bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA): A Feasibility Case Series of an Integrated Group Based Approach.
Authors: Startup Helen , Franklin-Smith Mary , Barber William , Gilbert Nicola , Brown Yael , Glennon Danielle , Fukutomi Akira , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIndividuals with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) typically struggle to negotiate their social and emotional worlds. Yet, current NICE recommended psychological therapies do not provide sufficient opportunities for live, in situ, relational and emotional experiences that enable growth in these areas. An Integrated Group Based approach for the delivery of MANTRA - The Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults - could address this omission by augmenting the treatment with group processes and live experiential practice. A feasibility case series of the approach, delivered across three NHS community services is presented.MethodsA case series design, comprising four Integrated Group MANTRA treatments delivered across three NHS sites (N=29), was used. Preliminary feasibility data is reported regarding: retention, acceptability and effectiveness; alongside the use of qualitative methods to capture participant experiences of treatment.ResultsPrimary outcomes suggest that Integrated Group MANTRA treatment was acceptable. Participants remained committed to the treatment with only 2 dropouts. Quantitative outcomes suggested significant change with medium effect sizes for both eating disorder cognitions and symptoms (as measured by the global score on EDEQ) and BMI. Five core themes emerged from qualitative analysis of participant feedback, capturing the value of the relational aspect of the treatment, the incorporation of experiential methods, and of the opportunity to draw on the support of the group members to reduce shame and stigma.ConclusionsPreliminary indication is that an Integrated Group based MANTRA approach is a feasible and effective alternative intervention for community Eating Disorder services.
Improving the conductivity and flexibility of chips fabricated from a copolymer PDMS-PEI and graphene assembled with nano metals
Authors: Abdelrahman Ameen , Erchiqui Fouad , Nedil Mourad
Published: February 2021

Our work aims to make a unique polymer to be used as a conductive and flexible chip antenna. Its properties are robustness, rigidity, stretchability, and good conduction. The fabricated composite is composed of two copolymers, PDMS and PEI, assembled with nano metals (Cu, Ag), and graphene nanoparticles as a matrix. Nano metals fill out the inter-layer space, and polymer voids reinforce the crosslinker. Graphene/metal nanoparticles help make chelating complexes using metallic bonds, enhancing the polymer’s conductivity from 1.87* 10− 4 to 5.64*10− 6 σ Scm− 1. We analyze the conductivity, self-healing, and surface morphology of fabricated composite using different spectroscopic techniques, such as electrochemical impedance (EIS), SEM, TEM, IR, UV, and a particle size analyzer.
Vermicomposting of harvested waste biomass of potato crop employing Eisenia fetida: Changes in nutrients profile and assessment of maturity of the end products
Authors: Das Dimbeswar , Deka Hemen
Published: February 2021

Vermicomposting potential of waste biomass of potato crop that are generated at the time of harvesting was studied employing Eisenia fetida. The experiment was carried out in pots taking two treatments; in one only potato plant biomass (PPB) was taken as raw materials whereas in the other a mixture of PPB with cow dung was engaged in the proportion of 5:1. The vermicomposted materials showed a reduction in C/N ratio, humification index, enhancement in nutrients profiles, ash contents, nitrogen-fixing, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacterial population. The macronutrient enhancement in the vermicompost samples was recorded 3.8-4.4 fold for total N, 5-5.6 fold in available P, 1.6 fold in total K, 5.2-6.2 fold in total Ca and 1.6 fold in total Mg contents. The reduction in C/N was found in the rage of 92.5-94.4% in the vermicompost samples. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed higher disintegration in the vermicompost products when compared with initial raw material and compost samples. Addition of cow dung significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of vermicompost final products besides positively affecting the earthworm population and biomass by the end of 60 days of experimental trials.
Adiponectin up-regulates the decrease of myocardial autophagic flux induced by β1-adrenergic receptor antibody partly dependent on AMPK
Authors: Sun Cong , Lu Jiebei , Long Yaolin , Guo Shuai , Jia Weiwei , Ning Na , Hao Haihu , Wang Xiaohui , Bian Yunfei , Liu Huirong , Wang Li
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCardiomyocyte autophagy is essential for maintaining cardiac function. Our previous studies have found that β1-adrenergic receptor autoantibody (β1-AA) induced the decreased myocardial autophagic flux, which resulted in cardiomyocytes death and cardiac dysfunction. And other studies demonstrated that β1-AA induced the decrease of AMPK phosphorylation, the key hub of autophagy pathway, while adiponectin up-regulated autophagic flux mediated by AMPK. However, it is not clear whether adiponectin improves the inhibition of myocardial autophagic flux induced by β1-AA by up-regulating the level of AMPK phosphorylation.MethodAPN-KO and WT mice were subcutaneously injected withthe peptide of the second extracellular loop of β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR-ECII) as antigen to establish β1-AA active immunization model. The OD value of β1-AA in serum of mice was detected by SA-ELISA to ensure the successful construction of active immunization model. The changes of cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis were detected by small animal ultrasound and Masson trichrome staining. The cardiomyocytes viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8. The mRNA levels of LC3B and Beclin1 in cardiomyocytes were measured by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of LC3 II, p62, AMP dependent protein kinase (AMP) - activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated AMP dependent protein kinase (p-AMPK) in cardiomyocytes were detected by Western blotting.ResultsIn this study, it has been confirmed that β1-AA induced the decrease of AMPK phosphorylation level in both vivo and vitro. Moreover, pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with AMPK inhibitor Compound C could further reduce the autophagic flux induced by β1-AA. Adiponectin deficiency could aggravate the decrease of myocardial AMPK phosphorylation level, autophagic flux and cardiac function induced by β1-AA. Further, exogenous adiponectin could reverse the decline of AMPK phosphorylation level and autophagic flux induced by β1-AA, and even reduce cardiomyocytes death. While pre-treated with the Compound C, the adiponectin treatment did not improve the decreased autophagosome formation, but still improved the decreased autophagosome clearance induced by β1-AA in cardiomyocytes, suggesting that adiponectin up-regulated β1-AA-induced decreased autophagic flux of cardiomyocytes partly depended on the AMPK.ConclusionThis study is the first time to confirm that β1-AA could inhibit myocardial autophagic flux by down regulating AMPK phosphorylation level. Adiponectin could improve the inhibition of myocardial autophagic flux induced by β1-AA partly dependent on AMPK, so as to provide an experimental basis for the treatment of patients with β1-AA-positive cardiac dysfunction.
The Pain, Life Quality and Low Back Pain Disability of the Patients Who Received Endoscopic Lumbar Intervertebral Fusion With Cages Made of Metal Material Versus Calf Bone: a Real World Study
Authors: Niu Shangbo , Diao Wenbo , Gao Jian , Li YiMing , Yang Dehong , Li Jie
Published: February 2021

Background Interbody fusion is a common operation in spinal surgery, which is often used for various causes such as vertebral instability caused by trauma or degeneration. At present, a new material of calf bone interbody fusion cage has been used in clinic, but the curative effect has not been reported yet. In this study, the traditional metal interbody fusion cage was used as the control to evaluate the curative effect of this new type of interbody fusion cage. Method This retrospective non-blind case-control study included 96 patients with lumbar degeneration who underwent single segmental interbody fusion. Among them, 58 cases used calf bone material interbody fusion cage and used metal material (titanium) in 38 cases. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were compared before, immediately after, 3 months after, 1 year after operation and the last follow-up. IBM SPSS is used to compare the collected data one by one, and the parameter samples are tested by independent-samples t-test. Result There was no significant statistical difference between patients who received calf bone fusion cage and metal fusion cage in each follow-up time point.Conclusion The curative effect of calf bone fusion cage was not inferior to that of traditional metal interbody fusion cage at each follow-up time. Level of Evidence Ⅲ
Long term Surgical Outcomes of Unilateral Recession-Resection versus Bilateral Lateral Rectus Recession in Basic-type Intermittent Exotropia in Children
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Yang Hee Kyung , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: February 2021

The long-term results of surgical treatment of intermittent exotropia (X(T)) according to the type of surgery are controversial. We compared the long-term results between unilateral recession-resection (RR) and bilateral lateral rectus recession (BLR) with an average follow-up of 10 years in children with basic-type X(T). Patients with basic-type X(T), who underwent RR (RR group) or BLR (BLR group) and were followed-up for more than 5 years postoperatively, were analyzed. Of the 560 patients, 363 patients received BLR and 197 patients underwent RR. There was no significant difference in the success rates between the two groups until postoperative 3 years. At an average of 9.5 ± 2.6 years after surgery, the success rate of the RR group was significantly higher than that of the BLR group starting from the fourth post-operative year until the last follow-up examination (64.1% vs 43.3%, p < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, preoperative hyperopia of more than + 2.00 diopters, younger age of onset, younger age at surgery, larger exodeviation at near than at distance of > 5 prism diopters, and the type of surgery (BLR) were risk factors of recurrence. In conclusion, RR was more successful than BLR with a lower recurrence rate in the long-term follow-up of patients with basic-type X(T).
Evaluating the effect of COVID-19 on dispensing patterns: a national cohort analysis
Authors: Torabi Fatemeh , Akbari Ashley , North Laura , Harris Daniel , Davies Gareth , Gravenor Mike , Griffiths Rowena , Lyons Jane , Jenkins Neil , Morris Andrew , Halcox Julian , Lyons Ronan A.
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMedication prescribing and dispensing often regarded as one of the most effective ways to manage and improve population health. Prescribed and dispensed medications can be monitored through data linkage for each patient. We hypothesised that changes in patient care resulting from COVID-19, changed the way patients access their prescribed medication.Objective To develop an efficient approach for evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on drug dispensing patterns.MethodsRetrospective observational study using national patient-level dispensing records in Wales-UK. Total dispensed drug items between 01-Jan-2016 and 31-Dec-2019 (counterfactual pre-COVID-19) were compared to 2020 (COVID-19 year). We compared trends of dispensed items in three main British National Formulary (BNF) sections(Cardiovascular system, Central Nervous System, Immunological & Vaccine) using European Age-Standardized rates. We developed an online tool to enable monitoring of changes in dispensing as the pandemic evolves.ResultAmongst all BNF chapters, 52,357,639 items were dispensed in 2020 compared to 49,747,141 items in 2019 demonstrating a relative increase of 5.25% in 2020(95%CI[5.21,5.29]). Comparison of monthly patterns of 2020 and 2019 dispensed items showed a notable difference between the total number of dispensed drug items each month, with an average difference (D) of +290,055 and average Relative Change (RC) of +5.52%. The greatest RC was observed in a substantial March-2020 increase (D=+1,501,242 and RC=+28%), followed by second peak in June (D=+565,004, RC=+10.97%). May was characterised by lower dispensing (D=-399,244, RC=-5.9%). Cardiovascular categories were characterised, across all age groups, by dramatic March-2020 increases, at the epidemic peak, followed by months of lower than expected dispensing, and gradual recovery by September. The Central Nervous System category was similar, but with only a short decline in May, and quicker recovery. A stand-out grouping was Immunological and Vaccine, which dropped to very low levels across all age groups, and all months (including the March dispensing peak).ConclusionsAberration in clinical service delivery during COVID-19 led to substantial changes in community pharmacy drug dispensing. This change may contribute to a long-term burden of COVID-19, raising the importance of a comprehensive and timely monitoring of changes for evaluation of the potential impact on clinical care and outcomes
Investigation of electrical and structural properties of Ag/TiO2/n-InP/Au Schottky diodes with different thickness TiO2 interface
Authors: Bilgili Ahmet Kürşat , Çağatay Rabia , Öztürk Mustafa Kemal , Özer Metin
Published: February 2021

In this study, structural and electrical properties of Ag/TiO2/n-InP/Au Schottky barrier diodes are investigated. Particle size, d- spacing, micro-strain, ideality factor and barrier heights of two samples are determined for two different interfacial TiO2 layer thickness. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and current-voltage (I-V) measurements are employed for mentioned parameters. It is seen that sample with 60 Å TiO2 interfacial layer is a more ideal diode. The reason for this is argued in main text and conclusion section.
Friedel-Crafts Acylation of Furan: Development of A Green Process Using Chromium-exchanged Dodecatungstophosphoric Acid: Effect of Support, Mechanism and Kinetic Modelling
Authors: Desai Deepak S. , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: February 2021

The Friedel-Crafts acylation of furan with acetic anhydride to produce 2-acyl furan is industrially important. With an aim of replacing the highly polluting process, it this study, supported but modified heteropoly acids were used. Metal exchanged dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP) was loaded on three different supports and its effect on acylation was evaluated. Thus, chromium exchanged DTP was supported on K-10, SiO2, and ZrO2 using the incipient wetness impregnation method. 20% w/w Cr0.66-DTP/K-10 having the best activity for the acylation of furan with acetic anhydride was chosen for full characterization and reaction kinetics. Under optimized condition, the catalyst to furan ratio was 9.6%, significantly less as per prior art, which gave 88% conversion with 100% selectivity. The prepared catalysts were characterized by sophisticated techniques, namely, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, NH3-TPD, TGA, and BET. The Eley-Rideal mechanism was found to fit the kinetic data. The activation energy was found to be 18.03 kcal/mol. The reaction is green and clean as no chlorinated chemicals, reagents, and catalysts were used.
Cobalt Exposure in Relation to Cardiovascular Disease in the United States General Population
Authors: Zhu Qingqing , Liao Shengen , Lu Xinyi , Shi Shi , Gong Dexing , Cheang Iokfai , Zhu Xu , Zhang Haifeng , Li Xinli
Published: February 2021

Cobalt exposure has adverse health effects on the cardiovascular system in occupational and laboratory studies, but these effects have not been assessed in the general population. We aimed to determine whether serum cobalt levels had relationship with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2015–2016), we performed the cross-sectional study. We analyzed the baseline chrematistics of 3,389 participants (1623 men and 1766 women). Generalized linear models and restricted cubic spline plots curve were undertaken to elucidate the relationship. Stratified subgroup analysis was tested to exclude interaction between different variates and cobalt. Our results showed that the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD prevalence across the quartiles of cobalt were 0.94 (0.68, 1.30), 1.58 (1.17, 2.13), and 1.84 (1.37, 2.48) compared with lowest quartile. The restricted cubic spline curve also suggested nonlinear and positive association between cobalt and CVD (P for nonlinearity = 0.005). In summary, our cross-sectional results verify that higher cobalt levels are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
Identification and pyramiding of QTLs for rice grain size based on short-wide grain CSSL-Z563 and fine-mapping of qGL3-2
Authors: Liang Peixuan , Wang Hui , Zhang Qiuli , Zhou Kai , Li Miaomiao , Li Ruxiang , Xiang Siqian , Zhang Ting , Ling Yinghua , Yang Zhenglin , He Guanghua , Zhao Fangming
Published: February 2021

Background: Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) can be used to dissect complex traits, from which single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs) containing a target quantitative trait loci (QTL) can be developed, and they are thus important for functional analysis and molecular breeding. Results: A rice line with short wide grains, CSSL-Z563, was isolated from advanced-generation backcross population (BC3F6) derived from ‘Xihui 18’ (the recipient parent) and ‘Huhan 3’ (the donor parent). Z563 carried seven segments from ‘Huhan 3’, distributed on chromosomes 3, 7, and 8, with average substitution length of 5.52 Mb. Eleven QTLs for grain size were identified using secondary F2 population of ‘Xihui 18’/Z563. The QTLs qGL3-1, qGL3-2, and qGL7 control grain length in Z563 and have additive effects to reduce grain length; qGW3-1 and qGW3-2 control grain width in Z563 and have additive effects to increase grain width. Four SSSLs, three double-segment substitution lines (D1–D3), and two triple-segment substitution lines (T1 and T2) were developed containing the target QTLs. The genetic stability of nine QTLs, including qGL3-2, qGL3-1, and qGL7, was verified by the SSSLs. D1 (containing qGL3-2 and qGL3-1), D2 (qGL3-1 and qGL7), and T1 (qGL3-2, qGL3-1, and qGL7) had positive epistatic effects on grain length, and their grain length was shorter than that of the corresponding SSSLs. The QTL qGL3-2 was fine-mapped to a 696 Kb region of chromosome 3 containing five candidate genes that differed between ‘Xihui 18’ and Z563. These results are important for functional research on qGL3-2 and molecular breeding of hybrid rice cultivars.Conclusions: The short and wide grain of Z563 was mainly controlled by qGL3-1, qGL3-2, qGL7, qGW3-1 and qGW3-2. The major QTL qGL3-2 was fine-mapped to a 696 Kb region of chromosome 3 containing five candidate genes. Different QTLs pyramiding displayed various phenotypes. In essence, the performance after pyramiding of genes depended on the comparison between the algebraic sum of the additive and epistatic effects of QTLs in the pyramidal line and the additive effect value of the single QTL. The results lay good foundation in the functional analysis of qGL3-2 and molecular design breeding of novel hybrid rice cultivars.
Haemophilus Influenzae One Day in Denmark: Prevalence, Circulating Clones, and Dismal Resistance to Aminopenicillins
Authors: nørskov-lauritsen niels , Pedersen Nanna , Lam Janni , Nielsen Hans , Kobel Carl , Hansen Dennis
Published: February 2021

PurposeHaemophilus influenzae is a common cause of mucosal infections that warrants accurate surveillance. We aimed to assess the prevalence of the species in clinical specimens, and characterise population structure and resistance to aminopenicillins by whole genome sequencing.MethodsWe assessed the point prevalence by entering the database records of one day in Denmark, and examined the genome sequences of nationwide, collected isolates from the same day. ResultsThe prevalence of H. influenzae in clinical samples on the 10th of January 2018 was 1.78 per 100,000 person-days (all samples), and 2.47 per 1,000 hospital bed-days (hospital samples). Of 2,009 bacteria deemed clinically relevant and collected in a concerted action by the Danish departments of clinical microbiology, 62 (3.1%) were H. influenzae. All 62 isolates belonged to phylogenetic group I and were unencapsulated. Three strains from separate Danish regions had identical core genome sequences, but a small number of intergenic mutations testified to circulating clones, rather than individual cases of patient-to-patient transmission. The TEM-1 β-lactamase gene was present in 24 strains, while 13 strains were genetically categorised as ampicillin-resistant due to substitutions in penicillin-binding protein 3; shared patterns of amino acid substitutions in unrelated strains indicated putative lateral transfer of chromosomal resistance. ConclusionsCirculating clones of H. influenzae are frequent, and host factors, rather than direct transmission of epidemic strains, may be the primary cause of infection. The bleak presence of ampicillin resistance revealed by sequencing of point prevalence strains underscores the necessity for close examination of testing methods.
Serum miR-155, miR-223, miR-17, miR-200a, miR-205, Interleukin 6, and Prostaglandins as Novel Diagnostic Markers for Endometritis in Arabian Mares
Authors: Ibrahim Sally , Hedia Mohamed , Taqi Mohamed O. , Derbala Mohamed K. , mahmoud karima , Ahmed Youssef , Ismail Sayed , El-Belely Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Background: So far the intimate link between serum microRNA (miRNA) and uterine inflammation in mares is unknown. We aimed (I) to investigate the expression profile of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 (II) and to measure the concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α& PGE2) in serum of Arabian mares with healthy and abnormal uterine status (endometritis).Methods and Results: This study was conducted on 80 Arabian mares; young (4-7 years), and old (8-14 years). These animals were divided into 48 sub-fertile including 16 young and 32 old mares suspected of endometritis and 32 fertile as control (24 young and 8 old) at stud farms. Serum samples were collected for measuring IL-6, PGF2α, and PGE2 concentrations, as well as serum miRNA isolation and qRT-PCR. Serum concentrations of IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α were higher (P≤0.001) in mares with endometritis (young and old) compared to the control ones. Age of mares had a remarkable effect(0.001≤P≤0.01) onIL-6, PGE2, and PGF2αconcentrations. The relative abundance of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 was higher (P≤0.001) in both young and old mares with endometritis. We noticed that eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 revealed higher (0.001≤P≤0.01) expression level in old than young mares with endometritis. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study revealed that serum miRNA and serum inflammatory mediators (IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α) could be used as non-invasive gold standard biomarkers, and therefore might be served as an important additional diagnostic tool for endometritis in Arabian mares.
Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Up Locus Determining Fruit Orientation in Pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Authors: Hu Fang , Cheng Jiaowen , Dong Jichi , Zhong Jian , Zhou Ziyan , Hu Kailin
Published: February 2021

Fruit orientation is an important horticultural and domesticated trait, which is controlled by a single semi-dominant gene (up) in pepper. However, the gene underlying up locus has not yet been identified. In this study, the previously detected major QTL UP12.1 was firstly verified using an intraspecific backcross population (n=225) stem from the cross of BB3 (C. annuum) and its wild relative Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum) using BB3 as the recurrent parent. Then, a large BC1F2 population (n=1827) was used for recombinant screening to delimit the up locus into an interval with ~169.51 kb in length. Sequence comparison and expression analysis suggested that Capana12g000958, encoding a developmentally regulated G-protein 2, was the most likely candidate gene for up. The findings of this study will form a basis for gene isolation and reveal of genetic mechanism underlying the fruit orientation domestication in pepper.
Associations Between Insulin Resistance and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Jing , Jin Hua , Chen Lei
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to determine the risk factors for IR in women with GDM.Methods: This study employed a retrospective survey of 710 women diagnosed with GDM. Serum lipids, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum protein were measured in the first trimester (6-12 weeks), and OGTT and fasting insulin tests were performed in the second trimester (24-28 weeks). These results were then used to evaluate IR by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). When HOMA-IR≥2.0, IR was diagnosed. The relationship between HOMA-IR and adverse pregnancy outcomes was analyzed by a logistic regression model, and multiple stepwise regression was used to analyze the risk factors of HOMA-IR. Results: GDM with IR was significantly associated with the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and large for gestational age (LGA) (P=0.002, 0.012, respectively). Body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, FPG, HbA1c, and total triglyceride (TG) in early pregnancy were all significantly positively correlated with IR in the second trimester (P<0.05), while age was significantly negatively correlated with IR (P<0.001). Conclusion: GDM combined with IR in the second trimester increases adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and LGA. In addition, BMI before pregnancy, FPG, HbA1c, and TG in early pregnancy are all independent risk factors for IR.
Stimulus Dependence of Interocular Suppression
Authors: Lew Wei Hau , Stevenson Scott B. , Coates Daniel R.
Published: February 2021

Suppression is assessed using a variety of methods with different stimuli that vary in color, contrast, size, and luminance. We hypothesized that stimulus variation may yield different spatial extents of suppression. Here, to evaluate the role of stimulus characteristics, we measured the suppression zone using a binocular rivalry paradigm in normal observers by systematically varying the parameters of dichoptic Difference of Gaussian stimuli. The stimuli consist of a constantly visible horizontal reference seen by one eye while two vertical suppressors were presented to the other eye. With a keypress, the suppressors appeared for 1 second, to induce a robust transient suppression zone in the middle part of the reference. Subjects adjusted the width between the suppressors to determine the zone. The zone decreased significantly with increasing spatial frequency and lower contrast. The horizontal zone was larger than the vertical zone by a factor of 1.4. The zone was smaller with negative contrast stimuli compared to positive contrast polarity but independent of eye dominance, luminance and colored filters. We then fit a model to determine the optimal parametric definition of the suppression zone and found that the zone consists of two parts: a stimulus-dependent and a fixed non-stimulus dependent zone.
Investigation and study on the fauna and epidemiology of rodent endoparasites in the desert of northwest China
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2021

Zoonoses are severe and have attracted wide attention in society. Many animal parasitic diseases can cause human infection, so it is necessary to study the host of parasites and their transmission routes. The sampling investigation in the inland arid desert area of northwestern China - Xinjiang, a total of 963 rodents belonging to 21 species, 15 genera, four families, and two Lepus yarkandensis,17 Crocidura leucodon were captured in the arid desert region of Xinjiang. Among them, 33 species of endoparasite were detected, including 17 species of nematodes,15 species of tapeworm, and one acanthocephalan species. A total of 127 positive specimens were detected. The infection rate of endoparasite was 13.19%, Nematode infection rate was 6.63%, and the tapeworm infection rate was 7.98%. Epidemiological studies were carried out, and the conclusions are as follows: The infection rate of endoparasite in rodents in this area is not related to gender but is closely related to the host’s age, distribution area, host species, cluster lifestyle, and season. The infection intensity is not related to the number of infected endoparasite species and the infection rate but is mainly related to specific parasite species and rodent species. With the succession of rodent communities, the infection intensity increases from desert to artificial forest, farmland, and residential area, indicating that the direction and route of parasite transmission from primitive desert to artificial environment have formed.
Massive Hemorrhage From the Posterior Intercostal Artery Following Lower Partial Sternotomy: a Case Report
Authors: Hattori Masashi , Matsumura Yu , Yamaki Fumitaka
Published: February 2021

Background: In recent years, partial sternotomy has been adopted as an approach for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Lower partial sternotomy is considered a superior approach compared to full sternotomy in terms of postoperative sternum fixation. We reported a very rare complication of posterior intercostal bleeding after aortic valve replacement with lower partial sternotomy.Case presentation: A 79-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement using lower partial sternotomy involving the right second intercostal space. The surgery was completed without any problem. However, a postoperative chest radiograph indicated a hematoma in the right upper chest wall and pleural effusion. Therefore, we inserted a drainage tube immediately. His blood pressure gradually decreased despite not having much drainage from the chest tube. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a huge hematoma and hemorrhage from the fourth right posterior intercostal artery. Immediately, we performed an emergency lower partial sternotomy again. We detected the origin of the bleeding in the right fourth posterior intercostal artery and obtained hemostasis with direct suture. The postoperative course was uneventful.Conclusions: This case highlights the possibility of intraoperative bleeding from the intercostal artery, even in the absence of a clear rib fracture. In our case, we did not identify the cause of the bleeding. However, we suggest that the inhomogeneous stress on the posterior ribs upon attaching the sternal retractor for lower partial sternotomy may have affected the posterior intercostal artery.
Dietary practices of women with Endometriosis: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Armour Mike , Middleton Alexandra , Lim Siew , Sinclair Justin , Varjabedian David , Smith Caroline
Published: February 2021

Background: Endometriosis causes deleterious effects on the lives of sufferers across multiple domains impacting quality of life. Commonly utilised pharmaceutical interventions offer sub-optimal efficacy in addition to potentially intolerable side effects for many women. There is some evidence for dietary therapies reducing endometriosis symptoms but little data on dietary preferences / strategies used, and their impact, in a community setting. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October and December 2017 to investigate the self-management strategies employed by women with endometriosis. Participants were aged 18-45 years, living in Australia and had a surgically confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis. Results: Four hundred and eighty-four responses were included for analysis, with 76% of women reporting the use of general self-management strategies within the last six months. Of these, 44% of respondents reported using dietary strategies for symptom management. Reducing or eliminating gluten, reducing or eliminating dairy and the low FODMAP diet were the most commonly reported dietary strategies utilised. Respondents reported a 6.4/10 effectiveness score for reduction in pelvic pain with dietary changes, with no difference in pain reduction between the various diets used. Further, women self-reported significant improvements in co-morbidities such as gastrointestinal disturbance (39%), nausea and vomiting (15%) and fatigue (15%).Conclusions: Dietary modifications are a very common self-management strategy employed by people with endometriosis, with the greatest benefit reported on gastrointestinal symptoms. Reducing or eliminating gluten, dairy or FODMAPs, or a combination of these, were the most common strategies. No single diet appeared to provide greater self-reported benefits than others.
Effects of simufilam on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Hoau-Yan , Pei Zhe , Lee Kuo-Chieh , Rojas Yaneicy Gonzalez , Doehner Tamara , Puente John , Sciara Patrick , Beck Brian , Lopez-Brignoni Evelyn , Nikolov Boris , Crowley Carrie , Thornton George Ben , Barbier Remi , Friedmann Nadav , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Burns Lindsay
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Simufilam is a first-in-class drug candidate targeting altered filamin A, a proteopathy in Alzheimer’s disease. The primary objective of this Phase 2 clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of simufilam on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease patients. A secondary objective was to assess cognitive enhancement.
METHODS

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted across 9 clinical sites in the US, 64 mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease patients were randomized to simufilam 50 or 100 mg b.i.d. or placebo for 28 days. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by CSF total tau/amyloid-beta1 − 42 (Aβ42) > 0.28. Co-primary endpoints were changes in CSF Aβ42, total tau, phospho-tau (P-tau181), neurogranin, neurofilament light chain, and YKL-40. Secondary endpoints included additional CSF biomarkers assessing neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier integrity, and tests of episodic and spatial working memory.
RESULTS

Adjusting for multiplicity of the six co-primary endpoints (p < 0.008 versus placebo required for significance), simufilam 50 and 100 mg significantly reduced CSF levels of total tau, hyperphosphorylated tau (P-tau181), neurogranin, neurofilament light chain and YKL-40. Simufilam 50 mg significantly increased CSF levels of Aβ42. On secondary CSF biomarker endpoints, both doses of simufilam significantly reduced IL-6, soluble TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2), HMGB1 (high mobility group box-1), albumin and immunoglobulin G. All but one patient improved from baseline across biomarkers. Simufilam 50 and 100 mg showed effect sizes versus placebo (0.23–0.46) in change from baseline in episodic memory and spatial working memory. Episodic memory improvements correlated most strongly with decreases in P-tau181 (R2 = 0.48). Simufilam was safe and well tolerated. Target engagement was demonstrated by filamin A linkages to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype α7 (α7nAChR) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in lymphocytes.
CONCLUSIONS

Simufilam was safe and well tolerated and significantly improved eleven CSF biomarkers in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, implying biological evidence of disease modification. Simufilam will be further evaluated in large, definitive clinical trials.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04079803.
GLIS1, a Potential Candidate Gene Affect Fat Deposition in Sheep Tail
Authors: luo Rongsong , Zhang Xiaoran , Wang Likai , Zhang Li , Li Guangpeng , Zheng Zhong
Published: February 2021

Fat deposition in sheep tails has complicated mechanisms. In this study, the population genomics analysis has been applied to identify candidate genes associated with fat tails based on high depth whole-genome sequencing of Mongolia sheep (MG, fat-tailed), Small Tail Han sheep (STH, fat-tailed) and two dairy sheep breeds DairyMeade and East Friesian (DS, thin-tailed). The selective signature analysis demonstrated that GLIS1, LOC101117953, PDGFD and T were in the significant divergent regions between DS and STH-MG. A nonsynonymous point mutation (g. 27807636G>T) was found within GLIS1 in STH-MG and resulting in a Pro to Thr substitution. As a pro-adipogenic factor, GLIS1 may play critical roles in the mesodermal cell differentiation during sheep fetal development and affect the fat deposition in sheep tails. This study provides a new insight into the genetic basis of species-specific traits of fat tails.
Factors Associated with Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children Aged 2-15 Years: A Case-Control Study from southern Iran
Authors: Zamani Marzieh , Rahmanian Vahid , Rezaei Samira , Khubfekr Hekmatollah , Namdar Azam
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association between Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus and diet in the first two years of life as well as a select group of demographic variables.
Methods

This case-control study was conducted on 76 children with T1DM and 209 non-diabetic children selected through convenience sampling from the population of people visiting the community health centers of the city of Jahrom, Iran. The required data were collected by a questionnaire of diet and demographic information that was completed by the mothers of the children. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and adjusted odds ratio.
Results

Finally, the results of multiple backward logistic regression showed that Body Mass Index (BMI) of the mother being less than 18.5 before pregnancy (OR: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.61 to 11.97), mothers without a history of diabetes (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.60), mother’s weight before pregnancy (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.84 to 0.91), mother’s excess weight during pregnancy(OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.93), exclusive breastfeeding for more than six months (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.96), low weight gain in the first two years of life (OR: 6.98, 95% CI: 2.16 to 22.5), and the breastfeeding less than 12 months (OR: 10.52, 95% CI: 1.62 to 66.64) have association with Type 1 diabetes (p < 0.05).
Conclusion

Body mass index less than 18 mothers before pregnancy, Low weight gain in the first two years of life and breastfeeding less than 12 months increases the risk of developing Type-1 Diabetes in children.
Incidence of Cardiotoxicity and Validation of the Heart Failure Association- International Cardio-Oncology Society risk stratification Tool in Patients Treated with Trastuzumab for HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer.
Authors: Battisti Nicolò Matteo Luca , Andres Maria Sol , Lee Karla A , Ramalingam Tharshini , Nash Tamsin , Mappouridou Stephanie , Senthivel Nishanthi , Asavisanu Kalaprapa , Obeid Mariam , Tripodaki Elli-Sophia , Angelis Vasileios , Fleming Emily , Goode Emily F , John Susan , Rosen Stuart D , Allen Mark , Stanway Susannah , Lyon Alexander R , Ring Alistair
Published: February 2021

PurposeTrastuzumab improves survival in patients with HER2+ early breast cancer. However, cardiotoxicity remains a concern, particularly in the curative setting, and there are limited data on its incidence outside of clinical trials. We retrospectively evaluated the cardiotoxicity rates (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] decline, congestive heart failure [CHF], cardiac death or trastuzumab discontinuation) and assessed the performance of a proposed model to predict cardiotoxicity in routine clinical practice.MethodsPatients receiving curative trastuzumab between 2011-2018 were identified. Demographics, treatments, assessments and toxicities were recorded. Fisher’s exact test, chi-squared and logistic regression were used.Results931 patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 54 years (range 24-83) and Charlson comorbidity index 0 (0-6), with 195 patients (20.9%) aged 65 or older. 228 (24.5%) were smokers. Anthracyclines were given in 608 (65.3%). Median number of trastuzumab doses was 18 (1-18). The HFA-ICOS cardiovascular risk was low in 401 patients (43.1%), medium in 454 (48.8%), high in 70 (7.5%) and very high in 6 (0.6%).Overall, 155 (16.6%) patients experienced cardiotoxicity: LVEF decline≥10% in 141 (15.1%), falling below 50% in 55 (5.9%), CHF NYHA class II in 42 (4.5%) and class III-IV in 5 (0.5%) and discontinuation due to cardiac reasons in 35 (3.8%). No deaths were observed.Cardiotoxicity rates increased with HFA-ICOS score (14.0% low, 16.7% medium, 30.3% high/very high; p=0.002). ConclusionsCardiotoxicity was relatively common (16.6%), but symptomatic heart failure on trastuzumab was rare in our cohort. The HFA-ICOS score identifies patients at high risk of cardiotoxicity
Two-dimensional charge order stabilized in clean polytype heterostructures
Authors: Sung Suk Hyun , Schnitzer Noah , Novakov Steve , Baggari Ismail El , Luo Xiangpeng , Gim Jiseok , Vu Nguyen , Li Zidong , Brintlinger Todd , Liu Yu , Lu Wenjian , Sun Yuping , Deotare Parag , Sun Kai , Zhao Liuyan , Kourkoutis Lena , Heron John , Hovden Robert
Published: February 2021

Strong evidence suggests that transformative correlated electron behavior may exist only in unrealized clean-limit 2D materials such as 1T-TaS2. Unfortunately, experiment and theory suggest that extrinsic disorder in free standing 2D layers impedes correlation-driven quantum behavior. Here we demonstrate a new route to realizing fragile 2D quantum states through epitaxial polytype engineering of van der Waals materials. The isolation of truly 2D charge density waves (CDWs) between metallic layers stabilizes commensurate long-range order and lifts the coupling between neighboring CDW layers to restore mirror symmetries via interlayer CDW twinning. The twinned-commensurate charge density wave (tC-CDW) reported herein has a single metal–insulator phase transition at ∼350 K as measured structurally and electronically. Fast in-situ transmission electron microscopy and scanned nanobeam diffraction map the formation of tC-CDWs. This work introduces epitaxial polytype engineering of van der Waals materials to access latent 2D ground states distinct from conventional 2D fabrication.
Altered microRNA expression in COVID-19 patients enables identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Farr Ryan , Rootes Christina , Rowntree Louise , Nguyen Thi , Hensen Luca , Kedzierski Lukasz , Cheng Allen , Kedzierska Katherine , Au Gough , Marsh Glenn , Vasan Seshadri , Foo Chwan Hong , Cowled Christopher , Stewart Cameron
Published: February 2021

The host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection provide insights into both viral pathogenesis and patient management. The host-encoded microRNA (miRNA) response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, remains poorly defined. Here we profiled circulating miRNAs from ten COVID-19 patients sampled longitudinally and ten age and gender matched healthy donors. We observed 55 miRNAs that were altered in COVID-19 patients during early-stage disease, with the inflammatory miR-31-5p the most strongly upregulated. Supervised machine learning analysis revealed that a three-miRNA signature (miR-423-5p, miR-23a-3p and miR-195-5p) independently classified COVID-19 cases with an accuracy of 99.9%. In a ferret COVID-19 model, the three-miRNA signature again detected SARS-CoV-2 infection with 99.7% accuracy, and distinguished SARS-CoV-2 infection from influenza A (H1N1) infection and healthy controls with 95% accuracy. Distinct miRNA profiles were also observed in COVID-19 patients requiring oxygenation. This study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a robust host miRNA response that could improve COVID-19 detection and patient management
Stokes dual-soliton spectroscopy in a graphene functionalized over-modal microresonator
Authors: Soavi Giancarlo , Yuan Zhongye , Tan Teng , Yan Guofeng , Zhou Siyu , An Ning , Zhang Hao , Peng Bo , Rao Yun-Jiang , Yao Baicheng
Published: February 2021

Dual comb spectroscopy enables fast and accurate measurements over broad spectral ranges, offering a powerful tool to identify chemical species with unprecedented spectral resolution. Co-generation of soliton combs in one single microresonator can be used to improve the compactness of multi-comb sources and bridge the lab-to-fab gap. However, the robustness of pristine microresonators to environmental changes limits their potential in broader applications such as biochemical sensing. Here, we realize for the first time a two-dimensional-material functionalized dual-comb spectrometer by asymmetrically depositing graphene in an over-modal microsphere. Spectrally trapped Stokes solitons belonging to distinct transverse mode families are co-generated in one single device. A soliton mode in the graphene-functionalized region is highly sensitive to environmental changes while a second soliton mode in the pristine region serves as reference, thus producing dual-comb ultrasensitive beat notes in the electrical domain. Taking advantage of an advanced optoelectronic heterodyne detection scheme, we trace the frequency shift of the dual-soliton beat-note with uncertainty < 0.2 Hz and we achieve real-time individual gas molecule detection in vacuum. This combination of atomically thin materials and microcombs shows the potential for integrated spectroscopy with unprecedented performances and offers new insights toward the design of versatile functionalized microcavity photonic devices.
Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Repair for Large or Massive Rotator Cuff Tear with Delamination: Comparison of Three Suture-Bridge Technique
Authors: Okubo Atsushi , Yotsumoto Tadahiko , Watanabe Nobuyoshi , Kajikawa Teruyoshi , Nakajima Shun , Oshima Yasushi , Iizawa Norishige , Majima Tokifumi
Published: February 2021

Background: Rotator cuff tear with delamination is considered as a risk factor for postoperative retear after rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between 3 repair procedures for large or massive rotator cuff tears with delamination: conventional en masse suture bridge (EMSB), double-layer suture bridge (DLSB), and combination of double-layer suture bridge and modified Debyere-Patte (DLSB+DP) methods.Methods: A total of 53 shoulders of 52 patients who had large or massive rotator cuff tears with delamination were included. The patients were categorized into 3 groups: EMSB group comprised 18 patients, DLSB group comprised 24 shoulders of 23 patients, and DLSB+DP group comprised 11 patients. DP was applied for cases in which the rotator cuff was unable to be covered up to the footprint even though it was sufficiently mobilized. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 34.6 months (range, 24-72 months). Pre- and postoperative evaluations included the Constant scores and range of motion (ROM). Tendon integrity according to Sugaya classification, and fatty degeneration were also evaluated by magnetic resonance images (MRI).Results: The ROM significantly improved after the operation in all groups. Mean constant scores significantly improved (from 45.5±14.3 to 77.4±13.6, in the EMSB, from 45.5±11.6 to 87.6±11.4 in the DLSB, and from 46.3±11.2 to , and 88.0±10.5 in the DLSB+DP). Significant differences were noted in the postoperative Constant score (p<0.05: DLSB vs. EMSB , and p<0.05: DLSB+DP vs. EMSB)． The Constant pain score was better in the DLSB+DP than in the EMSB group. The mean pre-operative global fatty degeneration index was 1.52 in the EMSB group, 1.80 in the DLSB group, and 2.28 in the DLSB+DP group. Retear occurred in 27.8% in the EMSB group, 12.5% in the DLSB group, and 9.1% in the DLSB+DP group. Conclusions: Comparison of 3 groups demonstrated that DLSB and DLSB+DP achieved better clinical outcome than EMSB. DLSB+DP is useful for large or massive rotator cuff tears with severe fatty degeneration or for cases where presence of excessive tension is anticipated when repairing the torn cuff.