bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of Topical Use of a Thrombin-based Hemostatic Matrix and Tranexamic Acid Does Not Have a Synergic Effect on Reducing Postoperative Blood Loss in Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Yen Shih-Hsiang , Lin Po-Chun , Wang Jun-Wen
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThere is limited information regarding the blood-conservation effect of combined topical tranexamic acid (TXA) and thrombin-based hemostatic matrix (TBHM) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study is to evaluate whether there is synergic effect of combined use of TXA and TBHM to reduce blood loss during TKA.Material and MethodsSixty-nine patients (69 knees) who underwent primary TKA were randomly assigned into a TXA group (n = 34), who received intra-articular administration of 3g of TXA in 60mL saline, and a TXA + TBHM group (n = 35), who received intra-articular TBHM and TXA (3g) in 60mL saline after TKA. The primary outcomes were total blood loss (TBL) and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level. Secondary outcomes included the transfusion rate and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE).ResultsThe mean TBL in the TXA + TBHM group was 678 ± 203mL , which was similar to that in the TXA only group at 733 ± 217mL (p= 0.276). There were no differences in the postoperative Hb level between the two groups. The transfusion rate was similar in the TXA + TBHM group and the TXA only group (2.9% versus 0%, p= 0.242). No patients in either group developed VTE within 3 months.ConclusionsOur prospective randomized controlled study did not show a synergic blood-conservation effect of combined use of topical TBHM and TXA in patients undergoing TKA. Further investigation with a larger sample size may be required.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03328832. Registered Oct 30 2017, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT03328832?order=1
Stability and feasibility of measurement of lung-to-finger circulation time by simple breath holdings in heart failure patients
Authors: Tobushi Tomoyuki , Takatoshi Kasai , Hirose Masayuki , Sakai Kazuhiro , Akamatsu Manabu , Ohsawa Chizuru , Yoshioka Yasuko , Suda Shoko , Shiroshita Nanako , Nakamura Ryo , Kadokami Toshiaki , Tohyama Takeshi , Funakoshi Kouta , Hosokawa Kazuya , Ando Shin-ichi
Published: March 2021

Lung to finger circulation time (LFCT) has been used to estimate cardiac function. We developed a new LFCT measurement device using a laser sensor at fingertip. We measured LFCT by measuring time from re-breathing after 20 seconds of breath hold to the nadir of the difference of transmitted red light and infrared light, which corresponds to percutaneous oxygen saturation. Fifty patients with heart failure were enrolled. The intrasubject stability of the measurement was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The ICC calculated from 44 cases was 0.85 (95% confidence interval:0.77-0.91), which means to have “Excellent reliability.” By measuring twice, at least one clear LFCT value was obtained in 89.1% of patients and the overall measurability was 95.7%. We conducted all LFCT measurements safely. High ICCs were obtained even after dividing patients according to age, cardiac index (CI), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification; 0.85 and 0.84 (≥ 75 or < 75 years group, respectively), 0.81 and 0.84 (N=28, ≥ or < 2.2 L/min/M2), 0.82 and 0.94 (NYHA Class I-II or Class III). These results show that our new method to measure LFCT is highly stable and feasible for any type of heart failure patients.
Clinical and prognostic features of patients with detailed RAS/BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer in Japan
Authors: Ikoma Tatsuki , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Kotaka Masahito , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Nagai Hiroki , Boku Shogen , Shibata Nobuhiro , Yasui Hisateru , Satake Hironaga
Published: March 2021

Background: RAS/BRAF V600E mutations are the most remarkable oncogenic driver mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) and play an important role in treatment selection. No data are available regarding the clinical and prognostic features of patients with detailed RAS/BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic CRC (mCRC) in Japan.Methods: Chemotherapy-naïve patients with mCRC were included in this study between August 2018 and July 2019. Tumor samples were collected, and RAS/BRAFV600E status was investigated. RAS/BRAFV600E status was examined using a MEBGEN RASKET-B kit and polymerase chain reaction reverse sequence-specific oligonucleotide method.Results: RAS/BRAF V600E mutations were detected in 54% of cases (KRAS codon 12 = 26%; KRAS codon 13 = 11%; minor RAS [non-KRAS codon 12 and non-KRAS codon 13] = 10%; and BRAFV600E = 7%). BRAFV600E-mutant CRC mainly existed in the right colon, whereas minor RAS-mutant CRC was predominantly present in the left colon. Minor RAS-mutant CRC was associated with shorter survival time than RAS wild-type CRC (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92–6.57; p = 0.073) and significantly shorter overall survival than major RAS-mutant CRC (HR = 4.77; 95% CI = 1.44–15.77; p = 0.010). The KRAS codon 12 mutant group showed significantly longer overall survival than the minor RAS mutant groups (HR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.01–0.47; p < 0.00) and had extended progression-free survival compared with the codon 13 group.Conclusions: In our multicenter study, the findings elucidated the clinical and prognostic features of patients with detailed RAS/BRAFV600E-mutant mCRC in Japan.
Lipoamino Acid-Modified GnRH Analogs with Receptor-Mediated Antiproliferative Activity in Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Varamini Pegah , Dhiman Kimmi , Khazeni Sepideh , Mansfeld Frieda , Toth Istvan
Published: March 2021

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs (e.g., triptorelin) are developed to treat hormone-dependent reproductive cancers. However, these analogs lack any significant direct antitumor activity to make them suitable for hormone-refractory reproductive cancers. In this study, we modified GnRH peptide and triptorelin to improve their stability, pharmacokinetic properties, and potency and subsequently broaden their clinical applications in cancer. We investigated biological properties of lipid-modified GnRH analogs, with/without D-amino acid substitution at position 6 to yield GnRH- and triptorelin-based derivatives, respectively, in prostate and ovarian cancer cells. We showed that the improved stability due to lipid-modification and D-amino acid substitution played a pivotal role in enhancing GnRH receptor-mediated direct antiproliferative activity (up to 4.5-fold higher than triptorelin) and gonadotropin-releasing potency. Furthermore, sex steroids played significant but contrasting roles in regulating the direct antiproliferative activity of the lipopeptides in cancer cells. The superior activity of these GnRH analogs over triptorelin renders promises for developing new GnRH receptor ligands to treat hormone-dependent and -refractory cancers, as well as emerging new targeting moieties for the delivery of anticancer agents in GnRH receptor-overexpressing cancers.
A Novel Anatomical Self-locking Plate Fixation for Both-column Acetabular Fractures: - Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Li Ming , Xu Ding , Zhang Yong , Chen Bo , Li Haiyang , Wang Shuaiyi
Published: March 2021

Background: Both-column acetabular fractures often require multiple plates for fixation, and the risk of internal implant failure is high. The author designed a posterior anatomic self-locking plate (PASP) to avoid the shortcomings. The stability of PASP was compared with two popular reconstruction plate fixation methods, and the influence of sitting, turning right and left on implants were explored. Methods: PASP, double reconstruction plate (DRP), and cross reconstruction plate (CRP) were assembled on the finite element model of both-column fractures of the left acetabulum. A load of 600N and a torque of 8N·m were loaded on the S1 vertebral body to detect stress and displacement changes when sitting, turning right and left. Results: The peak stress and displacement of three types of fixation methods on the left both-column fractures under three types of movements were CRP > DRP > PASP. PASP has the minimal value when turning left. The maximum peak of stress and displacement of PASP are 313.5 MPa and 1.15 mm respectively when turning right. Conclusion: PASP can provide higher stability than two reconstruction plates for both-column acetabular fractures. The rational movement after posterior DRP and PASP fixation for acetabular fracture is to turn to the ipsilateral side, which can avoid implant failure.
Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Smart Virtual Assistant in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC): a proof of concept
Authors: Macchia Gabriella , Ferrandina Maria Gabriella , Patarnello Stefano , Autorino Rosa , Masciocchi Carlotta , Pisapia Vincenzo , Calvani Cristina , Iacomini Chiara , Cesario Alfredo , Boldrini Luca , Gui Benedetta , Rufini Vittoria , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Scambia Giovanni , Valentini Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Aim. The first prototype of the “Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Smart Virtual Assistant” is presented, aimed to (i) Automated classification of clinical stage starting from different free-text diagnostic reports; (ii) Resolution of inconsistencies by identifying controversial cases drawing the clinician's attention to particular cases worthy for multi-disciplinary discussion; (iii) Support environment for education and knowledge transfer to junior staff; (iv) Integrated data-driven decision making and standardized language and interpretation.Patients and Method. Data from patients affected by invasive carcinoma of the cervix (LACC), FIGO stage IB2-IVa, treated between 2015 and 2018 were extracted. Magnetic Resonance (MR), Gynecologic examination under general anesthesia (EAU), and Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography (PET-CT) performed at the time of diagnosis were the items from the Electronic Health Records (eHRs) considered for analysis. An automated extraction of eHR that capture the patient’s data before the diagnosis and then, through Natural Language Processing (NLP), analysis and categorization of all data to transform source information into structured data has been performed. Results. In the first round, the system has been used to retrieve all the eHR for the 96 patients with LACC. The system has been able to classify all patients belonging to the training set and - through the NLP procedures - the clinical features were analyzed and classified for each patient. A second important result was the setup of a predictive model to evaluate the patient’s staging (accuracy of 94%). Lastly we created a user-oriented operational tool targeting the MTB who are confronted with the challenge of large volumes of patients to be diagnosed in the most accurate way. Conclusion. This is the first proof of concept concerning the possibility of creating a smart virtual assistant for the MTB. A significant benefit could come from the integration of these automated methods in the collaborative, crucial decision stages.
The ATF6β-Calreticulin Axis Promotes Neuronal Survival Under Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Excitotoxicity
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Thi , Le Thuong Manh , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Takarada-Iemata Mika , Ishii Hiroshi , Roboon Jureepon , Tamatani Takashi , Kannon Takayuki , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Tajima Atsushi , Taniuchi Shusuke , Miyake Masato , Oyadomari Seiichi , Saito Shunsuke , Mori Kazutoshi , Hori Osamu
Published: March 2021

While ATF6α plays a central role in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, the function of its homologue ATF6β remains elusive, especially in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we demonstrate that ATF6β is highly expressed in the hippocampus of the brain, and specifically regulates the expression of calreticulin (CRT), a molecular chaperone in the ER with a high Ca2+-binding capacity. CRT expression was reduced to ~ 50% in the CNS of Atf6b−/− mice under both normal and ER stress conditions. Analysis using cultured hippocampal neurons revealed that ATF6β deficiency reduced Ca2+ stores in the ER and enhanced ER stress-induced death. The higher levels of death in Atf6b−/− neurons were recovered by ATF6β and CRT overexpressions, or by treatment with Ca2+-modulating reagents such as BAPTA-AM and 2-APB, and with an ER stress inhibitor salubrinal. In vivo, kainate-induced neuronal death was enhanced in the hippocampi of Atf6b−/− and Calr+/− mice, and restored by administration of 2-APB and salubrinal. These results suggest that the ATF6β-CRT axis promotes neuronal survival under ER stress and excitotoxity by improving intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.
Evaluation of Different Tools of Precision Finishing for Cold Extruded Sun Gear With Internal-External Tooth Shapes
Authors: Liu Zuofa , Wang Xi , Feng Wenjie , Zhou Jie , Qu Zhiyuan , Liang Qiang
Published: March 2021

Due to the complex metal flow in the cold extrusion of sun gear, the teeth accuracy of formed sun gear is poor. In order to improve the accuracy of the extruded sun gear, a novel precision finishing method with different tools was proposed in this study. Finite element simulations were performed using DEFORM, and a new finite element (FE) prediction strategy was developed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the deviation distribution laws of the finished sun gear. Then, the influences of different finishing tools on tooth deformation, tool stress, forming load and tooth accuracy were examined. The investigation results show that the profile accuracy of external gear can be improved from ninth to seventh class, lead accuracy can be enhanced from tenth to eighth class, and total M value deviation of internal spline is reduced to 72.3 μm by the precision finishing method with interference mandrel. Therefore, the interference mandrel is recommended as the optimal reshaping tool for commercial production of sun gears. The simulation results are well agreed with the experimental results, which verifies the feasibility of the precision finishing method and the reliability of the FE prediction strategy.
Health-related Quality of Life of the Adult COVID-19 Patients Following One-month Illness Experience Since Diagnosis: Findings of a Cross-sectional Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Isam Md. Ziaul , Riaz Baizid Khoorshid , Efa Syeda Sumaiya , Farjana Sharmin , Mahmood Fahad
Published: March 2021

Background: The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stances an incredible impact on the quality of life of the patients. The disease not only denigrates the physical health of the patients but also affects their mental health. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients.Methods: The study was conducted at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from June to November 2020. The study enrolled 1204 adult (>18 years) COVID-19 patients diagnosed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and completed the one-month duration of illness. The patients were interviewed with the CDC HRQOL-14 questionnaire to assess their HRQOL. The questionnaire contains three modules: the healthy days' core; the activity limitations; and the healthy days’ symptoms. Data were collected by telephone-interview and reviewing medical records using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist respectively. Informed consent was obtained from each patient before data collection. Results: The majority of the COVID-19 patients were males (72.3%), urban residents (50.2%), and diverse service holders (49.6%). More than one-third (35.5%) of patients had comorbidity including hypertension (55.6%), diabetes mellitus (55.6%), ischaemic heart disease (16.4%), chronic lung (12.4%), kidney (2.8%), and liver (4.2%) diseases. During the one-month disease course, the majority (70.1%) of the patients had excellent/very good/good general health condition while 29.8% of the patients had fair/poor condition. The mean±SD duration of physical illness was 9.83(±7.09) days, and it was 7.97(±8.12) days for mental illness. Older age, females, and married patients were significantly associated with mean duration of diverse dimension of HRQOL. Fair/poor health condition was significantly associated with having a symptom (OR=33.22, CI=8.17-135.1) and having any comorbidity (OR=1.573, CI=1.18-2.10).Conclusion: COVID-19 pretenses a significant impact on the HRQOL of the patients including physical and mental illness during the clinical course. Our findings suggest more pragmatic preventive, promotive, and curative measures considering illness experiences of the COVID-19 patients to restore their general health, quality of life, and daily activities.
Subsurface radon gradient in parts of tremor-prone, north-central Nigeria
Authors: Suleiman Arabi , Tukur Zainab , Funtua Idris I. Isa , M. Ali A. , Kurowska Ewa , S. Musa Abdulhamid , S. Murtala A.
Published: March 2021

Radon is a natural gas that originates from geogenic and cosmic material as a part of the natural decay process of uranium and thorium. Radon is reported to have been the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The US-EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year from radon-related (inhaled/ingested) lung cancer. Radon can escape from basement and soils where they are formed and build up indoors where they are eventually inhaled. In this study, radon activity concentration was measured from subsurface at a depth of 0.33m, 0.66m and 0.99m below ground level from 130 locations that covered the entire Federal Capital territory, Abuja-Nigeria and reported. The results obtained showed that the minimum, maximum and mean radon activity concentration (Bq/m3) from soil at 0.33, 0.66 and 0.99m below ground level are 15.20, 48,500.00 and 4,257.47 at 0.33m, 15.20, 59,600.00 and 5,061.19 at 0.66m and 10.02, 81,200.00 and 9,993.15 at 0.99m, respectively. Minimum, maximum and mean radon diffusion length (m) recorded at 0.003m are 0.05, 159.63 and 14.01m. At 0.66 and 0.99m, the values calculated are 0.005,19.62 and 1.67, and 0.003, 26.73 and 0.32, respectively. These results indicate that radon concentration increases with depth and characterized by “high” radon concentration in areas covered by biotite granite, undifferentiated schist, undifferentiated gneiss and porphyroblastic gneiss, “medium” in areas covered by coarse porphyritic biotite and medium to coarse grained biotite and “low” in areas covered by migmatite and marble. Most of the values obtained suggest health burden especially in the study areas where massive excavations for construction of housing units is going on and the likelihood of radon entering homes through opening and cracks created as building/structure settles with time.
Missense Variant in LOXHD1 is Associated With Canine Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Hytönen Marjo K , Niskanen Julia E , Arumilli Meharji , Knox Casey A , Donner Jonas , Lohi Hannes
Published: March 2021

Hearing loss is a common sensory deficit both in humans and dogs. In canines the genetic basis is largely unknown, as genetic variants have only been identified for a syndromic form of hearing impairment. We observed a congenital or early-onset sensorineural hearing loss in a Rottweiler litter. Assuming an autosomal recessive inheritance, we used a combined approach of homozygosity mapping and genome sequencing to dissect the genetic background of the disorder. We identified a fully segregating missense variant in LOXHD1, a gene that is known to be essential for cochlear hair cell function and associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss in humans and mice. The canine LOXHD1 variant was specific to the Rottweiler breed in our study cohorts of pure-bred dogs. However, it also was present in mixed-breed dogs, of which the majority showed Rottweiler ancestry. Low allele frequencies in these populations, 2.6 % and 0.04 %, respectively, indicate a rare variant. To summarize, our study describes the first genetic variant for canine nonsyndromic hearing loss, which is clinically and genetically similar to human LOXHD1-related hearing disorder, and therefore, provides a new large animal model for hearing loss. Equally important, the affected breed will benefit from a genetic test to eradicate the hearing disorder from the population.
The susceptibility of the aortic root: porcine aortic rupture testing under cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Surman Timothy Luke , Abrahams John Matthew , Manavis Jim , Finnie John , Christou Chris , Williams Georgia Kate , Walls Angela , Frantzis Peter , Adams Mark , Edwards James , Worthington Michael George , Beltrame John
Published: March 2021

Background

In our earlier study on the functional limits of the aneurysmal aortic root we determined the pig root is susceptible to failure at high aortic pressures levels. We established a pig rupture model using cardiopulmonary bypass to determine the most susceptible region of the aortic root under the highest pressures achievable using continuous flow, and what changes occur in these regions on a macroscopic and histological level. This information may help guide clinical management of aortic root and ascending aorta pathology.
Methods

Five pigs underwent 4D flow MRI imaging pre surgery to determine vasopressor induced wall sheer stress and flow parameters. All pigs were then placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via median sternotomy, and maximal aortic root and ascending aorta flows were initiated until rupture or failure, to determine the most susceptible region of the aorta. The heart was explanted and analysed histologically to determine if histological changes mirror the macroscopic observations.
Results

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aortic flow and wall sheer stress (WSS) increased significantly in all regions of the aorta, and the median maximal pressures obtained during cardiopulmonary bypass was 497mmHg and median maximal flows was 3.96L/m. The area of failure in all experiments was the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve. Collagen and elastin composition (%) was greatest in the proximal regions of the aorta. Collagen I and III showed greatest content in the inner aortic root and ascending aorta regions.
Conclusions

This unique porcine model shows that the aortic root is most susceptible to failure at high continuous aortic pressures, supported histologically by different changes in collagen content and subtypes in the aortic root. With further analysis, this information could guide management of the aortic root in disease.
Detection of Falciparum Malaria Imported From Africa With a Highly Specific and Sensitive Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay
Authors: Chen Xi , Pan Maohua , Huang Yaming , Qin Pien , Wang Siqi , Si Yu , Li Xinxin , Zeng Weilin , Wu Yanrui , Duan Mengxi , Li xiaosong , Wang Xun , Zhao Hui , Zhang Jiaqi , Qin Yucheng , Zhang Yanmei , Yang Zhaoqing , Mazier Dominique , Xiang Zheng , Yang Qi
Published: March 2021

Background: Current malaria diagnostic tests, including microscopy and antigen-detecting rapid tests, cannot reliably detect low-density infections. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are highly sensitive but remain too complex to be used in the ﬁeld. To complement existing diagnostic methods, a new LAMP assay for the detection and identification of Plasmodium falciparum imported from Africa was developed.Methods: A LAMP assay was developed to amplify the Actin I gene of P. falciparum. Microscopy, Nested PCR and the LAMP assay were conducted on 466 samples of suspected malaria patients imported from Africa to evaluate the new assay’s sensitivity and specificity. A plasmid construct, cultured P. falciparum, and the clinical samples were used to evaluate the the limit of detection (LOD). Results: Compared to Nested PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the nove developed LAMP were 100 % (95% CI 98.54 - 100%) and 99.07 % (95% CI 96.68 - 99.89%) respectively. The LAMP assay was found to be highly sensitive, with the detection limit as low as 102 copies/μL and 10-fold higher detection limit than single PCR when performed on serial dilutions of the plasmid construct. The LAMP assay detected 0.01 parasites/μL, when cultured P. falciparum was used as template. The novel LAMP assay detected 1-7 parasites /μL blood in clinical samples，which is more sensitively than the commercial product (Loopamp MALARIA Pan/Pf detection kit; Eiken Chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan) for clinical samples detaction of P. falciparum, which detected >20 parasites /μL blood sample. Conclusion:For the first time, the Actin I gene of P. falciparum was used as target for LAMP primers to detect imported P. falciparum from Africa imported to China. The novel, highly specific and sensitive LAMP assay is a practical and effective diagnostic method for detecting low-density P. falciparum infections imported from Africa. For the first time, such LAMP primers were evaluated by using a plasmid construct, cultured P. falciparum and clinical samples at same work plafom, which offer excellent means of assay validation and should be considered in future studies of this kind.
Genome-wide Association Study for Grain Mineral Content in a Brazilian Common Bean Diversity Panel
Authors: Delfini Jessica , Moda-Cirino Vânia , Neto José dos Santos , Zeffa Douglas Mariani , Nogueira Alison Fernando , Ribeiro Luriam Aparecida Brandão , Ruas Paulo Mauricio , Gepts Paul , Gonçalves Leandro Simões Azeredo
Published: March 2021

Biofortification is one of the strategies developed to address malnutrition in developing countries, the aim of which is to improve the nutritional content of crops. The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a staple food in several African and Latin American countries, has excellent nutritional attributes and is considered a strong candidate for biofortification. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with nutritional content in common bean grains using 178 Mesoamerican accessions belonging to a Brazilian Diversity Panel (BDP) and 25,011 good-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The BDP was phenotyped in three environments for nine nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, sulfur, zinc, and iron) using four genome-wide association multi-locus methods. To obtain more accurate results, only Quantitative-Trait Nucleotides (QTNs) that showed repeatability (i.e., those detected at least twice using different methods or environments) were considered. Forty-eight QTNs detected for the nine minerals showed repeatability and were considered reliable. Pleiotropic QTNs and overlapping genomic regions surrounding the QTNs were identified, demonstrating the possible association between the deposition mechanisms of different nutrients in grains. The accumulation of favorable alleles in the same accession was associated with a gradually increasing nutrient content in the grain. The BDP proved to be a valuable source for association studies. The investigation of different methods and environments showed the reliability of markers associated with minerals. The loci identified in this study will potentially contribute to the improvement of Mesoamerican common beans, particularly carioca and black beans, the main groups consumed in Brazil.
A Privacy-Preservation Scheme based on Mobile Terminals in Internet Medical
Authors: Gao Shuo , Wang Qichao , Liu Yihan , Liu Zekai , Ou Wei , Han Wenbao
Published: March 2021

Since the 21st century, Internet technologies have entered a stage of rapid developments, and gradually been widely used in various industries. Internet Medical is gradually matured and used widely. Aiming at the problems such as the easy leakage of privacy in mobile medical equipment and untrustworthy data, we make use of a role-separated mechanism to generate trusted anonymous certificates and propose a lightweight identity authentication scheme to protect the medical data security. It reduces the calculation cost. Meanwhile, in view of problems of transparency and visibility of blockchain information, we adapt searchable encryption algorithm to realize ciphertext processing in the whole life cycle. Experiments show that our scheme can reduce the cost of computation on basis of ensuring traffic. In process of dynamic updating of ciphertext keywords, except the keyword identifier, less information is leaked to the server, which protect users’ privacy.
Fuzzified Swarm Intelligence Framework Using Fpsor Algorithm for High-Speed Manet
Authors: Gopalan Harihara
Published: March 2021

Ad-hoc routing protocols may be dispersed and involve every node in the route discovery process by making routing data more reliable. Mobile-Adhoc-Networks (MANETs) consist of many portable nodes that can commune directly with each other or through intermediate nodes. Repeatedly, nodes in MANETs operate with batteries and can roam freely, and thus, a node may exhaust its energy or move away without providing any notice to its cooperative nodes. In MANETs, a route consists of numerous links in sequence, and so, its lifetime is based on the lifetime of every node and also the wireless links among adjacent nodes. In this research work Fuzzified Particle Swarm Optimization oriented Routing (FPSOR) algorithm is planned to minimize data loss and computational overhead, which in turn maximizes the lifetime of MANETs. Particle Swarm Optimization oriented Routing protocol (PSOR) has taken energy competence as a significant criterion for processing routing and driving optimised path for the data accelerating and processing to the source node. The PSOR produces a fresh route for routing by considering the fitness value of energy to evaluate diverse paths and to choose the best-optimised path whose energy consumption is less as compared to ant colony optimization routing paths. This algorithm utilizes a good approach focusing energy levels/status of the nodes through fuzzification and the lengths of the routed ways. NS2 simulator is cast for performance evaluation.
The Fingerprint of Indian Ocean Rain and River Water in Salinity and Circulation
Authors: Valsala Vinu
Published: March 2021

Per unit area of the tropical Indian Ocean receives the world’s largest tropical ocean rain and river runoff (RRW). The 3-dimensional spreading of RRW entering the tropical Indian Ocean and associated salinity and circulation anomalies are explored for 60 years using ocean reanalysis data tailored to a tracer transport model. Over 60 years, the cumulative impact of RRW entering the tropical Indian Ocean is to freshen the Indian Ocean basin as large as 2-0.1 p.s.u from the surface to 500m. The RRW has propagated to a vast extent of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via general circulation pathways. A quasi-equilibrium model of accumulation of RRW over the tropical Indian Ocean suggests that it induces clockwise geostrophic currents from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea over 0-500m depths, a net inter-basin transport tendency of 0.8±0.14 Sv year-1. The study implies that coupled climate models with apparent precipitation biases may miscalculate such salinity and circulation anomalies due to RRW and aggravating biases in simulated climate dynamics.
Decompression Surgery With Antibiotic-impregnated Calcium Sulfate Can Achieve More Satisfactory Results Than Decompression Alone in Pediatric Hematogenous Osteomyelitis
Authors: Qin Cheng-he , Tao Rui , Chee Yu-han , Luo Ji-wei , Xu Lei , Fang Jia , Hu Yan-jun , Zhou Chun-hao
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe curative effect of antibiotic-impregnated Calcium Sulfate in pediatric ostemyelitis is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of two treatment methods, decompression combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and decompression alone, for the treatment of pediatric Hemotogenous Osteomyelitis.MethodsBetween 2013 to 2016, forty-one patients with Hematogenous Osteomyelitis met the criteria were included for assessment. Twenty-one patients were included in the calcium sulfate group (the CS group) in which vancomycin and/or gentamicin impregnated calcium sulfate was used as an adjuvant after bone decompression while 20 patients as the control group were undergone bone decompression alone. The infection recurrence rate, hospital stay, wound healing duration, serum inflammatory index, pathological fracture, leakage of the incision ,follow-up time were compared between the two groups.ResultsInfection recurrence was 0% (0/21) in CS group and 15%(3/20) in control group within 12 months(P=0.107). Infection recurrence was 0%(21/21) in CS group and 20% (16/20) of patients at a minimum of 24(range 24 to 67) months follow-up(P=0.048). Mean hospital stay were 8.19(range 3 to 21) days in CS group and 15.95(range 5 to 47) days in control group(P=0.02). Mean wound healing duration were 16.1(range 10 to 29) days in CS group and 15.5(range 10 to 25) days in control group(P=0.65). Serum inflammatory index for WBC(White Blood Cells), ESR( Sedimentation Rate), CRP(C-Reactive Protein) was respectively 8.76(6.03-12.07)*10^9/L, 44.14(26-70)mm/L, 12.35(1.03-35.04) mg/Lin CS group and 8.90(5.68-13.56)*10^9/L, 39.25(19-57)mm/L, 15.65(1.02-45.69) mg/L in control group(P=0.82, P=0.31, P=0.51). Pathological fracture was 0% (0/21) in CS group and 10%(2/20) in control group(P=0.23). Leakage of the incision was 4.76% (0/21) in CS group and 10%(2/20) in control group(P=0.61). ConclusionsAntibiotic-impregnated Calcium Sulfate can reduce infection recurrence and shorten the mean hospital stay in pediatric Hemotogenous Osteomyelitis. The curative effect of antibiotic-impregnated Calcium Sulfate in pediatric ostemyelitis is satisfactory. Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.
Abscisic Acid Metabolism in Leaves and Roots of Four Vitis Species in Response to Water Deficit
Authors: Toups Haley S. , Cochetel Noe , Galdamez Kevin , Deluc Laurent , Cramer Grant R.
Published: March 2021

Background: Abscisic acid is a phytohormone involved in water deficit response. Abscisic acid metabolism is regulated by biosynthesis, conjugation, and catabolism. NCED3 is the rate limiting step of abscisic acid biosynthesis and is a key contributor to plant water deficit responses. In this study NCED3 transcript accumulation and abscisic acid metabolism were further characterized as key water deficit responses in four Vitis species (Vitis vinifera (Cabernet Sauvignon), Vitis champinii (Ramsey), Vitis riparia (Riparia Gloire), and Vitis vinifera x Vitis girdiana (SC2)) under three levels of water deficit in leaves and roots. Results: The concentrations of abscisic acid and derivative metabolites increased with water deficit and was dependent upon the species. RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR data were consistent with the changes in abscisic acid metabolite concentrations; the corresponding transcript abundances substantiate NCED3 as a key gene in the water deficit response; however, NCED3 protein concentrations assayed in Western Blots were not affected. Major differences in abscisic acid metabolism at the gene, protein, and metabolite levels were detected between leaves and roots in these four species. NCED3 transcript abundance and abscisic acid concentration in drought-tolerant Ramsey increased earlier and more significantly than the other species during long-term, moderate to severe water deficits but were not stimulated as much by short-term, rapid dehydration. In drought-sensitive Riparia, NCED3 transcript abundance and abscisic acid metabolite concentrations increased to a lower extent than in Ramsey during moderate to severe water deficits, but short-term rapid dehydration induced a significantly higher abscisic acid concentration in Riparia than Ramsey. Conclusions: Grapevine species have distinct abscisic acid metabolism that depends highly on the severity and duration of stress and organ (leaves or roots). This study confirms that abscisic acid metabolism and NCED3 are part of a core water deficit response in Vitis species. Relative quantities of transcripts, proteins, abscisic acid and derivative metabolites were determined, but many aspects of abscisic acid metabolism and water deficit responses warrant additional investigation. This study provides a better understanding of how Vitis is adapted to dry environments, which may be exploited for future breeding programs.
Exploring Cardioprotective Potential of Esculetin Against Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats: In Vivo and in Vitro Evidence
Authors: P Pullaiah Chitikela , Nelson Vinod K , R Sushma , GV Narasimha Kumar , K Thyagaraju
Published: March 2021

BackgroundEsculetin is a natural coumarin derivative from various plants with multiple pharmacological effects. Hence, the present study was undertaken to explore the cardio protective potential of esculetin against isoproterenol induced myocardial toxicity in rats. Methods The treatment schedule was fixed for 28 days and the rats were divided into five groups of six each. Rats of group I received the normal saline and served as normal control, group II was received ISO (100mg/kg body weight) for last two consecutive days of the study and served as disease control. Groups III and IV received esculetin 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight respectively once a day per oral for 28 days along with ISO for last two consecutive days of the study. Cardiac biomarkers such as CK-MB and LDH, membrane bound Na+ /K+ ATPases activity, myocardial lysosomal enzymes activity and tissue antioxidants status were estimated in the heart tissue samples. The histopathological changes in the myocardium were also assessed. Further, DPPH assay was done to evaluate the free radicals scavenging potential of esculetin. Cytoxicity assay, intracellular ROS levels by DCFDA assay and m-RNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-κB by quantitative RT-PCR in H9c2 cell lines.ResultsThe increased levels of CK-MB, LDH, LPO, myocardial lysosomal enzymes and membrane bound Na+ /K+ ATPase levels by ISO administration was significantly increased with concomitant decrease in tissue antioxidant enzymes such as GSH, Catalase, and SOD. Pre-treatment with esculetin for 28 days has significantly decreased the levels of cardiac bio-markers, lysosomal enzymes, membrane bound Na+ /K+ ATPase levels as well as Lipid peroxides which is in contrary to the ISO group. Amelioration of the antioxidant levels were also found in esculetin treated groups. Histopathological examination of heart reveals that myocardial degeneration, mononuclear cell infiltration was noticed in ISO treated rats, whereas the same was restored with esculetin treatment. In H9C2 cell lines esculetin could effectively reduced intracellular ROS inhibition and m-RNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-κB to prevent apoptosis or cell necrosis. Conclusion The study provides the evidence of cardioprotective potentials of esculetin against isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction by antioxidant and myocardial membrane stabilization along with in vitro protection from arsenic induced ROS cell necrosis or apoptosis in H9C2 cells.
Solar Radiation Distribution Method for a Photovoltaic Greenhouse based on the Maximization of Annual Economic Benefits
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhou Tiejun , Zhou Weiji
Published: March 2021

A solar radiation distribution method is proposed based on the maximization of economic benefits for photovoltaic power generation and agricultural production in a photovoltaic greenhouse to solve the problem of low overall economic benefits because of an unreasonable solar radiation distribution between photovoltaic power generation and agricultural production in the photovoltaic greenhouse. First, a mathematical model of the solar radiation yield of photovoltaic greenhouse crops is proposed based on a rectangular hyperbolic modified light response model of crops to represent the relationship between solar radiation energy and crop production. Second, a mathematical model of the average annual revenue of a photovoltaic greenhouse is established to determine the maximum annual economic benefit of the photovoltaic greenhouse, and the model is constrained by the requirements of the light intensity of photovoltaic power generation and environmental conditions for the growth of greenhouse crops. Finally, the correctness of the model is verified by actual operation data of a photovoltaic greenhouse in Xinjiang, and the optimal solar radiation distribution proportion is calculated. This study provides theoretical support for the design of photovoltaic greenhouses.
Ventilatory Responses During and Following Hypercapnic Gas Challenge are Impaired in Male but Not Female Endothelial NOS Knock-out Mice
Authors: Getsy Paulina M. , Sundararajan Sripriya , May Walter J. , vonSchill Graham , McLaughlin Dylan K. , Palmer Lisa A. , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: March 2021

The roles of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the ventilatory responses during and after a hypercapnic gas challenge (HCC, 5% CO2, 21% O2, 74% N2) were assessed in freely moving female and male wild-type (WT) C57BL6 mice and eNOS knock-out (eNOS-/-) mice of C57BL6 background. HCC elicited an array of ventilatory responses that were similar in male and female WT mice, such as increases in breathing frequency (with falls in inspiratory and expiratory times), and increases in tidal volume, minute ventilation, peak inspiratory and expiratory flows, and inspiratory and expiratory drives. eNOS-/- male mice had smaller increases in minute ventilation, peak inspiratory flow and inspiratory drive, and smaller decreases in inspiratory time than WT males. Ventilatory responses in female eNOS-/- mice were similar to those in female WT mice. The ventilatory excitatory phase upon return to room-air was equal in male and female WT mice. However, the post-HCC increases in frequency of breathing (and decreases in inspiratory times), and increases in tidal volume, minute ventilation, inspiratory and expiratory drives, and peak inspiratory and expiratory flows in male eNOS-/- mice were smaller than in male WT mice. In contrast, the post-HCC responses in female eNOS-/- mice were equal to those of the female WT mice. These findings provide the first evidence that the loss of eNOS affects the ventilatory responses during and after HCC in male C57BL6 mice, whereas female C57BL6 mice can compensate for the loss of eNOS, at least in respect to triggering ventilatory responses to HCC.
Determination of isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α and prostaglandin GF2α in plasma and intestine of specific-pathogen-free chickens challenged with Eimeria maxima
Authors: Petrone-Garcia Victor M. , Lopez-Arellano Raquel , Patiño Gabriela Rodríguez , Rodríguez Miriam A. Castillo , Hernandez-Patlan Daniel , Solis-Cruz Bruno , Hernandez-Velasco Xochitl , Alba-Hurtado Fernando , Vuong Christine N. , Castellanos-Huerta Inkar , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and determine the concentration of isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α and prostaglandin GF2α (PGF2α) from plasma and intestine in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens challenged with Eimeria maxima (EM) using solid‐phase microextraction and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Forty one-day-old male SPF chickens were randomly allocated to one of two groups with four replicates (n=5 chickens/replicate). Groups consisted of Control (no challenge) or the Challenge group EM (40,000 sporulated oocysts/bird). At day 7 and 9 post-challenge, half of the chickens were euthanized in both groups to determine plasmatic and enteric concentrations of isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α and PGF2α. Enteric levels of both 8‐iso‐PGF2α and PGF2α were significantly increased at 7 (8‐iso‐PGF2α P=0.0000252; PGF2α P=0.00000268) and 9 days (8‐iso‐PGF2α P=0.000000717; PGF2α P=0.00000222) post-challenge compared to non-challenge control chickens. However, plasma levels of isoprostane 8‐iso‐PGF2α and PGF2α were similar in both groups. A significant reduction (P=0.0000095) in oocyst excretion was observed in chickens at 9 days post-challenge compared to 7 days. Chickens challenged with EM showed an inflammatory response associated with significant increases in enteric PGF2α and 8-Iso-PGF2α, suggesting that the active disease phase was accompanied by inflammation and oxidative stress within the intestinal layer.
Taurine reprograms mammary-gland metabolism and alleviates inflammation induced by Streptococcus uberis
Authors: Lan Riguo , Wan Zhixin , Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Zhenglei , Fu Shaodong , Zhou Yuanyuan , Lin Xinguang , Han Xiangan , Luo Zhenhua , Miao Jinfeng , Yin Yulong
Published: March 2021

Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) is an important pathogen causing mastitis,which causes continuous inflammation and dysfunction of mammary glands and leads to enormous economic losses. Most research on infection continues to be microbial metabolism-centric, and many overlook the fact that pathogens require energy from host. In this perspective, we uncover metabolic reprogramming during host immune responses is associated with infection-driven inflammation, particularly when caused by intracellular bacteria. Taurine, a metabolic regulator, has been shown to effectively ameliorate metabolic diseases. We evaluated the role of taurine in the metabolic regulation of S. uberis-induced mastitis. Metabolic profiling indicates that S. uberis exposure triggers inflammation and metabolic dysfunction of msmmary glands and mammary epithelial cells (MECs, the main functional cells in mammary glands). Challenge with S. uberis upregulates glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in MECs. Pretreatment with taurine restores metabolic homeostasis, reverses metabolic dysfunction by decrease of lipid, amino acid and especially energy disturbance in the infectious context, and alleviates excessive inflammatory responses. These outcomes depend on taurine-mediated activation of the AMPK–mTOR pathway, which inhibits the over activation of inflammatory responses and alleviates cellular damage. Thus, metabolic homeostasis is essential for reducing inflammation. Metabolic modulation can be used as a prophylactic strategy against mastitis. IMPORTANCE: Mastitis, especially caused by Streptococcus uberis, induces continuous inflammation and dysfunction of mammary glands, leading to enormous economic losses in dairy industry. Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) are mammary gland-resident major functional cells which occupy a significant role in maintaining homeostasis in mammary glands. MECs can adopt an inflammatory trending in response to S. uberis infection and try to clear these intracellular bacteria. Researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University in China found that S. uberis induces MECs acute inflammation caused by metabolic dysregulation, that is, increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis. However, taurine pretreatment can enhance metabolic fitness and anti-inflammatory activity. As a potential therapy, metabolic regulation with taurine restored MECs homeostasis and reduced excessive inflammation. The findings suggest that modulating MECS metabolism might be a new therapeutic strategy for mastitis as well as other bacterial infections.