-months.Conclusions the impaired pulmonary function in mild COVID-19 survivors was noted after 12 months discharging from hospital. The exercise capacity, mental status, and health status were lower than those of the normal population.
Association of Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 Gene Polymorphisms With Infection and Antiviral Efficacy of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Yang Xun-Jun , Wang Xiao-Ou , Liu Linna , Chen Yao , Ye Song-Dao
Published: August 2021

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern in developing countries. Pathogenesis of hepatitis C infection is poorly understood. Previously, we found higher Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 (IRF-3) expression in HCV-infected patients. However, the effect of IRF-3 polymorphism on the incidence of HCV infection and antiviral efficacy has not been sufficiently evaluated.Methods We retrospectively enrolled 178 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 82 matched healthy controls between 2016 and 2019 at the Second Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China. All patients received a standard dose of polyethylene glycol interferon + ribavirin (PR regimen), and were divided into the response, non-response, sustained virological response (SVR), and non-sustained virological response (NSVR) groups based on their HCV RNA levels. Gene polymorphisms were detected by DNA sequencing, and the plasma IRF-3 and IFN-β levels were measured by ELISA to assess the impact of IRF-3 gene variations and contents on the risk of HCV infection and antiviral efficacy.Results Plasma contents of IRF-3 and IFN-β were significantly different between the CHC and control groups, the response and non-response groups, and the SVR and non-SVR groups (p<0.05). rs2304206 C>T but not rs2304204A>G was associated with increased risk for CHC (OR= 2.35 (95% CI: 1.30 to 4.24), p = 0.004), and reduced antiviral efficacy between both response groups (OR= 1.86 (95% CI: 1.06 to 3.24), p = 0.028) and SVR groups (OR= 1.79 (95% CI:1.05 to 3.06), p = 0.030). Haplotype GT type suffered negative consequence between the CHC and control groups, the responder and non-responder groups, and the SVR and non-SVR groups (p=0.004, 0.028, 0.030). The content of IFR-3 in CT genotype of rs2304206 was higher than that in CC genotype.Conclusion The polymorphism of IFR-3 affects the plasma levels of IFR-3 and associated with HCV infection and interferon antiviral efficacy, where the T allele of rs2304206 may be a susceptibility factor for CHC and adversely impact interferon antiviral response.