bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of The Codon Degeneracy During Interdependent Development Between Metabolism And Replication
Authors: Li Dirson Jian
Published: October 2021

Nirenberg’s genetic code chart shows a profound correspondence between codons and amino acids. The aim of this article is to try to explain the primordial formation of the codon degeneracy. It remains a puzzle how informative molecules arose from the supposed prebiotic random sequences. If introducing an initial driving force based on the relative stabilities of triplex base pairs, the prebiotic sequence evolution became innately nonrandom. Thus, the primordial assignment of the 64 codons to the 20 amino acids has been explained in detail according to base substitutions during the coevolution of tRNAs with aaRSs; meanwhile, the classification of aaRSs has also been explained.
A Risk-based Evaluation of Direct Displacement-based Design
Authors: Burg Luke van der , Kohrangi Mohsen , Bazzurro Paolo , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios
Published: October 2021

Recent seismic design approaches developed under the umbrella of performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) pursue pre-defined performance objectives in terms of structural response, economic losses, or casualties. The earlier PBEE methods were mainly concerned with the deterministic evaluation of performance at a single ground motion intensity level. This premise, however, provides little insight into the long-term risk-based performance of a structure, and limits the ability to make informed design decisions. Given the inherent sources of uncertainty in all aspects of seismic design, probability theory needs to be employed to enable reliable design solutions. However, applying a risk-oriented design approach is not currently feasible for most practitioners, making it essential to understand how the current deterministic applications of these intensity-based PBEE approaches perform in terms of risk. Specifically, the aim is to investigate the capability of the direct displacement-based design (DDBD) method in producing reliable, risk-consistent designs. A probabilistic PBEE assessment framework is applied as the benchmark to determine the risk of exceeding performance objectives for multiple DDBD-based reinforced-concrete-wall and dual reinforced-concrete-wall/steel-frame buildings located at three different sites. The significant variation in the achieved risk estimates for the buildings considered questions the ability of DDBD—or any other intensity-based design method that does not account for uncertainty—to offer risk consistency.
Development, Analyze and Preclinical Evaluation of Inactivated Vaccine Candidate For Prevention of COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Onen Engin Alp , SONMEZ Kivilcim , YILDIRIM Funda , DEMİRCİ Elif kervancioglu , GUREL Aydin
Published: October 2021

BackgroundA novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in the Chinese capital Wuhan in 2019. Since late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for a global pandemic that has resulted in 205,338,159 confirmed cases of infection and 4,333,094 deaths as of August 11, 2021, according to the World Health Organization. Currently, there are no approved antiviral drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Several strategies to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines rely on different technologies such as DNA- and RNA-based formulations, recombinant subunits with viral particles, viral vectors, and purified inactivated viral formulations with or without adjuvant. MethodHere we report the development of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate and show that its efficacy and safety in preclinical studies warrant further clinical evaluation. For this purpose, a vaccine candidate was manufactured by using microcarrier based cell culture methods in a disposable wave bioreactor, purified by using ultrafiltration and multimodal chromatography system, and their effect and possible side effects on different doses were evaluated using qRT-PCR, Western Blotting, antigen ELISA, histopathology, serum neutralization test in Balb/c mice. ResultsMicrocarrier-based production in disposable wave bioreactors (SARTORIUS Biostat RM20, Germany) was very efficient for vaccine production. Each dose of the vaccine candidate contains about 340 –400 ng viral spike protein. TEM analysis verified the viral replication in VERO cells and showed intact, oval-shaped particles with diameters of 90 to 110 nm of the virus after the final purification step. The preliminary results in mice showed that the NtAb titers reached the peak post-priming and boosting in 21 days. The titers were respectively 1/ 595, 1 /791, and 1/1048 in 4, 6, and 10 μg groups. In transgenic ferrets, the inactivated vaccine doses were well tolerated in all dose groups with no vaccine-related serious adverse effects. ConclusionsIn conclusion, two different doses (4 and 6 micrograms) of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 candidate vaccine administered twice were shown to be effective and safe in preclinical studies. All analytical studies have shown that the quality control parameters of the vaccine candidate meet the requirements for inactivated viral vaccines.
Long-Term Cardiac Assessment in a Sample of Adolescent-Onset Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Flamarique Itziar , Vidal Bárbara , Plana Maria Teresa , Andrés-Perpiñá Susana , Gárriz Miguel , Sánchez Paula , Pajuelo Carolina , Mont Lluis , Castro-Forniels Josefina
Published: October 2021

Background: High mortality rates have been reported in patients with anorexia nervosa, mainly due to cardiovascular alterations. The purpose of the present study was to assess cardiac structural and functional abnormalities some 20 years after initial treatment in a sample of adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa (A-AN) and to compare them with matched healthy controls (HC). Methods: A sample of 29 women diagnosed and treated for AN during adolescence (A-AN) were assessed more than 20 years later. A complete cardiac evaluation was carried out including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a standard 2D echocardiography. Thirty matched HC were also assessed. Results: In the A-AN group, four subjects had a body mass index lower than 18.5 and met full DSM 5 criteria for AN at follow-up (Low-Weight group). They were compared with the rest of the sample (n=25) who had normalized their weight (Normal-Weight group), though some still showed some eating disorder symptoms. Both groups were compared with the HC group. Subjects in the Low-Weight group presented statistically significant decreases in the left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrium dimensions and left ventricular mass in comparison with the Normal-Weight group and the HC. No other differences in cardiac parameters were found between groups. Conclusions Echocardiographic and ECG parameters of adults who had presented A-AN twenty years earlier and currently maintained normal weight were similar to those of HC who had never been treated or diagnosed with AN. Adult subjects with A-AN who still had low weight in the long term present certain cardiac abnormalities similar to those seen in short-lasting disease. More studies are needed to confirm these results in a larger sample.
A Fast Alternative to the Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique
Authors: Chien Yu-Chuan , Liu Haidong , Menon Ashok , Brant William , Brandell Daniel , Lacey Matthew J.
Published: October 2021

The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) has been regarded as the go-to method for determining the diffusion coefficients of Li-ions in insertion electrode materials at various states of charge (SoC). However, the method is notoriously time-consuming. In this work, the intermittent current interruption (ICI) method, which has previously been employed to investigate the progression of internal resistances in Li-ion cells, is demonstrated to provide comparably accurate measurements of diffusion coefficients with a drastically reduced experimental time. Theoretically, it is first derived from Fick’s laws that the ICI method renders essentially the same information as GITT. Experimentally, both GITT and ICI are then compared side-by-side in a three-electrode half-cell of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811). It is shown that the results from both methods match where the assumption of semi-infinite diffusion applies. Moreover, the benefit of the comparatively non-disruptive ICI method to operando characterization methods is demonstrated via correlation of changes in the continuously monitored diffusion coefficient of Li+ in NMC811 to structural changes in the material by operando X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-COV-2 Antibodies in Benadir Region, Somalia
Authors: Dirie Najib Isse , Adam Mohamed Hussein , Mohamoud Jamal Hasan , Mohamood Abdiaziz S. , Mohamed Ahmed A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Only little is known about the true extent of COVID-19 in Somalia. The study aims to assess the seroprevalence of the COVID- 19 pandemics in the Benadir region using SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and estimate the number of inhabitants infected with SARS- CoV-2.
Methods

Population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to measure the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the Benadir region (Mogadishu city). In the study, we enrolled 2500 Mogadishu city residents aged ≥18 years who did not receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Results

The overall seroprevalence of IgG/IgM anti-SARS CoV- 2 antibodies was 44.8%. The seropositivity in females (56.6%) was higher than in males (46.2%). The trend in seropositivity increased with age; however, the variation was only significant in the age group 38-57 with an odds ratio and p-value of 4.11 (1.475-11.47), p=0.007. Families with >5 members (47.2%) were more likely to test positive than those <5 members (37%). Participants reported covid-19 symptoms during the pandemics or had contact with covid-19 patients have significantly increased IgG prevalence.
Conclusion

Participants with larger families, individuals working in the public sector, and students showed significant seropositive results. Therefore, precautionary measures should be heightened for individuals working in the public sector.
Determinants of Evidence Use by Frontline Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Staff in Selected Health Facilities in Ghana
Authors: Abekah-Nkrumah Gordon , Ottie-Boakye Doris , Ermel Johnson , Issiaka Sombié
Published: October 2021

Background

The current paper examines the level of use of evidence and factors affecting the use of evidence by frontline maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and reproductive and child health (RCH) staff in practice decisions in selected health facilities in Ghana.
Methods

Data was collected from 509 respondents drawn from 44 health facilities in three regions in Ghana. Means were used to examine the level of use of evidence, whiles cross-tabulations and Partial least Squares-based regression were used to examine factors that influence the use of evidence in practice decisions by frontline MNCH/RCH staff.
Conclusion

We argue that any effort to improve the use of evidence by frontline MNCH/RC staff in practice decisions should focus on improving attitudes and knowledge of staff as well as challenges related to the structure of the organisation. Given however that the score for attitude was relatively high, emphases should be on knowledge and organizational structure in particular, which had the lowest score even though it has the single most important effect on the use of evidence.
Altered Intestinal Microbial Flora and Abnormal Metabolism in Chinese Patients With Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Shi Xiaohu , Li Zhaojun , Lin Weifeng , Hu Rongrong , Chen Gang , Li Xuemei , Lee Xuewang , Zhang Sen
Published: October 2021

Background: Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome and related metabolites have been observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet their roles in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is poorly understood. Results: In this study, we describe the variation of intestinal bacteria and fecal metabolites in patients with IMN for the first time in Chinese population. Stool samples are collected from 41 IMN patients at the beginning of diagnosis confirmation and 41 gender and age matched healthy control (HC). Microbial communities are investigated by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and functional profiles predicted using Tax4Fun, and the correlation between intestinal bacteria and IMN clinical characteristics is also analyzed. Untargeted metabolomic analysis is performed to explore the relationship between colon’s microbiota and fecal metabolites. IMN gastrointestinal microbiota demonstrates lower richness and diversity compared to HC, and exhibits a marked taxonomic and inferred functional dysbiosis when compared to HC. Some genera are closely related to the clinical parameters, such as Citrobacter and Akkermansia. 20 characteristic microbial biomarkers are selected to establish a disease prediction model with a diagnostic accuracy of 93.53%. Fecal metabolomics shows that tryptophan metabolism is reduced in IMN patients but uremic toxin accumulation in feces is not noticeable. Fecal microbiota transplantation demonstrates that gut dysbiosis impairs gut permeability in microbiota-depleted mice and induces NOD-like receptor activation in kidneys. Conclusions: Clarifying the changes in intestinal microbiota in IMN patients will help further know the pathogenesis of this disease, and microbiota-targeted biomarkers will provide a potentially powerful tool for diagnosing and treating IMN.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Promotes Angiogenesis via Integrin β1/ERK1/2/HIF-1α/VEGF-A Signaling Pathway for off-the-shelf Breast Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wu Mian , Chen Lifeng , Qi Yuhan , Ci Hai , Mou Shan , Yang Jie , Yuan Qiaoyu , Yao Weiqi , Wang Zhenxing , Sun Jiaming
Published: October 2021

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) based tissue engineered breast represent the visible future for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. However, autologous MSCs might not be appropriate for the large graft construction due to cell senescence during excessive cell expansion, thus hindering its further off-the-shelf application. As human umbilical cord stem cells (hUCMSCs) have been proved to be safe with low immune response and easily stored, they are ideal for off-the-shelf tissue engineering application. Here, we aim to explore the possibility of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells as tissue-engineered breast seed cells. Methods: The allogenic hUCMSCs were injected into transplanted fat tissue with or without breast scaffolds as an alternative for breast tissue engineering in vivo, and its potential mechanism of angiogenesis in vitro was explored.Results: The hUCMSCs promoted proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through paracrine process by activating the integrin β1/ERK1/2/HIF-1α/VEGF-A signaling pathway. Histological examination of grafted fat revealed that the group which received hUCMSCs transplantation had more fat tissue ((93.60±2.40) %) and less MAC2+CD206- M1 macrophages ((0.50±0.47) cells/field) compared to control group (fat tissue (45.42±5.96) and macrophage cells/field (5.00±2.23)). Moreover, the cell tracing dye labeled hUCMSCs were confirmed to differentiate into adipocytes and vascular endothelial cells in adipose tissue. Additionally, when applied to the tissue-engineered breast with scaffold, the group treat with hUCMSCs had more adipose tissues and CD31+ cells than the control group.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the role of allogeneic hUCMSCs in regenerating adipose tissue and may provide a new strategy to construct tissue engineered breast.
Factors influencing Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Singapore: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: De Roza Jacqueline Giovanna , Ng David Wei Liang , Mathew Blessy Koottappal , Jose Teena , Goh Ling Jia , Wang Chunyan , Soh Cindy Seok Chin , Goh Kar Cheng
Published: October 2021

BackgroundFalls in older adults is a common problem worldwide. Fear of falling (FoF) is a consequence of falls which has far-reaching implications including activity restriction, functional decline and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with FoF in a segment of Singapore’s community-dwelling older adults. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of adults aged 65 and above from 4 primary care clinics from September 2020 to March 2021. Data were collected on demographic factors and clinical factors including history of falls and frailty as determined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). FoF was measured using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale–International (Short FES-I), cut-off score of 14 and above indicated high FoF. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of high FoF.ResultsOut of 360 older adults, 78.1% were Chinese and 59.7% females. The mean age was 78.3 years and 76 (21.1%) had a history of falls in the past six months. Almost half (43.1%) were mildly to moderately frail and most (80.6%) had three or more chronic conditions. The mean FoF score was 15.5 (SD 5.97) and 60.8% reported high FoF. Logistic regression found that Malay ethnicity (OR = 5.81, 95% CI 1.77 – 19.13), use of walking aids (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.54 – 8.77) and increasing frailty were significant predictors for high FoF. The odds of high FoF were significantly higher in pre frail older adults (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 2.66 – 17.37), mildly frail older adults (OR =18.58, 95% CI = 4.88 – 70.34) and moderately frail older adults (OR = 144.78, 95% CI = 13.86 – 1512.60).ConclusionsFoF is a prevalent and compelling issue in community-dwelling older adults, particularly those with frailty. The demographic and clinical factors identified in this study will be helpful to develop targeted and tailored interventions for FoF.
Differences in Gene Expression Between High- and Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancers: Implications for Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Xu Jianhao , Wang Qian , Cao Fang , Deng Zhiyong , Gao Xiaojiao , Gu Tingting , Liu Tingting , Xu Song , Gan Wenjuan
Published: October 2021

Background
The clinical presentations of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) differ. In this study, we aimed to identify the essential molecules for the diagnosis and prognosis of these OC subtypes.
Methods
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HGSOC and LGSOC were identified using three GEO series. The functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate different biological processes and pathways. The protein–protein interaction network was constructed, and hub genes were screened to narrow the focus of the study. The discovered hub genes were frequently validated using prognostic correlation, co-expression, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in GTEx, Oncomine, GEPIA, cBioportal, HPA, and other databases.
Results
In comparison with LGSOC, 79 upregulated genes and 85 downregulated genes were identified in HGSOC, and the biological roles of these genes were mostly centered on the cell cycle process and chromosomal segregation. Among the 10 hub genes chosen, BIRC5 was favorably linked with overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer (p = 0.014), whereas RRM2 was negatively correlated with the ovarian cancer stage (p = 0.0251). In IHC studies, the intensity of BIRC5 expression in ovarian cancer was greater than that in normal ovarian tissues; however, RRM2 was not substantially expressed in either ovarian cancer tissues or normal ovarian tissues.
Conclusions
BIRC5 is a potential marker that can distinguish HGSOC from LGSOC, guide prognosis, and be utilized in clinical IHC.
Hand Grip Strength is Inversely Associated with Albumin to Creatinine Ratio Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in a Community-Based Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Yuanpin , Zheng Hangping , Sun Wanwan , Ji Lijin , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Qi , Bai Yuetian , Li Yiming , Lu Bin , Zhu Xiaoming
Published: October 2021

Aims The relationship of albuminuria with hand grip strength in patients with type 2 diabetes was still uncertain. We carried out a cross-sectional study to examine the association between serum hand grip strength and albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) among Chinese patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a community-based study. Methods A total of 427 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients were recruited from five clinical centers from March to May in 2019. Anthropometry indicators, hand grip strength, biochemical parameters and indices of glucose metabolism were measured. ACR was categorized as normo- (ACR<30 mg/g) and albuminuria (ACR≥30 mg/g). Both anthropometry and biochemical measurements were compared between these two groups categorized by ACR levels. Binary logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the association of albuminuria and other clinical or biochemical variables. The correlation between hand grip strength and log(ACR) was examined by Pearson’s correlation analyses. P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant for all analyses. Results Age, HbA1c, FPG, TG, Scr and SBP were all higher in correlation with higher levels of ACR, while hand grip strength was the reverse. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that high hand grip strength was an independent protective factor of the presence of albuminuria. Conclusions High hand grip strength might have a protective role in the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
Association between climate variables and pulmonary tuberculosis incidence in Brunei Darussalam, 2001 - 2018
Authors: Chaw Liling , Liew Sabrina Q.R. , Wong Justin
Published: October 2021

Seasonality of tuberculosis is a long known but less understood phenomenon, particularly in equatorial countries. This study investigated the association between climate variables and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) incidence in Brunei Darussalam. Weekly data on PTB case counts and climate variables from January 2001 to December 2018 were analysed using the distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) framework. After adjusting for long term trend and seasonality, multivariable analysis showed inverse association between PTB incidence and minimum temperature (relative risk [RR] significant up till the first 12 lagged weeks), total rainfall (RR significant after lag 12), and total sunshine hours (RR significant after lag 12). We also found a positive association between PTB incidence and mean relative humidity (RR significant up till the first 8 lagged weeks). No significant results were observed for average wind speed. Our findings reveal evidence of seasonal variation in PTB incidence in Brunei, but with varying degrees of magnitude, direction and timing. Though explainable by environmental and social factors, further studies on the relative contribution of recent (through primary human-to-human transmission) and remote (through reactivation of latent TB) TB infection in equatorial settings is warranted.
Action of the natural compound esculetin on Ca2+ movement and survival in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Jan Chung-Ren , Kuo Chun-Chi , Hao Lyh-Jyh , Chou Chiang-Ting , Wang Jue-Long , Lin Rong An , Liao Wei-Chuan
Published: October 2021

Esculetin is derived from coumarin and is shown to be the main constituent of the Chinese herb Cortex Fraxini. The molecular paths underlying the action of esculetin are intensively studied. The outcome of esculetin on Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in prostate cells is unexplored. Fura-2 was used to detect Ca2+ changes. Death was assessed by using WST-1. At doses of 25-100 mM, esculetin evoked [Ca2+]i raises. This signal was lessened by 15% by exclusion of Ca2+. Esculetin (100 μM) induced Mn2+ entry that implied Ca2+ influx. Esculetin-evoked Ca2+ influx was curbed by 50% by nifedipine (1 mM), econazole (0.5 mM) and SKF96365 (5 mM); phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate (PMA; 1 nM; a protein kinase C [PKC] activator); and GF109203X (2 mM; a PKC inhibitor. In the absence of Ca2+, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (1 mM) eradicated esculetin-induced [Ca2+]i raises. U73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) suppressor got rid of esculetin-caused [Ca2+]i rises. Esculetin (20-70 mM) evoked death which was not restrained by treatment with the Ca2+ binder BAPTA/AM. In summary, in PC3 cells, esculetin stimulated [Ca2+]i raises by Ca2+ influx through PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry and PLC-associated ER Ca2+ discharging. Esculetin provoked Ca2+-independent cell death.
Direct Numerical Simulation on the Unsteady Flow Field of Low-Pressure Turbine Cascades With and Without Upstream Wake at Low Reynolds Number
Authors: Pang Xiyuan , Zhu Hongbo , Wu Feng , Bao Yan , Xu Hui
Published: October 2021

The spectral/hp element method is a high fidelity method that has good numerical dispersion-diffusion characteristics and is flexible and applicable to quasi-three-dimensional aerodynamic problems with complex geometric configurations in the streamline direction and the pitch direction. This paper uses this method to directly solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, and analyzes the aerodynamic performance of the T106A low-pressure turbine cascade at low Reynolds number. Two different conditions, i.e. uniform inlet flow and cylinder’s wake flow, are adopted and their basic characteristics of flow separation and transition are quantitatively analyzed and compared, by observing the distribution of cascade wall surface pressure and friction coefficient, the distribution of wake profile pressure loss and the evolution characteristics of boundary layer flow structure. The numerical results show that the spectral/hp element method can accurately predict the flow separation and transition performance of low-pressure turbine cascades, which implies that it can be used as a high-fidelity simulation and calculation tool for the optimal design of this type of cascade. It is also found that cylinder’s wake can effectively inhibit boundary layer separation of the T106A LPT blade and improve aerodynamic performance and efficiency of it.
Sequencing Introduced False Positive Rare Taxa Lead to Distorted Microbial Community Diversity, Assembly, and Interaction Interpretation in Amplicon Studies
Authors: JIA Yangyang , Zhao Shengguo , Guo Wenjie , Peng Ling , Zhao Fang , Wang Lushan , Fan Guangyi , Zhu Yuanfang , Xu Dayou , Liu Guilin , Wang Ruoqing , Fang Xiaodong , Zhang He , Kristiansen Karsten , Zhang Wenwei , Chen Jianwei
Published: October 2021

Background: Due to the inherent scarcity of the microbial rare taxa, it is difficult to distinguish between bona fide rare taxa and potential false positives in metabarcoding amplicon sequencing studies. Although recently developed quality control and clustering or denoising algorithms could remove sequencing errors or non-biological artifact reads, no algorithm could remove high quality reads from sample-wise cross contaminations introduced by index misassignment. Results: We thoroughly evaluated the rate of index misassignment of the mostly used NovaSeq 6000 and DNBSEQ-G400 sequencing platforms using both commercial and customized mock communities, and observed significant higher (5.68% vs 0.08%) fraction of potential false positive reads for NovaSeq 6000 compared to DNBSEQ-G400 in. Significant batch effects could be caused by the randomly detected false positive or false negative rare taxa. These false detections introduced by index misassignment could also lead to inflated alpha diversity for relatively simple samples while underestimated alpha diversity for complex samples. Further test using a set of cow rumen samples reported differential rare taxa by different sequencing platforms. Correlation test of the rare taxa detected by each sequencing platform demonstrated that the Novaseq 6000 platform detected rare taxa had a much lower possibility to be correlated with the physiochemical properties of rumen fluid. Community assembly mechanism and microbial network association analysis indicated that false positive or negative rare taxa detection could lead to distorted community assembly process and identification of even fake keystone species of the community, one of which was confirmed negative by PCR cloning and following Sanger sequencing. Conclusions: Metabarcoding amplicon sequencing process may introduce scarce but not neglectable false positives. We highly suggest proper positive and negative controls and technical replicate settings, and proper sequencing platform selection in future amplicon studies, especially when the microbial rare biosphere should be focused.
Corticosteroids Use and Risk of Respiratory Coinfections in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Ceballos María Elena , Nuñez Carolina , Uribe Javier , Vera María Magdalena , Castro Ricardo , García Patricia , Arriata Gabriel , Gándara Vicente , Vargas Camila , Dominguez Angélica , Cerón Inés , Born Pablo , Espíndola Eduardo
Published: October 2021

Background

To describe respiratory coinfections, predictive factors and outcomes in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) with COVID-19.
Methods

Cohort study, carried out in a Chilean single tertiary Hospital. All patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICU that required MV were included between 1 June and 31 July 2020.
Results

175 patients were admitted to ICU and required MV. Of these, 71 patients developed at least one respiratory coinfection (40.6 %). Early coinfections and late coinfections were diagnosed in 1.7% and 31.4% of all patients admitted to ICU respectively. Within late coinfections, 88% were bacterial, 10% were fungal, and 2% were viral coinfections. One third of isolated bacteria were multidrug-resistant. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk for coinfection was 7.7 times higher for patients with history of corticosteroids (adOR = 7.65, CI 95%: 1.04-56.2, p=0,046) and 2.7 times higher for patients that received dexamethasone during hospitalization (adOR=2.69; CI 95%: 1.14-6.35, p=0,024) than patients that were not exposed. For each additional day in MV, the risk of coinfection increases 1.1 times (adOR=1.06; CI 95%: 1.01-1.11, p=0,025).
Conclusions

Patients in ICU with COVID-19 that require MV had a high rate of coinfections during their stay, but not at admission. Major predisposing factors are the history of corticosteroids, the use of dexamethasone during hospitalization and days in MV.
Microinvasive breast cancer and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Hacking Sean , Wu Dongling , Banks Mara , Graves Theresa , Leonard Kara-Lynne , Wang Lijuan , Yakirevich Evgeny , Wang Yihong
Published: October 2021

Whether sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) should be performed in patients with microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC) has been a matter of debate over the last decade. MIBC has a favorable prognosis. Metastasis to the axilla is rare in MIBC, but such axillary mets would impact on treatment recommendations. In this study, we evaluated clinical and histological features in both MIBC and background DCIS including the ER, PR, and HER-2/neu, number of foci of MIBC, and the extent of the DCIS, nuclear grade, presence of comedo necrosis, as well as surgical procedures, adjuvant treatment and follow up, to identify variables which predict disease free survival (DFS), as well as the factors which influence clinical decision making. In the group of 72 patients with MIBC, an average mean patient follow-up time was 32 months. Three patients with MIBC had recurrence, and two deceased, leaving 5 patients in total with poor long-term outcomes and a DFS rate of 91.7%. Performing mastectomy, high nuclear grade, and negativity for ER and HER-2 were found to be associated with the use of SLNB, although none of these variables were found to be associated with DFS. One positive lymph node case was discovered following SLNB in our study. This suggests the use of SLNB may provide diagnostic information to some patients, although these are the anomalies. When comparing patients who had undergone SLNB vs those that had not, there was no difference in DFS; while following multivariate analysis, patients who underwent adjuvant radiation (HR: 0.093, P = 0.04)) were found to have improved DFS. Certainly, the use of SLNB in MIBC is quite the conundrum. It is important to acknowledge that surgical complications have been reported, and traditional metrics used for risk assessment in invasive breast cancer may not necessarily represent risk in the setting of microinvasion.
Gadolinium-Oxide Nanoparticles for Cryogenic Magnetocaloric Applications
Authors: Zelenakova Adriana , Hrubovcak Pavol , Berkutova Anna , Sofranko Ondrej , Kucerka Norbert , Ivankov Olexander , Kuklin Alexander , Zelenak Vladimir , Girman Vladimir
Published: October 2021

The series of advanced nanocomposites consisting of Gd2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) embedded into periodic porous SiO2 matrix have been investigated with respect to their structural and magnetocaloric properties. By means of small angle neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy, regular nanopores organized in the cubic or hexagonal superlattice have been documented. The pores are occupied by the NPs of progressive concentration within the nanocomposite series. All of the examined systems have exhibited extraordinarily high values of magnetic entropy change at low temperatures, indicating their perspective utilization in cryogenic refrigeration. Profound analysis of magnetic entropy change data via scaling laws has been applied to the nanocomposite materials for the very first time. With the aid of scaling analysis, conclusions on magnetic properties and phase transition type have been made, even for the conditions unavailable in the laboratory.
Solar Dome Integration as Technical New in Water Desalination: Case Study Morocco Region Rabat-Kenitra
Authors: Lachhab Saad Eddine , Bliya A , Ibrahmi E Al , Dlimi L
Published: October 2021

In order to improve distillate water, this paper presents a study of the solar dome system that is considered as one of the most important economical solutions in the domain of drinking water production. For this, a mathematical model was built from equations describing the optical and thermal phenomenon involved in this process. The concentration of radiation and the heat flow were simulated in each 0.1m² of the dome which using the metrological parameters of Morocco’s region Rabat-Salé-Kenitra. The results can follow the evolution of the temperature of glass, salt water, point dew temperature, saturation pressure and evaporation rate as well as humidity reached in August month for the study zone. For this, a numerical implementation on Matlab and Ansys are compared with measurements for the same parameters showed in the domain study of single slope. The comparison results are more significant by the rise of the ray concentration rate reached until 99% if the inclination angle of the heliostat divided into three intervals. The saturation pressure increases as long as with the rate of evaporation and the humidity that produces ordinary daily fresh water.
Urine Proteomics Identifies Biomarkers for Diabetic Kidney Disease at Different Stages
Authors: Fan Guanjie , Gong Tongqing , Lin Yuping , Wang Jianping , Sun Lu , Wei Hua , Yang Xing , Liu Zhenjie , Li Xinliang , Zhao Ling , Song Lan , He Jiali , Liu Haibo , Li Xiuming , Liu Lifeng , Li Anxiang , Lu Qiyun , Zou Dongyin , Wen Jianxuan , Xia Yaqing , Wu Liyan , Huang Haoyue , Zhang Yuan , Xie Wenwen , Huang Jinzhu , Luo Lulu , Wu Lulu , He Liu , Liang Qingshun , Chen Qubo , Chen Guowei , Bai Mingze , Qin Jun , Ni Xiaotian , Tang Xianyu , Wang Yi
Published: October 2021

Background
Type 2 diabetic kidney disease is the most common cause of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and end-stage renal diseases (ESRD). Although kidney biopsy is considered as the ‘gold standard’ for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) diagnosis, it is an invasive procedure, and the diagnosis can be influenced by sampling bias and personal judgement. It is desirable to establish a non-invasive procedure that can complement kidney biopsy in diagnosis and tracking the DKD progress.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we collected 252 urine samples, including 134 uncomplicated diabetes, 65 DKD, 40 CKD without diabetes and 13 follow-up diabetic sample, and analyzed the urine proteomes with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We built logistic regression models to distinguish uncomplicated diabetes, DKD and other CKDs.
Results
We quantified 559 ± 202 gene products (GPs) (Mean ± SD) on a single sample and 2,946 GPs in total. Based on logistic regression models, DKD patients could be differentiated from the uncomplicated diabetic patients with 2 urinary proteins (AUC = 0.928), and the stage 3 (DKD3) and stage 4 (DKD4) DKD patients with 3 urinary proteins (AUC = 0.949). These results were validated in an independent data set. Finally, a 4-protein classifier identified putative pre-DKD3 patients, who showed DKD3 proteomic features but were not diagnosed by clinical standards. Follow-up studies on 11 patients indicated that 2 putative pre-DKD patient have progressed to DKD3.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated the potential for urinary proteomics as a noninvasive method for DKD diagnosis and identifying high-risk patients for progression monitoring.
Evaluation of Response to Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST) Versus Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST)
Authors: Han Jixia , Song Qi , Guo Feng , Du Rui , Fang Henghu , Lu Zejun , Kang Jingbo
Published: October 2021

Background: Recommendations for surveillance after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not well defined. Recently, PET response criteria in solid tumors (PERCIST) have been proposed as a new standardized method to assess radiotherapeutic response both quantitatively and metabolically. The aim of this study was to evaluate therapeutic response following Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in early-stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients by comparing PERCIST with the currently widely used RECIST.Methods: Forty-nine patients with early-stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer who had been prescribed Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy were studied. Responses of lesion were evaluated using CT and 18F-FDG PET according to the RECIST and PERCIST methods. PET-CT scans were obtained before SBRT and 3 to 6 months after SBRT. Associations between overall survival and clinicopathologic results (histology, tumor location, tumor size, lymphatic invasion, clinical stage, radiotherapeutic responses in RECIST and PERCIST) were statistically analyzed. Median patient follow-up was 30 months.Results: Thirteen patients had stage IA, 9 stage IB, 10 stage IIA, and 17 stage IIB biopsy-proven NSCLC. Three-year overall survival was 79.6%. CT scans indicated 3 regional recurrences. PET/d-chest indicated 3 regional recurrences and distant metastasis. Significant differences were observed in response classification between RECIST and PERCIST (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P=0.0041). Uni-variate analysis showed that clinical stage, RECIST and PERCIST were significant factors associated with overall survival, whilst by multivariate analysis PERCIST was the only predictor of overall survival. SMD, PMD/PMR, CMR in PERCIST criteria was indicative of a 9.900-fold increase in the risk of overall survival in early NSCLC patients [RR 9.900 (95% CI 1.040, 21.591), P=0.001].Conclusion: RECIST based on the anatomic size reduction rate did not demonstrate correlation between radiotherapeutic response and prognosis in patients with early-stage NSCLC receiving SBRT. However, PERCIST was shown as the strongest independent predictor of outcomes. PERCIST might be considered more suitable for evaluation of NSCLC tumour response to SBRT than RECIST.
Leriche Syndrome Diagnosed Due to Polytrauma: a Case Report
Authors: Yoshimura Genki , Kamidani Ryo , Miura Tomotaka , Oiwa Hideaki , Mizuno Yosuke , Yasuda Ryu , Kitagawa Yuichiro , Fukuta Tetsuya , Miyake Takahito , Okamoto Haruka , Kanda Norihide , Doi Tomoaki , Okada Hideshi , Yoshida Takahiro , Yoshida Shozo , Ogura Shinji
Published: October 2021

Background: Leriche syndrome is caused by atherosclerosis and is often characterized by symptoms such as intermittent claudication as well as numbness and coldness of the lower limbs. Its exact prevalence and incidence are unknown because it is a rare disease. We report a case of Leriche syndrome diagnosed incidentally on a trauma pan-scan computed tomography (CT).Case Presentation: A 61-year-old Asian man was driving a passenger car when he had a head-on collision with a dump truck and received an emergency call. He was transported to our hospital in a doctor's helicopter. Physical examination revealed the following vital signs: respiratory rate, 23 breaths per minute; SpO2, 98% under a 10 L administration mask; pulse rate, 133 beats per minute; blood pressure, 142/128 mmHg; Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, positive; Glasgow Coma Scale E3V5M6; and body temperature, 35.9℃.Trauma pan-scan CT showed bilateral mandibular fractures, bilateral multiple rib fractures, bilateral pneumothorax, sternal fractures, peri-thoracic hematoma, small bowel perforation, mesenteric injury, right clavicle fracture, right ankle debridement injury, and thrombotic occlusion of the bilateral common iliac arteries from just above the abdominal aortic bifurcation. Although thrombotic occlusion needed to be differentiated from traumatic aortic injury, the presence of collateral blood vessels led to the diagnosis of Leriche syndrome, and conservative treatment was performed.Damage control surgery was required for small bowel injuries. From the second day of admission, the patient was treated with continuous intravenous heparin and prostaglandin preparations. However, impaired blood flow and reperfusion injury in the right lower extremity progressed. On the fifth day of admission, right thigh amputation was performed. The patient required renal replacement therapy for approximately two weeks starting from the third day of admission.Conclusions: In this case, conservative therapy was initially chosen as the treatment for Leriche syndrome. However, the complex factors in the acute phase of trauma lead to hemorrhagic necrosis development, resulting in amputation of the lower extremity. Our findings making necessitate the importance of decision of treatment indication and choice.
Glycemic Control is Associated with Heart Failure with Recovered Ejection Fraction in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Yang Chen Die , Aihemaiti Muladili , Ding Feng Hua , Yang Zhen Kun , Hu Jian , Shen Wei Feng , Lu Lin , Zhang Rui Yan , Wang Xiao Qun
Published: October 2021

Background: Due to advances in medical treatments, a substantial proportion of heart failure (HF) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, HFrEF) have experienced partial or complete recovery of LVEF, termed HFrecEF, and markedly improved clinical outcomes. In the present study, we sought to investigate the relationship between glycemic control and the incidence of HFrecEF in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: A total of 310 age- and sex-matched T2DM patients with HFrecEF and persistent HFrEF were retrospectively enrolled based on 12-month repeat echocardiograms. HFrecEF was defined as follow-up LVEF > 40% and absolute LVEF improvement ≥ 10% compared to the baseline. The relationship between HFrecEF and HbA1c levels was analyzed. Results: During the 12-month follow-up, LVEF recovered from 35.93% ± 5.62% to 51.11% ± 8.53% in the HFrecEF group (P<0.001), while remained reduced (33.08% ± 6.40% to 33.63% ± 6.10%, P=0.238) in the HFrEF group. T2DM patients with HFrecEF had significantly lower HbA1c level than those with persistent HFrEF (6.4% [IQR 5.8%~7.1%] vs. 6.8% [IQR 6.3%~7.4%], P<0.001), irrespective of HF etiology. After multivariate adjustment, every 1% increase in HbA1c conferred a 20.8% [OR: 0.792, 95% CI 0.642~0.967] lower likelihood of HFrecEF. When dividing HbA1c into tertiles, patients with HbA1c ≥ 7.1% corresponded to a 60.9% [OR: 0.391, 95% CI 0.201~0.750] decreased likelihood of HFrecEF as compared to those with HbA1c < 6.2%. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that HFrEF patients with T2DM are more likely to develop HFrecEF under optimal glycemic control valued by lower HbA1c level.
The SGLT2i Dapagliflozin Reduces RV Hypertrophy Independent of Changes in RV Pressure Induced by Pulmonary Artery Banding
Authors: Connelly Kim A , Wu Ellen , Visram BSc Aylin , Friedberg Mark K. , Batchu Sri Nagarjun , Yeera Veera Ganesh , Thai Kerri , Nghiem Linda , Zhang Yanling , Kabir Golam , Desjardins JF , Advani Andrew , Gilbert Richard E
Published: October 2021

Background— Sodium glucose linked transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition not only reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with diagnosed heart failure but also prevents the development of heart failure hospitalization in those at risk. While studies to date have focused on the role of SGLT2 inhibition in left ventricular failure, whether this drug class might be similarly efficacious in the treatment and prevention of right heart failure has not been unexplored.Hypothesis: We hypothesized that SGLT2 inhibition would reduce the structural, functional and molecular responses to pressure overload of the right ventricle.Methods: Thirteen-week-old Fischer F344 rats underwent pulmonary artery banding (PAB) or sham surgery prior to being randomized to receive either the SGLT2 inhibitor: dapagliflozin (1.5mg/kg/day) or vehicle by oral gavage. After six weeks of treatment, animals underwent transthoracic echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic studies. Animals were then terminated, and their hearts harvested for structural and molecular analyses.Results: PAB induced features consistent with a compensatory response to increased right ventricular (RV) afterload with elevated mass, end systolic pressure, collagen content and alteration in calcium handling protein expression (all p<0.05 when compared to sham + vehicle). Dapagliflozin reduced RV mass, including both wet and dry weight as well as normalizing the protein expression of SERCA 2A, AMPkinase and LC3I/II ratio expression (all p<0.05).Significance: Dapagliflozin reduces the structural, functional, and molecular manifestations of right ventricular pressure overload. Whether amelioration of these early changes in the RV may ultimately lead to a reduction in RV failure remains to be determined.
Preclinical Study on the Ameliorating Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid for the Oxidative Stress of Caused by Chronic Administration of Organic Nitrates in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Hamdan Ahmed M , Mohammedsaleh Zuhair M. , Aboelnour Aalaa , Elkhannishi Sherif M.H.
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe therapeutic activity of Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is mainly regulated by liberating nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). During this biotransformation, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation inside the red blood cells (RBCs) occur. The principal objective of our research is to explain the ameliorating effect of L-ascorbic acid for the deleterious effects of chronic administration of nitrovasodilator drugs. MethodsWe studied some biochemical parameters for the oxidative stress using groups of high sucrose/fat (HSF) diet Wistar male rats chronically orally administered ISMN. Afterwards, we evaluated the role of L-ascorbic acid against these biochemical changes. ResultsChronic treatment with organic nitrates caused elevated serum levels of lipid peroxidation, hemoglobin derivatives as methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin, rate of hemoglobin autoxidation, the cellular levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines marker (NF-κB) and apoptosis markers (caspase-3) in myocardium muscles in a dose dependent manner. Meanwhile, such exposure caused decline in the enzymatic effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity (CAT) accompanied with a decrease of in the level of mitochondrial oxidative stress marker (nrf2) in myocardium muscles and decrease in the serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in a dose dependent manner. Concomitant treatment with L-ascorbic acid significantly diminished these changes for all examined parameters.ConclusionChronic administration of organic nitrates leads to the alteration of the level of oxidative stress factors in the myocardium tissue due to generation of reactive oxygen species. Using vitamin C can effectively ameliorate such intoxication to overcome the nitrate tolerance.