bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopy or Laparotomy for High-risk Caesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wang Shixuan , Fu Peiying , Cui Pengfei , Liu Ronghua
Published: September 2021

Background: Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) can have catastrophic consequences. A standardized diagnosis and treatment for CSP are still lacking. The currently available treatment methods are confusing, and at least 10 different treatment measures exist. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of with laparotomy or laparoscopy in the treatment of high-risk CSP. Methods: We reviewed 935 patients with CSP from 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018. A total of 278 patients were included in the study, of whom 121 were treated with laparoscopy and 157 were treated with laparotomy.Results: We compared and analysed the characteristics of the laparoscopic and open surgeries in the treatment of high-risk CSP and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of vascular pretreatment. Intraoperative bleeding, transfusion rate, total days of hospitalization and postoperative hospital stay were better in laparoscopy than in laparotomy (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the factors (β-HCG decrease, reoperation and tissue residues) closely related to the success of the surgery in the two groups. Furthermore, we pretreated blood vessels differently before the operation in some patients. Tissue residue, reoperation and intraoperative blood transfusion rates in patients with temporary vascular occlusion were better than in patients with permanent vascular occlusion. Conclusions: This study revealed that laparoscopic surgery is superior to laparotomic surgery in the treatment of high-risk CSP. Patients benefited from temporary arterial occlusion in both groups. Temporary arterial occlusion under laparoscopic surgery may be the best treatment for high-risk CSP.
Comprehensive Analysis of Aneuploidy Status and Its Effect on Efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in Lung Cancer
Authors: Wei Bing , Zhao Chengzhi , Yang Ke , Yan Chi , Chang Yuxi , Gao Huijie , Ma Jie , Guo Yongjun
Published: September 2021

Background: The evaluation of the clinical efficacy of molecularly targeted cancer therapies remains a great challenge.Methods: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy in terms of EGFR mutation abundance and aneuploidy status. Results: The PFS of patients diagnosed as euploidy was actually higher than that of patients diagnosed with aneuploidy, and was related to both ORR and DCR. Patients with EGFR mutation abundance ≥ 28.86% had slightly higher ORR and similar DCR. Two-way analysis of variance was used to assess the effects of EGFR mutation abundance and tumor aneuploidy status on patients’ PFS, supporting a strong correlation between aneuploidy status and clinical efficacy, euploid patients have higher ORR and DCR.Conclusions: Aneuploidy status could effectively evaluate clinical efficacy of patients with lung cancer, whereas EGFR mutations abundance couldn’t predict the extent of benefit from EGFR-TKI treatment.
Trends in Veteran population use of Veterans Affairs chiropractic care
Authors: Burdick Ryan , Corcoran Kelsey , Zhao Xiwen , Lisi Anthony
Published: September 2021

Background The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated various approaches to provide chiropractic care to Veterans. Prior work has shown substantial increase in use of VA chiropractic care between fiscal years (FY) 2005-2016. However, the extent of the availability of these services to the Veteran population remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the rate of Veteran use of VA chiropractic services, both from on-site care at VA facilities and VA purchased care from community care providers. This study analyzed facility characteristics associated with chiropractic use by both care delivery mechanisms (on-site and in the community).Methods Cross-sectional analyses of administrative data were conducted for FY 2014-19. Data were obtained from VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse. The variables extracted included number of unique Veterans receiving VA chiropractic care on-site and in the community, total Veteran population of the VA facilities, size of the VA chiropractic workforce (measured as Full-Time Equivalent, FTE), and facility characteristics (geographic region and the facility complexity). Descriptive statistics, mixed model, and multivariant models were used to analyze data.Results Use of VA chiropractic care increased over the six-year period for both on-site and community care. National average for on-site use of the population was 1.27% in FY14 and 1.48% in FY19. Community care use was 0.29% and 1.76% for the same years. Use at individual facilities varied widely in each FY. Factors such as chiropractor FTE, geographic locations, and the complexity of the VA facility are associated with use of chiropractic services. ConclusionThe VA has expanded the non-pharmacologic treatments available to Veterans by providing chiropractic services, yet chiropractic use remains low compared to other US populations. As Veterans have a high prevalence of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, continued work to assess and achieve the optimal levels of chiropractic use in this population is warranted.
The Aluminium Demand Risk of Terawatt Photovoltaics for Net Zero Emissions by 2050
Authors: Lennon Alison , Lunardi Marina , Hallam Brett , Dias Pablo
Published: September 2021

The broad electrification scenario of recent photovoltaics roadmaps predicts that by 2050 we will need more than 60 TW of photovoltaics installed and be producing up to 4.5 TW of additional capacity each year if we are to rapidly reduce emissions to ‘net-zero’ and limit global warming to < 2°C. Given that after 2020, just over 700 GWp was installed, this represents an enormous manufacturing task which will create a demand for a number of metals. We show here that growth to 60 TW of photovoltaics could require up to 480 Mt of aluminium by 2050. A key concern for this aluminium demand is its large global warming potential. We predict the cumulative emissions arising from emission reduction scenarios in China and show that rapid decarbonisation of the electricity grid within 10 years will be required if they are to be kept below 1000 Mt CO2e by 2050.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Neonates Associated With SARS-CoV2 infection- A case series.
Authors: MORE KIRAN , Aiyer Sheila , Goti Ashish , Parikh Manan , Sheikh Samir , Patel Gaurav , Kallem Venkat , Soni Roopali , Kumar Praveen
Published: September 2021

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome(MIS) in children (MIS-C) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) is well recognised in children, however, rarely reported in newborns. We describe a case series of 20 neonates who were diagnosed as MIS in neonates (MIS-N). We grouped cases into three categories as Most likely MIS(5), Possible MIS(9) and Unlikely MIS(6). All neonates had high titres of SARS CoV 2 IgG antibodies and were negative for SARS CoV 2 antigens. The most common clinical findings noted in Most Likely MIS neonates were respiratory distress (4/5), shock with hypotension (4/5) and encephalopathy (4/5). Inflammatory markers like CRP (1/5), Procalcitonin (1/5), Ferritin (3/5), D-dimer (4/5) and LDH (2/5) were found to be elevated, and four of them had significantly high levels of proBNP. The majority of them (4/5) responded to immunomodulators, three discharged home and two neonates died. The most common clinical findings in Possible MIS infants were fever (6/9), respiratory distress (3/9), refusal to feeds (6/9), lethargy (5/9) and tachycardia (3/9). ProBNP as a marker of cardiac dysfunction was noted to be elevated in five infants correlating with Echocardiography in two. All infants in this group responded to immunomodulators.MIS-N manifested as a milder disease in term neonates than preterms, where it was a more severe presentation with cardiac dysfunction. The diagnosis of MIS-N can be challenging and requires a high index of suspicion and early, proactive management. However, it is also important to be cautious of incorrect or overdiagnosis of this condition during the current pandemic.
Evaluation of CSTB and DMBT1 Expression in Saliva of Gastric Cancer Patients and Controls
Authors: Koopaie Maryam , Ghafourian Marjan , Manifar Soheila , Younespour Shima , Davoudi Mansour , Kolahdooz Sajad , Shirkhoda Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third cause of cancer deaths globally with late diagnosis, low survival rate and poor prognosis. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the expression of cystatin B (CSTB) and deleted in malignant brain tumor 1 (DMBT1) in the saliva of GC patients with healthy individuals to construct diagnostic algorithms using statistical analysis and machine learning methods.Methods: Demographic data, clinical characteristics and food intake habits of the case and control group were gathered through a standard checklist. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were taken from 31 healthy individuals and 31 GC patients. Through ELISA test and statistical analysis, the expression of salivary CSTB and DMBT1 proteins were evaluated. To construct diagnostic algorithms, we used the machine learning method.Results: The mean salivary expression of CSTB in GC patients was significantly lower (115.55±7.06, p=0.001) and the mean salivary expression of DMBT1 in GC patients was significantly higher (171.88±39.67, p=0.002) than the control. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that GC was significantly correlated with high levels of DMBT1 after controlling the effects of age of participants (R2=0.20, p<0.001). Considering salivary CSTB greater than 119.06 ng/mL as an optimal cut-off value, the sensitivity and specificity of CSTB in the diagnosis of GC was 83.87% and 70.97%, respectively The area under the ROC curve was calculated as 0.728. The optimal cut-off value of DMBT1 for differentiating GC patients from controls was greater than 146.33 ng/mL (sensitivity=80.65% and specificity=64.52%). The area under the ROC curve was up to 0.741. As a result of the machine learning method, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the diagnostic ability of CSTB, DMBT1, demographic data, clinical characteristics and food intake habits was 0.95. The machine learning model's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 70.8%, and 80.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Salivary levels of DMBT1 and CSTB may be accurate in diagnosing GCs. Machine learning analyses using salivary biomarkers, demographic, clinical and nutrition habits data simultaneously could provide affordability models with acceptable accuracy for differentiation of GC by a cost-effective and non-invasive method.
Study on Web Pillar Stability in Open-Pit Highwall Mining
Authors: Jiang Juyu , Zhang Zhuowei , Wang Dong , Wang Laigui , Han Xinping
Published: September 2021

When highwall mining technology is applied to recover large amounts of residual coal left under the highwall of a big open-pit mine, reasonable coal pillar width is the premise for maintaining the stability of web pillars. By adopting the numerical simulation method, the characteristics of the abutment stress distributions in the web pillars under different slope angles and mining depths are studied, and the function of the stress distribution in the web pillar is established. The relationship between the abutment stress and the ultimate strength of the web pillar under different widths is also analyzed and used in combination with the failure characteristics of the pillar yield zone to explore the instability mechanism of the web pillar. The retaining widths of the web pillars are determined. Based on the modeling results, a mechanical bearing model of the web pillar is established, a cusp catastrophe model of pillar-overburden is constructed, and the formula for the web pillar instability criterion is obtained. By analyzing and calculating the ultimate strength of the web pillar, the formula for calculating the yield zone width at both sides of the pillar is achieved. Using the instability criterion of web pillars in highwall mining, a reasonable pillar width can be deduced theoretically, which provides significant guidance on the application of highwall mining technology.
Multimodal Approaches for the Improvement of the Cellular Folding of a Recombinant Iron Regulatory Protein in E. Coli
Authors: Ravitchandirane Gayathri , Bandhu Sheetal , Chaudhuri Tapan K.
Published: September 2021

BackgroundDuring the recombinant protein expression, foreign proteins are generated in insoluble and inactive aggregates in E. coli cell factories, which inhibits E. coli from being employed as an expression host despite its numerous advantages and ease of use. The yeast mitochondrial aconitase protein, which has a tendency to aggregate when expressed in E. coli cells in the absence of heterologous chaperones GroEL/ES was utilised as a model to investigate how the modulation of physiological stimuli in the host cell can increase protein solubility. The process variables such as incubation temperature, inducer concentrations, growth media, and the presence of folding modulators such as exogenous molecular chaperones or osmolytes are crucial for the cellular folding and are investigated in the study. The processes the physiological stress such as osmotic and heat shock stimulation in the host cells and thereby their effect on the solubility and activity of recombinant proteins was also analysed.ResultsOf the various methods discussed, the cells subjected to the addition of osmolytes and pre-induction heat shock exhibited significant enhancement in the recombinant aconitase activity. The concomitant GroEL/ES expression further assists the folding of these soluble aggregates and increases the functional protein molecules in the cytoplasm of the recombinant E. coli cells.Conclusions﻿The recombinant E. coli cells enduring physiological stress provide a cytosolic environment for the enhancement in the solubility and activity of the recombinant proteins. GroEL/ES-expressing cells not only aided in the folding of recombinant proteins, but also had an effect on the physiology of the expression host. The improvement in the specific growth rate and aconitase productivity during chaperone GroEL/ES co-expression is attributed to the reduction in overall cellular stress caused by the expression host's aggregation-prone recombinant protein expression.
Master-Slave Synchronous Control Method for Attenuating Dual Mode Electromechanical Transmission System Torsional Vibration
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xun , Wang Zhen , Yan Pengfei
Published: September 2021

The high-power electromechanical transmission(EMT) system is a typical dual-mode hybrid power transmission system. The torque fluctuation of internal combustion engine causes serious shock and vibration problems of EMT. It is an important way to improve the life and smoothness of EMT system by using high dynamic regulation of motor torque to suppress the torsional resonance amplitude. Firstly, a lumped parameter rotational dynamic model of multi degree of freedom EMT system is established, and the inherent torsional vibration characteristics and dynamic coupling mechanism of the system are analyzed. Secondly, based on the synchronous response of the two motors in the open-loop state, a master-slave coupling EMT torsional active control strategy is proposed, and a speed feedback proportional differential control algorithm is designed. Then, the influence of control parameters, including lever coefficient Kab, proportional coefficient Kp and differential coefficient Kd, on the vibration characteristics of the system is analyzed. Finally, the calculation is carried out in the frequency domain and compared with the optimal modal control algorithm. The results show that the lever coefficient Kab and differential coefficient Kd of master-slave control can change the natural frequency of torsional vibration of the system, thus significantly changing the vibration response of the system. Selecting appropriate control parameters can achieve peak clipping of EMT torsional resonance amplitude, which is also of great significance to improve the NVH performance of the system.
Self-Made Distal Femoral Extramedullary Positioning Osteotomy Template In Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: zhe Sun , hussein Dahir , Gang Zhao , Chaojun Sun , Qazi Tariq Siraj , kang yang , Zhifu Hu , Haque Md Ariful , Hong li , chang Zhao , Jing xu , Yue Li , Li Sun
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the success of total knee arthroplasty with the use of extramedullary positioning osteotomy templates for limb alignment in contrast to traditional intramedullary positioning rods. Methods: Between September 2019 and February 2021, 70 participants underwent total knee arthroplasty with lower limb positioning using an extramedullary distal femur positioning template and intramedullary positioning rods. The participants were divided into two groups each to receive either of the two limb positioning techniques. The groups were divided randomly and were similar at the beginning of the study. Therefore, the participants were equally divided into 35 participants per group. Participants' indication for the procedure was severe osteomyelitis or rheumatoid arthritis, and they underwent distal femoral osteotomy. The force lines of the lower limb were identified by locating the center of the head of the femur. The patients were monitored for intraoperative bleeding, surgical trauma and surgical time. They were followed up during the first and second weeks post-operation to assess for knee joint movement graded using the HSS knee score and assessed for deviation. Participants were treated equally throughout the study and during the follow-up phase. Results: The participants did not have any statistically significant differences at the beginning of the study. The intramedullary group had a lesser average age but without any significant difference from the extramedullary group. In addition, their HSS knee scores, body mass index, knee joint range of motion, and the angle of deviation of the knee, hip, and ankle were of no statistical significance with a p-value of more than 0.05. The operation time for the extramedullary group was approximately 96.57 minutes with a margin of error of (+/-) 8.576 minutes. In contrast, the intramedullary group had an average time of 104.8 minutes and a margin of error of (+/-) 8.864. Intraoperative bleeding for the extramedullary group was less at approximately 89.97 ml, while it was 95.4ml in the intramedullary group. Postoperative drainage was also more in the intramedullary group as compared to the intramedullary group. The differences between both groups were statistically significant, with a p-value of less than 0.05. There was no significant difference in HKA angle deviation, coronal plane angle, and flexion angle of femoral prosthesis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Extramedullary distal femoral osteotomy positioning templates proved superior to intramedullary positioning rods. The template demonstrated less surgical trauma hence the lower risk of deformity, less intraoperative bleeding, therefore, more safety and less risk for infection than the intramedullary positioning rods.
Transcriptome and proteome dynamics during the embryonation of Fasciola hepatica eggs
Authors: Ilgová Jana , Vorel Jiří , Roudnický Pavel , Škorpíková Lucie , Horn Martin , Kašný Martin
Published: September 2021

Fasciola hepatica is a global parasite of livestock which also causes a neglected zoonosis in humans. The parasite’s communication with the host during its complicated lifecycle is based on an ingenious enzymatic apparatus which includes a variety of peptidases. These enzymes are implicated in parasite migration, pathogenesis of the disease, and modification of host immune response. Although the dynamics of proteolytic machinery produced by intra-mammalian F. hepatica life stages has been previously investigated in great detail, peptidases of the eggs so far received little scientific attention. In this study, we performed a comparative RNA-seq analysis aimed at identification of peptidases expressed in F. hepatica eggs at different ages and employed mass spectrometry in order to identify and quantify peptidases translated in F. hepatica egg lysates. Finally, we measured and classified proteolytic activities in extracts from F. hepatica eggs using a library of fluorogenic substrates and peptidase class-selective inhibitors. Using these methods, we observed significant changes in the composition of peptidases during egg maturation.
Application of Intravenous Vitamin C in Adult Patients with Sepsis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Han-Bing , Chen Peng , Li Kang , Shao Jun
Published: September 2021

Background: The efficacy of intravenous vitamin C among sepsis patients is uncertain according to recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C application in adults with sepsis.Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies were RCTs that investigated the application of intravenous vitamin C in adult patients with sepsis. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the certainty of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, for each outcome.Results: Fourteen trials involving a total of 1823 patients were included. We found that there was no significant effect of vitamin C on 28-day mortality [risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 1.04, p = 0.12, TSA-adjusted CI 0.70 to 1.08, low quality evidence], but among patients who were treated with vitamin C monotherapy instead of combination therapy, the mortality was reduced (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.88, p = 0.004). Vitamin C was associated with a significant improvement of 72-h ΔSOFA score (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.32, p = 0.002, I2=11%, moderate quality evidence).Conclusions: In this meta-analysis of patients with sepsis, the use of vitamin C was not associated with reduction in 28-day mortality, but vitamin C may have a positive effect in improving organ function. As the certainty of evidence was low, Larger RCTs were needed.
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of Quizalofop-Resistant Wheat Acetyl-Coa Carboxylase
Authors: Bough Raven , Dayan Franck
Published: September 2021

A novel nucleotide mutation in ACC1 resulting in an alanine to valine amino acid substitution in acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) at position 2004 of the Alopecurus myosuroides reference sequence (A2004V) imparts quizalofop resistance in wheat. Genotypes endowed with one or two homozygous mutant ACC1 homoelogs are 7- and 68-fold more resistant to quizalofop than a wildtype variety in greenhouse experiments, respectively. In vitro assays of ACCase activities in protein extracts from these varieties reveal a 3.8- and 39.4-fold increase in resistance to quizalofop in the single and double-mutants relative to the wildtype. The A2004V mutation does not alter the specific activity of wheat ACCase, suggesting that ACCase mutants retain their normal catalytic functions. Modeling of wildtype and quizalofop-resistant wheat ACCase demonstrates that the A2004V amino acid substitution causes a reduction in the volume of the binding pocket that hinders quizalofop’s interaction with ACCase. Docking studies confirm that the mutation reduces the binding affinity of quizalofop. Interestingly, the models suggest that the A2004V mutation does not affect haloxyfop binding. Follow up in vivo and in vitro experiments reveal that the mutation, in fact, imparts negative cross-resistance to haloxyfop, with quizalofop-resistant varieties exhibiting more sensitivity to haloxyfop than the wildtype variety.
Research on Modeling of Government Debt Risk Comprehensive Evaluation Based on Multidimensional Data Mining
Authors: ChaoYing Li , Da Wu Xiang , Hui Zhao En
Published: September 2021

In order to solve the problems of low accuracy of data mining, high relative error rate of evaluation and long time of evaluation in traditional government debt risk evaluation methods, this paper proposes a modeling method of government debt risk comprehensive evaluation based on multidimensional data mining. The MAFIA algorithm is used for multidimensional mining of government debt risk data, and K-means clustering algorithm is used for clustering processing of mined data. According to the clustering results, the KMV model is constructed, and the uncertainty factor is used to modify the model, so as to realize the comprehensive evaluation of government debt risk by using the modified KMV model. The experimental results show that the accuracy rate of government debt risk data mining is always above 91%, the relative error rate of evaluation is always below 3.4%, and the average evaluation time is 0.71s, the practical application effect is good.
Simultaneous Radio and Optical Polarimetry of GRB 191221B Afterglow
Authors: Urata Yuji , Toma Kenji , Covino Stefano , Wiersema Klaas , Huang Kuiyun , Shimoda Jiro , Kuwata Asuka , Nagao Sota , Asada Keiichi , Nagai Hiroshi , Takahashi Satoko , Chung Chao-En , Petitpas Glen , Yamaoka Kazutaka , Tashiro Makoto
Published: September 2021

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous gamma-ray transients in the universe, and are utilized as probes of early stars, gravitational wave counterparts, and collision less shock physics. For understanding the fundamental physical quantities of GRB jets and their environments as well as their emission mechanism, coordinated multi-wavelength (semi-)simultaneous measurements are crucial as the global communities demonstrated in the past three decades. In spite of studies on polarimetry of GRBs in individual wavelengths that characterized intriguing properties of prompt emission and afterglow, no coordinated multi-wavelength measurements has yet been performed. Here, we report the first coordinated simultaneous polarimetry in the optical and radio bands for the afterglow associated to the typical long GRB 191221B. Our observations successfully caught the radio emission, which is not affected by synchrotron self-absorption, and show that the emission is depolarized in the radio band in comparison with the optical one. This result excludes a simple one-zone model that the polarization degree is nearly constant above the synchrotron self-absorption frequency, and has important implications for plasma-scale turbulent magnetic fields and existence of cool electrons. Our simultaneous polarization angle measurement supports the latter model rather than the former one. The existence of cool electrons increases the estimate of the total jet energy by a factor of > 2 for this typical GRB. Further coordinated multi-wavelength polarimetric campaigns would improve our understanding of the total jet energies and magnetic field configurations in the emission regions of various types of GRBs, which are required to comprehend the mass scales of their progenitor systems and the physics of collisionless shocks.
Micronodular basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum- a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Younes Mohammad , Kouba Lamia , Almsokar Hanaa , Badran Ayham
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanotic skin cancer. It has variable clinical and histological subtypes that vary in their aggressiveness and liability to recurrence and metastasis. Chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure is considered to be the main risk factor for developing BCC; therefore it typically arises on sun-exposed skin, mainly the head and neck. Case presentation: We present the case of a 55-year-old male who presented with a lesion on the scrotum for 2 years. The lesion was clinically presumed benign and initially treated with curettage. Microscopic examination revealed an incompletely resected micronodular BCC with sebaceous differentiation. Therefore, a second excisional biopsy was performed to completely excise the incidentally-discovered malignant tumor. Conclusion: We report the first case of micronodular BCC arising on the scrotum. The goal of our article is to draw clinicians’ attention to the possible involvement of unexposed skin with BCC and we highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment due the aggressive nature of micronodular BCC.
Chronic active EB virus infection with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and progression to aggressive NK cell leukemia: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gao Li-min , Li Hui-fang , Zhao Sha , Zhang Wen-Yan , Li Qiang , Chen Zi-Hang , De souza Veylenta Audry , Biju Bincy Ann , Liu Weiping
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe clinical trend of EBV infected patients has been always the focus of attention. It is extremely difficult to identify which patients may resolve spontaneously or proceed to chronic stage or proceed rapidly.Case descriptionWe report a rare case of chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis progressed to childhood aggressive NK cell leukemia (ANKL) and cured by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.ConclusionsThe EBV infection of T/NK cells can lead to CAEBV, and if the T/NK cells carry HLH related gene mutation, it is easy to accompany with the hemophagocytic syndrome, and this type of CAEBV may rapidly progress to ANKL or other neoplastic diseases. Therefore, we should reinforce the knowledge on this kind of patients to receive appropriate and timely treatment.
Lymphocyte monocyte ratio is an effective and simple predictor for nosocomial influenza outbreaks
Authors: Junping Fan , Fanhang Ke , Fangyan Sun , Xinlun Tian , Meng Xiao , Luo Wang , Jinglan Wang , Wenzhao Chai
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesNosocomial influenza outbreak detection remains challenging. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of blood cell parameters, along with their capacity to differentiate between hospital acquired influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with nosocomial influenza from January 2017 to December 2019, and patients with COVID-19 in early 2020 at a tertiary teaching hospital in Beijing, China. We compared the differences between blood cell count and ratios (lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [LMR], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], lymphocyte-to-platelet ratio [LPR]) at symptom onset, before (admission), and after (recovery) nosocomial influenza. We also compared the abovementioned parameters between influenza and COVID-19 patients.ResultsLymphocyte count, LMR, and LPR were significantly lower in the symptom onset than in the admission and recovery groups (p < 0.001), while NLR was higher (p < 0.001). LMR and NLR exhibited similar and consistent tendencies among different subgroups of patients with nosocomial influenza (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of LMR, NLR, LPR, and lymphocyte count were 0.914, 0.872, 0.806, and 0.866, respectively. The optimal LMR cut-off value was 2.50, with specificity and sensitivity of 92.0% and 81.3%, respectively. Peripheral blood cell ratios can help diagnose nosocomial influenza significantly earlier than conventional methods. For differentiating influenza and COVID-19, the AUCs of LMR was 0.825.ConclusionsLMR effectively predicts nosocomial influenza outbreaks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when simultaneous transmission can be a substantial threat.
Retrospective longitudinal analysis of the effects of postnatal weight gain on the timing and tempo of puberty and menarche in a cohort of Italian girls
Authors: Stagi Stefano , Ferrari Vittorio , Stefanucci Simona , Ferrari Marta , Ciofi Daniele
Published: September 2021

Objectiveover the last few decades there has been a progressive decline in the average age of onset of pubertal development stages in both sexes. The increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity seems to play an important role in this phenomenon.Designwe undertook a retrospective, longitudinal evaluation of the average age of thelarche and menarche to evaluate the relationship between BMI and weight change during the first years of life and the timing and tempo of puberty.Methodswe evaluated data for 577 Italian girls born between 1995 and 2003. We collected the main auxological and clinical parameters, including age at B2 and at menarche, BMI SDS at B2 and menarche, gestational age and birth weight and Z-score change from birth weight (BW) to BMI at B2 and menarche.Resultsthe mean age of B2 was 10.06 ± 1.03 years and the mean age of menarche was 12.08 ± 1.02 years. Age at B2 and menarche were inversely correlated with BMI SDS (p < 0.0001). Both age at menarche and at thelarche have an inverse relationship with the Z-score change from birth weight and BMI at menarche and thelarche respectively (p < 0.0001).Conclusionsour data confirm a significant relationship between BMI and age of B2 and menarche. We observed a clear relationship among weight change during the first years of life, age at thelarche and menarche and the duration of puberty, demonstrating the importance of weight and weight gain in determining the timing and tempo of pubertal changes and growth.
An Ensemble-Based Approach for Estimating Personalized Intraocular Lens Power
Authors: Moutari Salissou , Moore Jonathan E
Published: September 2021

This study introduced a new approach for the calculation of personalized intraocular lens power, which used an ensemble of regression models to devise a more accurate and robust prediction of the effective lens position. The concept of cross-validation is used to rigorously assess the performance of the devised formula against the most commonly used published formulae. The results from this study show that overall, the proposed approach outperforms the most commonly used modern formulae (namely, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay I, and Haigis) in terms of mean absolute prediction errors and prediction accuracy i.e., the percentage of eyes within ± 0.5D and ± 1 D ranges of prediction, for various ranges of axial lengths of the eyes. The results are obtained using three models of lens (two monofocal and one multifocal). Furthermore, the proposed formula exhibited some promising features in terms of robustness. This particular characteristic enables the new formula to cope with the variations in the axial length, the pre-operative anterior chamber depth as well as the keratometric readings of the corneal power; hence mitigating the impact of measurement accuracy for these parameters.
Computational Modeling of Chromatin Accessibility Identified Important Epigenomic Regulators
Authors: Zhao Yanding , Dong Yadong , Hong Wei , Jiang Chongming , Yao Kevin , Cheng Chao
Published: September 2021

Chromatin accessibility is essential for transcriptional activation of genomic regions. It is well established that transcription factors (TFs) and histone modifications (HMs) play critical roles in chromatin accessibility regulation. However, there is a lack of studies that quantify these relationships. Here we constructed a two-layer model to predict chromatin accessibility by integrating DNA sequence, TF binding, and HM signals. By applying the model to two human cell lines (GM12878 and HepG2), we found that DNA sequences had limited power for accessibility prediction, while both TF binding and HM signals predicted chromatin accessibility with high accuracy. According to the HM model, HM features determined chromatin accessibility in a cell line shared manner, with the prediction power attributing to five core HM types. Results from the TF model indicated that chromatin accessibility was determined by a subset of informative TFs including both cell line-specific and generic TFs. The combined model of both TF and HM signals did not further improve the prediction accuracy, indicating that they provide redundant information in terms of chromatin accessibility prediction. The TFs and HM models can also distinguish the chromatin accessibility of proximal versus distal transcription start sites with high accuracy.
Morphometric Analysis Program and Quantitative Positron Emission Tomography in Presurgical Localization in MRI-negative Epilepsies: a Simultaneous PET/MRI Study
Authors: Guo Kun , Wang Jingjuan , Wang Zhenming , Wang Yihe , Cui Bixiao , Zhao Guoguang , Lu Jie
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate morphometric analysis program (MAP) and quantitative positron emission tomography (QPET) in epileptogenic zone (EZ) identification using a simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) system in MRI-negative epilepsies.Methods: Seventy-one localization-related MRI-negative epilepsies underwent preoperative simultaneous PET/MRI examination and surgical resection were enrolled retrospectively. MAP was performed on T1-weighted volumetric sequence and QPET was analyzed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) with comparison to age-, and gender- matched normal controls. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of MAP, QPET, MAP+ QPET and MAP/QPET in EZ localization were assessed. The correlations between surgical outcome and modalities concordant with cortical resection were analyzed.Results: Forty-five (63.4%) patients had Engel I seizure outcome. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of MAP was 64.4%, 69.2%, 78.3% and 52.9%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of QPET was 73.3%, 65.4%, 78.6%, and 58.6%, respectively. MAP+QPET, defined as two tests concordant with cortical resection, had reduced sensitivity (53.3%) but increased specificity (88.5%) relative to individual tests. MAP/QPET, defined as one or both tests concordant with cortical resection, had increased sensitivity (86.7%) but reduced specificity (46.2%) relative to individual tests. The regions determined by MAP, QPET, MAP+QPET or MAP/QPET concordant with cortical resection was significantly associated with seizure-free outcome, MAP+QPET performed best. Conclusion: The combination of MAP and QPET imaging play a complementary role in EZ localization and this approach can be readily improved surgical outcome in MRI-negative epilepsies.
Counting the Dead: 17 Million Vertebrates Directly Killed by the 2020’s Wildfires in the Pantanal Wetland, Brazil
Authors: Tomas Walfrido Moraes , Berlinck Christian Niel , Chiaravalloti Rafael Morais , Faggioni Gabriel Paganini , Strussmann Christine , Libonati Renata , Abrahão Carlos Roberto , Alvarenga Gabriela do Valle , Bacellar Ana Elisa de Faria , Batista Flávia Regina de Queiroz , Bornato Thainan Silva , Camilo André Restel , Castedo Judite , Fernando Adriana Maria Espinóza , de Freitas Gabriel Oliveira , Garcia Carolina Martins , Gonçalves Henrique Santos , Guilherme Mariella Butti de Freitas , Layme Viviane Maria Guedes , Lustosa Ana Paula Gomes , de Oliveira Aílton Carneiro , Oliveira Maxwell da Rosa , Pereira Alexandre de Matos Martins , Rodrigues Julia Abrantes , Semedo Thiago Borges Fernandes , de Souza Rafael Augusto Ducel , Tortato Fernando Rodrigo , Viana Diego Francis Passos , Vicente-Silva Luciana , Morato Ronaldo
Published: September 2021

Anthropogenic factors have significantly influenced the frequency, duration, and intensity of meteorological drought in many regions of the globe, and the increased frequency of wildfires is among the most visible consequences of human-induced climate change. Despite its role in determining biodiversity outcomes in different ecosystems, wildfires can cause negative impacts on wildlife. We conducted ground surveys along line transects to estimate the first-order impact of the 2020 wildfires on vertebrates in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. We adopted the distance sampling technique to estimate the densities and the number of dead vertebrates in the 39,030 square kilometers affected by fire. Our estimates indicate that at least 16.952 million vertebrates were killed immediately by the fires in the Pantanal, demonstrating the impact of such an event in wet savanna ecosystems. The Pantanal case also reminds us that the cumulative impact of widespread burning would be catastrophic, as fire recurrence may lead to the impoverishment of ecosystems and the disruption of their functioning. To overcome this unsustainable scenario, it is necessary to establish proper biomass fuel management to avoid cumulative impacts caused by fire over biodiversity and ecosystem services.
A formula for calculating the rotational period of planet or star
Authors: zhai xiaozhong
Published: September 2021

This paper reports a formula for calculating the rotation period of planet or star. The rotational radius, the orbital velocity and the gravitational acceleration at its surface, the three factors, determine the rotational period of planet or star.
Quantitative Evaluation of Retinal Microvasculature and Retrobulbar Vessels After Intravenous Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma
Authors: Yi Xiuqian , Sun Jie , Qian Jiang , Guo Jie , Xue Kang
Published: September 2021

Backgroud
: To evaluate the changes in retinal microvasculature and retrobulbar blood flow, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and Color Doppler imaging (CDI) after intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) in patients with retinoblastoma (RB).
Methods
This was a retrospective comparative case control series involving 30 patients. Ten bilateral RB patients that had a preserved eye with extramacular tumours (group I), 10 unilateral RB treated with IVC that had a normal fellow study eye (group II), and 10 age-matched healthy controls. The macular retinal thickness, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and the macular and peripapillary retinal vessel densities (RVD) were measured. The peak systolic and end diastolic velocities of the ophthalmic, central retinal and posterior ciliary arteries were determined. A comparison among the three groups was conducted.
Results
Between the three cohorts, OCTA revealed no significant difference in FAZ area, superficial foveal and parafoveal RVD, deep parafoveal RVD and peripapillary RVD, (P ༞ 0.05). By contrast, the mean deep foveal RVD, the full, inner and outer foveal and the parafoveal retinal thickness were significantly lower in group I compared with the controls, (P = 0.046, 0.020, 0.041, 0.044, 0.028). No significant difference in the blood flow velocities occurred in the retrobulbar circulation (P ༞ 0.05).
Conclusions
In patients with retinoblastoma, OCTA did not detect significant changes of retinal thickness and vessel density in the eyes treated with IVC, but a slight reduction in retinal thickness and the deep foveal RVD seemed to occur in bilateral RB eyes. The retrobulbar blood flow parameters showed no measurable changes.
A Quantitative Exploration of Continuous Vaccination of the COVID-19 Vaccine: an Empirical Study From China
Authors: Zhu Wenlong , Zou Hao , Song Ying , Xu Yingjie
Published: September 2021

Background: Vaccination for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides an effective approach for the general improvement of social safety and individual health. However, to date, few studies have analyzed the continuous vaccination for COVID-19 vaccine and its impact process. This research explores factors that theoretically affect the public’s continuous vaccination for COVID-19 vaccine at every stage and constructs a theoretical model to analyze the entire impact process of continuous vaccination based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) Model, the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) and the vaccine hesitancy (VH) theory.Methods: The respondents in this study were individuals in China who have been vaccinated. In addition, structural equation modeling technology was used to analyze the influence of factors on the continuous vaccination for COVID-19 vaccine and the whole impact process.Results: First, perceived efficacy has a positive significant impact on vaccination intention, but the positive effects of outcome expectancy and risk perception on vaccination intention are not significant. Second, social positive cues have a positive significant influence on vaccination intention. Third, VH has a negative significant influence on vaccination intention. Four, vaccination behavior produces a positive significant effect on perceived usefulness and satisfaction, respectively. Five, perceived usefulness exerted a positive significant impact on satisfaction and continuous vaccination, respectively. Six, satisfaction has no positive significant influence on continuous vaccination.Conclusions: Our theoretical model, which is the main contribution of this research, indicates that individual continuous vaccination is a process from motivation to intention, and from intention to behavior, and then from behavior to continuous behavior.
Modelling and 3D simulations of the dispersion of droplets and drops carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus inside semi-confined ventilated spaces – Application to a public railway transport coach
Authors: ARMAND Patrick , TACHE Jérémie
Published: September 2021

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling and 3D simulations of the air flow and dispersion of droplets or drops in semi-confined ventilated spaces have found topical applications with the unfortunate development of the Covid-19 pandemic. As an illustration of this scenario, we have considered the specific situation of a railroad coach containing a seated passenger infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (and not wearing a face mask) who, by breathing and coughing, releases droplets and drops that contain the virus and that present aerodynamic diameters between 1 and 1,000 µm. The air flow is generated by the ventilation in the rail coach. While essentially 3D, the flow is directed from the bottom to the top of the carriage and comprises large to small eddies visualised by means of streamlines. The space and time distribution of the droplets and drops is computed using both an Eulerian model and a Lagrangian model. The results of the two modelling approaches are fully consistent and clearly illustrate the different behaviours of the drops, which fall down close to the infected passenger, and the droplets, which are carried along with the air flow and invade a large portion of the rail coach. This outcome is physically sound and demonstrates the relevance of CFD for simulating the transport and dispersion of droplets and drops with any diameter in enclosed ventilated spaces. As coughing produces drops and breathing produces droplets, both modes of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human secretions have been accounted for in our 3D numerical study. Following these initial results, physical and biological modelling will be extended to the mass transfer between the droplets and the ambient air and to the fate of the virus throughout its transport and dispersion in droplets or drops. Furthermore, a model will be developed to take into account the influence of a face mask on the production of droplets and drops. Beyond the specific, practical application of the rail coach, this study offers a much broader scope by demonstrating the feasibility and usefulness of 3D numerical simulations based on CFD. As a matter of fact, the same computational approach that has been implemented in our study can be applied to a huge variety of ventilated indoor environments such as restaurants, performance halls, classrooms and open-plan offices in order to evaluate if their occupation could be critical with respect to the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus or to other airborne respiratory infectious agents, thereby enabling relevant recommendations to be made.