bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Factors of Medium-Large Coronary Artery Aneurysm in Children with Acute Kawasaki Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Jie , Su Danyan , Ye Bingbing , Qin Suyuan , Chen Cheng , Pang YuSheng
Published: January 2022

Background: The severity of the cardiac complications resulting from Kawasaki disease (KD) appears to be directly correlated to the magnitude of the coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). However, there remains some unclear about the risk factors for medium-large CAA identified after acute KD.Methods: We analyzed 90 patients diagnosed with CAA in KD hospitalized from January 2013 through August 2021. Patients were stratified based on the coronary artery z-score adjusted for body surface area as the medium-large CAA group and small-sized CAA group. The association of baseline characteristics was investigated within the groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate potential risk factors associated with medium-large CAA development.Results: In total, 353 pediatric cases with KD were investigated during the study period, of whom 90 (25.5%) presented with CAA, including medium-large CAA in 20 patients (5.7%) after acute KD. The medium-large CAA group showed significantly higher Harada risk scores, the incidence of thrombosis, serum globulin concentration values, proportions of C-reactive protein > 40 mg/L, proportions of albumin < 35 g/L, and lower values of albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G ratio) than those in the small-sized CAA group (P < 0.05). Medium-large CAA was significantly associated with the A/G ratio (odds ratio, 3.503; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.068–11.492). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.684 (95% CI: 0.558–0.810), and the cutoff point of 1.35 showed a sensitivity and specificity for predicting medium-large CAA of 80% and 59%, respectively.Conclusions: A lower A/G ratio independently predicts medium-large CAA in patients with KD. Medium-large CAA is associated with greater odds of developing thrombosis. Thus, close monitoring with routine echocardiography is recommended.
Integrin Alpha L as an Immune-Related Biomarker Correlated with the Prognosis and Effect of Immunotherapy in Gliomas
Authors: Ma Jinyang , Wang Lei , Zhou Youdong , Fu Changtao , Huang Song , Lang Bojuan
Published: January 2022

Backgroud:

Discovering effective immune-related biomarkers is vital to ensure efficient immunotherapy for glioma patients. Integrin Alpha L(ITGAL), essential to inflammatory and immune responses, have not been studied in gliomas, systematically.
Methods

RNA‑seq data and corresponding clinical information of glioma patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and mRNA data of normal brain tissues were obtained in Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. Wilcoxon test was performed to analyze the correlation of ITGAL expression and glioma subtypes. Univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazards regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier plots were used to evaluate the prognostic value of ITGAL in glioma. Functional enrichment analyses and immune infiltration analysis were performed to investigate the potential function in mediating the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we evaluated the ability of ITGAL for predicting the efficacy of ICB treatment for patients.
Results

We found the up-regulation of ITGAL may predict a poor prognosis for glioma patients, the expression level increased with the increasing of WHO grade and 1p19q co-deletion status and IDH mutation status. The total methylation level and copy number variation of ITGAL were moderately correlated with its mRNA expression in LGG samples (P < 0.05). Furthermore, ITGAL was correlated with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for the strong correlation with M2 macrophages and Tregs. Finally, GSEA showed the upregulation of ITGAL was mainly involved in the signal recognition and regulation between immune cells, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.
Conclusion

ITGAL is a novel tumor-related and immune-associated biomarker, which could predict the prognosis and effect of ICB therapy for glioma patients.
Moving From Evidence To Decisions in Guidelines: An Analysis of Guidance Documents
Authors: Meneses-Echavez Jose F , Bidonde Julia , Yepes-Nuñez Juan Jose , Peričić Tina Poklepović , Puljak Livia , Bala Malgorzata M , Storman Dawid , Swierz Mateusz , Zając Joanna , Montesinos-Guevara Camila , Zhang Yuan , Guapo Nathaly Chavez , Schünemann Holger , Flottorp Signe , Alonso-Coello Pablo
Published: January 2022

Background
The process of moving from evidence to decisions (EtD) represents a cornerstone within guideline development methods. Little is known about the processes used by organizations in charge of guideline development and what criteria they consider when formulating recommendations.
Objective
To identify and describe the processes suggested for the formulation of healthcare recommendations in health care guidelines available in guidance documents.
Methods
We searched in spring 2020 the Guidelines International Network (G-I-N) website, MEDLINE, and The Cochrane Methodology Register to retrieve guidance documents published in the last decade by organizations dedicated to guideline development. Pairs of researchers independently selected and extracted data about the characteristics of the guidance document, including explicit or implicit recommendation-related criteria and processes considered, as well as the use of frameworks. We conducted both descriptive and bivariate analyses.
Results
We included 68 guidance documents, published mostly by scientific societies (58%). Most of the organizations reported a system for grading the strength of recommendations (88%), half of them being the GRADE approach. Two out of three guidance documents (66%) proposed the use of a framework to guide the EtD process. We identified 14 recommendation-related criteria. The GRADE Evidence to Decision (GRADE-EtD) framework was the most often reported framework (19 organizations, 42%), whereas 20 organizations (44%) proposed their own multi-criteria frameworks. Using any EtD framework was related with a more comprehensive set of recommendation-related criteria compared to no framework, especially for criteria like values, equity, and acceptability. A similar association was observed between the GRADE-EtD framework and either no framework or another EtD frameworks.
Conclusion
The use of systematic and structured processes for moving from evidence to decisions is still limited among international organizations. The use of EtD frameworks facilitates the inclusion of relevant recommendation criteria. Among the structured frameworks, the GRADE-EtD framework offers the most comprehensive perspective for evidence-informed decision-making processes. More complete and detailed reporting in the guidance documents is warranted.
An Exploration of Registered Dietitian Accreditation System Development in China
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Yajie , Liu Ya , Shen Xiuhua , Xiao Rong , Zhu Huilian , Zeng Guo , Yang Yuexin , Cai Wei , Ma Aiguo
Published: January 2022

Background:

To review the highlights of the registered dietitian accreditation system in China, including history, organization, regulatory policies, certification requirements, development, and performance on the certification examination, registration, and continuing education, the process for the accreditation system development was focused. The data from the certification examinations and registrations were collected and analyzed. The eligibility requirements, as well as practice pathways, were discussed. Lessons learned from the development of the registered dietitian accreditation system, opportunities, challenges, and future directions for the field were discussed. There remain needs for well-established degree programs and a professional organization’s maintenance with endeavouring in job opportunities, as well as legislative concerns.
Presumed Ocular Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Grodsky Jacob , Lee John , Piri Niloofar
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Despite the common misconception that tuberculosis is an uncommon disease in developed countries such as the United States, cases have become increasingly more prevalent. We aim to further the ophthalmologic understanding of this disease through the presentation of clinical findings in nine cases of presumed ocular tuberculosis seen at our institution.
Methods
Retrospective case review of all patients diagnosed with tuberculosis with encounters at Saint Louis University Hospital and SLUCare between 1/1/2011 and 3/1/2021.
Results
Nine patients, 6 females and 3 males ages 18-60 years, were included in this study. All cases (100%) presented with a variety of ocular involvement including anterior uveitis, panuveitis, optic nerve edema, sequential papillitis, granulomatous uveitis, peripheral vasculitis, and possible choroidal granuloma. Known history of tuberculosis exposure was only obtained in 22% of patients.
Conclusion
The low proportion of patients with known history of tuberculosis exposure and manifestations of ocular tuberculosis highlights the general lack of presumption of diagnosis amongst our population. Patients without known exposure and without extraocular manifestations are most at risk for being misdiagnosed and left untreated for tuberculosis. It is important to address this issue with studies leading to more precise diagnostic guidelines and protocols so that patients will be treated in a timely manner to prevent irreversible visual damage secondary to intraocular inflammation as well as potential systemic manifestations of tuberculosis.
Prescribed Performance Tracking Control for High-Order Uncertain Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Ding Jiling , Zhang Weihai
Published: January 2022

This paper considers the prescribed performance tracking control for high-order uncertain nonlinear systems. For any initial system condition, a state feedback control is designed, which guarantees the prescribed tracking performance and the boundedness of closed-loop signals. The proposed controller can be implemented without using any approximation techniques for estimating unknown nonlinearities. In this respect, a significant advantage of this article is that the explosion of complexity is avoided, which is raised by backstepping-like approaches that are typically employed to the control of uncertain nonlinear systems, and a low-complexity controller is achieved. Moreover, contrary to the existing results in existing literature, the restrictions on powers of high-order nonlinear systems are relaxed to make the considered problem having stronger theoretical and practical values. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by some simulation results.
Analyze the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan City Based on Large-Scale Events and Extreme Weather
Authors: Xie De-ming , Wang Tianyu , Liu Hai , Jiang Pan
Published: January 2022

This article analyzes the impact of large-scale mass activities and extreme weather on the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, confirming that the South China Seafood Market is indeed the origin of the Wuhan epidemic, and found that the probability of respiratory transmission is low in open space, while food transmission is possible. At the same time, it was found that the outbreaks of SARS in Beijing in 2003 and COVID-19 in Wuhan in 2019 were both related to extreme weather. By investigating genomics and epidemiological data, it was determined that the first COVID-19 case in Wuhan was in November, and the beginning of the epidemic was in late November. Comparing the climate of November, December and January in Wuhan from 2011 to 2020, it is found that there are a lot of extreme weather events in Wuhan from the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2020, including strong winds, heavy rains, large cooling after continuous high temperature, and continuous low temperature and rainy after large cooling, the temperature suddenly rises and then drops rapidly, the wind continues to weaken for many days and then suddenly increases, and long rainy days, etc.
Identification of Lens Cultivars in Market by Molecular Tools: DNA Barcoding and SSRs
Authors: TATLISES Metin Burak , Hasancebi Semra
Published: January 2022

Substitution of plant cultivars of high commercial value with a cheaper, lower-quality one is a common fraud committed against consumers and producers. Since it is one of the most widely grown legumes, lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) are a suitable for such frauds. This study aimed to identify lentil cultivars which are registered and authorized in the market in Turkey by using current molecular methods. For this purpose, 26 lentil cultivars were analyzed for 15 SSR markers and 2 DNA barcode loci (trnH-psbA and matK). A high allele diversity was observed by 12 scorable SSR markers, and the average number of alleles was determined to be 16. One of the important findings was the presence of “cultivar-specific alleles” that can be used to identify each cultivar in the lentil market in Turkey. At least one “cultivar-specific allele” was obtained for each cultivar. The lentil cultivars were analyzed in terms of 2 DNA barcode regions as trnH-psbA and matK. Sequences that could identify 14 of the 26 cultivars were obtained. While the rate of the intra-species variation for the trnH-psbA region was observed to be low, a higher rate was found for matK. Nevertheless, it was observed that intra-species discrimination can be made more effective when both loci are used together. We expect that the results of this study, especially the cultivar-specific SSR alleles and DNA barcoding sequence data may be used routinely to identify on production and packaged products that are commercially available in markets.
Evaluation of Brain Structure Based on Voxel and Surface Morphology in Adults with MRI Negative Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Yang Fan , Kukun Hanjiaerbieke , Jia Wenxiao , Ding Shuang , Zhao Wei , Wang Yunling
Published: January 2022

Background
MRI-negative TLE (TLE-N) is a manifestation lacks visible MRI findings yet with detectable electrophysiological changes. In this study, differences of gray matter in drug-controlled MRI negative temporal lobe epilepsy (cTLE-N) and drug-resistant MRI negative temporal lobe epilepsy (rTLE-N) patients were calculated and analyzed by voxel-based morphology (VBM) and surface-based morphology (SBM), to discover the brain structural changes of TLE-N patients.
Materials and methods
Consecutive resident patients with 30 cTLE-N and 21 rTLE-N were recruited into respective groups, and 30 healthy controls’ structural MRI (sMRI) data collected as a control group. Open-source software based on VBM and SBM was deployed as gray matter volume (GMV) and cortical thickness (CT) analytic tools.
Results
VBM analysis showed that GMV of bilateral thalamus and right lingual gyrus of cTLE-N group, and left hippocampus, left fusiform gyrus and left thalamus of rTLE-N group were smaller compared to HC group(FDR corrected, P<0.05), while right cerebellum, inferior temporal gyrus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, fusiform gyrus, orbital middle frontal gyrus, and left posterior central gyrus in cTLE-N group, and bilateral cerebellum and middle temporal gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, amygdala, hippocampus, and left middle occipital gyrus of rTLE-N group were greater than HC group(FDR corrected, P<0.05). SBM analysis showed that CT of the left medial orbitofrontal cortex and lateral occipital cortex in cTLE-N group, and thickness of the left medial orbitofrontal, temporal pole, middle temporal gyrus and right anterior superior cingulate cortex in rTLE-N group were thinner, compared to HC group. Correlation analysis showed that GMV and CT of different structures were correlated with age of onset, disease duration, and MoCA score.
Conclusion
This study utilized two different sMRI analytic tools and discovered several brain morphological changes in TLE-N. These morphological changes were also correlated with clinical variables. Further study may indicate the potential of these findings on the recognition of the TLE-N epilepsy network.
Gold Nanoparticle Effects on the Hounsfield Unit of Computed Tomography in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Systematic Review
Authors: Gourani Pouya , Sedeh Amirhossein Barati , Zareyi Hajar , Shirvaliloo Milad , Sheervalilou Roghayeh , Ghaznavi Habib
Published: January 2022

Background: The present study has attempted to gather all the original and relevant data on the application of gold nanoparticles aimed at the improvement of computed tomography image quality and Hounsfield unit in hepatocellular carcinoma. We performed a systematic review on the studies indexed in PubMed from January 2000 to January 2020. Afterwards, the study design and quality were evaluated. Results: An increase in the nanoparticles concentration and incubation time was associated with improved image quality and the Hounsfield Unit of computed tomography. Conclusion: This study highlights the considerable diagnostic role of gold nanoparticle as novel contrast agents in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Decoding Human Visual Colour EEG Information Using Machine Learning and Visual Evoked Potentials
Authors: Wu Yijia , Zeng Xinhua , Feng Kaiqiang , Wei Donglai , Song Liang
Published: January 2022

With the rapid development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), human visual decoding, one of the important research directions of BCIs, has attracted a substantial amount of attention. However, most visual decoding studies have focused on graphic and image decoding. In this paper, we first demonstrate the possibility of building a new kind of task-irrelevant, simple and fast-stimulus BCI-based experimental paradigm that relies on visual evoked potentials (VEPs) during colour observation. Additionally, the features of visual colour information were found through reliable real-time decoding. We selected 9 subjects who did not have colour blindness to participate in our tests. These subjects were asked to observe red, green, and blue screens in turn with an interstimulus interval of 1 second. The machine learning results showed that the visual colour classification accuracy had a maximum of 93.73%. The latency evoked by visual colour stimuli was within the P300 range, i.e., 176.8 milliseconds for the red screen, 206.5 milliseconds for the green screen, and 225.3 milliseconds for the blue screen. The experimental results hereby show that the VEPs can be used for reliable colour real-time decoding.
Fixation of Superomedially Displaced Acetabular Fractures Using an Anatomical Suprapectineal Quadrilateral Surface Plate Through Modified Stoppa Approach
Authors: Kwak Dae-Kyung , Lee Seunghun , Lee Yongmin , Hwang Ji-Hyo , Yoo Je-Hyun
Published: January 2022

Treatment of superomedially displaced acetabular fractures including a quadrilateral surface (QLS) is challenging. We present a surgical technique using an anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate through the modified Stoppa approach and report the availability of this plate to treat this fracture type along with the surgical outcomes. Thirteen consecutive patients (11 men and 2 women) who underwent surgical treatment using an anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate through a modified Stoppa approach for superomedially displaced acetabular fractures between June 2018 and June 2020, were enrolled retrospectively. These fractures included 10 both-column fractures and 3 anterior-column and posterior hemitransverse fractures, which were confirmed on preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography. Surgical outcomes were clinically assessed using the Postel Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score and visual analog scale (VAS) score at the final follow-up, and radiological evaluations were performed immediately after the operation and at the final follow-up. The follow-up period was longer than 1 year in all patients with a mean 22.9 months. The mean operation time was 103 min. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 11 (84.6%) patients, while imperfect reduction was achieved in the remaining two (15.3%) patients. At the final follow-up, radiographic grades were excellent, fair, and poor in 11 (84.6%), one (7.6%), and one patient, respectively. The mean PMA score was 16.3 (range, 13-18) and the mean VAS score was 1.0 (range, 0-3). No secondary reduction loss or implant loosening was observed. However, two patients underwent conversion to total hip arthroplasty due to post-traumatic arthritis and subsequent joint pain. No other complications were observed. Simultaneous reduction and fixation using an anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate through the modified Stoppa approach can provide satisfactory outcomes in superomedially displaced acetabular fractures, resulting in shorter operation times and fewer complications.
Strategies To Support Older Adults’ Mental Health During the Transition Into Residential Aged Care: A Qualitative Study of Multiple Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Polacsek Meg , Woolford Marta
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe move from home into residential care is one of the most stressful life experiences for older adults. ‘Relocation stress’ is a significant risk factor for anxiety and/or depression in aged care residents. Whether long-term or recently diagnosed, these mood disorders are associated with a decline in overall well-being, daily functioning and independence. The mental health needs of older adults are often poorly recognised and supported, including during the transition into residential care. Despite growing interest in how to facilitate this major life transition, few studies have taken the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The aim of this study was to explore resident, relative and staff experiences of the transition into residential aged care, and to identify strategies to support the mental health of older adults at this time. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 aged care residents, relatives and staff, between January and April 2021. Participants were selected using purposive and convenience sampling. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively and grouped into themes. ResultsResults were distilled into three main categories related to the overall transition experience, residents’ mental health needs and strategies to support residents’ mental health. A novel contribution of this study relates to the need to address a broad misunderstanding of the role of pastoral care and subsequent under-utilisation of a potentially valuable resource. ConclusionsBy describing transition experiences and the resources to support residents’ mental health, findings of this study provide practical, ‘real world’ suggestions for reducing relocation stress. New resources developed from the findings include guides, checklists and short question-and-answer films, in which current residents and staff describe strategies to support mental health and overall quality of life. Similar resources could be used to support transitions in other care settings.
Microtubule Associated Protein 4 Phosphorylation-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Podocyte Leads to Proteinuria in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Lingfei , Feng Yanhai , Zhang Junhui , Zhang Qiong , Ren Jun , Sun Cheng , Li Shujing , Lei Xia , Luo Gaoxing , Hu Jiongyu , Huang Yuesheng
Published: January 2022

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves various structural and functional changes because of chronic glycemic assault and kidney failure. Proteinuria is an early clinical manifestation of DN, but the associated pathogenesis remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation (p-MAP4) in proteinuria in DN and its possible mechanisms.
Methods

In this study, the urine samples of diabetic patients and kidney tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were obtained to detect changes of microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation. A murine model of hyperphosphorylated MAP4 was established to examine the effect of MAP4 phosphorylation in DN. Podocyte was applied to explore changes of kidney phenotypes and potential mechanisms with multiple methods.
Results

Our results demonstrated elevated content of p-MAP4 in diabetic patients’ urine samples, and increased kidney p-MAP4 in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, p-MAP4 triggered proteinuria with aging in mice, and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in podocytes. Additionally, p-MAP4 mice were much more susceptible to STZ treatment and showed robust DN pathology as compared to wild-type mice. In vitro study revealed high glucose (HG) triggered elevation of p-MAP4, rearrangement of microtubules and F-actin filaments with enhanced cell permeability, accompanied with dedifferentiation and apoptosis of podocytes. These effects were significantly reinforced by MAP4 hyperphosphorylation, and were rectified by MAP4 dephosphorylation. Notably, pretreatment of p38/MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reinstated all HG-induced pathological alterations.
Conclusions

The findings indicated a novel role for p-MAP4 in causing proteinuria in DN. Our results indicated the therapeutic potential of MAP4 in protecting against proteinuria and related diseases.
Emerging And Legacy PFAS And Cytokine Homeostasis In Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Nian Min , Zhou Wei , Feng Yan , Wang Yan , Chen Qian , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2022

The effect of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on cytokine homeostasis in human remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between legacy and emerging PFAS and cytokine profiles, and identify the main contributors to the disturbance of cytokine homeostasis. We quantified 21 PFAS in 198 Chinese women of childbearing age from 2015 to 2016. 13 cytokines were measured using the Meso Scale Discovery U-PLEX and V-PLEX platforms. The associations between PFAS exposure and cytokine levels were assessed using multiple linear regression (single-exposure), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models (PFAS mixture exposure). In single PFAS models, legacy and alternative PFAS were positively associated with Th1 and Treg cytokines, and negatively associated with Th2 and Th17 cytokines. For instance, each ln-unit increase in 6:2 chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was associated with a decrease in IL-10 by -0.228 (95% CI: -0.336, -0.120), -0.153 (95% CI: -0.277, -0.030), and -0.174 (95% CI: -0.339, -0.010), respectively. The BKMR model showed a significantly positive association of PFAS mixture with TGF-β and a negative association with IL-10. Overall, these results indicate that both legacy and emerging PFAS may affect the homeostasis of cytokines.
The Relationship Between the Meaning of Life, Psychological Well-Being, Self-Care, and Social Capital, with Depression and Death Anxiety in the Elderly Living in Nursing Homes: The Mediating Role of Loneliness
Authors: Afrashteh Majid Yousefi , Majzoobi Mohammad Reza , Janjani Parisa , Forstmeier Simon
Published: January 2022

The current study aims to investigate the meaning of life, psychological well-being, self-care, and social capital, with depression and death anxiety in the elderly living in nursing homes through the mediating role of loneliness. The statistical population included all the elderly aged at least 60 years living in Tehran, Qazvin and Zanjan, Iran in 2020, among whom 489 (273 men and 216 women) were selected using convenience sampling method. Participants filled out Steger’s Meaning of Life, Ryff and Singer’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, Söderhamn et al.’s Self-Care Ability, Nahapiet and Ghoshal’s Social capital, Beck’s depression, Templer’s Death Anxiety, Russell et al.’s Loneliness questionnaires. The results indicated that there is a significant relationship between the meaning of life, psychological well-being, self-care, and social capital, with depression through the mediating role of loneliness. Besides, there was a significant relationship between the meaning of life, psychological well-being, self-care, and social capital, with death anxiety through the mediating role of loneliness. Moreover, the results of path analysis showed that the hypothesized model of the current study has an excellent fit in the study sample.
Land-sea Thermal Contrast in Relation With Summer Monsoon Onset Over the Chao Phraya River Basin
Authors: Yamada Tomohito J. , Shrivastava Sourabh , Kato Ryosuke
Published: January 2022

An earlier onset of the Southeast Asian summer monsoon (SAM) was observed over the Chao Phraya River basin in Thailand using Thai Meteorological Department (TMD)-derived high-resolution merged rainfall from 1981 to 2016. As the SAM is precipitous, its variability depends on many local and global factors, such as thermal conditions over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and Tibetan Plateau (TbT). Despite tremendous studies in the past, the role of thermal heat contrast over SAM is still not fully understood. Using the observation and reanalysis datasets, it was found that the absolute value of total heat over the BoB was higher. However, the interannual variability in total heat is higher over the TbT. Significant changes in surface temperature (±1.5°C), air thickness (±20 meters) and geopotential height found over the TbT were associated with early (late) SAM onset. The results also suggested that the significant changes in air thickness were influenced by the surface temperature difference over the TbT, and the changes in the integrated apparent heat source and integrated apparent moisture sink were up to ± 100 Wm−2, which resulted in stronger (weaker) convective activities over the BoB and mainland of the Indochina Peninsula during early (late) SAM onset. At the intraseasonal timescale, the instance MJO found over the Indian Ocean and Western Hemisphere at 4 to 10 days span during early SAM onset. An opposite scenario is found for a late SAM onset years with MJO location over Western Pacific and Maritime continent.
Analysis On Ecological Characteristics of Mississippian Coral Reefs in Langping, Guangxi
Authors: Yang Dayong , Chang Honglun , Liu Xiao , Wan Peng , Shen Liming
Published: January 2022

Several Late Viséan-Serpukhovian coral reefs were identified in Langping, Tianlin. To further understand of environment that was suitable for the development of reef-building communities and the construction of coral reefs in Langping, in this paper, part of the reef-building environmental and the ecological characteristics of coral reefs then were recovered by analyzing the development settings, palaeogeography, sedimentation of reefs, the response to hydrodynamic conditions of reef-building corals, effects of disturbance and non-reef-building organism on reef communities, and the influence of coral morphology on reef development. The sedimentary environment of Langping in Late Viséan-Serpukhovian is considered to be suitable for the development of benthic communities. The current appearance of reefs is determined by both coral populations ecological characteristics and reef-building environment.
Striatal Syntaixin 1A Plays a Protective Role Against Iminodipropionitrile Induced Tic Disorder Through Interaction with Dopamine Transporter
Authors: Liu Xiumei , Wang Xueming , Zhang Xiaoling , Cao Aihua
Published: January 2022

An important mechanism of Tic disorder (TD) is dysfunction in the dopamine (DA) system. Our pilot observation found the expression of Syntaxin 1A (STX1A), a presynaptic SNARE complex, changed in the striatum of TD animals. The present study aimed to clarify the biological role of striatal STX1A in the pathological state of TD and the specific mechanism of its regulation of the dopaminergic system. The TD rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile (IDPN). Adenovirus was used to modulate the expression of STX1A and dopamine transporter (DAT) in vivo and vitro. Primary culture of striatal dopaminergic neurons was performed for in-vitro observation of the DA reuptake, CO-IP analysis of the interaction between STX1A and DAT. First, using immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and qPCR, we found that the IDPN induced TD model had reduced striatal STX1A expression. In vitro, the DA content in the supernatant was significantly lower in the STX1A overexpressed group, and the intracellular DA content was significantly higher. Overexpression of STX1A in vivo partially counteracts the IDPN-induced TD-like behaviors, including bite time and head shaking time. Meanwhile, in-vivo knockdown of STX1A can aggravates TD-like behaviors. Further, DAT was overexpressed in vivo, and the TD-like behavior was alleviated. Interestingly, overexpression of DAT in the striatum resulted in increased levels of STX1A. In order to clarify the interaction between DAT and STX1A, the CO-IP analysis was conducted based on the protein of purified striatal dopaminergic neurons. Compared to the IgG control, the blots of DAT and STX1A showed significant binding of each other. Striatal STX1A expression is decreased in TD development, and STX1A plays an anti-TD role possibly through interaction with DAT, which maintains the DA reuptake. The exorbitant DA signal caused by STX1A inhibition drives the pathological stereotyped behavior.
Flexible Minimally Invasive CARS Measurement Method with Tapered Optical Fiber Probe for Single-Cell Application
Authors: Wang Tong , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Kun , Wang Shuang , Niu Panpan , Liu Yize , Liu Tiegen
Published: January 2022

We proposed and demonstrated a flexible, endoscopic, and minimally invasive coherent anti-Raman Stokes scattering (CARS) measurement method for single-cell application, employing a tapered optical fiber probe. A few-mode fiber (FMF), whose generated four-wave mixing band is out of CARS signals, was selected to fabricate tapered optical fiber probes, deliver CARS excitation pulses, and collect CARS signals. The adiabatic tapered fiber probe with a diameter of 11.61 µm can focus CARS excitation lights without mismatch at the focal point. The measurements for proof-of-concept were made with methanol, ethanol, cyclohexane, and acetone injected into simulated cells. The experimental results show that the tapered optical fiber probe can detect carbon-hydrogen (C–H) bond-rich substances and their concentration. To our best knowledge, this optical fiber probe provides the minimum size among probes for detecting CARS signals. These results pave the way for minimally invasive live-cell detection in the future.
Construction of Nominal Ionospheric Gradient Using Satellite Pair Method Based on GNSS CORS Observation in Indonesia
Authors: supriadi slamet , Abidin Hasanuddin Zainal , Wijaya Dudy Darmawan , Abadi Prayitno , Saito Susumu , Prabowo Dwiko Unggul
Published: January 2022

Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) is a GNSS augmentation system that meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements to support precision approach and landing. GBAS is based on the local differential GNSS technique with reference stations located around the airport to provide necessary integrity and accuracy. The performance of the GBAS system can be affected by the gradient in the ionospheric delay between the aircraft and the reference stations. A nominal ionospheric gradient, which is bounded by a conservative error bound, is represented by a parameter σvig. σvig was commonly determined using station pair to GNSS Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS) data. The station pair method is susceptible to doubling of receiver bias error and is not suitable with the CORS conditions in Indonesia. We propose a satellite pair method that is found to be more suitable for the CORS network over Indonesia which is centered in Java and Sumatra islands. The value of σvig (4.48 mm/km) is obtained using this method along with the preliminary results of a comparison of σvig from Java and Sumatra islands.
Demonstration of Dipole-Induced Transparency Using Mirrored Split-Ring Resonator Metasurface For Microwave Applications
Authors: VP Sarin , Raj Rohith K. , K Vasudevan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, dipole-induced transparency in the microwave regime is proposed and verified using experimental and simulation studies. A single layer mirrored Split-Ring Resonator (SRR) metasurface array working under the H⊥excitation scenario is used to achieveout-of-phase electric dipole moments on the metasurface for a normal incident plane wave. The emergence of the transparency window is accompanied by the destructive interference between out-of-phase oscillating electric dipole moments on the metasurfaceand is verified in computations by studying the radar Cross Section in full-wave electromagnetic simulations.We used the multipole scattering theory to validate the results computationally. The coupling effects are studied numerically, and the emergence of the transparency window is studied experimentally using transmission measurements inside an anechoic chamber using a vector network analyzer.
Probability of Reaction Pathways of Amine With Epoxides in the Reagent Ratio of 1:1 and 1:2
Authors: Borysenko Iryna O. , Okovytyy Sergiy I. , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: January 2022

The algorithm for generating and estimating the probability of possible reaction pathways for multichannel bimolecular interactions was used to predict the reaction products in the reagent ratio of 1:1 and 1:2. Here we have considered the possible reaction pathways of the reaction of amine ((1S,2S,4S)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-ylmethanamine (1) with epoxides (2-((cyclohexyloxy)methyl)oxirane (2), 2-(phenoxymethyl)oxirane (3), (N-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide 8) in order to explain experimental observed data, which indicate differences in the reactivity of glycidyl ethers and glycidylsulfonamide with framework amines. Based on the proposed algorithm [39], we have investigated the reaction in the reagent ratio of 1:1 and 1: 2. Calculated values of activation barriers indicate a low probability of formation of interaction products of amine (1) with epoxide (8) with a (1:2) reagent ratio due to steric hindrances in the reaction center.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding During Direct Oral Anticoagulants Therapy in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Polypharmacy
Authors: Honda Taku , Abe Koichiro , Oda Minoru , Harada Fumito , Maruyama Kyohei , Aoyagi Hitoshi , Miura Ryo , Konno Kumiko , Arizumi Toshihiko , Asaoka Yoshinari , Kodashima Shinya , Kozuma Ken , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Tanaka Atsushi
Published: January 2022

Although concomitant medications have been raised as a factor affecting hemorrhage during direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) therapy, details remain unelucidated. This study was conducted to clarify the relationship between concomitant medications with possible pharmacokinetic interactions and number of concomitant medications, and bleeding and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on DOACs. The subjects were 1,010 patients prescribed DOACs between April 2011 and June 2018. The study investigated their course between the first prescription and December 2018, including the presence or absence of clinically relevant bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Impacts of medications were evaluated by the general linear model with inverse probability-weighted propensity score. The observation period was 2,272 patient-years. The rate of bleeding was 4.7%/year, GIB was 2.8%/year, and MACCE was 2.0%/year. Taking 10 or more oral medications concurrently was a significant risk for GIB (hazard ratio, 2.046 [1.188–3.526]; p = 0.010). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was the only significant risk for GIB. Clinicians should be aware of gastrointestinal bleeding when using DOACs with patients taking more than 10 medications and/or NSAIDs.
In-depth cardiovascular and pulmonary assessments in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case series study
Authors: Astley Camilla , Badue Maria Fernanda , Lima Marcos Santos , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Carneiro Camila G. , Sapienza Marcelo Tatit , Leal Gabriela Nunes , Prado Danilo Marcelo Leite do , Peçanha Tiago , Sieczkowska Sofia Mendes , Matsuo Olivia Mari , Lindoso Livia , Marques Heloisa Helena , Silva Clovis Artur , Gualano Bruno
Published: January 2022

Objective
To perform an in-depth assessment of cardiovascular and pulmonary outcomes in a series of 5 post discharged multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) survivors.
Methods
Data were collected ≅1.9 month after hospital discharge at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. All patients (7-18 years; 3 females) fulfilled the MIS-C diagnosis according to CDC. The battery of tests included: 13 N-ammonia PET-CT imaging, standard echocardiography, brachial flow-mediated dilation using a Doppler ultrasound, cardiopulmonary exercise test, and blood markers.
Results
Upon PET-CT scans, two patients exhibited severe perfusion defect developed in the left ventricular cavity suggesting extensive myocardial ischemia, and one patient showed persistent mild pericardial effusion. Other two patients had endothelial dysfunction. All patients exhibited abnormal cardiopulmonary reserve during exercise (e.g., low VO2peak). Three patients had abnormal values for D-dimer and fibrinogen.
Conclusion
This study reveals novel pathological findings in MIS-C patients, which may help optimize treatment protocols in this condition.
Identification of a Signature Predicting Prognosis of Breast Cancer Patients Through Integrative Analysis of Single-cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Chen Hanghang , Tian Tian , Luo Haihua , Li Jinming , Jiang Yong
Published: January 2022

Background: Due to the high heterogeneity, it is still a challenge to precisely predict the prognosis of breast cancer (BRCA) patients. This study aimed to explore the crucial genes in tumourigenesis and prognosis-related molecular characteristics to predict the prognosis of breast cancer through a comprehensive analysis of single cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data.Methods: Gene expression data and corresponding clinical data of breast cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Ominibus (GEO) datasets were collected. First, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among trajectories from 412 cells of 11 BRCA patients were identified though PCA, t-SNE and single cell trajectory analyses. Second, we further explore the DEGs between normal and tumour tissues from the TCGA database. Then the intersection DEGs were used to construct a signature and the 4 independent GEO datasets were merged to validate the signature. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and a website TIDE was employed to compare the immune-related cells, pathways, scores of immune escape with riskscores of our signature.Results: A prognostic signature comprising 20 genes was developed to divide patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, and its prognostic performance was excellent in two independent patient cohorts (n=1053, 620). The high-risk group generally had lower levels of immune cell infiltration, lower activity of immune pathway activity and higher scores of immune escape than did the low-risk group. Conclusion: A 20-gene signature was successfully constructed to assess the prognosis of breast cancer patients. The signature was also found closely associated with the tumour immune microenvironment and immune escape.
A Feasibility Study for Usefulness of Preoperative Simulation of Medial Open-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Predicting Postoperative Realignment
Authors: Konda Shoji , Ishibashi Teruya , Tamaki Masashi , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Tomita Tetsuya
Published: January 2022

Three-dimensional preoperative surgical realignment simulation of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), in which simplified as the rigid rotation around the hinge axis, has been performed to predict the postoperative change and to develop a patient specific instrument for accurate osteotomy. However, the realistic practicality of this extremely simplified simulation method has not been verified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of realignment simulation, in which medial OWHTO is simplified as a rotation around a hinge axis, in comparison with a postoperative CT model. Three-dimensional surface model of the tibia and femur was created from preoperative computed-tomography (CT) images (preoperative model) of three patients. Sixty computer simulation models of the medial OWHTO in each patient were created by realignment simulation, in which medial OWHTO is simplified as the rigid rotation of proximal part of tibia relative to the distal part from 1 degree to 20 degrees around three type of hinge axes. The simulation models were compared with the actual postoperative model created from postoperative CT images to assess the reality of the simulation model. After the distal parts of the tibia between each simulation model and postoperative CT model were aligned by a surface registration, average surface distance between two models was calculated as an index representing the similarity of the simulation model to the postoperative model. The minimum average surface distance between the simulation and postoperative CT models were almost 1mm in each patient. The rotation angles at which the minimum average surface distance was represented were almost identical to the actual correction angles. Overlaying the simulation and the postoperative CT models, we found that the posterior tibial tilt and the axial rotation of the proximal tibia of the simulation model well represented that of the postoperative CT model as well as the valgus correction. Therefore, the realignment simulation of medial OWHTO simplified as the rigid rotation around the hinge axis can generate the realistic candidates of postoperative realignment that includes the actual postoperative realignment, suggesting the usefulness for the preoperative simulation method.
Exploring the Mechanism of Quercetin for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation by GEO Gene Chip Combined with Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Tan Xin , Xian Wei , Li Xiaorong , Chen Yongfeng , Geng Jiayi , Wang Qiyi , Gao Qin , Tang Bi , Wang Hongju , Kang Pinfang
Published: January 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common atrial arrhythmia for which there is no specific therapeutic drug. Quercetin (Que) has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias. In this study, we explored the mechanism of action of Que in AF using network pharmacology and molecular docking. The chemical structure of Que was obtained from Pubchem. TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, Drugbank, STITCH, Binding DB, Pharmmapper, CTD, GeneCards, DISGENET and TTD were used to obtain drug component targets and AF-related genes, and extract AF and normal tissue by GEO database differentially expressed genes by GEO database. The top targets were IL6, VEGFA, JUN, MMP9 and EGFR, and Que for AF treatment might involve the lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, the role of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, MAPK signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway. In addition, molecular docking showed that Que binds strongly to key targets and is differentially expressed in AF. This study systematically elucidated the key targets of Que treatment for AF and the specific mechanisms, providing a new direction for further basic experimental exploration and clinical treatment.