bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Trojan Initiative: A Proposal for a Research Settlement on 2011 HM102 and a Framework for Future Settlement on Asteroids
Authors: Chen Briana , Chitturi Geetika , Kalra Archit , Sriram Raghav
Published: April 2021

Humankind has yearned for hundreds of thousands of years to explore and truly understand the dynamics of our enigmatic universe. However, we have often been limited by our hindsight here on Earth, or the limitations of human travel to further destinations. Having the ability to send humans to deep space would arguably set us millions of years ahead in our scientific understanding of various physical processes, including insight on some of the key mysteries that we still face. Perhaps a settlement further away from the Sun, Earth, and limiting optical resolution could provide us with greater ability to collect more meaningful data through our telescopes or other instruments. Moreover, one of the most significant abilities of such a settlement could be slightly easier access to sites of research within our own solar system that could be essential in the forthcoming years, such as Jupiter, Titan, the Kuiper Belt, and some Oort Cloud objects. Here we describe a unique option and set of goals to pursue and achieve just that via a mission to an L5 Trojan asteroid of Neptune, 2011 HM102. In this paper, we propose a number of possible challenges presented by traveling to the base, modeling its layout, maintaining the presence of life, and opportunities for research on the asteroid as well as possible solutions to these challenges. We begin our journey by outlining some motivations for creating a settlement on the asteroid, then outline a few key technological goals that must be achieved before we are capable of efficiently sending a colony of people to the settlement. We describe materials necessary for its construction as well as a novel mechanism for artificial gravity utilizing the Roche limit of the asteroid and multiple applications of quark-gluon plasma. From there we explore more aspects of settlement design, including key considerations for the layout of our settlement, sources of power, and protection from high-energy radiation from sources such as galactic cosmic rays. Then, we embark on a detailed discussion on the measures needed to maintain life on the settlement, such as hydroponic crop growth, a cycle for water recovery and oxygen generation, temperature maintenance, and air purification. Some remarks on the sustainability of life on the settlement follow, as well as some recommendations for entertainment, social life, economics, and governmental systems on the settlement.
Sequence Length of HIV-1 Subtype B Increases Over Time: Analysis of a Cohort of Patients With Hemophilia Over 30 Years
Authors: Cho Young-Keol , Kim Jung-Eun , Foley Brian
Published: April 2021

We aimed to investigate whether the sequence length of HIV-1 increases over time. A longitudinal analysis of full-length coding region sequences (FLs) during an HIV-1 outbreak among pa-tients with hemophilia and local controls infected with the Korean subclade B of HIV-1 (KSB) was performed. Genes were amplified by overlapping RT-PCR or nested PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. Overall, 141 FLs were sequentially determined over 30 years in 62 KSB-infected patients. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that within KSB, two FLs from plasma donors O and P comprised two clusters together with 8 and 12 patients with hemophilia, respectively. Signature pattern analysis for the KSB of HIV-1 revealed 91 signature nucleotide residues (1.05%). In total, 48 and 43 signature nucleotides originated from clusters O and P, respectively. Only six positions contained 100% specific nucleotide(s) in clusters O and P. Additionally, in-depth FL analysis over 30 years indicates that the KSB FL significantly increased over time before combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and decreased with cART. The increase occurred due to a significant increase in env and nef genes, originating in the variable regions of both genes. The increase in the sequence length of HIV-1 over time suggests that it has an evolutionary direction.
Automatic detection of pneumonia in chest X-rays using Lobe deep residual network
Authors: Kvak Daniel , Kvaková Karolína
Published: April 2021

One of the critical tools for early detection and subsequent evaluation of the incidence of lung diseases is chest radiography. At a time when the speed and reliability of results, especially for COVID-19 positive patients, is important, the development of applications that would facilitate the work of untrained staff involved in the evaluation is also crucial. Our model takes the form of a simple and intuitive application, into which you only need to upload X-rays: tens or hundreds at once. In just a few seconds, the physician will determine the patient's diagnosis, including the percentage accuracy of the estimate. While the original idea was a mere binary classifier that could tell if a patient was suffering from pneumonia or not, in this paper we present a model that distinguishes between a bacterial disease, a viral infection, or a finding caused by COVID-19. The aim of this research is to demonstrate whether pneumonia can be detected or even spatially localized using a uniform, supervised classification.
Covid-19 Crisis and Environmental Law: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Norouzi Nima , Ataei Elham
Published: April 2021

With the outbreak of Covid-19 globally, many measures were taken to reduce this epidemic’s effects. The most important of these was the advice to stay home, which became the main line of witness slogans. With this recommendation, schools, offices, and factories were closed. The Covid-19 epidemic has had a profound effect on people’s lifestyles and is likely to have other consequences. The article’s main question is: What opportunities and challenges do the Covid epidemic pose to the environment, and how does it affect environmental rights? Quarantine policies have led to reduced production and transportation and a significant reduction in the pollution caused by these behaviors. Other effects may become apparent immediately. Covid-19 may increase survival damage in the future against contamination. Other developments may occur, including rethinking environmental and economic values and rethinking how resources are allocated and consumed, as Covid-19 affects the global, national, and local economies. Considering each of these consequences and their effects can help to develop environmental law and formulate effective strategies.
Entrustable Professional Activities in Orthopaedics
Authors: Watson Adam , Leroux Timothy , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell , Nousiainen Markku , Ferguson Peter C. , Murnahan Lucas , Dwyer Tim
Published: April 2021

Background:

An entrustable professional activity (EPA) is defined as a core task of a specialty that is entrusted to a trainee once sufficient competence has been reached. A group of EPAs reflects the activities that clinicians commonly do on a day-to-day basis. Lists of EPAs have been created for most medical subspecialties, but not orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to create a peer-reviewed list of essential EPAs that a resident must perform independently before completing orthopaedic residency training.

Methods:

A focus group of 7 orthopaedic surgeons from the University of Toronto developed a comprehensive list of 285 EPAs. For each subspecialty group, the opinions of at least 15 academic and nonacademic surgeons, as well as subspecialty-trained and non–subspecialty-trained surgeons, were used. The modified Delphi method was used to rank EPAs on a five-point scale from not important to mandatory for a resident to competent before exiting training. Two Delphi rounds were used, using a threshold of >50% of surgeons considering the EPA as mandatory before being considered for the next round. A final list of EPAs was ratified using the focus group of academic surgeons involved in the study.

Results:

Seventy-five (75) of 107 (70%) surgeons invited responded to the survey. Nearly half (129) of the 285 EPAs were discarded after the first round of Delphi. A further 118 EPAs were discarded after the second Delphi round, leaving 49 final EPAs, across 9 subspecialties in orthopaedic surgery.

Conclusions:

Expert consensus was used to create a list of EPAs considered mandatory for completion of resident training in orthopaedics in our province. The final 49 peer-reviewed EPAs will be a valuable benchmark in curriculum design and assessment in orthopaedic surgery in the competency-based era for other programs.
Multi-center randomized trial of Compound Kushen injection for decreasing radiation- induced thoracic toxicity in lung cancer patients
Authors: Yu Qingxi , Wang Jun , Wang Fan , Yin Haitao , Li Xia , Yuan Shengli , Yang Fujun , Xia Bing , Jia Zhongyao , Liu Sen , Zhang Kaixian , Jiang Xuechao , Liu Fengchun , Wang Luanqiu , Deng Junji , Tong Xu , Liu Shuyan , Lin Hongsheng , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: April 2021

Background: Thoracic radiation therapy plays an important role in the treatment of inoperable lung cancer. However, radiotherapy-induced toxicity poses an important challenge for radiation oncologists. Research has shown that Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) has anti-inflammatory activity and can reduce toxicity when given with chemotherapy. So, we hypothesis CKI can decrease chemoradiotherapy-induced thoracic toxicity in lung cancer patients and conducted this randomized, multi-center study. Methods: A prospective, open, randomized, multi-center，phase IV trial was performed, in which a total of 296 lung cancer patients were enrolled and randomly divided 1:1 into experimental and control groups. The control group received standard chemoradiotherapy including precise thoracic radiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fractions/6 weeks) plus concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy. The experimental group received standard chemoradiotherapy plus CKI via mainline treatments of 250 ml CKI (20 ml diluted in 0.9% normal saline) daily for 20 continuous days. The incidence of adverse events and severity of thoracic toxicity after treatment were observed according to version 4.0 of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and quality of life (QLQ-C30) also were compared between the two groups.Results: Two hundred ninety-one qualifying patients were included in the statistical analysis. Symptomatic radiation-induced thoracic toxicity was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (14.1% vs 25.6%, p=0.017). According to QLQ-C30 questionnaire findings, CKI provided superior outcomes related to pain relief, relieving fatigue, social functioning and emotional functioning (p<0.05). The rates of adverse events (26.4% vs 30.8%, p>0.05) and severe adverse events (5.4% vs 2.8%, p>0.05) did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups.Conclusion: CKI significantly alleviated symptomatic radiation-induced thoracic toxicity, as well as pain, when given with chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer treatment.
Polyomic analyses of dopaminergic neurons isolated from human substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease: An exploratory study.
Authors: ZACCARIA Affif , Malaspina Paola Antinori , Licker Virginie , Kovari Enikö , Lobrinus Johannes A , Burkhard Pierre R
Published: April 2021

Dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta selectively and progressively degenerate in Parkinson’s disease. Until now, molecular analyses of dopaminergic neurons in PD have been limited to genomic and transcriptomic approaches, whereas, to the best of our knowledge, no proteomic or combined polyomic study examining the protein profile of these neurons, is currently available.
In this exploratory study, we used laser microdissection to extract dopaminergic neurons from 10 human SNpc samples obtained at autopsy in Parkinson’s disease patients and control subjects. Extracted RNA and proteins were identified by RNA sequencing and nano-LC-MS/MS, respectively, and the differential expression between Parkinson’s disease and control group was assessed.
Qualitative analyses confirmed that the microdissection protocol preserves the integrity of our samples and offers access to specific molecular pathways. This polyomic analysis highlighted differential expression of 52 genes and 33 proteins, including molecules of interest already known to be dysregulated in Parkinson’s disease, such as LRP2 , PNMT , CXCR4 , MAOA and CBLN1 genes, or the Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 protein. On the other hand, despite the same samples were used for both analyses, correlation between RNA and protein expression was low, as exemplified by the CST3 gene encoding for the cystatin C protein.
This is the first exploratory study analyzing both gene and protein expression of LMD-dissected neurons from substantia nigra pars compacta in Parkinson’s disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD024748 and via GEO with identifier GSE 169755.
Spin-1/2 one- and two- particle systems in physical space without eigen-algebra or tensor product
Authors: Andoni Sokol
Published: April 2021

A novel representation of spin 1/2 combines in a single geometric object the roles of the standardPauli spin vector operator and spin state. Under the spin-position decoupling approximation it consists ofthree orthonormal vectors comprising a gauge phase. In the one-particle case the representation: (1) isHermitian; (2) shows handedness; (3) reproduces all standard expectation values, including the total one particlespin modulus 𝑆tot = √3ℏ/2; (4) constrains basis opposite spins to have same handedness; (5)allows to formalize irreversibility in spin measurement. In the two-particle case: (1) entangled pairs haveprecisely related gauge phases and can be of same or opposite handedness; (2) the dimensionality of the spinspace doubles due to variation of handedness; (3) the four maximally entangled states are naturally definedby the four improper rotations in 3D: reflections onto the three orthogonal frame planes (triplets) andinversion (singlet). The cross-product terms in the expression for the squared total spin of two particlesrelates to experiment and they yield all standard expectation values after measurement. Here spin is directlydefined and transformed in 3D orientation space, without use of eigen algebra and tensor product as in thestandard formulation. The formalism allows working with whole geometric objects instead of onlycomponents, thereby helping keep a clear geometric picture of ‘on paper’ (controlled gauge phase) and ‘onlab’ (uncontrolled gauge phase) spin transformations.
Modelling infectious diseases with herd immunity in a randomly mixed population
Authors: Law Kian Boon , Peariasamy Kalaiarasu M , Ibrahim Hishamshah , Abdullah Noor Hisham
Published: April 2021

Background The conventional susceptible-infectious-recovered (SIR) model tends to overestimate transmission dynamics of infectious diseases and ends up with total infections exceeding the threshold required for control and eradication of infectious diseases. The study aims to overcome the limitation by allowing the transmission rate of infectious disease to decline along with the reducing risk of contact infection. MethodsTwo new SIR models were developed to mimic the declining transmission rate of infectious diseases at different stages of transmission. Model A mimicked the declining transmission rate along with the reducing risk of transmission following infection, while Model B mimicked the declining transmission rate following recovery. Then, the conventional SIR model, Model A and Model B were used to simulate an infectious disease with a basic reproduction number (r0) of 3.0 and a herd immunity threshold (HIT) of 0.667 with and without vaccination. The infectious disease was expected to be controlled or eradicated when the total immunized population either through infection or vaccination reached the level predicted by the HIT. Outcomes of simulations were assessed at the time when the total immunized population reached the level predicted by the HIT, and at the end of simulations.Findings All three models performed likewise at the beginning of transmission when sizes of infectious and recovered were relatively small as compared with the population size. The infectious disease modelled using the conventional SIR model appeared completely out of control even when the HIT was achieved in all scenarios with and without vaccination. The infectious disease modelled using Model A appeared to be controlled at the level predicted by the HIT in all scenarios with and without vaccination. Model B projected the infectious disease to be controlled at the level predicted by the HIT only at high vaccination rates. At lower vaccination rates or without vaccination, the level at which the infectious disease was controlled cannot be accurately predicted by the HIT. ConclusionTransmission dynamics of infectious diseases with herd immunity can accurately be modelled by allowing the transmission rate of infectious disease to decline along with the combined risk of contact infection. Model B provides a more realistic framework for modelling infectious diseases with herd immunity in a randomly mixed population.
Extracellular Matrix-Liposomes: A Novel Vehicle for Tissue Regenerative Wound Healing
Authors: Lee Keel Yong , Nguyen Huong , Setiawati Agustina , Nam So-Jung , Kim Minyoung , Ko Il-Gyu , Jung Won Hee , Parker Kevin Kit , Kim Chang-Ju , Shin Kwanwoo
Published: April 2021

The unfolded states of fibronectin (FN) subsequently induce the formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrillar network, which is necessary to generate new substitutive tissues. Here, we demonstrate that negatively charged small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) qualify as candidates for FN delivery due to their remarkable effects on the autonomous binding and unfolding of FN, which leads to increased tissue regeneration. In vitro experiments revealed that the FN-SUV complex remarkably increased the attachment, differentiation, and migration of fibroblasts. The potential utilization of this complex in vivo to treat inflammatory colon diseases is also described based on results obtained for ameliorated conditions in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) that had been treated with the FN-SUV complex. Our findings provide a new ECM-delivery platform for ECM-based therapeutic applications and suggest that properly designed SUVs could be an unprecedented FN-delivery system that is highly effective in treating UC and other diseases.
Transmission characteristics of allexiviruses by the eriophyid mite, Aceria tulipae (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae) from naturally mixed infected garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Mansouri Faten , Richert-Pöggeler Katja R. , Lewandowski Mariusz , Ryšánek Pavel
Published: April 2021

The transmission characteristics of members of the genus Allexivirus to leek (Allium porrum L.) by its eriophyid mite vector, Aceria tulipae (Keifer), were studied. Prior to conducting transmission tests, colonies of nonviruliferous A. tulipae were established on healthy leek seedlings. A single A. tulipae transmitted the viruses with up to 50 % efficiency but transmission efficiency increased when > 10 mites per plant were used. Allexiviruses were acquired by A. tulipae after a minimum acquisition access period (AAP) of 30 minutes, whereas transmission tests suggest that a one hour inoculation access period (IAP) was needed for successful transmission. Allexiviruses were transmitted from garlic to leek plants by A. tulipae and mixed infections by more than one virus were observed. ShVX, GarV-A, -C, -D, and -B were detected in most inoculated plants, whereas other members of the genus (GarV-E, -X, and GarMbFV) were found only occasionally. None of the mites that originated from eggs deposited on infected plants transmitted allexiviruses, indicating that the viruses are not transmitted transovarially. No latent period was demonstrated. Taken together, these data suggest a semipersistent mode of transmission of Allexivirus members by A. tulipae. The output of this study will assist in the better management of the vector and the associated diseases.
Integrated Dual-DFB PIC for High-Purity THz Carrier Generation Enabling Ultrafast THz Wireless Communications
Authors: Jia Shi , Lo Mu-Chieh , Zhang Lu , Ozolins Oskars , Udalcovs Aleksejs , Kong Deming , Pang Xiaodan , Guzman Robinson , Yu Xianbin , Xiao Shilin , Popov Sergei , Chen Jiajia , Carpintero Guillermo , Morioka Toshio , Hu Hao , Oxenløwe Leif
Published: April 2021

With the explosive growth of global wireless data traffic, the Terahertz band (0.3–10 THz) is promising for ultrafast wireless communications, due to the enormous available bandwidth [1]. Photonic generation of THz carriers displays extremely large tunable range and modulation bandwidth, making it nearly ideal for THz communications. However, the current photonics-based THz carrier generators are based on discrete bulky components [2] with high cost and energy consumption, which hinder them from practical applications. Here, we present an injection-locked heterodyne source based on generic foundry-fabricated photonic integrated circuits (PIC) attached to a photo-mixing uni-travelling carrier photodiode (UTC-PD), generating high-purity THz carriers for high-speed and long-distance wireless communication. The generated THz carrier can span from 0 to 1.4 THz, determined by the tunable wavelength spacing between the two distributed feedback (DFB) modes within the range 0-10.7 nm. We show that a generated 0.4 THz carrier transmits a record-high single-channel net rate of 131 Gbit/s over 10.7 m of wireless distance with only − 24 dBm emitted THz power, by employing 16-QAM-OFDM modulation and a nonlinear equalization technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest data rate for a single-channel THz wireless transmission and requires the lowest THz power/bitrate/distance. The scheme of the monolithic dual-DFB PIC based THz generation shows a great potential for fully integrated, cost-effective and energy-efficient THz transmitters.
Mettl3 promotes oxLDL-mediated inflammation through activating STAT1 signaling
Authors: Li Zhenwei , Xu Qingqing , Huangfu Ning , Chen Xiaomin , Zhu Jianhua
Published: April 2021

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main cause of cerebrovascular diseases, and macrophages act important roles during the AS pathological process through regulating inflammation. Modification of the novel N(6)-methyladenine (m6A) RNA is reported to be associated with atherosclerosis, but its role in AS is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of m6A modification in oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) triggered inflammation in macrophages during AS. Dot blot, Immunoprecipitation, western blot, Rip and Chip experiments were used in our study. We find oxLDL stimulation significantly promotes m6A modification level of mRNA in macrophages and knockdown of Methyltransferase-Like Protein 3 (Mettl3) inhibits oxLDL-induced m6A modification and inflammatory response. Mettl3 promotes oxLDL-induced inflammatory response in macrophages through regulating m6A modification of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mRNA, thereby affecting STAT1 expression and activation. Moreover, oxLDL stimulation obviously enhances Mettl3 interacting with STAT1 protein to promote STAT1 transcriptional regulation of inflammatory factor expression in macrophages, which was also demonstrated in the monocytes from patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease. These results indicate that Mettl3 promotes inflammatory responses through interacting with STAT1 protein and mRNA in macrophages, suggesting that Mettl3 may be as a potential target for the clinical treatment of atherosclerosis.
Overconstrained Cable-Driven Parallel Manipulators Statics Analysis based on Simplified Static Cable Model
Authors: Luan Phan Gia , Thinh Nguyen Truong
Published: April 2021

In recent years, cable-driven parallel manipulators (CDPM) become more and more interesting topics of robot researchers due to its outstanding advantages. Unlike traditional parallel robots, CDPMs use many flexible cables in order to connect the robot fixed frame and the moving platform instead of using conventional rigid links. Since cables used in CDPM is very light compared to rigid links, its workspace can be very large. Besides, CDPMs are often enhanced load capacity by adding redundant actuators. They also help to widen the singularity-free workspace of CDPM. On the other hand, the redundant actuators produce the underdetermined system i.e. the system has non-unique solutions. Moreover, the elasticity and bendability of flexible cable caused by self-weight and external forces act on it, resulting in the kinematic problem of CDPMs are no longer related to the geometric problem. Therefore, the system of CDPM become non-linear when the deformation of cable is considered. In this study, we introduce the simplified static cable model and use it to linearize the static model of redundantly actuated CDPM. The algorithm to solve the force distribution problem is proposed in Sect. 4. The static-workspace and the performance of those are analyzed in a numerical test.
Identification of the transcription factor, AFF4, as a new target of miR-203 in CNS
Authors: Li Shufang , Liang Xiaosheng , Zheng Yangwu , Li Linpeng , Cao Lin , Zou Yi
Published: April 2021

The expression of miR-203 was found elevated by preconditional treatment of isoflurane in cultured B35 cells as well as in the cerebral cortex of rats in our previous study. Recently, miR-203 was identified as a hub of a potential regulatory miRNA network in central nervous system. Overexpressing of miR-203 in the frontal cortex of C57BL/6J wild type mouse induced neurodegeneration by increasing the apoptotic pathway and neuron death. Here in this research, we reported that AFF4, a transcription factor, was identified as a new bona fida protein target of miR-203 in CNS. The miRNA:mRNA interaction of miR-203 and AFF4 was verified using Dural-luciferase assay. Down-regulated expression of AFF4 was induced by overexpressing miR-203 both in vitro and in vivo. Open field test, Y maze and Morris water maze test were conducted for the behavioral assessment of the mice with stereotactic injection of lentiviral vector overexpressing miR-203 in the hippocampus. No anxiety-like behavior or impaired cognition was noticed in these mice. Consistent with the results of the behavioral assessment, the electron micrograph and Nissl staining revealed no significant change in the synaptic density and no neuron injuries in the hippocampus of mice overexpressing miR-203, respectively. Given that miR-203 was found to target the proteins with opposite regulatory functions, our results indicated that instead of promoting neurodegenerative phenotype, a more profound function should be ascribed to miR-203 in regulating neuron behavioral activities and cognition. Neuron-type specific functions of miR-203 is likely to be executed via its various downstream protein interactors.
Analysis On The Association of Intraoperative Fluid Balance and Short-Term Outcomes After Radical Gastrectomy in Aged Patients
Authors: Cui Yin , Wu Yuhui , Han Xue , Zhu Beibei , Ma Zhengliang , Gu Xiaoping
Published: April 2021

Background: To observe the relationship between fluid balance and the short-term outcomes of aged patients after gastrectomy for gastric cancer in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.Methods: The clinical data of patients with gastrectomy for gastric cancer from January 2016 to December 2018 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to the criteria of inclusion and exclusion, 691 patients who met the study conditions were analyzed according to intraoperative fluid balance recorded on patients who has undergone radical gastrectomy. Patients were classified into three fluid administration groups representing incremental quartiles of the primary exposure variable. Preoperative characteristics used for statistical adjustment included gender, age, weight, admission type, ASA degree. Operative factors included procedure duration, estimated blood loss, urine output, and so on. The primary outcomes included acute kidney injury (AKI).and postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs) Exploratory outcomes included length of stay, postoperative length of stay and total cost of hospitalization. The association between perioperative factors and AKI/PRCs in hospital was tested with multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: 16 cases were diagnosed as AKI and 23 cases were diagnosed as PRCs. The association between intraoperative fluid balance and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI)/postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs) remained U-shaped but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, lower urine output (P=0.017, OR=0.997,95%CI=0.994-0.999) and coronary heart disease (P=0.032, OR=4.867,95%CI=1.142-20.75) were independent predictor of AKI in aged patients after radical gastrectomy. Besides, coronary heart disease(OR=3.371,95%CI=1.021-11.129,P=0.049) and intestinal obstruction (OR=12.501,95%CI=3.058-51.107,P ＜0.0005) were independent predictor of PRCs in aged patients after radical gastrectomy.Conclusion: There were no significant association between the incidence of AKI or any other complications and intraoperative fluid balance during radical gastrectomy in aged patients. Lower urine output and coronary heart disease were independent predictors of AKI in aged patients after radical gastrectomy. Coronary heart disease and intestinal obstruction were independent predictors of PRCs in aged patients after radical gastrectomy.Trial registration: This study was approved by the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University (Registration number: 2018-162-01).
MiR-486-5p represses chondrocyte multiplication but facilitates their deaths in congenital microtia through aiming at H3F3B
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Ling , Dong Weiwei , Yang Qinghua
Published: April 2021

Background

MicroRNAs have been reported to play important roles in the development of external ear. The present study was designed to explore the expression patterns and biological function of miR-486-5p in congenital microtia.
Methods

Cartilage tissue specimens were collected from congenital microtia cases who received reconstructive ear surgeries, while the normal cartilage tissues from other otology surgeries were adopted as normal controls. The relative expression of miR-486-5p was investigated by quantitative-real time polymerase chain reaction. The potential target of miR-486-5p was explored by TargetScanHuman 7.2 and dual-Luciferase reporter assay. MTT and flow cytometry assays were adopted to investigate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively.
Results

The expression of miR-486-5p was significantly up-regulated in microtia cartilage tissues. Knockdown of miR-486-5p in microtia chondrocytes enhanced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. H3F3B might be a target of miR-486-5p, and miR-486-5p could regulate proliferation and apoptosis of microtia chondrocytes by targeting H3F3B. Moreover, the enforced expression of H3F3B could re-turned the function of miR-486-5p in microtia chondrocytes.
Conclusion

Up-regulation of miR-486-5p may inhibit microtia chondrocytes proliferation and promote apoptosis by targeting H3F3B.
Heterosis for Biomass-Related Traits in Interspecific Triploid Hybrids of Willow (Salix Spp.)
Authors: Carlson Craig H. , Smart Lawrence B.
Published: April 2021

Species hybridization is key for the improvement of shrub willow (Salix spp.) bioenergy crops, because hybrids often display heterosis for yield. Development of high-yielding genotypes requires numerous broad attempts at hybridization followed by field evaluation and selection for stable performance. Selection of improved shrub willow varieties for use as a bioenergy crop involves evaluation of full-sib progeny in family-based selection trials. Improving the accuracy of evaluation would greatly improve the efficiency of selection. Heterosis for biomass yield in intra- and interspecific F1 and F2 shrub willow (Salix spp.) was examined utilizing a suite of biomass, foliar, and physiological traits collected over the course of 12 weeks in the greenhouse and over two years in the field. Triploid families generated from diploid S. viminalis and tetraploid S. miyabeana displayed the greatest levels of heterosis for harvestable biomass and biomass-related growth traits in the greenhouse and in the field. While intraspecific S. purpurea diploids exhibited low levels of heterosis for these traits, interspecific diploids produced moderate levels of heterosis in greenhouse experiments. Differences between greenhouse and field trial results can largely be explained by pest damage, which negatively impacted interspecific diploids. Heterosis for the traits that form the basis for biomass yield, including stem growth, foliar, and physiological traits, was quantified and family-level differences are discussed.
Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA in Olive Baboons and Vervet monkeys in Kenya
Authors: Masika Sophie Jerusa , Muchemi Gerald Mwangi , Kamau Joseph Muiruri , Abuom Tequiero , Mutura Samson Kamawe
Published: April 2021

BackgroundNonhuman primates (NHPs) occupy an important place in zoonotic spill-overs, serving as either reservoirs or amplifiers of multiple neglected tropical diseases including tick-borne infections. Anaplasmosis is caused by obligate intracellular bacteria of the family Anaplasmatacae. They are transmitted by Ixodid tick species and have a wide host range including wild animals, domestic animals and humans. The aim of this study was to establish the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys in Laikipia County, Kenya.ResultsA total of 164 whole blood samples, collected by USAID Predict II project from Laikipia County, 17 Kenya, were included in the study. These comprised of 146 samples from Olive baboons (Papio anubis) and 18 from Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) respectively from Mpala Research Center and Ol jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County. Using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), positive results for A. phagocytophilum in 26 Olive baboons and 4 Vervet monkeys were detected with primer sets EHR16SD/R. However, low sensitivity was observed with the p44 gene. The amplification of DNA template with the primer set p44 (p3709 5/ p4257 23 5) using nested PCR could not be obtained. Our results revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum in Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys. This study found an overall prevalence of 18.3% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A distinct genotype of A. phagocytophilum was detected that was different from the others in the gene bank database.ConclusionThis study provides valuable information on the presence of A. phagocytophilum bacteria in Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys in Kenya. It indicates a need for future research to establish the public health implications of zoonotic A. phagocytophilum isolates and the role of nonhuman primates as reservoirs.
Augmented Reality Application for Laptop Assembly with Assembly Complexity Study
Authors: Hong Chiew Jin , Sung Aun Naa Aun
Published: April 2021

Augmented Reality (AR) in the assembly process will improve the user's experience by providing interactive instructions in real time. However, no previous application of AR guided assembly for laptops with a high level of assembly complexity has been developed. The research aims to develop an AR guided assembly application to provide instruction on the assembly of a laptop. The assembly complexity of the laptop was also investigated. The development of the AR application involves the creation of model target, 3D models and animations, and the development of user interface. The laptop assembly consists of ten steps. Each step comprises animated 3D models and text detailing the assembly instructions. Speech recognition has been used to navigate the assembly sequence. The AR application has successfully been developed for laptop assembly with an assembly complexity of 6.63. With the developed application, the performance of the laptop assembly can be accelerated.
Free-Space Optical Link Optimization in Visible Light Communication System
Authors: Emmanuel Ngene Chidi , Thakur Prabhat , Singh Ghanshyam
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a free-space optical link (FSOL) optimization in the visible light communication (VLC) is performed to improve the channel performance for signal strength and analysze the effect of signal failures in a communication system. The problem of uncertainty in the FSOL components for a better signal has prompted this study to check for an improved and enhance signal using bit error rate (BER) analyzer. The light emitting diode (LED) is used as a carrier for transmission of data as the optimization of system properties have concluded for limitations and working conditions. The noise has been added and removed to ascertain the channel behavior which in turn display an acceptable eye diagram for an improved signal. The acceptable eye diagram shows a better signal in the system. The optimization of FSOL will guarantee multi-mobile users of shared signal which will improve the signal errors, loss of power, weak signal, signal failure, loss of data etc. To fully characterize the FSOL, OptiSystem software tool has been used.
Elevated expression of IL-10RB acts as an independent unfavorable prognostic marker and predicts the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages in glioma
Authors: Fan Yaqiong , Peng Yichen , Chen Feng , Li Wenbin
Published: April 2021

Background: Interleukin-10 receptor B (IL10RB) is a subunit of the interleukin-10 receptor. As an important part of the interleukin-10 signaling pathway, IL10RB plays an essential role in the regulation of the immune response. However, studies of IL10RB in glioma are rare. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of IL10RB in glioma.Methods: 611 glioma samples in TCGA dataset and 310 glioma samples in CGGA dataset were download and organized, then analyzed the clinical expression characteristics and prognostic value of IL10RB as well as its correlation with immune cell infiltration in these samples using R. Results: IL10RB expression was significantly higher in the glioma tissues than in the normal tissues and increased in gliomas, especially with malignant phenotype. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis indicated that IL10RB was significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with glioma and could be used as an independent prognostic marker. Further functional analysis suggested that IL10RB was involved in immune responses, and high expression of IL10RB in the glioma tissue resulted in more infiltrated immune cells, especially macrophages. Moreover, IL10RB was found to be strongly correlated with marker genes of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and M2 macrophages, but low or even no correlation with marker genes of M1 macrophages. In addition, there was also a significant association between IL10RB and immune checkpoints that suppress effective antitumor immune responses.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that high expressed IL10RB was associated with the malignant progression of gliomas and poor prognosis, and it might be involved in the polarization of macrophages which play a crucial role in the immunosuppressive response of gliomas.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Risk of Erectile Dysfunction: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Sheng-Chiang , Chien Wu-Chien , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Tzeng Nian-Sheng , Liu Yia-Ping
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.METHODS: In this population-based, retrospective cohort study, we used Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database to analyze the patients who were newly diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) between 2000 and 2013, with a 1:3 ratio by age, and index year matched in the non-PTSD comparison group, for the risk of erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: In total, five out of 1,079 patients with PTSD developed erectile dysfunction, and three out of 3,237 patients in the non-PTSD group (47.58 vs 9.03 per 100,000 per person-year) developed erectile dysfunction. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the PTSD cohort had a significantly higher risk of erectile dysfunction (log-rank, p<0.001). The Cox regression analysis revealed that the study subjects were more likely to develop an injury (HR: 12.898, 95% CI=2.453- 67.811, p=0.003) after adjusting for age, monthly income, urbanization level, geographic region, and comorbidities. Psychotropic medications in the patients with PTSD were not associated with the risk of erectile dysfunction.CONCLUSIONS: Patients who suffered PTSD had a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
Large Bi-Ethnic Study of Plasma Proteome Leads to Comprehensive Mapping of cis-pQTL and Models for Proteome-wide Association Studies
Authors: Chatterjee Nilanjan , Zhang Jingning , Dutta Diptavo , Kottgen Anna , Tin Adrienne , Schlosser Pascal , Grams Morgan , Harvey Benjamin , Yu Bing , Boerwinkle Eric , Coresh Josef
Published: April 2021

Improved understanding of the proteome can facilitate the identification of causal mechanisms for complex traits. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the common variant cis-regulatory genetic architecture of 4,665 plasma proteins from 7,213 European Americans (EA) and 1,871 African Americans (AA) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort study. We identified and fine-mapped 1,992 plasma proteins in EA and 1,605 in AA, which had significant cis- single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations. Estimates of cis-heritability (cis-h2) for plasma proteins were similar across EA and AA (median cis-h2 = 0.09 for EA and 0.10 for AA). Elastic-net-based models for cis-SNP-based protein prediction produced high accuracy (median R2/cis-h2 = 0.79 for EA and 0.69 for AA). We illustrate the application of these models to conduct proteome-wide association studies (PWAS) for two related complex traits, serum urate and gout, and further conduct conditional analyses to interpret findings in the context of those from transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS).
A protocol for the detection of genetic markers in saliva by polymerase chain reaction without a nucleic acid purification step: examples of SARS-CoV-2 and GAPDH markers.
Authors: Kannan Surya , Ericsson Johan , Souchelnytskyi Nazariy , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy
Published: April 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for direct use of saliva in tests for genetic markers, without purification of nucleic acids. Currently, diagnostic tests use purified nucleic acids from clinical samples. This purification step adds time, cost, and affects the quality of testing. Multiple attempts to remove the purification step were reported. Results: We report a protocol for the direct detection of genetic markers in saliva. The protocol is based on collection of saliva in a solution containing a detergent and ethanol, and is compatible with isothermal amplification (LAMP), real-time RT-PCR and RT-PCR. SARS-CoV-2 and GAPDH markers were used as reference markers. We observed that mild detergents allow efficient detection of markers (e.g. GAPDH and SARS-CoV-2), while strong detergent, e.g. sodium dodecyl sulfate, inhibited the PCR reaction. Under these conditions, saliva samples can be stored for 24 h at +40C or -180C with preservation of the markers. Storage at room temperature led to deterioration of marker detection. Snap heating of saliva samples at the time of collection, followed by a storage at the room temperature, provided partial protection.Conclusions: The protocol presented in this report describes collection and storage of saliva for direct detection of genetic markers and is compatible with PCR and LAMP tests.
AGILE: A Seamless Phase I/IIa Platform for the Rapid Evaluation of Candidates for COVID-19 treatment: An update to the structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised platform trial letter
Authors: Griffiths Gareth Owen , FitzGerald Richard , Jaki Thomas , Corkhill Andrea , Reynolds Helen , Ewings Sean , Condie Susannah , Tilt Emma , Johnson Lucy , Radford Mike , Simpson Catherine , Saunders Geoffrey , Yeats Sara , Mozgunov Pavel , Tansley-Hancock Olana , Martin Karen , Downs Nichola , Eberhart Izabela , Martin Jonathan William Brian , Goncalves Cristiana , Song Anna , Fletcher Tom , Byrne Kelly , Lalloo David Griffith , Owen Andrew , Jacobs Michael , Walker Lauren , Lyon Rebecca , Woods Christie , Gibney Jennifer , Chiong Justin , Chandiwana Nomathemba , Jacob Shevin , Lamorde Mohammed , Orrell Catherine , Pirmohamed Munir , Khoo Saye
Published: April 2021

Background:There is an urgent unmet clinical need for the identification of novel therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19. A number of COVID-19 late phase trial platforms have been developed to investigate (often repurposed) drugs both in the UK and globally (e.g. RECOVERY led by the University of Oxford and SOLIDARITY led by WHO). There is a pressing need to investigate novel candidates within early phase trial platforms, from which promising candidates can feed into established later phase platforms. AGILE grew from a UK-wide collaboration to undertake early stage clinical evaluation of candidates for SARS-CoV-2 infection to accelerate national and global healthcare interventions. Methods/Design:AGILE is a seamless phase I/IIa platform study to establish the optimum dose, determine the activity and safety of each candidate and recommend whether it should be evaluated further. Each candidate is evaluated in its own trial, either as an open label single arm healthy volunteer study or in patients, randomising between candidate and control usually in a 2:1 allocation in favour of the candidate. Each dose is assessed sequentially for safety usually in cohorts of 6 patients. Once a phase II dose has been identified, efficacy is assessed by seamlessly expanding into a larger cohort. AGILE is completely flexible in that the core design in the master protocol can be adapted for each candidate based on prior knowledge of the candidate (i.e. population, primary endpoint and sample size can be amended). This information is detailed in each candidate specific trial protocol of the master protocol.Discussion:Few approved treatments for COVID-19 are available such as dexamethasone, remdesivir and tociluzimab in hospitalised patients. The AGILE platform aims to rapidly identify new efficacious and safe treatments to help end the current global COVID-19 pandemic. We currently have three candidate specific trials within this platform study that are open to recruitment. Trial registrations:EudraCT Number: 2020-001860-27 14th March 2020 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04746183ISRCTN reference: 27106947
Association between serum creatinine level within the normal range and bone mineral density in adolescents
Authors: Pan Kaiyu , Yu Haiyan , Zhu Zhongxin
Published: April 2021

Objective: The circulating level of creatinine is a direct, stable indicator of skeletal muscle mass. However, evidence regarding the correlation between serum creatinine (SCre) and bone health is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between SCre level within the normal range and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents.Methods: We analyzed data for 3456 adolescents aged 12-19 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018. Weighted multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the association between SCre and BMD. Weighted generalised additive models and smooth curve fittings were performed to address the nonlinearity of them.Results: After controlling for potential confounding factors, we found that higher SCre levels were associated with higher total BMD in adolescents. This association remained positive in the subgroup analyses stratified by age, gender, or race. Furthermore, this positive association was more prominent in boys than in girls in adolescents aged 12-15 years.Conclusions: These findings indicate that higher SCre levels within the normal range in adolescents aged 12-19 years were associated with higher total BMDs, suggesting that SCre may be a candidate biomarker for bone health in adolescents.