bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Three Mangifera Species, Their Genomic Structure And Gene Transfer From Chloroplast Genomes
Authors: Niu Yingfeng , Gao Chengwen , Liu Jin
Published: November 2021

BackgroundAmong the Mangifera species, mango (Mangifera indica) is an important commercial fruit crop. However, very few studies have been conducted on the Mangifera mitochondrial genome. This study reports and compares the newly sequenced mitochondrial genomes of three Mangifera species. Results Mangifera mitochondrial genomes showed partial similarities in the overall size, genomic structure, and gene content. Specifically, the genomes are circular and contain about 63-69 predicted functional genes, including five ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 24-27 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The GC contents of the Mangifera mitochondrial genomes are similar, ranging from 44.42–44.66%. Leucine (Leu) and serine (Ser) are the most frequently used, while tryptophan (Trp) and cysteine (Cys) are the least used amino acids among the protein-coding genes in Mangifera mitochondrial genomes. We also identified 7-10 large chloroplast genomic fragments in the mitochondrial genome, ranging from 1407-6142 bp. Additionally, four intact mitochondrial tRNAs genes (tRNA-Cys, tRNA-Trp, tRNA-Pro, and tRNA-Met) and intergenic spacer regions were identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on the common protein-coding genes of most branches provided a high support value. ConclusionsWe sequenced and compared the mitochondrial genomes of three Mangifera species. The results showed that the gene content of Mangifera mitochondrial genomes is similar across various species. Gene transferred from the chloroplast genome to the mitochondrial genome were identified. This study provides valuable information for evolutionary and molecular studies of Mangifera and a basis for further studies on genomic breeding of mango.
Clinical Utility of Neoadjuvant MRI in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Corke Lauren , Luzhna Lidiya , Willemsma Kaylie , Illmann Caroline , Mcdermott Miranda , Wilson Christine , Simmons Christine , LeVasseur Nathalie
Published: November 2021

Background

With the increasing use of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) for patients with early-stage breast cancer (ESBC), adequate clinical staging is essential to inform treatment. While the use of MRI with NAT has been proposed to help with accuracy of pre-treatment clinical staging, its impact in clinical practice remains controversial.
Methods

A prospective institutional database of patients with ESBC treated with NAT between May 2012 and December 2020 was analyzed in order to compare the management of patients who received an MRI prior to NAT to those who did not. The indications for MRI and correlation of MRI findings to conventional breast imaging were evaluated. The impact of MRI on management was compared between the MRI and non-MRI groups.
Results

A total of 530 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 186 (35.1%) had an MRI and 344 (64.9%) did not. The most frequent indication for MRI was the determination of disease extent (54.5%). Patients who had an MRI prior to neoadjuvant treatment were significantly more likely to be younger (47 years versus 57 years; p<0.001) and have multifocal disease (32.3% versus 22.1%; p<0.05). When compared to conventional imaging, MRI reported a greater extent of disease in the breast (37.6%), more nodal involvement (18.8%) and multifocal disease (15.1%). Additional diagnostic interventions were advised in 52.2% of patients. who underwent MRI. Rates of mastectomies were greater in the MRI group (80.0% versus 58.9%; p<0.05) in addition to more axillary dissections (28.0% versus 17.4%; p<0.01). Rates of locoregional recurrences were low in both groups, with similar disease-free survival outcomes at 5 years.
Conclusions

MRI identified significantly more disease in contrast to conventional imaging and lead to more aggressive surgical management. Prospective studies evaluating the role of neoadjuvant MRI and its impact on long term outcomes are needed.
Diverse Response Diversity in Pollinators: Implications to the Resilience of Pollination Services in Buckwheat
Authors: Miyashita Tadashi , Hayashi Shota , Taki Hisatomo
Published: November 2021

Response diversity to environmental change among species is important for the maintenance of ecosystem services, but response diversity to changes in multiple environmental parameters is largely unexplored. Here, we examined how insect visitations to buckwheat flowers differ among species groups in response to changes in multiple weather variables and landscape structures.We found differences in responses to changes in weather conditions among insect taxonomic groups visiting buckwheat flowers. Specifically, beetles, butterflies, and wasps were more active in sunny and/or high-temperature conditions, whereas ants and flies showed the opposite pattern. Furthermore, responses to weather conditions differed between large and small insects, which agreed with the expectation that optimal temperature for insect activity has a positive association with body size. Response diversity per se was also diverse. For instance, large insects were responsive to temperatures more than small insects while smaller insects were responsive to sunshine duration more than large insects. Responses to spatial variables also differed; large insects were more abundant in fields with surrounding forests and mosaic habitats, whereas small insects were not. We suggest that the “diversity” in “response diversity,” which is a higher-order response diversity, should be a focus of future studies of the biodiversity–ecosystem service relationships.
Effect of the trends of estradiol level on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with antagonist regimens: a single center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wei Chun-Xiao , zhang liang , Pang Cong-Hui , qi Ying-Hua , Zhang Jian-Wei
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer is often determined according to follicles and estradiol levels following gonadotropin stimulation. However, there is no accurate indicator to predict pregnancy outcome, and it has not been determined how to choose subsequent drugs and dosage based on the ovarian response. This study aimed to make timely adjustments to follow-up medication to improve clinical outcomes based on the potential value of estradiol growth rate. MethodsSerum estradiol levels were measured on the day of gonadotrophin treatment (Gn0), four days later (Gn4), seven days later (Gn7), and on the trigger day (HCG). The ratio was used to determine the increase in estradiol levels. According to the ratio of estradiol increase, the patients were divided into four groups: group A1 (Gn4/Gn0≤6.44), group A2 (6.44˂Gn4/Gn0≤10.62), group A3 (10.62˂Gn4/Gn0 ≤21.33), and group A4 (Gn4/Gn0>21.33); group B1 (Gn7/Gn4≤2.39), group B2 (2.39˂Gn7/Gn4≤3.03), group B3 (3.03˂Gn7/Gn4≤3.84), and group B4 (Gn7/Gn4>3.84). We analyzed and compared the relationship between data in each group and pregnancy outcome. ResultsIn the statistical analysis, the estradiol levels of Gn4 (P = 0.029, P = 0.042), Gn7 (P< 0.001, P = 0.001), and HCG (P< 0.001, P = 0.002), as well as the ratios of Gn4/Gn0 (P = 0.004, P = 0.006), Gn7/Gn4 (P = 0.001, P = 0.002), and HCG/Gn0 (P< 0.001, P< 0.001) both had clinical guiding significance, and the lower one significantly reduced the pregnancy rate. The outcomes were positively linked to groups A (P = 0.040, P = 0.041) and B (P = 0.015, P = 0.017). The logistical regression analysis revealed that group A1 (OR = 0.440 [0.223–0.865]; P = 0.017, OR = 0.368 [0.169–0.804]; P = 0.012) and B1 (OR = 0.261 [0.126–0.541]; P< 0.001, OR = 0.299 [0.142–0.629]; P = 0.001) had opposite influence on outcomes. ConclusionMaintaining a serum estradiol increase ratio at least above 2.39 on Gn7/Gn4 may result in a higher pregnancy rate. When estradiol growth is not ideal, gonadotrophin dosage should be adjusted appropriately to ensure the desired outcome.
Animal Study of a Newly Designed Metal Airway Brachytherapy Stent Loaded with Radioactive 125I Seeds
Authors: Jiao Dechao , Lei Qinyu , Xu Kaihao , Liu Yiming , Han Xinwei
Published: November 2021

Aim: To evaluate dynamic tissue changes after airway stenting (AS) with a newly designed metal brachytherapy stent (BS) loaded with radioactive 125I seeds in normal rabbits.Method: Forty-five normal New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups (Group A: stent without seeds; Group B: stent with 0.4 mCi active seeds; Group C: stent with 0.8 mCi active seeds) and underwent AS under C-arm guidance. Then, 5 rabbits were sacrificed from each group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks for further examination. Laboratory tests (including routine blood tests, liver function, kidney function, electrolytes and ROS levels), gross observations, and tissue changes of Masson/hematoxylin-eosin staining, plus immunohistochemistry of α-SMA, NOX4, and TGF-β were performed at each time point.Result: All animals underwent AS successfully without procedure-related death, but one animal died at 6 weeks due to severe pulmonary infection in Group C. Apart from a transient increase in white blood cells (P < 0.05) and a gradual increase in ROS levels (P < 0.05), other blood test items showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). The brachytherapy injury score increased with irradiation dose accumulation (P < 0.05), but tissue hyperplasia at the stent end in Group C was less severe than that in Groups A and B (P < 0.05). Airway lateral fibrosis was observed in all groups by histopathologic analysis; however, fibrosis in Group C was more severe than that in Groups A and B (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The brachytherapy injury score increased with irradiation dose accumulation, while granulation tissue hyperplasia at the stent end was inhibited by 125I brachytherapy within 8 weeks.
Excel Template for Identifying Mouse Myeloid Cell-Types in the Central Nervous System Based on Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Lü He-zuo , Lyu Xin-Yi , Li Jing-Lu , Ding Shu-Qin , Hu Jian-Guo
Published: November 2021

Background

The myeloid cells play a vital role in health and disease of central nervous system (CNS). However, how to clearly distinguish them is still a knotty problem. At present, single-cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) technology can sequence thousands of cells at the single-cell level, and then divide the cells into different clusters according to the similarity of gene expression, but it is still difficult to further identity these cell clusters. Generally, there are some specific marker genes for cell-type identities. However, it is difficult to distinguish a variety of myeloid cells in the CNS, because these cells often have the same or cross gene markers, and some markers will change significantly in different pathological states. Therefore, establishing a simple and practical method to distinguish these cell populations is of great significance for the analysis of scRNA-Seq data.
Methods
Referring to CellMarker (http://biocc.hrbmu.edu.cn/CellMarker/), PanglaoDB (https://panglaodb.se/) and Mouse Cell Atlas (http://bis.zju.edu.cn/MCA/gallery.html), combining with the recent literatures, a simple Excel template was designed, in which a panel of gene makers corresponding to the myeloid cells were included. The 83 cell clusters from several recently reported single-cell data were used to verify the accuracy of this template.
Results

This template could easily distinguish myeloid cell-subtypes and non-myeloid cells. Comparing with literatures, the overall consistency rate was 93.98%. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (Bowker’s test, P >0.05). Kappa symmetric measures showed that the Kappa value = 0.642 (P < 0.01).
Conclusions

The cell identities of scRNA-Seq cluster data could be performed using our simple Excel formulae, a panel of gene markers and ideal cell clustering data are the basis for accurate identification of CNS myeloid cell-subtypes.
Synthesis and Evaluation of the Ability of Poly(Methacrylic Acid-co-acrylamide)/nanoclay Composite Hydrogel in the Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: Safarzadeh Hamid , Peighambardoust Seyed Jamaleddin , Mousavi Seyed Hamed , Mohammadi Reza , Foroutan Rauf , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi
Published: November 2021

The performance of poly(methacrylic acid-co-acrylamide/nanoclay composite (poly(MAA-co-AAm)/NCC) hydrogel to adsorb methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions was investigated and the adsorption efficiency was improved by incorporating Cloisite 30B nanoclays in the adsorbent structure. The hydrogels were analyzed using FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM analysis. The effect of adsorbent dose, temperature, initial dye concentration, contact time, and pH on the efficiency of the adsorption process was investigated. Adsorption efficiencies of 98.57 and 97.65% were obtained for poly(MAA-co-AAm)/NCC and poly(MAA-co-AAm) hydrogels, respectively. Kinetic study revealed that the adsorption process followed pseudo-first-order kinetic model and α-parameter values of 6.558 and 1.113 mg/g.min were obtained for poly(MAA-co-AAm)/NCC and poly(MAA-co-AAm) hydrogels, respectively indicating a higher ability of nanocomposite hydrogel in adsorbing MB-dye. In addition, the results of the intra-particle diffusion model showed that various mechanisms such as intra-particle diffusion and liquid film penetration are important in the adsorption. The Gibbs free energy parameter of adsorption process showed negative values of -256.52 and -84.071 J/mol.K for poly(MAA-co-AAm)/NCC and poly(MAA-co-AAm) hydrogels indicating spontaneous nature of the adsorption. The results of enthalpy and entropy showed that the adsorption process was exothermic and random collisions were reduced during the adsorption. The equilibrium data for the adsorption process using poly(MAA-co-AAm)/NCC and poly(MAA-co-AAm) hydrogels followed Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity values of 32.83 and 21.92 mg/g were obtained for poly(MAA-co-AAm)/NCC and poly(MAA-co-AAm) hydrogels, respectively. Higher adsorption capacity of nanocomposite hydrogel was attributed to the presence of Cloisite 30B clay nanoparticles in its structure. In addition, results of RL, n, and E parameters showed that the adsorption process was performed optimally and physically.
A Feasibility Pilot Trial of a Peer-support Educational Behavioral Intervention to Improve Diabetes Medication Adherence in African Americans
Authors: Shiyanbola Olayinka , Maurer Martha , Mott Mattigan , Schwerer Luke , Sarkarati Nassim , Sharp Lisa K , Ward Earlise
Published: November 2021

BackgroundAfrican Americans are twice as likely to die from diabetes, compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Poor adherence to diabetes medications is common among African Americans and contributes to these disproportionally worse outcomes. A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-supported intervention targeting diabetes and medication beliefs, communication, and self-efficacy skills to enhance medication adherence among African Americans with type 2 diabetes. MethodsBased on the extended self-regulatory model and information-motivation-behavioral skills model, this intervention was piloted using a single group pre/post-intervention study design at two sites. Seventeen African Americans who self-reported as adherent to diabetes medicines (ambassadors), were paired with 22 African Americans with self-reported poor medication adherence (buddies). Measures assessed at baseline and one-month post-intervention included glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c), self-reported medication adherence, diabetes beliefs, concerns about diabetes medicines, and diabetes self-efficacy. Wilcoxon signed rank tests assessed for differences in mean scores of outcome variables at baseline compared with 3-months follow-up. Semi-structured 60-minute interviews were conducted with each buddy to explore their acceptability of the intervention. To ensure the rigor of the qualitative data, we focused on analytic criteria such as credibility, confirmability, and transferability.ResultsMost buddies and ambassadors were female and about 56 years old. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment success rates of 73% for buddies and 85% for ambassadors relative to our goals. Retention rate for hemoglobin A1c and medication adherence outcome assessment was 95% for buddies. Both buddies and ambassadors had excellent intervention adherence, with buddies having a mean attendance of 7.76 out of 8 sessions/phone calls and ambassadors completing > 99% of the 105 intervention calls with Buddies. Results showed a signal of change in hemoglobin A1c (effect size = 0.14) and medication adherence (effect size = 0.35) among buddies, reduction in buddies’ negative beliefs about diabetes and an increase in necessity beliefs of diabetes medicines. Summative interviews with buddies showed they valued ambassador’s encouragement of self-management behaviors. ConclusionsResults support conduct of an efficacy trial to address medication adherence for African Americans with type 2 diabetes using a peer-supported tailored intervention.
CircRNA circ_0075796 is downregulated in breast cancer and suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion
Authors: Xu Yao , Wang Ya-Wen , Chen Xu , Liu Can , Chen Yan-Duo , Yang Bin , Qiao Zhong-Qi , Gao Hai-Dong , Ma Rong , Tian Ya-Ru , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2021

Background
Emerging evidence shows that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial parts in tumorigenesis and progression. In this work, the expression, clinical significance, function and potential mechanism of circ_0075796 in breast cancer were explored.
Methods
The expression of circ_0075796 in 189 pairs of breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and colony formation assay were conducted for cell proliferation. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were used for cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry analysis was adopted for cell cycle and cell apoptosis. The cellular localization of circ_0075796 was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The circ_0075796/miR-452-3p/SAMD5 axis was screened out by bioinformatics analysis and verified by qRT-PCR. Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) was used to detect the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification levels of circ_0075796. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of RNA binding protein Quaking (QKI) in breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues.
Results
circ_0075796 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. In addition, circ_0075796 showed satisfactory diagnostic value to discriminate breast cancer and normal controls. Downregulated circ_0075796 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis, HER2 expression, larger tumor size, high Ki-67 expression, advanced histological grade, aggressive molecular subtypes and advanced clinical stages. Overexpression of circ_0075796 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. FISH showed that circ_0075796 was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of breast cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR revealed the potential circ_0075796/miR-452-3p/SAMD5 axis. Moreover, circ_0075796 showed lower m6A modification levels in breast cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. QKI was predicted to contain binding sites of circ_0075796 and was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal controls.
Conclusions
circ_0075796 was downregulated in breast cancer compared to normal controls, and showed potential diagnostic value for breast cancer. Downregulation of circ_0075796 was correlated with aggressive clinical features of breast cancer and overexpression of circ_0075796 inhibited the progression of breast cancer in vitro, indicating that circ_0075796 may be related to tumorigenesis and development of breast cancer.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Oblique Lateral Locking Plate System for Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Wang Yinge , Wang Jiajia , Tu Sha , Li Shuang , Yi Jiangpu , Zhao Haien , Qiao Huanhuan , Yan Kang , Liao Bo
Published: November 2021

Objective: Oblique lateral locking plate system (OLLPS) with the locking and reverse pedicle track screw configuration is a novel internal fixation designed for oblique lumbar interbody fusion(OLIF). It is placed in a single-position through the oblique lateral surgical corridor to reduce operative time and subsequent complications of prolonged anesthesia and prone positioning. The purpose of this study was to verify the biomechanical effect of OLLPS.Methods: The intact finite element model of L1–S1（Intact） was established based on CT images of a healthy male volunteer. The L4-L5 intervertebral space was selected as the surgical segment. The surgical models were established separately according to the OLIF surgical procedures and the different internal fixations: (1) stand-alone OLIF (SA); (2) OLIF with 2-screw lateral plate (LP-2); (3) OLIF with 4-screw lateral plate (LP-4); (4) OLIF with OLLPS (OLLPS); and (5) OLIF with bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPS). After validating the intact model, the physiological loading was applied to the superior surface of L1 to simulate flexion, extension, left bending, right bending, left rotation, and right rotation motions. The evaluation indexes included the L4/5 range of motion (ROM), the L4 maximum displacement, and the maximum stress of the superior and inferior endplate, cage, and supplemental fixation.Results: In OLIF surgery, OLLPS provided multiplanar stability which was similar to that of BPS. Compared with LP-2 and LP-4, OLLPS had the better biomechanical properties in enhancing the instant stability of the surgical segment, reducing the stress of the superior and inferior endplates of the surgical segment, and reducing the risk of cage subsidence.Conclsions: With the minimally invasive background, OLLPS can be an alternative to BPS in OLIF and has a better prospect of clinical promotion and application.
Plant Nutrients Appears Decoupled from Soil: Increasing Influences from Changing Climate in the Grassland’s of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Li Xiang , Deng Qiang , Chen Lili , Liu Guiyao , Shi Xinrong , Lock Thomas Ryan , Kallenbach Robert L. , Yuan Zhiyou
Published: November 2021

Extremes in weather episodes seem to be the new normal. We need to better understand how changing climatic conditions alter plant growth in grasslands, especially macro nutrient uptake and stoichiometry. However, few studies have examined how warmer/colder or wetter/drier climates influence the nutrient decoupling between plants and soils at the ecosystem level. Here, we investigated the changes in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations and their stoichiometric ratios in plants and soils from 65 grassland sites along a geographic gradient of temperature and aridity in northern China. Often, we saw inverse responses between plant and soil nutrients with respect to temperature and aridity. Soil C and N were negatively correlated with temperature and aridity. Soil P was negatively correlated with aridity. Plant N was positively correlated with aridity and plant P was negatively correlated with temperature, while plant C had no relationship with either. Temperature and aridity were positively correlated with C:N and negatively correlated with C:P and N:P ratios in soils. However, aridity was negatively correlated with plant C:N ratios. Plant N:P ratios were positively correlated with temperature and aridity, whereas plant C:P ratios had no relationship with either. Our findings suggest at a broad geographic scale, plant nutrients do not always reflect soil nutrient availability. It is conceivable that rapid climate shifts and the resulting changes in element availability, turnover rates, absorption, and use efficiency might cause decoupling of C, N, and P cycles between plants and soils.
Melatonin Inhibits Japanese Encephalitis Virus Replication And Neurotoxicity Via Calcineurin-Autophagy Pathways
Authors: Park Sang-Youel , Moon Ji-Hong , Hong Jeong-Min , Seol Jae-Won , Eo Seong Kug
Published: November 2021

BackgroundJapanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and has no specific treatment excepting a few supportive medical care. JEV is a neurotropic virus that affects the nervous system and triggers inflammation of the brain. Melatonin has been used as a sleep-inducing agent in neurophysiology and has a potential role as a protective agent against neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. MethodsThe effect of JEV-induced calcineurin (CaN) activation on the progression of Japanese encephalitis was evaluated using the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell cultures of JEV infection. A CaN inhibitor FK-506 and melatonin were employed to assess the activity of CaN and autophagy flux in vitro. The subsequent impact of CaN blockade was assessed by examining the autophagy flux, neuronal cell death and inflammatory cytokine production.ResultsThe critical role of CaN was examined in JEV propagation. CaN was activated as a result of JEV infection in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. When treated with melatonin, CaN became down-regulated and decreased JEV replication and neurotoxicity. Melatonin decreased JEV-mediated neuroinflammation in neuronal cells. Further experiments indicated that melatonin attenuated JEV-induced autophagy impairment via CaN regulation. ConclusionCaN plays an imperative role in regulating the JEV-induced neuronal cell damage and neuroinflammation. Thus, our results suggest that CaN performs a critical role in JEV-infected neuronal cells and melatonin is a novel target in the development of anti-JEV agents.
Enhancing Ossiointegration And Corrosion Properties of Ti6Al4V Alloy By Coating With Chitosan – Collagen- Hydroxyapatite For Biomedical Applications
Authors: M.Mahdi Adnan , Essa Abbas F. , Khalf Mohammed Kh.
Published: November 2021

In this research, Ti-6Al-4V alloy samples were coated with 4 gm strontium hydroxyapatite with 2 gm from chitosan and (2,4,6) gm from collagen and the samples heat treated at 150 ºC in muffle furnace for one hour under air atmosphere. The sample were tested by XRD,FTIR,SEM and corrosion test was also achieved. The samples were immersed in a laboratory prepared simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for two weeks, the samples treated at 150 ºC in muffle furnace for one hour under air atmosphere to get more bonding for new layer . The samples tested by XRD,FTIR,SEM and corrosion test was also achieved after immersing . The sample coated with 6 gm collagen showed maximum growth of hydroxyapatite formed from simulated body fluid SBF and corrosion characteristics was much improved.
Correlation between Morphological Features of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Quantitative Study Using a Porcine Model
Authors: Wang Huizhi , Zhang Zhuoyue , Shi Qinyi , Zeng Yi-Ming , Cheng Cheng-Kung
Published: November 2021

Background: Inadequate restoration of the rotational knee stability is often reported after ACL reconstruction, mainly due to insufficient restoration of the morphology of the ACL. This study aimed to explore the quantitative correlation between morphological features of the ACL, thus to provide useful information for improving anatomical reconstruction techniques and designing artificial ligaments. Methods: Porcine model was used in this study mainly because the morphology and function of porcine ACLs have been reported to be similar to those of the human ACL. 19 porcine knees (1 year, male) were fixed at full extension using 10% formalin and were dissected to expose the ACL. ACL lengths were measured using a caliper. Mid-substances of the ACL were cut and scanned using X-ray microscopy, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured at the isthmus. Margins of direct and indirect bone insertion sites were distinguished and marked. Measurements were performed on digital photographs to obtain the areas of bone insertions. Statistical analysis using nonlinear regression was used to identify potential correlations among the measurements. Results: The results showed large individual differences on all of the measurements (e.g. the CSA at ACL isthmus ranged from 44.7 to 87.2 mm2, when the area of its femoral and tibial insertion sites ranged from 188.1 and 233.6 mm2 to 258.4 and 412.0 mm2, respectively). The CSA at the isthmus was significantly correlated with the total area of the bone insertion sites and the area of tibial insertion. The area of the tibial insertion was significantly correlated with the area of its direct insertion site. In contrast, the area of the femoral insertion was significantly correlated with the area of its indirect insertion site. The area of the indirect tibial insertion showed a weak correlation with the length of ACL, whereas the length of the ACL was not able to predict or be predicted by any other parameters.Conclusions: The CSA at the ACL isthmus might be more suitable for assessing the morphology of the ACL. However, ACL length has little correlation with the CSA of the isthmus or bone insertion sites, thus should be evaluated independently before surgery.
Identification of important modules and biomarkers that related to immune cell in severe burns based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)
Authors: zhang zexin , Wang Peng , Yin Bin , Bao Wu , Cheng Xialin , He Yan , Li Shu , Jia Chiyu
Published: November 2021

Background

Immunosuppression is an important factor inducing infection which is a significant cause of death in severe burns. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of immune-related genes are still unclear. This study was conducted to find biomarkers related to immunosuppression in severe burns.
Methods

Here, we download the gene expression profile and clinical data of 185 burns and 75 healthy samples from GEO database. Immune infiltration analysis and gene set variation analysis were utilized to identify the disorder of circulating immune cells. WGCNA was carried out to select immune-related gene modules. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was performed to select hub genes. Next, lasso and logistic regression was utilized to construct the hazard regression model. Finally, we explored correlation between high and low risk patients in total burn surface area (TBSA), age, and inhalation injury.
Results

In Gene set variation analysis(GSVA) and immune infiltration analysis, neutrophil increased and T cell decreased in severe burns. In WGCNA, four modular that differently expressed in burns and controls were related with immune cells. Based on PPI and enrichment analysis, 210 immune-related genes were identified mainly involved in T cell inhibited and neutrophil activated. In lasso and logistic regression, we screened out key genes, LCK, SKAP1, GZMB and LY9. They are excellent biomarkers of prognosis in burns with AUC: 0.945. Finally, we discovered that key genes were related with T cells and regression model performed well accompanied by TBSA and age.
Conclusion

We found that LCK, SKAP1, GZMB and LY9 were excellent prognostic biomarkers which were likely function for T cell disorder in post-burn immunosuppression and were potential immunotherapeutic targets to convert T cell dysfunction.
Transcriptome Analysis of Sweet Potato Responses To Potassium Deficiency
Authors: Wang Fang , Tan Wen-Fang , Song Wei , Yang Song-Tao , Qiao Shuai
Published: November 2021

Background: Potassium is one of the three essential nutrients and is regarded as a main limited factor for growth and development in plant. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the seven major food crops grown worldwide, and it is both a nutrient-rich food and a bioenergy crop. Sweet potato is a typical “K-favoring” crop, and the level of potassium ion (K+) supplementation directly influences its production. However, little is known about the transcriptional changes in sweet potato genes under low-K+ condition. To uncover the effect of low-K+ stress, we analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of sweet potato roots in response to K+ deficiency.Result: The roots of sweet potato seedlings with or without K+ treatment were harvested and used for transcriptome analyses. The results showed 559 differently expressed genes (DEGs) in low and high K+ groups. Among the DEGs, 336 were upregulated and 223 downregulated. These DEGs were involved in transcriptional regulation, calcium binding, redox-signaling, biosynthesis, transport, and metabolic process. In the result, some new genes were founded that involved in low-K+ stress, which can be further investigated to improve low K+ tolerance in plant. Confirmation of RNA-seq results using qRT-PCR displayed a high level of consistency between the two experiments. Our analysis showed that many auxin-related genes, ethylene-related genes and jasmonic acid-related genes responsed to K+ deficiency, indicated that these hormones may play more important roles in K+ nutrient signaling in sweetpotato. Conclusions: According to the transcriptome data, fewer sweetpotato genes showed transcriptional changes in response to low-K+ stress. However, the expression level of some kinases, transporters, transcription factors, hormone-related genes, and plant defense related genes were markedly changed, suggesting that they play important roles during K+ deficiency. This study identifes potential genes for genetic improvement of low-K+ stress and provides valuable insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating low K+ tolerance in sweet potato. Further research is required to clarify the founction of these significant changed genes under low-K+ stress.
A Method for the Definition of Immunological Non-response to Antiretroviral Therapy Based on Review Analysis and Supervised Classification Model
Authors: Shuai Yong
Published: November 2021

BackgroundImmunological non-response (INR) accelerated the progression of AIDS disease and brought serious difficulties to the treatment of HIV-1 infected people. The current definition of INR lacked a credible consensus, which affected the diagnosis, treatment and scientific research of INR. MethodWe systematically analyzed the open source INR related references, used visualization techniques and machine learning classification models to propose the features, models and criteria that define INR. ResultWe summarized some consensus on the definition of INR. Among the features that defined INR, CD4+ T-cell absolute number and ART time were the best feature to define INR . The supervised learning classification model had high accuracy in defining INR, and the support vector machine (SVM) had the highest accuracy in the commonly used supervised classification learning model. Based on supervised learning model and visualization technology, we proposed some criteria that could help to reach a consensus on INR definition. ConclusionsThis study provided consensus, features, model and criteria for defining INR.
Improving Membrane Filtration Performance Through Time Series Analysis
Authors: Wu Jun Jie
Published: November 2021

For ultrafiltration, and membrane filtration more generally, the quantitative determination of the modes of fouling remains a subject of great interest. Herein a clear method for determining the modes from a time series of volumetric flux J(t) is given and illustrated with previously published filtration data of bergamot juice (Journal of Membrane Science 524 (2017) 108-116). The emphasis is upon the robust methodology which is of general applicability and offers a straightforward approach to the modelling of flux decline. The method is best viewed as being an empirical method that determines the point at which there is a switch from one mode to another is determined in a clear-cut manner and it yields excellent equations for J(t). For the example chosen, the initial 4 L/m2 generates some pore blocking after which the main mode of fouling is cake build-up. The variation of overall resistance with time is also informative and analysis of this series was used to check the result for the initial phase of fouling as determined from the time series of volumetric flux. A strength of the integral approach is that it enables one to establish whether the initial fouling is different in character from the subsequent fouling. Having this information can improve membrane selection and overall membrane filtration performance.
Effects of calorie intake and sampling time on thyroid stimulating hormone concentration
Authors: Dong Aimei , Huang Youyuan , Huang Yucheng , Jia Bing
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effects of blood collected after calorie intake on the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), comparing with the blood collected in fasting state.MethodsThis study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Subjects from the outpatients in the department of endocrinology without evident of thyroid diseases were included and then randomized into the fasting group, diet intake group, and glucose intake group, respectively. Fasting blood was collected from all the subjects at 7:00 am for the measurement of TSH and free thyroxine (FT4). Afterward, the subjects were maintained at fasting state (fasting group), had an intake of the mixed diet with the calories of 400 Kcal (diet intake group), and had an intake of 75 g glucose (glucose intake group), respectively, and blood was acquired again 2 h later (9:00 am on the same day) for TSH and FT4 measurement. The levels between 7:00 am and 9:00 am were compared.ResultsOf the 150 subjects, 146 met the inclusion criteria, of which 48, 48, and 50 were in the diet intake group, glucose intake group, and fasting group, respectively. The TSH in the diet intake group was significantly lower at 9:00 am (TSH9am) than the level at 2h before (TSH7am) (P<0.001), of which the median variation was -0.71 mU/L, and the median variation rate was -32.4%. In the glucose intake group, the TSH9am was also significantly lower than TSH7am (P<0.001), of which the median variation was -0.73 mU/L, and median variation rate was -31.5%. While in the fasting group, the TSH9am decreased slightly but statistically significantly lower than TSH7am (P<0.001), of which the median variation was -0.1 mU/L, and the median variation rate was -5.2%. According to TSH7am, 9 subjects in total (3 subjects in each group) met the diagnostic criteria of subclinical hypothyroidism. However, according toTSH9am, only 2 patients in the fasting group still met the diagnostic criteria of subclinical hypothyroidism.ConclusionComparing with the fasting state, the TSH level at 2h after the calorie intake was decreased by about 30%, which could influence the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism.Trial registrationChiCTR2100047454.
Contribution of the Elevated Thrombosis Risk of Males to the Excess Male Mortality Observed in COVID-19: An Observational Study
Authors: Cohen Kenneth R , BSAE David Anderson , Ren Sheng , Cook David J.
Published: November 2021

Background: The mortality rate of COVID-19 is elevated in males compared to females.Objective: Determine the extent that the elevated thrombotic risk in males relative to females contributes to excess COVID-19 mortality in males.Design: Observational study.Setting: Data sourced from electronic medical records from over 200 US hospital systems.Participants: 60,877 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Exposure: Exposure variable: biological sex; key variable of interest: thrombosis.Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was COVID-19 mortality. We measured: 1) mortality rate of males relative to females, 2) rate of thrombotic diagnoses occurring during hospitalization for COVID-19 in both sexes, and 3) mortality rate when evidence of thrombosis was present.Results: The COVID-19 mortality rate of males was 29.9% higher than that of females. Males had a 35.8% higher rate of receiving a thrombotic diagnosis compared to females. The mortality rate of all patients with a thrombotic diagnosis was 40.0%— over twice that of COVID-19 patients without a thrombotic diagnosis (adjusted OR 2.50 [2.37 to 2.64], p-value < .001). When defining thrombosis as either a documented thrombotic diagnosis or a D-dimer level ≥ 3.0 μg/mL, 16.4% of the excess mortality in male patients could be explained by increased thrombotic risk. Conclusions and Relevance: Our findings suggest the higher COVID-19 mortality rate in males may be significantly accounted for by the elevated risk for thrombosis among males. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie increased male thrombotic risk may allow for the advancement of effective anticoagulation strategies that reduce COVID-19 mortality in males.
Comparative analysis and epidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 in first wave among different states of India
Authors: Kaushik Rakesh , Nikita  , Rishabh  , Lugani Yogita , Lata Suman
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has now spread worldwide, and various governments are attempting to control the disease's spread before it becomes a global health crisis. Data from 28 Indian states and 8 Union Territories (UTs) provides a detailed look at the transmission pathways and case fatality rate (CFR) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The case fatality ratios were calculated in each zone of India i.e. Central, Eastern, North Eastern, and Northern, Southern and Western zone. Moreover, the CFR was calculated in different periods of month. The CFR wassignificantly higher (P<0.01) in April to June period of 2020. The period of month had significantly different (P<0.01) on CFR. CFR was compared in different zones in India, western zone showed highest CFR as compared to other zones. The effect of Covid-19 was compared with different age groups and co-morbidities patients. This analysis showed that the mortality in Maharashtra was higher because of the poor adherence to the safety norms and due to the most visited and crowded place of India.
Atherogenic index of plasma is an independent predictor of ultrasound-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among non-obese populations.
Authors: Ye Hua-Jun , Chen Xu-Yan , Huang Zhi-Ming , He XiXi
Published: November 2021

Background & Aims: Evidence regarding the association between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-obese populations is limited. Our study aimed to investigate whether AIP predicts NAFLD in non-obese Chinese populations.Methods: The present study was a population-based longitudinal study, including 16 173 non-obese participants who underwent health examinations in a tertiary hospital from January 2010 to December 2014. The primary outcome was developing NAFLD during the follow-up period. Results: The mean age of the included participants was 43.2 ± 15.0 years old, and about 52.5% of them were male. During the follow-up period, 2 322 of 16 173 (14.3%) participants developed NAFLD. In the fully-adjusted model, for every one standard deviation increased in AIP levels, the incidence of NAFLD increased by 52% (1.52, 95%CI 1.43, 1.60). The optimal cut-off point of AIP for incident NAFLD was 0.00 (receiver operator characteristic 0.76 [95% CI 0.75–0.77], sensitivity 0.68, specificity 0.72). Individuals with AIP values in the positive range had two-fold increased odds of developing NALFD compared with those with values in the negative range. After propensity score matching, for every one-SD increased in AIP levels, the incidence of NAFLD increased by 34% (HR 1.34, 95%CI 1.27, 1.41). Conclusion: AIP is an independent predictor of incident NAFLD among Chinese non-obese populations.
Load-Settlement Response of A Footing Over Buried Conduit in A Sloping Terrain: A Numerical Experiment-Based Artificial Intelligent Approach
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umer Arif , Shukla Sanjay Kumar , Raja Muhammad Nouman Amjad
Published: November 2021

Settlement estimation of a footing located over a buried conduit in a sloping terrain is a challenging task for practicing civil/geotechnical engineers. In the recent past, the advent of machine learning technology has made many traditional approaches antiquated. This paper investigates the viability, development, implementation, and comprehensive comparison of five artificial intelligence-based machine learning models, namely, multi-layer perceptron (MLP), Gaussian processes regression (GPR), lazy K-Star (LKS), decision table (DT), and random forest (RF) to estimate the settlement of footing located over a buried conduit within a soil slope. The pertaining dataset of 3600 observations was obtained by conducting large-scale numerical simulations via the finite element modelling framework. After executing the feature selection technique that is correlation-based subset selection, the applied load, total unit weight of soil, constrained modulus of soil, slope angle ratio, hoop stiffness of conduit, bending stiffness of conduit, burial depth of conduit, and crest distance of footing were utilized as the influence parameters for estimating and forecasting the settlement. The predictive strength and accuracy of all models mentioned supra were evaluated using several well-established statistical indices such as Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), root mean square error (RMSE), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), scatter index (SI), and relative percentage difference (RPD). The results showed that among all the models employed in this study, the multi-layer perceptron model has shown better results with r, RMSE, NSE, SI, and RPD values of (0.977, 0.298, 0.937, 0.31, and 4.31) and (0.974, 0.323, 0.928, 0.44 and 3.75) for training and testing dataset, respectively. The sensitivity analysis revealed that all the selected parameters play an important role in determining the output value. However, the applied load, constrained modulus, unit weight, slope angle ratio, hoop stiffness have the highest strength with the relative importance of 18.4%, 16.3% and 15.3%, 13.8%, 11.4%, respectively. Finally, the model was translated into a functional relationship for easy implementation and can prove useful for practitioners and researchers in predicting the settlement of a footing located over a buried conduit in a sloping terrain.
Preloading Effect On The Strength of Cement Mass Mixing Treated Salty Sand
Authors: Alipour Rasoul
Published: November 2021

Existing problematic sub-layers in mixing technologies are a challenge, and for the first time, the effects of salt sub-layers in mass mixing technology have been investigated in this study for sandy salt in the southwest of Iran. This paper discusses the influence of adding various cement contents, Aw, and imposing different preloading values on the salty sand soil. First, salt and sand samples were dried, then, 90 % sand was mixed with 10% salt. After that, 30 % water was mixed thoroughly with the mixture of salty sand to obtain slurries. Cement slurry at a water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.6 was then added to the sample and thoroughly mixed. The amount of cement in a slurry form that was added to the salty soil was 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% by mass of dry soil. Each treated soil preloaded by 0, 9, and 45 kPa. After 120 days, the unconfined compressive strength of the sample was determined. Furthermore, by Scanning Electronic Microscope, SEM, the microstructures of treated samples were analyzed. At the end Unconfined Compression Strength, UCS, test results normalized to the non-preloaded treated soil. By increasing cement content, the effect of preloading in increasing UCS will decrease. In the SEM images for Aw=2%, the effect of preloading indicates porous shape for non-preloaded samples. Vice versa by Aw=8%, porous shape in the SEM images will disappear. In the end, treatability studies of pure salt in the thick layer have been investigated.