bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implanting melatonin at lambing enhances lamb growth and maintains high fat content in milk
Authors: Abecia José Alfonso , Luis Silvia , Canto Francisco
Published: April 2021

Three experiments were designed to study the effects of melatonin implantation of ewes and lambs after lambing on the growth of lambs and milk quality throughout lactation. In experiment 1, 53 lambs either did (n = 28) or did not (n = 25) receive a subcutaneous 18-mg melatonin implant. In experiment 2, 55 lambs and their mothers either did (lambs: n = 28; ewes: n = 15) or did not (lambs: n = 27; ewes: n = 16) receive a melatonin implant. Milk samples were collected at 15, 30, and 45 d after lambing. In experiment 3, 16 lambs were separated from their mothers 24 h after birth, moved to an artificial rearing unit, and either did (n = 9) or did not (n = 7) receive a melatonin implant. In the three experiments, implants were inserted 24 h after lambing, and lambs were weighed (LW) weekly until weaning. Average daily gains (ADG) from birth to weaning were calculated. Melatonin treatment of lambs did not have a significant effect on LW at weaning or ADG, but lambs reared by implanted ewes in experiment 2 presented higher (P < 0.05) LW (± S.E.M.) at weaning and ADG than did lambs reared by control ewes. At day 45 of lactation, milk fat and total solid content were higher (P < 0.05) in implanted ewes than in control ewes. In conclusion, melatonin treatment of ewes at lambing induced a high growth rate of their lambs and increased the fat content of the milk; however, the direct treatment with melatonin of the lambs at birth did not have an effect in their growth rate.
Distinct Tumor Signatures using Deep Learning-based Characterization of the Peritumoral Microenvironment in Glioblastomas and Brain Metastases
Authors: Samani Zahra Riahi , Parker Drew , Wolf Ronald , Hodges Wes , Brem Steven , Verma Ragini
Published: April 2021

Tumor types are classically distinguished based on biopsies of the tumor itself, as well as a radiological interpretation using diverse MRI modalities. In the current study, the overarching goal is to demonstrate that primary (glioblastomas) and secondary (brain metastases) malignancies can be differentiated based on the microstructure of the peritumoral region. This is achieved by exploiting the extracellular water differences between vasogenic edema and infiltrative tissue and training a convolutional neural network (CNN) on the Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)-derived free water volume fraction map of the peritumoral regions of 54 metastases and 89 glioblastoma patients. We obtained 93% accuracy in discriminating metastases from glioblastomas. This level of accuracy surpasses CNNs trained on other conventional DTI-based measures such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), that have been used in other studies. Additionally, the CNN captures the peritumoral heterogeneity better than conventional texture features, including Gabor and radiomic features. Our results demonstrate that the extracellular water content of the peritumoral tissue, as captured by the free water volume fraction, is best able to characterize the differences between infiltrative and vasogenic peritumoral regions, paving the way for its use in classifying and benchmarking peritumoral tissue with varying degrees of infiltration.
The world-wide waste web
Authors: Estrada Ernesto , Martinez Johann
Published: April 2021

Globally, 7-10 billion tonnes of waste are produced annually1,2, including 300-500 million tonnes of hazardous wastes (HW) --explosive, inflammable, toxic, corrosive, and infective ones3,4. About 10%5 of these HW are traded through a world-wide waste web (W4). The volume of HW traded through the W4 in the last 30 years has grown by 500%6 and will continue to grow7, creating serious legal8, economic6, environmental9 and health10 problems at global scale. Here we investigate the tip of the iceberg of the W4 by
studying networks of 108 categories of wastes traded among 163 countries in the period 2003-2009. Although, most of the HW were traded between developed nations, a disproportionate asymmetry existed in the flow of waste from developed to developing countries. Using a dynamical model we simulate how waste congestion propagates through the W4. We identify 32 countries with poor environmental performance which are at high risk of waste congestion. Therefore, they are a threat of improper
handling and disposal of HW. We found contamination by heavy metals (HM), by volatile organic compounds (VOC) and/or by persistent organic pollutants (POP), which were used as chemical fingerprints (CF) of the improper handling of HW in 94% of these countries.
Multi-Soliton Solutions of the N-Component Nonlinear Schrodinger Equations via Riemann-Hilbert Approach*
Authors: Li Yan , Li Jian , Wang Ruiqi
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we utilize the Riemann-Hilbert approach to discuss multi-soliton solutions of the N-component nonlinear Schrodinger equations. Firstly, by transformed Lax pair, we construct the matrix valued functions P1,2 that satisfy the analyticity and normalization and the corresponding jump matrix can be determined. Then, in the reflectionless case, we get the multi-soliton solutions ql(l = 1, ..., N) of the N-component nonlinear Schrodinger equations, which are related to spectral parameters. Particularly, the 2-soliton solutions q1, q2 and q3 of the three-component nonlinear Schrodinger equations are given and the corresponding 2-soliton diagrams are drawn.
WITHDRAWN: High-performance aqueous sodium-ion/sulfur battery using elemental sulfur
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Thakur Neha , Bordoloi Ankur , Yadav Ashok , Jha Shambhunath , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu , Mandal Debaprasad , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: April 2021

Despite a promising outlook, the large-scale application of aqueous rechargeable sodium-ion batteries (ARSIBs) was impeded due to low-capacity electrode materials. Herein we report a high capacity elemental sulfur-based anode (S@NiVP/Pi-NCS) for aqueous rechargeable sodium ion-sulfur batteries using 70 % of elemental sulfur which deliver an outstanding capacity of 826 mA h/g at 0.5 C with an excellent cycling stability even at 10 C and a negligible capacity decay with 0.03 % sulfur loss per cycle even after 400 cycles. In-situ spectro-electrochemical analysis confirms good anchoring ability of the anode and a faster redox kinetics of polysulfide conversion. The chemical interaction with vanadium provides faster redox kinetics of polysulfide conversion and efficient anchoring as revealed by XPS and was further supported by XANES and EXAFS studies wherein the distortion at the V site and overlapping electronic states in NiVP/Pi catalyst was observed. Further, full cell battery using S@NiVP/Pi-NCS anode and Na0.44MnO2 cathode demonstrates an excellent initial capacity of 705 mA h/g based on S loading and 91.7 mAh/g w.r.t. total electrode weight at 0.5 C with 91 % of capacity retention after 400 cycles and two full cells connected in series able to power LED demonstrate its practical application.
Bottom-up Modular Synthesis of Well-Defined Oligo(arylfuran)s
Authors: Chen Yang , Cao Tongxiang , Zhu Shifa
Published: April 2021

Oligofurans have attracted great attention in the field of materials over the last decades because of their several advantages, such as strong fluorescence, charge delocalization, and increased solubility. Although unsubstituted or alkyl substituted oligofurans have been well-established, there is an increasing demand for the development of the aryl decorated oligofuran with structural diversity and unrevealed properties. Here we report the first example of bottom-up modular construction of chemically and structurally well-defined oligo(arylfuran)s by de novo synthesis of α,β'-bifuran monomers and subsequent coupling reaction. Moreover, a preliminary study of the photophysical properties demonstrated that the polarity-sensitive fluorescence emission (up to 530 nm) and ultra-high Stokes shifts (up to 244 nm) could be achieved by modulating the aryl groups on the oligo(arylfuran)s. These twisted molecules constitute a new class of oligofuran backbone useful for structure−activities relationship studies and appear to be promising fluorophores.
Intraosseous schwannoma of the proximal humarus with pathologic fracture
Authors: Jiang Huajun , Qu Wei , Wu Yuxuan , Yang Jingjing
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Intraosseous schwannomas are extremely rare in the humerus, and less than 5 cases have been reported previously in the literature. This is the first report of its origin in the proximal humerus with pathologic fracture. we herein present this case for discussing the reason for its rarity and sharing our experience of management.Case presentation: A 55-year-old female patient who presented with pain in the right shoulder, which caused by tripping and falling over a board. Radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed considerable tumor in proximal humerus, which connected with a fracture. For this suspected tumor, we performed two operations. Pathological examination demonstrated typical picture of a schwannoma, showing whorls and interlacing fascicles of schwannoma spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry, The tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein, SOX-10 and CD68, while they were completely negative for desmin, DOG-1, AE1/AE3 and P63. The ki-67 index was about 10%. No mitoses or features of malignancy were identified. Finally, a diagnosis of benign schwannoma with focal of actively proliferated cells was made.Methods: The treatment for intraosseous neurilemmomais with pathologic fracture include excisional biopsy, curettage, bone allograft, and fracture fixation.Results: The patient recovered well. After the surgery, the patient gradually regained mobility and pain subsided. There was no recurrence after 6 months follow-up by X-ray.Conclusion: In our case, the tumor with higher CD68 staining were likely to demonstrate that the tumor volume increase is not only based on cell proliferation, but also intratumoral hemorrhage, vascularization, and inflammation, which may be produce rarefaction of the bone and lead to bone fracture after a trivial trauma.
Soil Microbial Functional Diversity Responses to Different Vegetation Types in the Heilongjiang Zhongyangzhan Black-billed Capercaillie Nature Reserve
Authors: Weng Xiaohong , Li Jiayi , sui xin , Li Mengsha , Yin Weiping , Ma Weichao , Yang Libin , Mu Liqiang
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The soil microbial community is an important bioactive component of terrestrial ecosystems. Its structural and functional diversity directly affects carbon and nitrogen processes. This study aimed to investigate the variations in the functional diversity of soil microbial communities in forests with different types of vegetation. Methods: We selected three typical vegetation types, larch (LG), black birch (BD), and larch and black birch mixed (LGBD) forests, located in the Heilongjiang Zhongyangzhan Black-billed Capercaillie Nature Reserve. The Biolog-Eco microplate technology was selected to perform these analyses. Result: Our results showed clear differences between microorganisms in the three typical forests. The average well-colour development (AWCD) change rate gradually increased with incubation time. The BD type had the highest AWCD value, followed by LGBD; the LG forest type had the lowest value. The difference in the soil microbial alpha diversity index between BD and LG was significant. A principal component analysis showed that PC1 and PC2 respectively explained 62.77% and 13.3% of the variance observed. The differences in the soil microbial carbon-source utilization patterns under different vegetation types were mainly caused by esters and carbohydrates. Redundancy analysis showed that soil microbial functional diversity was strongly affected by soil physicochemistrical properties (e.g. organic carbon, total nitrogen, and pH). Conclusion: These results provide a reference for further exploring the relationship between forest communities and soil microbes during the process of forest succession.
Root Responses To Neighbors Depend On Neighbor Identity And Resource Distribution
Authors: Rajaniemi Tara K. , Garlick Kelsey , Drew Robert E.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: In a complex soil environment, competitive and environmental factors will interact with individual traits to influence a plant’s root growth patterns and ability to compete for resources. Here, we examine how root growth of a focal plant, Plantago lanceolata L., responds to resource heterogeneity and to presence of two neighbor species, Centaurea jacea L.and Poa pratensis L. Methods: A full factorial experiment tested the effects of nutrient heterogeneity, neighbors, and their interaction on root responses of Plantago. Roots in shared quadrants of a pot were harvested and quantified by qPCR for plants grown alone or with a neighbor, in patchy or even soil. The effects of experimental treatments on Plantago root mass distribution were tested with two-way ANOVA. Results: When soil resources were evenly distributed, Plantago individuals increased root allocation to soil shared with a Centaurea neighbor but not a Poa neighbor. When soil resources were patchy, Plantago responded more strongly to Poa than to Centuarea, and placed more roots in the high-resource patch. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that plants can respond differently to neighbors depending on species and that integrating multiple cues results in non-additive effects on root behavior.
Research on TD-LTE Wireless Communication Network Propagation Model Optimization and Visual Simulation Based on GIS
Authors: Li Tongyan , Hua Shuchun , Kang Le , Chang Sheng-Hung
Published: April 2021

With the support of GIS spatial analysis technology, based on an in-depth study of the wireless propagation environment of a city, combined with the analysis of project requirements, it proposes to use the SPM model to correct the propagation model parameters, using SPM The wireless propagation model, and research and analysis of the SPM wireless propagation model correction algorithm, further corrected the parameters of a city's SPM wireless propagation model. On this basis, the propagation loss of several classic propagation models in different environments are compared, and the SPM propagation model suitable for the signal frequency band and propagation environment of this study is selected. The correction of the SPM propagation model is based on the designed correction principle and correction process, that is, the weighted least square method is used to fit and analyze the measured level data to obtain an SPM prediction improvement model with local characteristics, and according to the designed verification link Evaluation of the correction results shows that the accuracy requirements are met. Based on the corrected SPM prediction model, link loss calculations were performed on the 13 test base stations studied in the experiment, and the effective coverage radius of each base station community was obtained. In combination with GIS technology, model parameters and workers of each base station participated in the electronic map loading of the area Go to the network planning software to get the wireless signal coverage prediction map of each base station. Finally, according to the technical requirements of the TD-LTE system network planning and network optimization engineering, the objectiveness and rationality of the site selection and number of base stations in the area were verified, and specific problems regarding poor coverage and overlapping coverage in the area were proposed.
Effects of Vegetation Restoration On Soil Carbon Dynamics In Karst And Non-Karst Regions: A Synthesis of Multi-Source Data
Authors: Zhu Xiaocong , Ma Mingguo , Tateno Ryunosuke , He Xinhua , (S85) Weiyu Shi
Published: April 2021

Backgrounds A large-scale ecological restoration project has been initiated since 1990s in southwest China, which is one of the largest areas of rocky desertification globally. However, the different influences and potential mechanisms of vegetation restoration on soil carbon(C) sequestration in karst and non-karst regions are still unclear. Methods Based on field investigation and multi-source data synthesis, the mechanisms of soil C sequestration were investigated to determine the most important variables affecting the rate of soil C change (Rs) in southwest China. Results Our results show significant differences in soil C sequestration between karst and non-karst regions with faster and longer C sequestration in karst regions, where Rs was approximately 31 % higher than in non-karst soils. And temperatures could be the primary factor inhibiting soil C sequestration without precipitation. The total effect of nitrogen (N) on Rs was positive in both karst and non-karst regions. Conclusions Phosphorus was the dominant factor limiting the use of N in karst regions and then resulting in limitation of C sequestration. The results indicated that soil C storage could be led to intensify uneven increases due to combination of karst environment and climate change in southwest China in future.
Spatiotemporal Evolution Analysis of NO 2 Column Density before and after COVID-19 Pandemic in Henan Province Based on SI-APSTE Model
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Jinhuan , Song Kunlin , Cheng Cheng , Li Shenshen , Cai Kun
Published: April 2021

Air pollution is the result of comprehensive evolution of a dynamic and complex system composed of emission sources, topography, meteorology and other environmental factors. The establishment of spatiotemporal evolution model is of great significance for the study of air pollution mechanism, trend prediction, identification of pollution sources and pollution control. In this paper, the air pollution system is described based on cellular automata and restricted agents, and a Swarm Intelligence based Air Pollution SpatioTemporal Evolution (SI-APSTE) model is constructed. Then the spatiotemporal evolution analysis method of air pollution is studied. Taking Henan Province before and after COVID-19 pandemic as an example, the NO2 products of TROPOMI and OMI were analysed based on SI-APSTE model. The tropospheric NO2 Vertical Column Densities (VCDs) distribution characteristics of spatiotemporal variation of Henan province before COVID-19 pandemic were studied. Then the tropospheric NO2 VCDs of TROPOMI was used to study the pandemic period, month-on-month and year-on-year in 18 urban areas of Henan Province. The results show that SI-APSTE model can effectively analyse the spatiotemporal evolution of air pollution by using environmental big data and swarm intelligence, and also can establish a theoretical basis for pollution source identification and trend prediction.
Anatomic Subsites and Prognosis of Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A SEER Population-based 1:1 Propensity-matched Study
Authors: Xie Yangyang , Song Xue , Jin Haimin , Ni Zhongkai , Li Xiaowen , Huang Shifei , Yan Lin , Lin Da , Huang Hai
Published: April 2021

Background: The dismal prognosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) is a global problem. The current study is conducted to comprehensively evaluate clinicopathological features and survival outcomes in GSRC patients stratified by anatomic subsites. Then predictive nomograms are constructed and validated to improve the effectiveness of personalized management.Method: The patients diagnosed with GSRC were recruited from the online SEER database. The influence of anatomic subsites on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was evaluated using multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Then we employed propensity score matching (PSM) technique to decrease selection bias and balance patients’ epidemiological factors. Predictive nomograms were constructed and validated.Results: Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that the patients with overlapping gastric cancer (OGC) suffered the highest mortality risk for OS (HR, 1.29; 95%CI, 1.23-1.36; P<0.001) and CSS (HR, 1.33; 95%CI, 1.28-1.37; P<0.001). Age, TNM stage, tumor localization, tumor size, surgery and chemotherapy presented a highly significant relationship with OS and CSS. Following subgroup and PSM analysis, OGC patients were confirmed to have the worst OS and CSS. Then nomograms predicting 6 months, 12 months and 36 months OS and CSS were constructed. The calibration curves and reveiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated the great performance of the nomograms.Conclusion: We identified anatomic subsites as a predictor of survival in those with GSRC. Patients with OGC suffered the highest mortality risk. The proposed nomograms allowed a relatively accurate survival prediction for GSRC patients.
Differential transcriptomic landscapes of multiple organs from SARS-CoV-2 early infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Yang Yun-Gui , Gao Chun-Chun , Li Man , Deng Wei , Chen Yusheng , Sun Yong-Qiao , Li Wen-Jie , Zhang Bing , Zhao Yongliang , Sun Lihong , Li Fengli , Qi Feifei , Qu Yajin , Liu Jiangning , Wang Peng , Niu Yamei , Liang Zhiyong , Huang Bo , Yang Ying , Qin Chuan , Tong Wei-Min
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes complicated clinic manifestations with variable multi-organ injuries, however, the underlying mechanism, in particular immune responses in different organs, remains elusive. In this study, comprehensive transcriptomic alterations of 14 tissues from rhesus macaque infected with SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed. Compared to normal controls, SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in dysregulation of genes involving diverse functions in various tissues/organs examined, with drastic transcriptomic changes in cerebral cortex and right ventricle. Intriguingly, cerebral cortex exhibited a hyperinflammatory state evidenced by significant upregulation of inflammation response-related genes. Meanwhile, expressions of coagulation, angiogenesis and fibrosis factors were also up-regulated in cerebral cortex. Neuronal receptor NRP1 expression showed a significant induction by SARS-CoV-2 in cerebral cortex, which might be responsible for a higher infectivity and consequent inflammatory response. Overall, our study depicts a multi-tissue/organ transcriptomic landscapes of rhesus macaque with early infection of SARS-CoV-2, and provides important insights into the mechanistic basis for COVID-19-associated clinical complications.
Lactobacillus Paracasei R3 Protects Against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis in Mice via Regulating Th17/Treg Cell Balance
Authors: Huang Juan , Yang Ziyan , Li Yanyun , Chai Xingxing , Liang Yanfang , Lin Bihua , Ye Ziyu , Zhang Shaobing , Che Zhengping , Zhang Hailiang , Zhang Xueying , Zhang Zhao , Chen Tao , Yang Weiqing , Zeng Jincheng
Published: April 2021

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), mainly comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease, are most often a polygenic disorder with contributions from the intestinal microbiome, defects in barrier function, and dysregulated host responses to microbial stimulation. Strategies that target the microbiota have emerged as potential therapies and, of these, probiotics have gained the greatest attention. Herein, we isolated a strain of Lactobacillus paracasei R3 (L.p R3) with strong biofilm formation ability from infant feces. Interestingly, we also found L.p R3 strain can ameliorate the general symptoms of murine colitis, alleviate inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibit Th17 while promote Treg function in murine DSS-induced colitis. Overall, this study suggested that L.p R3 strain significantly improves the symptoms and the pathological damage of mice with colitis and influences the immune function by regulating Th17/Treg cell balance in DSS-induced colitis in mice.
Clinical and Histopathological Features of Diffuse Infiltrating Retinoblastoma in Chinese Children
Authors: Zhang YaNan , Chang Ying , Li Bin , Xu Xiaolin , Zhang Xu
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma underwent primary enucleation from Chinese children. Methods: It was a hospital-based retrospective study that included all eyes with retinoblastomas consecutively enucleated in the Beijing Tongren Hospital between October 2005 and October 2019. Further studies were carried out in patients diagnosed by clinicians and pathologists as diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma. Results: Out of 1,911 patients, 37 eyes of 37 patients (2%) were classified as diffuse infiltrating type and treated with primary enucleation. The tumors were detected at a mean age of 47 months (range: 6–108 months). There were two (5%) patients with binocular tumors and one (3%) patient with a positive family history. Anterior chamber fine needle aspiration biopsy was obtained in 5 cases for diagnostic purpose. In 11 patients (30%), the retinoblastoma had not initially been diagnosed as a tumor. The most common symptoms found on ophthalmic examination were conjunctiva injection (n=17;46%) of anterior segment and vitreous seeds (n=23; 62%) of posterior segment. 12 of 37 tumors measured by imaging examination and cross-section showed the average height was 7mm and average width was 10mm. The minimum tumor diameter was just 3mm. Histopathology revealed tumor invasion into optic nerve (n=26; 70%), iris (n=14; 38%), ciliary body (n=12; 32%), massive choroid (n=2;5%) and iris neovascularization (n=24; 65%). Histopathologic risk factors (HRF) were detected in 26 eyes. Anterior chamber fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), cornea endothelium with tumor seeds, anterior chamber free-floating tumor seeds, or pseudohypopyon might contribute to a higher rate of histopathological risk factors. Conclusions: Diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma was usually masqueraded as endophthalmitis. Therefore, it should always be considered as a differential diagnosis in intraocular inflammation. Considering the so small diameter of the tumor, it should be examined carefully. Anterior chamber fine needle aspiration biopsy should be used with caution.
Evolution of GERD symptoms after bariatric surgery: A dose- response meta-analysis
Authors: Elzouki Abdelnaser , Waheed Muhammad-Aamir , Suwileh Salah , Swehli Hisham , Alhitmi Maryam , Saad Mona , Habas Elmukhtar , Doi Suhail A. , Danjuma Mohammed
Published: April 2021

Importance Obesity is associated with increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); with recent reports suggesting improvement in GERD symptoms and weight loss following bariatric surgical intervention. However, the exact impact of the type of bariatric surgery on the evolution of GERD symptoms have remained unexamined. Objective To characterize the exact evolution of GERD symptoms, post bariatric surgery.Data sources We systematically searched electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception to December 2018) for eligible studies that satisfy pre-specified inclusion criteria. Study selection We included clinical trials of all designs (prospective and retrospective) that reported on GERD outcomes following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.Main outcomes Symptomatic improvement in GERD symptoms following bariatric surgery Results A total of 39 studies were analyzed and a robust-error meta-regression model was used to conduct a Dose-Response Meta-Analysis (DRMA) synthesizing data on 39 studies that reported GERD outcomes after bariatric surgery. Out of 43,994 patients who underwent either LSG (N = 9,547 patients) or LRYGB (N = 34,447 patients), 32.4% experienced improvement in symptoms (95% CI 20.62 to 45.45); The DRMA demonstrated a window period of two years for sustained improvement after which symptoms began to recur in those that were asymptomatic. Conclusion and relevance Bariatric surgery may improve GERD symptoms in obese patients who underwent LSG, however, the most favorable effect is likely to be found after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The effects were not sustained and returned to baseline within 4 years.
Early High-Dose Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration Alleviates the Alterations of Cd4+ T Lymphocyte Subsets in Septic Patients Combined With Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Jin Beibei , Cao Da , Yang Ning , Wang Ling , Li Ruifang , Liu Xiumei , Gong Ping
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to observe the changes in CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets in septic patients combined with acute kidney injury and the effect of early high-dose CVVH on CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets. MethodsEnrolled septic patients combined with acute kidney injury were randomly divided into CVVH (n = 50) and conventional treatment (non-CVVH, n = 53) groups. Healthy volunteers (n = 21) were enrolled. CVVH was initiated within 12 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission with the doses of 35 ~ 60 mL/kg/h and maintained for at least 72 h. Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg were measured by flow cytometry on days 1, 3 and 7 of ICU admission. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated. ResultsTh1 percentages and Th1/Th2 ratios were lower, and Th2, Th17 and Treg percentages and Th17/Treg ratios were higher in patients with sepsis, when compared to healthy volunteers (all P < 0.05). Early high-dose CVVH treatment significantly increased Th1 percentages and Th1/Th2 ratios, and significantly decreased Th2, Th17 and Treg percentages and Th17/Treg ratios, when compared to non-CVVH treatment (all P < 0.05). Th1 percentages and Th1/Th2 ratios were negatively correlated with SOFA scores, while Th2, Th17 and Treg percentages and Th17/Treg ratios were positively correlated with SOFA scores (all P < 0.05). Patients with sepsis in the CVVH group had significantly lower SOFA scores on day 7 of ICU admission and a shorter ICU stay when compared to those in the non-CVVH group (P < 0.05). However, the difference in 28-day mortality was not significant between the CVVH and non-CVVH groups (22.0% vs. 37.7%, P = 0.104).ConclusionSeptic patients combined with acute kidney injury exhibit the different alterations of CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets. Early high-dose CVVH treatment could alleviate the alterations, which may be one of factors associated with the improvement of sepsis severity, but do not significantly decrease the 28-day mortality.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and associated risk factors in an urban district of Cameroon
Authors: Nwosu Kenechukwu , Fokam Joseph , Wanda Franck , Mama Lucien , Orel Erol , Ray Nicolas , Meke Jeanine , Tassegning Armel , Takou Desire , Mimbe Eric , Stoll Beat , Guillebert Josselin , Comte Eric , Keiser Olivia , Ciaffi Laura
Published: April 2021

The extent of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in many African countries remains unclear, underlining the need for antibody sero-surveys to assess the cumulative attack rate. Here, we present the results of a cross-sectional sero-survey of a random sample of residents of a health district in Yaoundé, Cameroon, conducted from October 14 to November 26, 2020. Among the 971 participants, the test-adjusted seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 29·2% (95%CI 24·3–34·1). This is about 323 times greater than the 0.09% nationwide attack rate implied by COVID-19 case counts at the time. Men, obese individuals and those living in large households were significantly more likely to be seropositive, and the majority (64·2% [58·7–69·4]) of seropositive individuals reported no symptoms. Despite the high seroprevalence, most of the population had not been infected with SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the importance of continued measures to control viral spread and quick vaccine deployment to protect the vulnerable.
Interference-free tool path generation for the robotic polishing of blisks
Authors: Wang Yuanming , Yang Jixiang , Li Dingwei , Ding Han
Published: April 2021

In the robotic polishing process, the tool and the blisk interfere easily because of the narrow operation space and seriously twisted curved surfaces. Algorithms are proposed to detect and avoid collisions with high efficiency and accuracy. First, the curved surface of the blade is discretized into a set of points, and the collision detection between the tool and the blisk is converted into the calculation of distances between the tool and points on blade surface. Then, the tool axial vector is adjusted with the minimum rotation angle to avoid collision, which reduces the impact on surface profile accuracy after changing the tool postures. The machining quality is finally guaranteed by con-trolling the material removal depth of the polishing process. The proposed method realizes the collision detection and interference avoidance of the blisk polishing effectively, while it also ensures the surface quality of workpiece when adjusting the tool posture. Simulation and experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility and advantages of the proposed method.
Variability Analysis of Graded Channel Dual Material-double Gate Strained-silicon MOSFET With fixed Charges
Authors: Suddapalli Subba Rao , Nistala Bheema Rao
Published: April 2021

In this paper, variability analysis of graded channel dual material (GCDM) double gate (DG) strained-silicon (s-Si) MOSFET with fixed charges is analyzed with the help of Sentaurus TCAD. By varying the different device parameters, the variability analysis of the proposed GCDM-DG s-Si MOSFET is performed with respect to variations in threshold voltage and drain current as the line edge roughness and fluctuations in random dopant, contact resistance, and oxide thickness are considered. The results confirm that the effect of process variations is severe when the device has fixed charges at oxide interface. Moreover, the proposed GCDM-DG s-Si p-MOSFET has less vulnerable to the effects of line edge roughness, fluctuations in oxide thickness and random dopants in comparison with the proposed GCDM-DG s-Si n-MOSFET.
Real time video image processing with Kerr microcombs
Authors: Tan Mengxi , Xu Xingyuan , Boes Andreas , Corcoran Bill , Wu Jiayang , Nguyen Thach G. , Chu Sai T. , Little Brent E. , Morandotti Roberto , Lowery Arthur J. , Mitchell Arnan , MOSS DAVID
Published: April 2021

Advanced image processing will be crucial for emerging technologies such as autonomous driving, where the requirement to quickly recognize and classify objects under rapidly changing, poor visibility environments in real time will be needed. Photonic technologies will be key for next-generation signal and information processing, due to their wide bandwidths of 10’s of Terahertz and versatility. Here, we demonstrate broadband real time analog image and video processing with an ultrahigh bandwidth photonic processor that is highly versatile and reconfigurable. It is capable of massively parallel processing over 10,000 video signals simultaneously in real time, performing key functions needed for object recognition, such as edge enhancement and detection. Our system, based on a soliton crystal Kerr optical micro-comb with a 49GHz spacing with >90 wavelengths in the C-band, is highly versatile, performing different functions without changing the physical hardware. These results highlight the potential for photonic processing based on Kerr microcombs for chip-scale fully programmable high-speed real time video processing for next generation technologies.
Re-Sequencing and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal Differences in Nitrite Reductase in Jujube Fruit (Ziziphus Jujube)
Authors: Li Na , Song Yuqin , Li Jie , Hao Ruijie , Feng Xinxin , Li Liulin
Published: April 2021

BackgroundJujube is one of the characteristic fruit tree species in China. ‘Linhuang No. 1’, a cracking-resistant cultivar, and ‘Muzao’, a cracking-susceptible cultivar, were selected as materials by previous study. Whole-genome re-sequencing and transcriptome of ‘Linhuang No. 1’ and ‘Muzao’ allow the screening out of differently expressed genes with different gene structures between them. It could be helpful in explaining divergence/similarity between the two cultivars. ResultsThere are 664,129 mutation sites between ‘Linhuang No. 1’ and ‘Muzao’ by re-sequencing. To determine the genetic relationship of ‘Linhuang 1’, ‘Muzao’ and reference genome ‘Dongzao’, the characteristic mutation sites were analyzed by principal component analysis. The genetic relationship between ‘Linhuang No. 1’ and ‘Muzao’ was closer than that with ‘Dongzao’. 19 differentially expressed genes were screened by combining the transcriptomics with re-sequencing analysis. LOC107427052 (encoding nitrite reductase) was determined by KEGG enrichment analysis for further study. The large base insertion was not in the domain region of the LOC107427052 gene CDS region. As verified by the finding that the base insertion did not affect protein translation. LOC107427052 gene expression levels, the nitrite reductase activities and the nitrite content of ‘Muzao’ were significantly higher than those of ‘Linhuang No. 1’ at young fruit stage. There was no significant difference in the product ammonia of nitrite reductase between the two varieties. ConclusionsOur study has laid a foundation for the analysis of genetic information and the comparative nitrite metabolism of ‘Linhuang No. 1’ and ‘Muzao’.
First Molecular Characterization of Poxviruses in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Botswana
Authors: Modise Boitumelo Magret , Settypalli Tirumala Bharani Kumar , Kgotlele Tebogo , Xue Dingrong , Ntesang Kebonyemodisa , Kumile Kago , Naletoski Ivancho , Nyange John Frederick , Thanda Carter , Macheng Kenny Nametso , Marobela-Raborokgwe Chandapiwa , Viljoen Gerrit Johannes , Cattoli Giovanni , Lamien Charles Euloge
Published: April 2021

BackgroundPoxviruses within the Capripoxvirus, Orthopoxvirus, and Parapoxvirus genera can infect livestock, with the two former presenting also zoonotic importance. In addition, they induce similar clinical symptoms in common host species, creating a challenge for diagnosis. Although endemic in the country, poxvirus infections of small ruminants and cattle have received little attention in Botswana, and there was no prior attempt of using molecular tools to diagnose the diseases and characterize the pathogens.MethodsA high-resolution melting (HRM) assay was used to detect and differentiate poxviruses in samples from four cattle (from Mahalapye, Kasane, and Molepolole), one sheep (from Jwaneng), and one goat (from Kasane). Molecular characterization of capripoxviruses and parapoxviruses was undertaken by sequence analysis of RPO30 and GPCR genes.ResultsThe HRM assay revealed lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) in three cattle samples, pseudocowpox virus (PCPV) in one cattle sample, and orf virus (ORFV) in one goat and one sheep sample. The phylogenetic analyses, based on the RPO30 and GPCR, and the inspection of the multiple sequence alignments showed that the LSDV sequences of Botswana were more like those of common LSDV field isolates encountered in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Botswana PCPV presented unique features and clustered between camel isolates and cattle isolates of the PCPV group. The Botswana ORFV from goat differed from the ORFV collected in sheep.ConclusionsThis study is the first report on the genetic characterization of pox virus diseases circulating in cattle, goats, and sheep in Botswana. It shows the importance of molecular methods to differentially diagnose pox virus diseases of ruminants.
Highly Sensitive Tri-Path Photonic Crystal Fiber Plasmonic Sensor Based on Hybrid Layer of Gold / Platinum Diselenide
Authors: Dhinakaran Vijayalakshmi , Manimegalai C.T. , Ayyanar Natesan , Nguyen Truong Khang , Kalimuthu K.
Published: April 2021

Platinum Diselenide, PtSe2 is becoming highly trending owing to its fascinating optoelectronic, thermoelectric and semiconductor properties. They are non-toxic, chemically inert and allow high biomolecule absorption which makes them highly applicable in sensors to boost the sensing performance. Here, we propose Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) based Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) sensor for enhanced refractive index sensing at mid infrared wavelengths. In order to achieve this, tri-path PCF coated with hybrid layer of gold/PtSe2 which allows light to travel freely through the cladding and interact with the plasmonic material to create strong coupling effect. Finite Element Method is used for numerical examination and investigation of the sensing performance for the designed tri-path sensor. The optimized proposed sensor exhibits maximum wavelength sensitivity of 42,000 nm/RIU and maximum wavelength resolution of 2.4 x 10-6 within the analyte range from 1.33 to 1.38, which almost covers the unknown analytes of chemical, bio and gas. Further, we achieve very low loss and unique design to accomplish high sensitivity which makes it applicable to be a future candidate in various sensing applications.
A brief overview of clinical significance of blood group antibodies
Authors: Gandhi M.J. , Strong D.M. , Whitaker B.I. , Petrisli E.
Published: April 2021

This review was derived from a presentation made on September 2, 2016 for the first Academy Day presented by the Working Party on Immunohematology at the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress in Dubai. The focus of this review is to provide a brief overview of the clinical significance of blood group antibodies. Blood group antibodies can be naturally occurring (e.g., anti-A and anti-B through exposure to naturally occurring red blood cell [RBC] antigen-like substances) or can occur via exposure to foreign (donor) RBC antigens through previous transfusions, transplants, or exposure to fetal RBCs during or after pregnancy. However, not all blood group antibodies are clinically significant. Clinically significant blood group antibodies can cause adverse events after blood component transfusion or transplantation and/or can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.
Immunohematology

2018;34:4–6.
Management of pregnancy sensitized with anti-Inb maternal blood donation
Authors: Shree R. , Ma K.K. , Er L.S. , Delaney M.
Published: April 2021

Maternal red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Although much is described about common antibodies associated with HDFN, management of a pregnancy complicated by a maternal rare antibody presents several challenges related to assessment of fetal anemia risk, availability of blood for transfusion to the mother and/or the fetus or newborn if needed, and planning for delivery in the case of maternal hemorrhage. Here we report the laboratory medicine workup of a patient who presented for obstetrical care in the United States in the third trimester and had a rare antibody (anti-Inb). Prenatal antibody detection testing demonstrated maternal anti-Inb in a 28-year-old woman (gravida 4 para 1021). Ultrasound could not rule out fetal anemia. Monocyte monolayer assay was performed to assess for the clinical significance of the anti-Inb and revealed that the antibody may be capable of causing accelerated clearance of antigen-positive RBCs. A local and national query revealed that no appropriate units of RBCs were available for either the mother or neonate. Given this information, serial maternal autologous blood donations were performed, and a comprehensive care plan with a multidisciplinary approach for delivery, neonatal management, and preparation for hemorrhage was developed. Published data and our experience suggest that maternal blood donation appears to be a safe and effective way to manage mothers who cannot safely use the community blood supply. Involvement of obstetric, transfusion medicine, anesthesia, and neonatology providers was imperative for a favorable outcome. The antibody did not cause clinically significant anemia in this infant.
Immunohematology

2018;34:7–10.
A review of in vitro methods to predict the clinical significance of red blood cell alloantibodies
Authors: Nance S.J.
Published: April 2021

This review was derived from a presentation made on September 2, 2016, for the first Academy Day presented by the Working Party on Immunohematology at the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress in Dubai. The focus of this review is on the clinical significance of alloimmunization in transfusion—specifically, the parameters that contribute to a clinically significant alloantibody. The areas of focus were as follows: Introduction, Technical Aspects, and Indications and Limitations. Each section contains a brief review of selected literature and experiential knowledge. Case reports are needed to collect data on current outcomes of incompatible transfusion. The ISBT Working Party on Rare Donors has developed a form to capture case-specific information.
Immunohematology

2018;34:11–15.
Clinical significance of antibodies to antigens in the International Society of Blood Transfusion collections, 700 series of low-incidence antigens, and 901 series of high-incidence antigens
Authors: Lomas-Francis C.
Published: April 2021

This article reviews information regarding the clinical significance of antibodies to antigens in the blood group collections, the 700 series of low-incidence antigens, and the 901 series of high-incidence antigens. Antibodies to many of the antigens in these groups are rarely encountered, meaning that available information is limited. For a few, the clinical significance— the potential to cause reduced survival of transfused antigen-positive red blood cells, a hemolytic transfusion reaction (e.g., anti-AnWj, anti-Emm), or hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (e.g., anti-Kg, anti-HJK)—has been documented. Many other specificities have so far been benign (e.g., anti-Csa, anti-M1).
Immunohematology

2018;34:39–45.
Adsorption of cold agglutinins with rabbit red blood cells
Authors: Cobaugh A.
Published: April 2021

Cold-reactive autoagglutinins may mask the presence of underlying clinically significant alloantibodies. Adsorption with rabbit red blood cells (RBCs) or stroma can remove cold autoagglutinins found in the patient’s plasma/serum that are directed towards antigens expressed on the surface of rabbit RBCs. By removing these cold autoagglutinins, it is then possible to determine whether any underlying alloantibody reactivity is present. Although this method may also unintentionally adsorb alloantibodies directed towards antigens found on rabbit RBCs, it is still a widely used and convenient method to remove cold autoagglutinins.
Immunohematology

2018;34:46–48.
Low-ionic-strength saline solution–antiglobulin test (LISS-AGT)
Authors: Walker L.
Published: April 2021

The use of low-ionic-strength saline (LISS) solution as an enhancement for antibody screening and crossmatching was first described by Löw and Messeter in 1974. This method allowed for a reduced incubation time while maintaining adequate specificity and sensitivity of the antiglobulin test (AGT). Since then, the LISS-AGT tube method has been widely used in antibody detection and identification, as well as compatibility testing. As initially described, the method used red blood cells suspended in LISS. Modifications of the method led to development of the commercially prepared LISS additive solutions in use today. The LISS-AGT can be used effectively to detect alloantibodies of all major blood groups in antibody detection, antibody identification, and crossmatching procedures.
Immunohematology

2018; 34:57–60.