bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Proper Increasing in the Testosterone Level May Be Associated With Better Pregnancy Outcomes for in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Patients With Tubal or Male Infertility
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Zhang Duoduo , Sun Zhengyi , Yu Qi
Published: April 2021

Background

To investigate the relationship between androgen levels and pregnancy outcomes in patients with tubal or male infertility at different times of the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.
Methods

Patients with tubal or male infertility but normal androgen levels receiving IVF/ICSI were continuously recruited. We made longitudinal analysis of the testosterone (T) levels at three time points (T0: basal T levels, T1: T levels on the trigger day, T2: T levels on the next day of the trigger day) in three groups with different pregnancy outcomes (Group 1: no pregnancy, Group 2: clinical pregnancy but no live birth, Group 3: live birth) as repeated measurement data using linear mixed effect models. We also plotted fitting curves depicting the relationship of the T levels and the numbers of oocytes retrieved at different time points, and the inflection points of the curves were identified.
Results

A total of 3012 patients were recruited in the study. Improvements in androgen levels were identified at the three-time points in Group 1 and 3. The slope in Group 3 after refitting was significantly higher than Group 1 (P = 0.000). The curves that reflected the association of androgen levels and numbers of retrieved oocytes presented an upward trend before a certain inflection point, after which the curves had no obvious changes or fell with the increase of androgen levels. The inflection points for T0, T1, T2 were calculated as 0.45, 0.94, 1.09, respectively.
Conclusion

The faster upward trend of the T levels might be associated with better pregnancy outcomes. Within the range of lower than a certain value of the T levels, more oocytes and embryos could be obtained with the increasing of the T levels.
Mathematical Abilities in Children: An sMRI Analysis With Radiomics
Authors: Pina Violeta , Campello Víctor M , Lekadir Karim , Seguí Santi , Santos José María García , Fuentes Luis J
Published: April 2021

Brain areas related to mathematical abili- ties in children have been mainly assessed through their activation in fMRI, while volume-based analysis have been employed in sMRI to discover structural differ- ences. However, a recent technique in precision medicine allows to enhance the sMRI analysis by extracting a large number of features, also called radiomics, related to shape, intensity and texture from specific areas. In the present study, a structural neuroimaging analysis based on radiomics and machine learning models is pre- sented with the aim of identifying brain areas related to different mathematical tests. A total of 77 school- aged children from third to sixth grade were adminis- tered four mathematical tests: Math Fluency, Calcu- lation, Applied Problems and Concepts as well as a structural brain imaging scan. The results confirmed and extended the involvement of brain areas found in sMRI and fMRI literature such as the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital cortex, as well as basal ganglia and limbic system areas. For these areas, texture fea- tures were the most informative while volume represented less than 15% of the shape information. These findings emphasize the potential of radiomics for a more in-depth analysis of medical images for the identifi- cation of brain areas related to mathematical perfor- mance. The code used to obtain these results can be found at github.com/vicmancr/MathBrainRadiomics.
Fixed-bed Column Dynamics of Ultrasound and Na-functionalized Diatomite to Remove Phosphate from Water
Authors: Ye Junxiu , Yang Min , Ding Xuemei , Tan Wei , Li Guizhen , Fang Shuju , Wang Hongbin
Published: April 2021

A continuous fixed-bed column study has been used to evaluate phosphate adsorption performance of U-D-Na which was functionalized by the cheap NaCl reagent after simple ultrasonic purification of diatomite. Experimentally, various effect factors, the flow rate, the initial phosphate concentration, and the bed height on breakthrough time of fixed column were studied. Experimental results showed that the breakthrough time declined with the increase of inlet phosphorous concentration and feed rate, whereas the increase of bed height turned out to significantly prolong the breakthrough time. The dynamic adsorption data could better be fitted by the Thomas model, with the correlation coefficients obtained, R2 > 0.9000 at the majority of operating conditions (5/7). At least thrice loop of adsorption and desorption was achieved with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid eluent and deionized water. The results proved that U-D-Na could be used as a better alternative phosphate adsorbent from wastewater in a continuous column process.
Paraquat Modulates Immunological Function in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages
Authors: Srinont Piyarat , Wandee Jaroon , Angwanich Worapol
Published: April 2021

Paraquat (PQ) is an herbicide commonly used worldwide. This herbicide is known to alter the human and animal immune systems. Many reports indicated that PQ impacts immune cell viability and functions. However, the underlying mechanism critical is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of PQ on free radical production, oxidative stress, cell death, and pro-inflammatory gene expression of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from female C57BL/6NJcl mice in vitro. BMDMs were incubated with PQ at 0, 200, 400 µM for 24 h. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, cell viability, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and IL-6 expression of murine BMDMs were measured. The results revealed that PQ treatments led to decrease the cell viability and induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PQ induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The mRNA expression level of pro-inflammatory mediator gene IL-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were elevated, while the level of lipid peroxides (MDA) production was unaltered by PQ treatment. Interestingly, PQ led to a decrease in nitric oxide production depends on its concentration. These phenomena indicated that PQ increased cellular ROS production which induced apoptosis, and the herbicide triggers production of iNOS and IL-6 in murine BMDMs.
Safety and feasibility study of using Polyphosphate (PolyP) in alveolar cleft repair, A Pilot study.
Authors: Alkaabi Salem , Kalla Natsir , GA Alsabri , Fauzi A , NA Jansen , Tajrin A , WEG Müller , Schröder HC , Wang XH , Forouzanfar T , MN Helder , Ruslin M
Published: April 2021

Background: Bone grafting is an important surgical procedure to reconstruct alveolar bone defects in patients with cleft lip and palate. Polyphosphate (PolyP) is a physiological polymer present in blood, primarily in platelets. PolyP is playing a role as phosphate source in bone calcium phosphate deposition. Moreover, the cleavage of high-energy bonds to release phosphates provides local energy necessary for regenerative processes. In this study, polyP is complexed with calcium to form Calcium polyP microparticles (Ca-polyP MPs), which were shown to have osteoinductive properties in preclinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and osteoinductivity of Ca-polyP MPs in-first human clinical trial.Methods: This single blinded, randomized, prospective clinical pilot study enrolled eight adolescent patients (mean age 18.1: range 13 - 34 years) with residual alveolar bone cleft. Randomization in two groups (four receiving Ca-polyP MPs only, four a combination of Ca-polyP MPs and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)) was performed. Patient follow-up was six months. Outcome parameters included safety parameters and close monitoring of possible adverse effects using radiographic imaging, regular blood tests, and physical examinations.Results: Due to surgical and technical reasons, eventually only 2 patients received Ca-polyP MPs, and the others the combination graft. All patients were assessed up to day 90. Four out of eight were able to continue with the final assessment day (day180). Three out eight were unable to reach the hospital due to Covid-19 restrictions. One patient decided not to continue with the study.No allergies or remarkable local or systematic reaction were noticed in all patients. Radiographically, patients receiving Ca-polyP MPs only were scored grade IV Bergland scale, while patients received combination Ca-polyP MPs and BCP were ranged from score I to III.Conclusions: Ca-polyP MPs and combination of Ca-polyP MPs/BCP are safe graft materials, however, Ca-polyP MPs alone are not sufficiently stable defect-filling scaffolds to be used in alveolar cleft repair.Trial registration: Indonesian Trial Registry under number INA-EW74C1N by the ethical committee of Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia with code number 1063/UN4.6.4.5.31/PP36/2019
Respiratory Commensal Bacteria Reduce the Immune Damage Caused by Influenza Virus Infection by Regulating the Polarization State of Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhu Limei , Qi Ying
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThe Role of respiratory tract commensal bacteria in maintaining the immune homeostasis of the respiratory tract is not well eluciated. We aimed to analyze the effect of respiratory symbiotic bacteria on respiratory immune system and its immune response to exogenous pathogens.MethodsIn this study, SPF C57BL/6 male mice were sensitized by nasal drip of respiratory tract symbiotic bacteria s. aurcus for 6-8 weeks and then used to establish a s. aureus upper respiratory tract symbiosis mouse model. Subsequently, the mice were infected with influenza virus through nasal drip to establish a virus infection model. During the experiment, the immunopathological damage, cytokines and mechanisms related to immune response were analyzed and studied.ResultsThe study found that in the s.aureus upper respiratory tract symbiosis mouse model, s.aurcus sensitization significantly reduced the immune damage in the lungs caused by influenza virus A (IVA) infection, but this protective effect was significantly weakened when alveolar macrophages were cleared. Further studies found that during influenza virus infection, M2 alveolar macrophages (AM) secreted regulatory cytokines to suppress the excessive immune response induced by influenza virus infection. α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 could reduce inflammation in lung tissues, the amount of AM and the expression of inflammatory factors, and the secretion and expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in lung tissues, plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). GTS-21 also reduced the lung injury caused by IVA in mice and the levels of M1 type AM bioactive molecules inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory factors in AM, and increased the levels of M2 type AM bioactive molecules Arg1 and Ym1. Anti-HMGB 1 antibody reduced the inflammation of lung tissues of mice caused by IVA and inhibited the polarization of AM to M1. Recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) increased the inflammation of lung tissues of mice caused by IVA and promoted the polarization of AM to M1.ConclusionsRespiratory commensal bacteria induced M2 alveolar macrophages with immunomodulatory function to protect the host against illness and death caused by IVA infection.
Pollution or Protection - What Early Survey Data Shows on Rapid Waterbird Utilisation of a Newly Established Sewage Treatment Plant in Urban Ghana, West Africa?
Authors: Holbech Lars Haubye , Cobbinah Cara Caroline
Published: April 2021

Heavy urbanisation increasingly isolates and exerts pressure on natural wetlands, particularly in rapidly growing tropical developing countries, including West Africa. Constructed wetlands such as sewage treatment plants, may unintendedly offer wildlife protection due to prohibitive access control and limited use, thereby attracting wary and specialised waterbirds, otherwise heavily disturbed in formally protected wetlands with less polluted waterbodies. We present data from a rapid survey on 1-year post-opening colonisation and use of waterbirds in a recently constructed 11 ha restricted-access sewage treatment plant situated in Ghana’s capital, Accra. During November-December 2013 and January 2014, nine daily counts in each month produced an accumulated count of >4200 observations belonging to 26 species of waterbirds, including several important Afro-Palaearctic and intra-African migrants, hereunder ardeids, piscivorous divers, waterfowl and waders. The distributional patterns of waterbirds clearly reflected local foraging opportunities and water quality parameters in the system of 12 inter-connected waste stabilisation ponds. A nearby semi-natural wetland with cleaner waterbodies, but higher levels of human interference, supported half as many waterbirds, predominantly commensal gregarious species. Our data suggests that strict protection from disturbances outweighs possible negative implications attributed to mere pollution of waterbodies supporting various waterbird guilds, thus highlighting the potential importance of non-formally protected sewage treatment plants distributed in functional networks, as a complement to designated wetlands. We contemplate that establishing similar or larger plants jointly will improve sewage treatment and waterbird conservation in urban Ghana, and West Africa in general.
Cardiovascular Health Behaviors for Co-Morbid Anxiety and Depression Among Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Liu Jiao , Tang Weiming , Yang Yan , Luo Dan , Zeng Na , Liang Yunsheng
Published: April 2021

Background: Anxiety and depression in hypertensive patients may lead to poor blood pressure control and increases the risk of disease mortality. Lifestyle impacts depression and anxiety. This study aimed to assess cardiovascular health behaviors (CHBs) associated with co-morbid anxiety and depression among patients with hypertension.Methods: We included 488 hypertensive patients from Changsha, China. We measured anxiety and depression using the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and the self-rating depression scale (SDS), respectively. CHBs (smoking, overweight/obesity, leisure physical activity (LPA), and fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC)) were assessed using the Cardiovascular Health in Ambulatory Care Research Team (CANHEART) index. We compared anxiety and depression prevalence of participants in different socio-demographic, CHBs, co-morbidities, family histories, assessed risk factors and their biological synergistic interaction.Results: The proportion of not ideal in smoking, overweight/obesity, LPA, and FVC were 63.9%, 49.8%, 30.7%, 78.3%, respectively. Displaying comorbidity of HLP and not obtaining adequate amounts of LPA were risk factors for both anxiety and depression. The synergy interaction between obtaining secondary education or less and displaying comorbidity of hyperlipidemia (HLP) for anxiety (OR=5.238, 95% CI=2.784, 9.856), and between not obtaining adequate amounts of LPA and obtaining manual labor for depression (OR=7.164, 95% CI=3.553, 14.443) was statistically significant.Conclusion: Our study indicated that doctors should pay more attention to the psychiatric health of hypertensive patients at lower education levels and with second comorbidities. More importantly, patients with hypertension working on manual jobs need to pay closer attention to how they spend their leisure time and strengthen LPA.
Impact of Hyperinsulinemia on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Non-Diabetes Patients With Acute Myocardial Syndrome.
Authors: Tan Qiang , Ming Chen , Jia Hao , Qian Wang , Limin Sun , Kun Wei
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: Hyperinsulinemia plays a key role in development of cardiovascular impairment in patients with Metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hyperinsulinemia on long-term Clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial syndrome. Methods: Between March 2016 and January 2019, patients of ACS without diabetes mellitus and received primary PCI were enrolled. 368 patients were divided into low insulin group (n=157), medium insulin group (n=154) and high insulin group (n=157) according to tertiles of fasting insulin (FINS) level. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE; all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR)) at 24 months. Second endpoint was angina-hospitalization. Results: High insulin group had an unfavorable prognosis, with higher rate of MACE (34.39%) compared with low insulin group (22.29%) and medium insulin group (23.37%) at 24 months (P<0.05). This difference was mainly driven by the increase of TVR. High insulin group also had higher rate of angina-hospitalization than low insulin group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that high insulin level (OR2.636, 95%CI 1.378-5.023), small vessel lesion (OR2.636, 95%CI 1.378-5.023), bifurcation lesion (OR3.506, 95%CI 1.048-11.922) and Syntax score(OR1.116, 95%CI 1.054-1.182) were independent predictors of MACE in ACS patients after PCIConclusion: Hyperinsulinemia might be a valid predictor of clinical outcomes in ACS patients undergoing PCI.
Physiological Effects of Different Artemisinin Concentrations on Highland Barley Seedlings Under Freeze-Thaw Stress
Authors: Chen Yue , Bao Guozhang , Zhang Jinpu , Lv Kai , Fan Ruisi , Zheng Shasha , Zhu Xu , Zhang Xinru
Published: April 2021

Background: Highland barley has good resistance to low temperature and is the most commonly used pasture and greenery in high altitude area. Beyond that, Artemisinin is an allelochemical in the common weed Artemisia annua and remains in the soil, which affects the growth and development of highland barley. Most studies on its resistance are under single stress, while plants are often affected by many factors in reality. In this paper, highland barley was used to study the effects of combined stress of simulated freeze-thaw and artemisinin with different concentrations (10mg/L, 30mg/L, 50mg/L) on antioxidant enzyme activities, photosynthesis and osmotic regulation substance concentrations.The response characteristics of physiological characteristics under combined stress can study the damage mechanism of artemisinin on highland barley and provide a theoretical basis for reducing the damage caused by freeze-thaw to the growth of barley.Results: The results showed that under freeze-thaw stress, malondialdehyde(MDA) and soluble sugar in leaves decreased significantly by 9.0-40.9% and 21.0-29.8%, respectively, catalase(CAT) continued to decrease during the freeze-thaw cycle, photosynthetic rate firstly decreased and then increased, superoxide dismutase(SOD) reached the minimum value of 1470.9U/mgprot at -5℃, and the soluble protein maintained a relatively stable state.As the concentration of artemisinin increased, MDA and soluble sugar firstly decreased and then increased, reaching the lowest concentration at 10mg/L. Soluble protein, CAT, SOD and photosynthetic rate first increased and then decreased.Conclusion: All measurements indicated that under the compound stress of freeze-thaw and artemisinin, highland barley seedlings showed high cold resistance, and low concentration of artemisinin exerted a certain promotion effect on the growth of highland barley seedlings. Besides artemisinin and freeze-thaw showed an antagonistic effect on highland barley seedlings, and low concentration of artemisinin can alleviate the damage caused by freeze-thaw to highland barley seedlings.
Leaf Stoichiometry of Potentilla Fruticosa Across Elevations Ranging from 2400 m to 3800 m in China’s Qilian Mountains (Northeast Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau)
Authors: Liu Wei , Qin yanyan , Xiaofang Zhang , Adamowski Jan F. , Biswas Asim
Published: April 2021

Background: Plant species have developed their individual leaf stoichiometries to adapt to changes in the environment. Changes in plant leaf stoichiometry with elevation are largely undocumented, but could provide information critical to protecting or enhancing a species’ growth and development and manage the ecosystem housing it. We investigate the leaf stoichiometry of Potentilla fruticosa L. along with different elevations in China’s Qilian mountains (Northeast Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau). This study aims to reveal how elevations effect of the leaf stoichiometry of Potentilla fruticosa L. along with various soil properties in China’s Qilian mountains .Results: In our study, we selected seven elevations 2,400 m, 2,600 m, 2,800 m, 3,000 m, 3,200 m, 3,500 m, and 3,800 m elevation. We sampled leaves at top and middle of P. fruticosa from each of seven elevations. Maximum and minimum leaf carbon (C) concentrations ([C]leaf) of 523.59 g kg-1 and 402.56 g kg-1 were measured at 2,600 m and 3,500 m, respectively. Showing a generally increasing trend with elevation, leaf nitrogen (N) concentration ([N]leaf) peaked at 3,500 m (27.33 g kg-1). Leaf phosphorus (P) concentration ([P]leaf) varied slightly over elevations of 2,400 m to 3,200 m, then dropped to a minimum (0.60 g kg-1) at 3800 m. While [C]leaf:[N]leaf, [C]leaf:[P]leaf and [N]leaf:[P]leaf varied little between 2,400 m and 3,000 m, at higher elevations they fluctuated somewhat, the latter two showing a decrease at 3,200 m followed by an increase at higher elevations. The soil organic C, pH, and soil total P were the main factors influencing P. fruticosa leaf stoichiometry. The limiting nutrients were P. Conclusions: We highlight the dependency of leaf stoichiometry on slope aspect and elevation. As P. fruticosa is a major alpine shrub in this region and plays an important role in maintaining ecological functions and services on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, measures should be adopted to improve P. fruticosa growth by preventing P loss, especially at higher elevations where significant P losses occur due to high precipitation and sparse vegetation.
Implementation of the Human Papillomavirus School-entry Requirement in Puerto Rico: Barriers and Facilitators Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Colón-López Vivian , Soto-Abreu Roxana , Medina-Laabes Diana T. , Díaz-Miranda Olga L. , Ortiz Ana P. , Suárez-Pérez Erick L. , Hull Pamela C.
Published: April 2021

Background: In 2018, Puerto Rico (PR) enacted a Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine school-entry requirement for students ages 11 to 12. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we aimed to identify potential barriers and facilitators of this implementation.Methods: We conducted a total of 36 qualitative interviews with key informants who were stakeholders from different organizations (Department of Health, Schools, Healthcare Providers, and Community organizations in favor of the requirement) from July 2018 to January 2020. Three researchers performed the interview guide, data coding, and analysis according to the CFIR framework. We evaluated construct rating variability between the organizations to determine barriers and facilitators. Results: The strongest facilitators determined under the CFIR construct include the stakeholder's awareness of the parent's and student's needs to meet the HPV school-entry requirement. Other facilitators include initiatives for school-entry policies and the relative advantage of this requirement over different strategies. The strongest barriers included the cost for private providers to administer the HPV vaccine, the negative influence of social media about the vaccine, which affected parents' acceptance, and the lack of school nurses as available staff resources for the school entry requirement. Conclusions: Findings from this study can be used to improve implementation (adaptations/modifications) and inform other US states and countries in earlier stages of consideration of the adoption of similar immunization policies. Most barriers can be modifiable with the implementation of educational programs/training across schools, considering that they are the first line of response to parents of this school entry requirement.
An Adaptive Surrogate-Assisted Particle Swarm Optimization for Expensive Problems
Authors: Li Xuemei , Li Shaojun
Published: April 2021

To solve engineering problems with evolutionary algorithms, many expensive objective function evaluations (FEs) are required. To alleviate this difficulty, the surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm (SAEA) has attracted increasingly more attention in both academia and industry. The existing SAEAs depend on the quantity and quality of the original samples, and it is difficult for them to yield satisfactory solutions within the limited number of FEs. Moreover, these methods easily fall into local optima as the dimension increases. To address these problems, this paper proposes an adaptive surrogate-assisted particle swarm optimization (ASAPSO) algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, an adaptive surrogate selection method that depends on the comparison between the best existing solution and the latest obtained solution is suggested to ensure the effectiveness of the optimization operations and improve the computational efficiency. Additionally, a model output criterion based on the standard deviation is suggested to improve the robustness and stability of the ensemble model. To verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, 10 benchmark functions with different modalities from 10 to 50 dimensions are tested, and the results are compared with those of five state-of-the-art SAEAs. The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm performs well for most benchmark functions within the limited number of FEs. The performance of the proposed algorithm in solving engineering problems is verified by applying the algorithm to the PX oxidation process.
An Amplitude-controllable 3-D Hyperchaotic Map with Homogenous Multistability
Authors: Zhou Xuejiao , Li Chunbiao , Li Yongxin , Lu Xu , Lei Tengfei
Published: April 2021

By introducing a sinusoidal function into a three-dimensional map, a hyperchaotic map with three positive Lyapunov exponents is derived. The system has two amplitude controllers, a total controller, and a partial controller. The hyperchaotic map shares a unique structure of two-leaf and three-leaf attractors under united Lyapunov exponents. Furthermore, homogenous multistability is found in the 3-D map, where the initial data determine the attractor structure combined with the distance between any two leaves. Experimental hardware based on STM32 is built to prove the numerical findings. The hyperchaotic map is introduced for color image encryption. The analysis of key space, histogram, information entropy, correlation, and anti-noise infection shows its powerful performance in encryption and security.
Computational Prediction of Protein-Protein Interactions in Plants Using Only Sequence Information
Authors: Pan Jie. , You Zhu Hong. , Li Li Ping. , Yu Chang-Qing. , Zhan Xin-Ke.
Published: April 2021

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in plants plays a significant role in plant biology and functional organization of cells. Although, a large amount of plant PPIs data have been generated by high-throughput techniques, but due to the complexity of plant cell, the PPIs pairs currently obtained by experimental methods cover only a small fraction of the complete plant PPIs network. In addition, the experimental approaches for identifying PPIs in plants are laborious, time-consuming, and costly. Hence, it is highly desirable to develop more efficient approaches to detect PPIs in plants. In this study, we present a novel computational model combining weighted sparse representation-based classifier (WSRC) with a novel inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) representation scheme which was adopted in position specific scoring matrix (PSSM) to extract features from plant protein sequence. When performed the proposed method on the plants PPIs dataset of Mazie, Rice and Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), we achieved excellent results with high accuracies of 89.12%, 84.72% and 71.74%, respectively. To further assess the prediction performance of the proposed approach, we compared it with the state-of-art support vector machine (SVM) classifier. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to employ protein sequences information to predict PPIs in plants. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has a great potential to become a powerful tool for exploring the plant cell function.
Optimization of Fins Arrangements for the Square Light Edding Diode (LED) Cooling through Nanofluid-Filled Microchannel
Authors: Hamida Mohamed Bechir Ben , Hatami Mohammad
Published: April 2021

In current paper, a finned micro-channel is designed for the cooling application in Light Edding Diode (LED), numerically. Selected materials for LED-chip is GaN, Die from Si, Die-attach is made by Au-20Sn, substrate is copper and heat sink material is considered to be Al. To make a convection heat transfer for cooling process, Al2O3-water nanofluid is used as the cooling fluid flow through the micro-channel and tried to maximize the heat transfer efficiency by optimized geometry. For this aim, there geometry variables from the microchannel were selected and minimum possible geometry cases (11cases) were proposed by Central composite design (CCD) and variables were optimized by the Response Surface Method (RSM). As a main result, parameter B, i.e. fin length had the most effect on the Nusselt number and Al2O3 nanoparticles with φ = 0.01 stated greatest heat transfer value.
Never too late? - Quadruplets at the age of 65 years
Authors: Hinkson Larry , Dame Christof , Braun Thorsten , Nachtigall Irit , Henrich Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Background
We discuss the challenges of multiple pregnancy at very advanced reproductive age.
Case Presentation
We present the case of a quadruplet pregnancy at the maternal age of 65 following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs and sperm, involving cross-border reproductive care. All children born were at 25 weeks gestation and survived; however, poor neurodevelopmental outcome remains a major concern in one child.
Conclusions
The use of reproductive technology to achieve a multiple pregnancy at such an advanced post-menopausal age generated a debate on ethical, psychosocial and medical questions. We share this debate and highlight the need to reconsider international guidelines for women of advanced reproductive age.
Hashimoto Thyroiditis and Thyroid Ultrasound: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zunino Anabela , Vazquez Claudia , Delfino Laura , Reyes Adriana , Lowenstein Alicia
Published: April 2021

Purpose

We performed a prospective study in patients with positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), to describe their ultrasound (US) patterns and the prevalence of thyroid nodules.
Methods

In 195 consecutive patients, with positive TPOAb, thyroid US was performed by the same physician and equipment and categorized into four echographic patterns (EP). We determined the prevalence of thyroid nodules and their etiology confirmed by cytology or histology.
Results

The median TPOAb was 526 IUI/ml. EP1 or normal US was present in 9,7%; EP2 or early/indeterminate stage in 29,4%; EP3 or established thyroiditis in 45,4% and EP4 or advanced/late stage in 15,5% of the patients. TPOAb (median = 857 UI / ml) (p = 0.001), TSH and thyroid volume ​​were higher in EP3. A higher degree of fibrosis was associated with TPOAb > 1000 IU/ml(p = 0,003). Thyroid nodules were reported on US at 47,2% of HT. Fine needle aspiration(FNA) was performed in 49/60 nodules. Cytology: BII: 41 patients (83,7%), B V: 1 patient (2%): suspicious for lymphoma; B VI: 3 patients(6,1%) : Papillary thyroid carcinoma. Benign cytology was present in 56% of EP3 (p = 0,048).
Conclusions

Higher TPOAb, TSH levels, and thyroid volume were associated with EP3. Fibrosis correlated with TPOAb > 1000 IU/ml. In our population, benign nodules were associated with established thyroiditis patterns. The increased inflammation and immunological activity of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) could be a favorable environment for growth factors for benign nodular development.
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist as a weaning mode for adults with invasive mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Xueyan , Lu Xinxing , Chao Yali , Beck Jennifer , Sinderby Christer , Xie Jianfeng , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo , Liu Ling
Published: April 2021

Background

Prolonged ventilatory support is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Partial support modes, especially pressure support ventilation, are frequently used in clinical practice but are associated with patient-ventilation asynchrony and deliver fixed levels of assist. Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA), a mode of partial ventilatory assist that reduces patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), may be an alternative for weaning. However, the effects of NAVA on weaning outcomes in clinical practice are unclear.
Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library from 2007 to December, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and crossover trials that compared NAVA and other modes were identified in this study. The primary outcome was weaning success. Summary estimates of effect using odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI) were expressed.
Results

Seven studies (n = 683 patients) were included. Regarding the primary outcome, patients weaned with NAVA had a higher success rate compared with other partial support modes (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.08 to 3.01; P = 0.02). For the secondary outcomes, NAVA may reduce duration of mechanical ventilation (MD = -3.88; 95% CI, -7.49 to -0.27; P = 0.04) and hospital mortality (OR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.84; P = 0.004), and prolongs ventilator-free days (MD = 3.48; 95% CI, 0.97 to 6.00; P = 0.007) when compared with other modes.
Conclusions

Our study suggests that the NAVA mode was significantly associated with higher rates of weaning success compared with other partial support modes.
Adjunctive sepsis therapy with aminophylline (STAP): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Ruifang , Liu Huan , Dai Dongmei , Ding Xianfei , Wang Dong , Wang Yan , Shi Xuexiu , Zhang Shuguang , Duan Xiaoguang , Wang Haixu , Luo Yonggang , Liu Shaohua , Han Bing , Zhang Xiaojuan , Fang Yu , Xu Wangbin , Sun Tongwen
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSepsis is a serious disease that is often caused by infection. Aminophylline has anti-asthma and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to explore the safety and effect of aminophylline in sepsis.MethodsWe conducted a clinical randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients diagnosed with sepsis within 48 hours after ICU (intensive care unit) admission in two sites (First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University). All patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive standard therapy with or without aminophylline. The primary clinical outcome was all-cause mortality at 28 days.ResultsFrom 27 September 2018 to 12 February 2020, we screened 277 septic patients and eventually enrolled 100 patients, with 50 assigned to the aminophylline group and 50 to the usual-care group. At 28 days, 7 of 50 patients (14.0%) in the aminophylline group had died, compared with 16 of 50 (32.0%) in the usual-care group (P = 0.032). Cox regression showed that the aminophylline group had a lower risk of death (HR = 0.312, 95%CI: 0.129–0.753). Compared with the usual-care group, patients in the aminophylline group had a longer survival time (P = 0.039 by the log-rank test). With the extension of the treatment time, the effect of aminophylline on the doses of vasopressors, oxygenation index, and SOFA score increased. There were no significant differences in total hospitalization days, ICU hospitalization days, and rates of serious adverse events (all P > 0.05). No adverse events were observed in the trial.ConclusionsAminophylline as an adjunct therapy could significantly reduce the risk of death and prolong the survival time of patients with sepsis.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at the Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR1800019173), 29 October 2018 - retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx
Characteristics of the ideal hospitalist inpatient care program: perceptions of Canadian health system leaders
Authors: Yousefi Vandad , McIvor Elayne
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite the growing prevalence of hospitalist programs in Canada, it is not clear what program features are deemed desirable by administrative and medical leaders who oversee them. We aimed to understand perceptions of a wide range of healthcare administrators and frontline providers about the necessary characteristics of a hospitalist service. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with a range of administrators, medical leaders and frontline providers across three hospital sites in an integrated health system in Western Canada. Results: Most interviewees identified the hospitalist model as the ideal inpatient care service line, but identified a number of challenges. Interviewees identified the necessary features of an ideal hospitalist service to include considerations for program design, care and non-clinical processes, and alignment between workload and physician staffing. Conclusions: Most hospital administrators and frontline providers in our study believed the hospitalist model resulted in improvements in clinical processes and work environment.
Demographic Characteristics, Clinical and Laboratory Features, and The Distribution of Pathogenic Variants In the Cftr Gene In the Cypriot Cystic Fibrosis (Cf) Population Demonstrate The Utility of a National Cf Patient Registry
Authors: Yiallouros Panayiotis K. , Matthaiou Andreas M. , Anagnostopoulou Pinelopi , Kouis Panayiotis , Libik Malgorzata , Adamidi Tonia , Eleftheriou Adonis , Demetriou Artemios , Ioannou Phivos , Tanteles George A. , Costi Constantina , Fanis Pavlos , Macek Milan , Neocleous Vassos , Phylactou Leonidas A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Specialized clinical care for cystic fibrosis (CF) in Cyprus, a small island country, has been implemented since the 1990s. However, only recently, a national CF patient registry has been established for the systematic recording of patients’ data. In this study, we aim to present data on the epidemiological, genotypic and phenotypic features of CF patients in the country from the most recent data collection in 2019, with particular emphasis on notable rare or unique cases.
Results

Overall, data from 52 patients are presented, 5 of whom have deceased and 13 have been lost to follow-up in previous years. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.2 ± 12.3 years, and the mean age of 34 alive patients by the end of 2019 was 22.6 ± 13.2 years. Patients most commonly presented at diagnosis with acute or persistent respiratory symptoms (46.2%), failure to thrive or malnutrition (40.4%), and dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (32.7%). Sweat chloride levels were diagnostic (above 60 mmol/L) in 81.8% of examined patients. The most common identified mutation was p.Phe508del (F508del) (45.2%), followed by p.Leu346Pro (L346P) (6.7%), a mutation detected solely in individuals of Cypriot descent. The mean BMI and FEV1 z-scores were 0.2 ± 1.3 and − 2.1 ± 1.7 across all age groups, respectively, whereas chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization was noted in 26.9% of patients. The majority of patients (74.5%) were eligible to receive at least one of the available CFTR modulator therapies. In 25% of patients we recovered rare or unique genotypic profiles, including the endemic p.Leu346Pro (L346P), the rare CFTR-dup2, the co-segregated c.4200_4201delTG/c.489 + 3A > G, and the polymorphism p.Ser877Ala.
Conclusions

CF patient registries are particularly important in small or isolated populations, such as in Cyprus, with rare or unique disease cases. Their operation is necessary for the optimization of clinical care provided to CF patients, enabling their majority to benefit from evolving advances in precision medicine.
TFE3 Regulates the Function of Autophagy-Lysosome to Drive Invasion and Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Hongsheng , Zhu Chumeng , Ruan Yanyun , Fan Lilong , Wei Kena , Chen Qi , Wei Qing
Published: April 2021

Background: Cumulatively, evidence shows that autophagy plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of tumors, and even determines the prognosis of tumors. However, little is known about its role in papillary thyroid carcinoma and TFE3 as a potential oncogene in regulating autophagy lysosome.Methods: Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) assays were used to examine the expression of TFE3, P62/SQSTM1 and LC3 in PTC tissues and para-cancer tissues. TFE3, P62/SQSTM1, and LC3 were evaluated using Western blot assay. After inducing TFE3 overexpression by plasmid or TFE3 downregulation by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, MTT, Wound healing assay, Cell migration and invasion assays were used to verify the effects on invasion, migration and autophagy-lysosome related proteins such as P62/SQSTM1 and LC3.Results: The TFE3, P62/SQSTM1, and LC3 in PTC tissues were overexpression than that in para-cancer tissues. Analysis of clinicopathological characteristics in PTC patients showed that high expression of TFE3 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of TFE3 in the PTC cell lines KTC-1 and BCPAP promoted PTC cells proliferation, invasion, and migration. Knockdown of TFE3 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, we found a positive relationship between TFE3 with P62/SQSTM1 and LC3 expression, and silencing TFE3 inhibited P62/SQSTM1 and LC3 expression in PTC cells. Meanwhile, overexpression of TFE3 had the opposite effect. Conclusions: The present study provided the evidence of the underlying mechanisms of TFE3 in inducing the function of autophagy-lysosome of papillary thyroid carcinoma and implicated the potential application of TFE3 as a sensitive marker of PTC lymph node metastasis.
Clinical quality strategy to assess data integrity of germline variants inferred from tumor-only testing sequencing data
Authors: Ménard Timothé , Rolo Donato , Koneswarakantha Björn
Published: April 2021

In the majority of cancers, pathogenic variants are only found at the level of the tumor; however, an unusual number of cancers and/or diagnoses at an early age in a single family may suggest a genetic predisposition. Predisposition plays a major role in about 5 to 10% of adult cancers and in certain childhood tumors. As access to genomic testing for cancer patients continues to expand, the identification of Potential Germline Pathogenic Variants (PGPV) through tumor-DNA sequencing is also increasing. Statistical methods have been developed to infer the presence of a PGPV without the need of a matched normal sample. These methods are mainly used for exploratory research, for example in real-world Clinico-Genomic Databases/platforms (CGDB). These databases are being developed to support many applications such as targeted drug development, clinical trial optimization and post marketing studies. To ensure the integrity of data used for research, a Quality Management System (QMS) should be established, and Quality Oversight Activities (QOAs) should be conducted to assess and mitigate clinical quality risks (for patient safety and data integrity). As opposed to well-defined GxP areas such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP), there are no comprehensive instructions on how to assess the clinical quality of statistically derived variables from sequencing data such as PGPV. In this report, we aim to share our strategy and propose a possible set of tactics to assess the PGPV quality and to ensure data integrity in exploratory research.
Clinical and Bacteriological features of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in Malagasy patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Rakotozafindrabe Andry Lalaina Rinà , Razafindrazoto Chantelli Iamblaudiot , Rasolonjatovo Anjaramalala Sitraka , Lantonirina Jean Désiré Ezra , Rakotomalala Jolivet Auguste , Randriamifidy Nitah Harivony , Maherison Sonny , Ralaizanaka Behoavy Mahafaly , Rabenjanahary Tovo Harimanana , Ramanampamonjy Rado Manitrala
Published: April 2021

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) represent frequent and serious complications in cirrhosis patients with ascites. Our aim was to describe the clinical and bacteriological characteristics of SBP in Madagascar.Methods: This is a 21-month prospective study between January 2018 and October 2019, including hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, with clinical and biological symptoms of SBP.Results: Thirty-three patients were included. The mean age was 48.09 ± 13.55 years (extremes: 19 – 78 years), the sex ratio was 3.12. Abdominal pain (55%), fever (36%), diarrhea (6%), hepatic encephalopathy (18%) are the most common symptoms. Gastrointestinal bleeding (18.18%) was the main risk factor to SBP. SBP was community-acquired in 87.88% of cases. A culture of ascites fluid was positive for 9 patients (27.27%). The infectious agents found were Escherichia coli (12.10%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (3%), Pseudomonas (3%), Streptococcus mitis (9.1%). Escherichia coli were wild with one case resistant to Ceftriaxone. The Klebsiella were multidrug resistant. The other two pathogens did not show resistance. After antibiotic therapy adapted to the antibiogram, healing was observed in 26 patients (78.78%). Seven patients (21.22%) died from various complications. All deceased patients had bacteria identified in ascites fluid.Conclusion: SBP defined according to clinical and biological criteria is apparently sterile in the majority of cases. Gram-negative bacteria were the major pathogens involved in SBP in cirrhotic patients. Escherichia coli and streptococcus were the most common pathogen isolated. Bacteriological study is essential to adapt antimicrobial to multidrug-resistant bacteria.
The influence of prophylactic Calcium- and Magnesium supplementation on postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tabriz Navid , Fried Dennis , Uslar Verena Nicole , Weyhe Dirk
Published: April 2021

• BackgroundWe want to investigate if a routine preoperative dietary supplementation of calcium and magnesium prior to thyroidectomy for nodular goiter and grave´s disease can influence patients’ outcome with regards to hypocalcemia associated symptoms and quality of life in order to reduce the risk of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and to improve patient`s quality of life.• MethodsThe study will be conducted as a two-armed randomized controlled trial with patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy. The patients assigned to the intervention group will receive calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide, and will begin the intake 2 weeks preoperatively. Primary outcome is the postoperative quality of life measured by using the ThyPRO-39 and EQ-5D questionnaires. Secondary outcome is the assessment of postoperative biochemical (calcium and PTH levels) and clinical hypocalcemia (symptoms as reported by the patient).• DiscussionA prophylactic dietary substitution with calcium and magnesium, which could easily be done in the preoperative setting, could potentially help to avoid or reduce hypocalcemia-associated symptoms and improve quality of life. In the event of a positive outcome, this preoperative procedure can be an inexpensive way to prepare patients scheduled for thyroidectomy and can possibly reduce disease-specific costs by reducing the postoperative complication rate.• Trial registration: DRKS00017195 in the German clinical trials register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) on the 22.05.2019.