bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Patient With Turner Syndrome Recieved the Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Seven Times: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Longyu , Shi Yifang , Zhao Nan , Liu Zhengpei , Zhao Zhe , Song Zongmian , Zheng Sailei , Yan Miaoheng , Leng Zikuan , Chen Songfeng , Shang Guowei , Kou Hongwei , Liu Hongjian
Published: September 2021

Background Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized as the complete or partial absence of one X chromosome and is an extremely rare disease affecting approximately 1:2,500 live female births. Though the prevalence of osteoporosis among women with TS is estimated to be around 55-64% and they suffer more frequently from fractures than normal, few reports concerning TS patients with osteoporosis are able to be seen due to tiny number of patients. Case presentation Here we report a rare case of TS with osteoporosis, who has undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) seven times because of several vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). G-banded karyotype analysis was performed and the result was 45,X[43]/47,XXX[17], indicating that the patient was a mosaicism of TS karyotype and Trisomy X syndrome karyotype. TS is the underlying cause of low level of estrogen for this patient. The interaction of aging, estrogen deficiency and intestinal dysbacteriosis leads to her severe osteoporosis and multi-segmental VCFs. The aim of this report is to provide recommendations regarding the management of TS patients with osteoporosis by reviewing the clinical presentation of TS, the influence of estrogen deficiency in osteoporosis, etc.Conclusions Early diagnosis and hormone replacement treatment are essential to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures. This is a rare case report describing TS patient with severe osteoporosis and VCFs.
Emergence of Climate Change in the Tropical Pacific
Authors: Ying Jun , Collins Matthew , Cai Wenju , Timmermann Axel , Huang Ping , Chen Dake , Stein Karl
Published: September 2021

Future changes in both the mean climate of the tropical Pacific and characteristics of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are now established as being likely. Determining the time of emergence (ToE) of detectable climate change signals against background noise of natural variability is critical to mitigation strategies and adaptation planning. Here, we find that the annual-mean SST signal, mainly reflecting the tropical-mean warming signal, has already emerged in the historical period across much of the tropical Pacific, with the latest ToE in the east. The annual-mean rainfall signal is expected to emerge by around mid-century based on the multi-model ensemble mean (MEM) result, with some sensitivity to emission scenarios. By contrast, the signal of ENSO-related rainfall variability is projected to emerge by around 2040 ± 3 based on the MEM regardless of emission scenarios, ~ 30 years sooner than that of the ENSO-related SST variability. Our results are instructive for detection of climate change signals in the tropical Pacific and reinforce the severe risks of ENSO-induced climate extremes that are fast emerging regardless of any mitigation actions.
A rare case of early massive monomuscular fibrosis causing severe unilateral euthyroid Graves’ ophthalmopathy in a smoker patient with dyslipidemia
Authors: Frazzetto Giuseppe , Arpi Maria Luisa , Regalbuto Concetto , Belfiore Antonino , Frasca Francersco , Moli Rosario Le
Published: September 2021

BackgroundGraves’ ophtahlmopathy (GO) is an autoimmune manifestation of orbit affecting about 25% of patients with Graves’ disease (GD). Autoreactive T cells involved in thyroid autoimmunity can recognize the thyroid stimulating receptor (TSHr) expressed in orbit tissues of GO patients. Clinical manifestations of GO are rather different depending of the presence of some risks factors as smoke, hyperthyroidism duration, age, biological activity of anti TSHr antibodies (TSH-R-Ab) and metabolic diseases.Case presentation:here we present a rare case of euthyroid single muscular GO in a 50 years old patient, he was smoker and had dyslipidemia from several years. The patient experienced a very rapid and severe depression of ocular motility of the right eye that causes an uncorrectable and constant diplopia severely affecting his quality of life. He was euthyroid and TSH-R-Ab plasmatic levels were only slightly elevated. Intravenous corticosteroids pulse therapy was partially effective and two rounds of wall orbital surgical decompression was necessary. A massive mono-muscular fibrosis was evidenced by biopsy of right inferior rectus muscle.Conclusionssevere unilateral, mono-muscular GO in a euthyroid Graves’ patient was found to be sustained by rapid and massive fibrosis of the inferior rectus muscle of right orbit, the clarification of pathogenetic mechanisms of these GO clinical forms requires further studies.
Large-gap Peripheral Nerve Repair Using Xenogeneic Transplants in Primates
Authors: Holzer Paul , Chang Elizabeth , Tarlton Jamie , Lu Diana , Gillespie Natasha , Rogers Kaitlyn , Adkins Jon , Metea Monica , LaRochelle Alan , Wicks Joan , Onel Buket , Gullans Steve , Doloff Joshua , Scobie Linda , Cetrulo Curt , Monroy Rod
Published: September 2021

Early surgical intervention is required to successfully treat severe, large-gap peripheral nerve injuries. However, all existing treatments have shortcomings, and for large-gap injuries (≥4 cm), there is no reported alternative to autologous nerve. We report preclinical repair of large (4 cm), complete transectional radial nerve damage in Rhesus macaques using viable, whole sciatic nerve from genetically engineered, designated pathogen free porcine donors. Porcine nerves are physiologically similar to human nerves, contain neurotrophic growth factors and a matrix-rich scaffold, and offer greater clinical availability. We demonstrate regeneration of the transected nerve, distal muscle reinnervation, and recovery of conduction velocity and compound muscle action potential across xenogeneic transplants resulting in functional recovery comparable to autologous controls. We also show the lack of systemic porcine cell migration and the elimination of detectable transplanted porcine tissue. Our findings support the safety and efficacy of neural porcine therapeutics and the broader clinical potential of xenotransplantation.
Correlates of Neutralizing/SARS-CoV-2-S1-binding Antibody Response with Adverse Effects and Immune Kinetics in BNT162b2-Vaccinated Individuals
Authors: Maeda Kenji , Amano Masayuki , Uemura Yukari , Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Matsushima Tomoko , Noda Kenta , Shimizu Yosuke , Fujiwara Asuka , Takamatsu Yuki , Ichikawa Yasuko , Nishimura Hidehiro , Kinoshita Mari , Matsumoto Shota , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Oka Shinichi , Mikami Ayako , Sugiura Wataru , Sato Toshiyuki , Yoshida Tomokazu , Shimada Shinya , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: September 2021

While mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are exceedingly effective in preventing symptomatic infection, their immune response features remain to be clarified. In the present prospective study, 225 healthy individuals in Japan, who received two BNT162b2 doses, were enrolled. Correlates of BNT162b2-elicited SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing activity (50% neutralization titer: NT50; assessed using infectious virions) with various determinants were examined and the potency of serums against variants of concerns was determined. Significant rise in NT50s was seen in serums on day 28 post-1st dose. A moderate inverse correlation was seen between NT50s and ages, but no correlation seen between NT50s and adverse effects. NT50s and SARS-CoV-2-S1-binding-IgG levels on day 28 post-1st dose and pain scores following the 2nd shot were greater in women than in men. The average half-life of NT50s was ~ 68 days and the estimated average time length till the total disappearance of neutralizing activity was ~ 198 days. While serums from elite-responders (NT50s > 1,500-fold: the top 4% among the participants) potently to moderately blocked all variants of concerns examined, some serums with low NT50s failed to block the B.1.351-beta strain. Since BNT162b2-elicited immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is short, an additional vaccine or other protective measures are needed.
Probabilistic Prediction of Increased Intracranial Pressure in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wijayatunga Priyantha , Koskinen Lars-Owe D , Sundström Nina
Published: September 2021

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes temporary or permanent alteration in brain functions. Generally, at intensive care units (ICU), intracranial pressure (ICP) is monitored and treated to avoid increases in ICP with associated secondary insults and poor clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a model which could predict future ICP levels of individual patients during their treatment in the ICU, and thus help the treating clinician to take proper actions before secondary injuries occure. Methods: A simple, explainable, probabilistic Markov model was developed for the prediction task of ICP≥20 mmHg. Predictions were made for consecutive 10-minute intervals during the following hour, based on the preceding hour of ICP data. An easily implementable enhancement method was also developed and applied to compensate for imbalance in the data. The model was evaluated in a randomized and leave-one-out fashion on data from 29 patients with severe TBI. Results: With random data selection from all patients (80/20% training/testing) and including the new enhancement method, the specificity of the model was high (93.9-95.0) and the sensitivity was good to high (72.7-87.1). Levels were similar (specificity 90.1-95.3 and sensitivity 73.0-88.7) when the model was trained by the leave-one-out method and evaluated on individual subjects. Conclusion: The new model predicted increased levels of ICP in a reliable manner and the enhancement method to compensate for imbalanced data further improved the predictions. This lays the foundation for development of a bedside warning system designed to proactively avoid increased ICP levels in patients with severe TBI. Further advantages are the straightforward expandability of the model, enabling inclusion of other time series data and/or static parameters, making future studies of predictive strength based on combinations of physiological data possible. Next step is to evaluate the model on a larger patient material and to include other parameters apart from ICP.
COX2: A Prognostic Inflammogenic Marker Drives Cervical Carcinogenesis in Vivo through the NFκB/IAP/p53Axis
Authors: MAHAPATRA ELIZABETH , BISWAS SOUVICK , DAS SALINI , ROY MADHUMITA , MUKHERJEE SUTAPA
Published: September 2021

Cycloxygenase 2, a prostaglandin synthesizing enzyme, is a key player in inflammation-induced vasculogenesis that enables tumor growth. This study explores the central role of COX2 and its relative prosurvival proteins in evoking inflammatory events during the development of an in vivo cervical cancer model upon chronic treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC; a chemical carcinogen) in virgin-female Swiss albino mice. Chronic painting of the mouse cervix with 3MC solution triggered the persistent expression and activity of COX2, eventuating the overexpression of major prosurvival molecules (NFκB, XIAP, survivin, GM-CSF1) and proliferative antigens (Ki67, PCNA). COX2-arbitrated prosurvival signaling subsequently deranged the expression profiles of tumor suppressor proteins (p53/acetyl-p53, p21, Rb) within the cervix. COX2 mediated molecular alterations successively surged leukocyte influx within the cervix, catering to localized inflammation that gradually distorted its tissue architecture. Cervical carcinogenesis was further braced by higher levels of systemic ROS and RNS, escalated iNOS activity and compromised antioxidant enzyme capacities, which were accompanied by splenomegaly. Additionally, circulation of blood leucocytes with damaged DNA throughout the mouse body envisaged the impact of cervix-limited inflammation on mouse physiology. Conclusively, the present study deciphered the role of COX2 in affecting NFκB/IAP/p53 functions in sequestering the contributors of localized and systemic inflammogenesis to propel 3MC-mediated cervical carcinogenesis in vivo.
An Exposome-Wide Association Study On Body Mass Index In Adolescents Using The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 And 2013-2014 Data
Authors: Haddad Nadine , Andrianou Xanthi , Parrish Christa , Oikonomou Stavros , Makris Konstantinos
Published: September 2021

Background: Excess weight is a public health challenge affecting millions worldwide, including younger age groups. The human exposome concept presents a novel opportunity to comprehensively characterize all non-genetic disease determinants at susceptible time windows. Objective: Our study aimed to describe the association between multiple lifestyle and nutritional exposures and body mass index (BMI) in adolescents using the exposome framework. Methods: We conducted an exposome-wide association study using the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 survey for discovery of associations between the study population characteristics and BMI, and the 2013-2014 survey to replicate analysis. We included non-diabetic and non-pregnant adolescents aged 12-18 years. We analyzed variables available in both survey rounds, with <20% of missing values in relation to BMI z-scores. We performed univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, household smoking, and income to poverty ratio, and corrected for false-discovery rate (FDR). Results: A total of 1899 and 1224 participants were eligible from the 2003-2004 and 2013-2014 survey waves. The weighted proportions of overweight were 18.4% and 18.5% whereas those for obese were 18.1% and 20.6% in 2003-2004 and 2013-2014, respectively. Retained exposure agents included 63 dietary, 57 clinical and 1 physical activity variables. After FDR correction, univariable regression identified 35 and 18 predictors in the discovery and replication datasets, respectively, while multivariable regression identified 20 and 9 predictors in the discovery and replication datasets, respectively. Seven were significant in both datasets: alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, mean cell volume, segmented neutrophils number, triglycerides; uric acid and white blood cell count. Discussion: This is the first ExWAS study in NHANES describing associations between zBMI, nutritional and clinical factors in adolescents. Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of the identified predictors as early-stage biomarkers of increased BMI and associated pathologies among adolescents and to replicate findings to other populations.
Is Early Surgical Intervention Effective for Traumatic Severe Cervical Spinal Cord Injury? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yamamoto Koji , Okuda Akinori , Maegawa Naoki , Konishi Hironobu , Miyazaki Keita , Tada Yusuke , Kogeichi Yohei , Takano Keisuke , Asai Hideki , Kawai Yasuyuki , Urisono Yasuyuki , Shigematsu Hideki , Kawamura Kenji , Fukushima Hidetada , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: September 2021

Background: Although early surgery is known to be effective for the treatment of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI), whether it is equally effective in severe CSCI cases remains undetermined. This study aimed to determine whether surgery within 24 h improves the neurological prognosis and reduces the complications associated with surgery for traumatic severe CSCI.Methods: The data of 42 patients with traumatic severe CSCI with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grades A–B who underwent surgery between December 2007 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The participants were classified into early surgery (<24 h) and late surgery (>24 h) groups. Using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with propensity score adjustment for confounding factors, the AIS grades before and 1 month following surgical treatment, which were considered the primary outcomes, were compared. The secondary outcomes were the intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS) and occurrence of respiratory complications and cardiac arrest.Results: In the early surgery group (n = 32, 76%), the average time to surgery was 10.25 h (4–23 h). The IPTW analysis indicated significant differences in the neurological improvement according to the AIS grade at 1 month following surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 17.1, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 1.9–156.7, p = 0.012), the ICU-LOS >7 days (OR: 0.14, 95% Cl: 0.02–0.90, p = 0.04), and the occurrence of respiratory complications (OR: 0.08, 95% Cl: 0.01–0.73, p = 0.03) and cardiac arrest (OR: 0.13, 95% Cl: 0.02–0.85, p = 0.03).Conclusions: Early surgery (within 24 h) for traumatic severe CSCI may improve the neurological prognosis and prevent a long ICU-LOS and postoperative complications.
Analysis of Cutting Forces From Conventional to High-Speed Milling with Straight and Helical-Flute Tools for Flat-End Milling Incorporating the Effect of Tool Runout
Authors: AYDIN Mehmet , Köklü Uğur
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a systematic study to analyze the dependence of cutting forces on tool geometry, workpiece material and cutting parameters such as spindle speed, tool engagement and cutting direction in flat-end milling with tool runout. The cutting forces are determined according to a mechanistic force model considering the trochoidal flute path to calculate the undeformed chip thickness, and average cutting force and linear regression model are applied for identifying the coefficients of the force model. A series of milling processes are conducted on AZ31 Magnesium (Mg) alloy and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) to analyze the instantaneous cutting force curves, amplitudes of cutting forces and peak forces over a wide range of spindle speeds from conventional to high-speed milling. It is demonstrated that the values of the cutting force coefficients are higher at conventional spindle speed and decrease with an increase in spindle speed, especially when machining Ti6Al4V alloy. For the edge force coefficients, it is observed a slight variation when using cutting tools with different helix angles. Besides, the cutting force amplitudes strongly depend upon the workpiece material. The helix angle has a significant influence on the transverse force amplitude at conventional speed. The forces obtained mechanistically are also substantiated by comparison with measurements.
Structured Antenatal Milk Expression Education for Nulliparous Pregnant People: Results of a Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial in The United States
Authors: Demirci Jill , Glasser Melissa , Himes Katherine P , Sereika Susan M
Published: September 2021

Background

Hand-expression, collection, and storage of breast milk during pregnancy (i.e., antenatal milk expression or AME) is a safe, potentially effective practice to reduce early, undesired formula supplementation among women with diabetes. The feasibility and potential benefits of AME in the United States (U.S.) and among non-diabetic birthing people is unknown.
Methods

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a structured AME intervention and its relationship to lactation outcomes among nulliparous birthing people in the United States. We recruited a convenience sample of 45 low-risk, nulliparous individuals at 34–366/7 weeks of gestation from a hospital-based midwife practice. Participants were randomized to AME or a control group receiving breastfeeding handouts. Interventions were delivered at weekly visits at 37–40 weeks of pregnancy. The AME intervention involved technique demonstration and feedback from a lactation consultant and daily independent practice. Lactation outcomes were assessed during the postpartum hospitalization, 1–2 weeks postpartum, and 3–4 months postpartum.
Results

Of 22 participants assigned to AME, 18 received an AME education study visit. Participants reported practicing AME on 60% or more of days prior to their infant’s birth. Most were able to express milk antenatally (15/18), more than half collected and froze antenatal milk (11/18), and 39% (7/18) supplemented their infants with antenatal milk after birth. No major problems were reported with AME. Perinatal and lactation outcomes, including infant gestational age at birth, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and any or exclusive breastfeeding, appeared to be comparable between AME and control groups. There were trends toward higher breastfeeding self-efficacy and lower perceptions of insufficient milk postpartum among AME participants compared to control group participants, though AME participants exhibited higher breastfeeding self-efficacy and more favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding at baseline.
Conclusions

In a group of nulliparous birthing people in the U.S., AME education and independent practice beginning at 37 weeks of pregnancy was feasible and safe. In some cases, AME provided a back-up supply of breast milk when supplementation of direct breastfeeding was indicated or desired. The relationship between AME and lactation outcomes requires further study within a powered sample and other populations.
Trial Registration:

This trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on May 11, 2021 under the following registration ID: NCT04929301. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04929301
Communication Energy Optimization of Electric Vehicle Platoon on Curved Road
Authors: Gao Wei , Wu Celimuge
Published: September 2021

The cruising range of an electric vehicle is limited by its battery. Reducing the energy consumption of MES (main energy systems) or AES (auxiliary energy systems) of the vehicle battery is an effective means to increase the electric vehicle cruising range. Platoon driving can greatly reduce the wind resistance of the vehicle and then reduce the energy consumption of MES for electric vehicles. This paper proposes an adaptive communication energy optimization scheme based on road curvature radius to save the energy of AES for the electric vehicle platoon on curved roads. In this paper, the inter-vehicle distance error based on the car-like model in a two-dimensional space is established. Then, the inter-vehicle distance error is used to design a control law K to accomplish successful platooning. Next, three platooning control schemes based on different information flow topologies are discussed. Finally, the consensus of three platooning control schemes and the energy consumption of electric vehicle communication systems are analyzed by MATLAB's Simulink. Simulation results show that the communication energy optimization scheme reduces the power consumption of AES as long as the platoon driving on curved roads.
The combination of Tislelizumab and apatinib obtained complete remission for alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer with microsatellite stability: case report
Authors: Xiang Jinyu , Wang CongCong , Gong Wenjing , Liu Aina , Sun Ping
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAlpha‑fetoprotein (AFP)‑producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a rare type of gastric cancer with high metastasis rate and poor prognosis. Despite substantial progress in the treatment of many solid tumors, there are no reports of the safety and effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in combination with anti-angiogenesis in AFPGC patients with microsatellite stability (MSS).Case presentationThis is a case of a 69-year-old man who was diagnosed with metastatic AFPGC. After the progression of resistance to chemotherapy, Tislelizumab combined with apatinib was attempted, although the patient was microsatellite stable. With 3 cycles of combination therapy, a partial remission (PR, shrunk by 56%) was obtained, and the quality of life improved significantly. Surprisingly, after more than one year of continuous application of the above treatment regimen, both the primary and metastatic tumors in this patient eventually disappeared, which achieved complete remission (CR) without surgery. Following the combined treatment, the patient had a progression-free survival of more than 16 months and now is still in continue to benefit. ConclusionsThis is the first report that we are aware of on the effective treatment of AFPGC with Tislelizumab in combination with Apatinib. This provides a highly effective and tolerable therapeutic strategy for microsatellite-stabilized AFPGC.
Modeling Colicin Operons as Genetic Arms in Plasmid-genome Conflicts
Authors: Sudhakari Pavithra Anantharaman , Ramisetty Bhaskar Chandra Mohan
Published: September 2021

Plasmids are acellular propagating entities that depend on bacteria, as molecular parasites, for propagation. A 'tussle' between bacteria and plasmid ensues; bacteria for riddance of the plasmid and plasmid for persistence within a live host. The conflict between bacterial genome and plasmids allows the emergence of 'genetic arms' such as colicin (Col) operons. Endonuclease Col operons encode three proteins; an endonuclease colicin, an immunity protein, and lysis protein. Col operons are plasmid-maintenance systems; (i) the plasmid-cured cells are killed by the colicins; (ii) damaged cells lyse and release the colicins that eliminate the competitors, and (iii) the released plasmids invade new bacteria. Surprisingly, some bacterial genomes have Col operons. The eco-evolutionary drive and physiological relevance of genomic Col operons are unknown. We investigated plasmidic and genomic Col operons using sequence analyses from an eco-evolutionary perspective. We found 1,248 genomic and plasmidic colicins across 30 bacterial genera. Although 51% of the genomes harbor colicins, the majority of the genomic colicins lacked a functional lysis gene, suggesting the negative selection of lethal genes. The immunity gene of the Col operon protects the plasmid-cured host; eliminating the metabolic burden. We show mutual exclusivity of Col operons on genomes and plasmids. We propose an anti-addiction hypothesis for genomic colicins. Using a stochastic agent-based model, we show that the genomic colicins confer an advantage to the host genome in terms of immunity to the toxin and elimination of plasmid burden. Col operons are 'genetic arms' that regulate the ecological interplay of bacterial genomes and plasmids.
Comparison of cardiovascular responses among physically active and sedentary students: A protocol for Quasi-experimental study of submaximal exercise on a bicycle ergometer in the Sahel region of Africa
Authors: Ewah Patrick Ayi Ayi , Oyeyemi Adetoyeje Y , Oghumu Saturday N , Ogaga Mary , Edet Lucy Inyang , Womboh Idoo , Awhen Peter Agba
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe rate at which the heart rate and blood pressure drop following a stimulus such as exercise or physical stress is a powerful and independent marker for determining the rate mortality from a cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study will be to determine the heart rate and blood pressure drops of physically active and sedentary student following a sub-maximal exercise on a bicycle ergometer.ResultsThis quasi-experimental study will conveniently sample a total of 102 (Physically active n=51 & sedentary n=51) subjects of age 18-35. The study site shall be the physiotherapy gymnasium at the University of Maiduguri Teaching hospital. The level of physical activity will be measured using International Physical Activity questionnaire. Anthropometric variable such as height and weight will be assessed. Borge scale will be used to determine the Rate of Perceived Exertion. Data analysis will be done using SPSS version 20. Student –t-test, Analysis of Co-variance and descriptive statistic will be used to analyzed collected data at p<0.05. The heart rate and blood pressure at rest, peak intensity and post-exercise will be determined using a digital electronic device. The difference between the peak/resting heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded as rate of drops. Measurement will also be carried out at 1, 2-minutes after the first measurement up to 5 minutes after removing exercise stimulus.ConclusionHeart rate and blood pressure recovery are a useful clinical tool for diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Drops in heart rate less than 12 beat per minutes put a person at risk of developing a heart attack. It is not known whether the drops in heart rate of student in the Sahel region of Nigeria will be normal or abnormal. Since there are little studies on the recovery heart rate and blood pressure after removing a stimulus such as exercise. There is a need for more studies to help bridge the gap in literatures.
Reconstruction of Nonlinear Flows from Noisy Time Series
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Yan zishuo , Gui Lili , Xu Kun , Lan Yueheng
Published: September 2021

Nonlinear dynamics is a rapidly developing subject across all disciplines involving spatial or temporal evolution. The reconstruction of the equations of motion for a nonlinear system from observed time series has been a hot topic for a long time. Nevertheless, in practice only partial information is available for many systems which are very likely contaminated with noise. Here, based on the invariance of the evolution equation during time translation, a globally valid local approximation of the trajectory is determined, which could be reliably used for the reconstruction of the vector fields with unknown parameters or functional forms, even with partial information of the state evolution. The global consideration very effectively alleviates noise interference and bestows exceptional robustness to the technique, which asks only for solution of linear equations and thus is very efficient. The new scheme is nicely demonstrated in the Lorenz equation in different conditions, while an FHN neural network model is used to show its strength in high-dimensions.
Estrogen Receptor Variant ER-α36 Facilitates Estrogen Signaling via EGFR Signaling in Glioblastoma
Authors: Qu Chao , Wang Cui , Li Hongyan , Han Chao , Li Ying , Tao Xiaofeng , Guan Xin , Zhang Yejun , Chen Mengmeng , Liu Jing , Zou Wei
Published: September 2021

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly and common primary brain tumor. Poor prognosis is linked to high proliferation and cell heterogenity. Sex differences may play a role in patient outcome. Previous studies showed that ER-α36, a variant of the estrogen receptor, mediated non-genomic estrogen signaling and is highly expressed in many estrogen receptors (ER)-negative malignant tumors. ER-α36 also associates with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).Aim: The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the cross-talk between ER-α36 and EGFR in estrogen (E2) induced glioblastoma cell proliferation.Methods: The expression of estrogen receptors were tested by immunofluorescence in the specimens. The expression of ER-α36, EGFR and cell cycle protein were measured by qPCR and Western blot. The numbers of cells were tested through cell counting, and cell signaling pathway activation also determined by Western blot.Results: Here, we showed that ER-α36 was highly expressed and confirmed that ER-α36 co-labels with EGFR in human glioma specimens using immunohistochemical techniques. We also investigated the mechanisms of estrogen induced proliferation in ER-a-negative cell lines U87 and U251. We found that glioblastoma cell lines U87 and U251 showed varying responsive to mitogenic estrogen signaling which correlated with ER-α36 expression, and knockdown of ER-α36 diminished the response. Exposure to estrogen also caused up-regulation of cyclin protein expression in vitro. We also found that low concentrations of estrogen promoted SRC-Y-416 and inhibited SRC-Y-527 phosphorylation, corresponding with activated SRC signaling. Inhibiting SRC or EGFR abolished estrogen-induced mitogenic signaling, including cyclin expression and MAPK phosphorylation.Conclusion: Cumulatively, our results demonstrate that ER-α36 promotes non-genomic estrogen signaling via the EGFR/SRC/MAPK pathway in glioblastoma. This may be important for the treatment of ER-a-negative glioblastomas that retain high level of ER-α36, since estrogen may be a viable therapeutic target for these patients.
Human Intention Recognition for Lower Limb Rehabilitation Exoskeleton Robot
Authors: Chen Jing , Yu Zhiyuan , Zhu Xiaorong , Jia Longfei , Huang Yuping
Published: September 2021

With the increasing aging of the population, the contradiction between the increasing demand for rehabilitation and the insufficient rehabilitation medical resources of the patients with moderate limb disorders in stroke is increasingly prominent. As a new means of rehabilitation, rehabilitation exoskeleton robot has gradually become a research hotspot in recent years. The rapid and accurate recognition of human lower limb movement intentions is very important for the control system of lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robots, this paper innovatively proposes an adaptive inertial weighted improved particle swarm optimization LSTM algorithm (IPSO-LSTM), which not only characterizes the mapping relationship between the surface EMG (sEMG) signal and the joint angle of the lower extremity in continuous motion, but also solves the values random setting problems of iterations number, learning rate and hidden layer number. More importantly, the optimization algorithm solves the network over fitting problem and further improves the predict accuracy of the model. Finally, based on the complex system of lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robot, the algorithm is applied to the human-machine cooperative control experiment of active rehabilitation training, the experiment verifies that the IPSO-LSTM algorithm model can meet the requirements of real-time and accuracy of active intention recognition.
Nanoscale Imaging of Biomolecules using Molecule Anchorable Gel-enabled Nanoscale In-situ Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Klimas Aleksandra , Gallagher Brendan , Wijesekara Piyumi , Fekir Sinda , Stolz Donna , Cambi Franca , Watkins Simon , Barth Alison , Moore Christopher , Ren Xi , Zhao Yongxin
Published: September 2021

Expansion microscopy (ExM) is a powerful imaging strategy that offers a low-cost solution for nanoimaging with conventional microscopes by physically and isotropically magnifying preserved biological specimens embedded in a cross-linked water-swellable hydrogel. Current ExM protocols require prior treatment with specialized reactive anchoring chemicals to link specific labels and biomolecule classes to the gel. In addition, most techniques reportedly use strong Proteinase K to digest endogenous epitopes to enable expansion and are limited by using mechanically fragile gel formulas to expand specimens by at most 4.5× linearly. Here we describe a new ExM framework, Molecule Anchorable Gel-enabled Nanoscale In-situ Fluorescence MicroscopY (MAGNIFY), that uses a mechanically sturdy gel that enables broad retention of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids without the need for a separate anchoring step. MAGNIFY expands biological specimens up to 11× and facilitates imaging of cells and tissues with effectively ~25-nm-resolution using an ∼280-nm diffraction-limited objective lens on conventional optical microscopes or with ~13 nm-resolution if combined with Super-resolution Optical Fluctuation Imaging (SOFI). Further, MAGNIFY generalizes well across a broad range of biological specimens, providing insight into nanoscopic subcellular structures including synaptic proteins from mouse brain, podocyte foot processes in human kidney, and defects in cilia and basal bodies in drug-treated human lung organoids. MAGNIFY provides a novel advance that expands the precision, utility, accessibility, and generality of subcellular nanoscopy.
The influence of water content on selected physical properties of cereal seeds to improve the precision of DEM simulation
Authors: Gierz Łukasz , Kolankowska Ewelina , Markowski Piotr
Published: September 2021

This article presents the results of research on the influence of moisture on changes in selected physical properties, i.e. the length, width, thickness and weight of dressed and untreated cereal seeds in order to improve the simulation process based on the discrete element method (DEM). The research was conducted on the seeds of three winter cereals, i.e. triticale, rye, and barley. The seeds with an initial moisture content of about 7% were moistened to 5 levels, ranging from 9.5% to 17.5%, at an increment of 2%. The statistical analysis showed that moisture significantly influenced the physical properties of the seeds , i.e. their length, width, thickness, and weight. As the moisture content of the seeds increased, there were greater differences in their weight. The average increase in the thousand kernel weight resulting from the increase in their moisture content ranged from 4 to 6 mg. The change in the seed moisture content from 9.5% to 17.5% significantly increased the volume of rye seeds from 3.10% to 14.99%, the volume of triticale seeds from 1.00% to 13.40%, and the volume of barley seeds from 1.00% to 15.33%. These data can be used as a parameter to improve the DEM simulation process.
Intratumoral Injection of H101 in Combination With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Yingchang , Lv xiaojuan , Wang Fangfang , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Feiya , Zhang Meng , Chen Jianhong
Published: September 2021

BackgroundTo evaluate the clinical benefit of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in combination with H101 injection for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients.MethodsThe patients, all diagnosed with stage IIB or III cervical cancer according to The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (2009) with tumor length ≥6cm were enrolled at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from July 2015 to April 2017. All patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in combination with intratumoral H101 injection before and during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The parameters recorded and analyzed included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), tumor regression after EBRT and side effects, which were compared to another group of patients with similar characteristics treated with CCRT alone.ResultsTwenty patients were treated with CCRT in combination with intratumoral H101 injection and another group of 20 patients treated with CCRT alone was selected as control. The median follow-up time was 38 months (range 10-58 months). The 3-year local, regional, and overall PFS rates were 95% vs 66.6%(p = 0.02), 95% vs 62.5%(p = 0.029), and 65% vs 43.8%(p = 0.19), for H101 group and control group respectively. The 3-year (OS) was 74.3% vs 54.5%(p = 0.098), respectively. The median reduction of tumor length and volume for H101 group and control group were 37.7% vs 28.7%(p = 0.016) and 75.1% vs 62.4%(p = 0.001), respectively. The major adverse event related to H101 was fever.ConclusionCCRT in combination with intratumoral H101 injection is effective in treating LACC, and has an acceptable safety profile.Trial registrationThe study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (ChiCTR-OPC-15006142).
Novel Approach for Battery Type Determination: A Mere Electrical Alternative
Authors: Dikmen İsmail Can , Karadağ Teoman
Published: September 2021

Today, the storage of electrical energy is one of the most important technical challenges. The increasing number of high capacity, high-power applications, especially electric vehicles and grid energy storage, points to the fact that we will be faced with a large amount of batteries that will need to be recycled and separated in the near future. An alternative method to the currently used methods for separating these batteries according to their chemistry is discussed in this study. This method can be applied even on integrated circuits due to its ease of implementation and low operational cost. In this respect, it is also possible to use it in multi-chemistry battery management systems to detect the chemistry of the connected battery. For the implementation of the method, the batteries are connected to two different loads alternately. In this way, current and voltage values ​​are measured for two different loads without allowing the battery to relax. The obtained data is pre-processed with a separation function developed based on statistical significance. In machine learning algorithms, artificial neural network and decision tree algorithms are trained with processed data and used to determine battery chemistry with 100% accuracy. The efficiency and ease of implementation of the decision tree algorithm in such a categorization method are presented comparatively.
Institutional Quality and Sustainable Development: Empirical Study in 10 Arab Countries
Authors: Hassoun Salah Eddine Sari , Chibi Abderrahim , Chekouri Sidi Mohamed , Terbeche Mohammed
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we analyse the impact of the institutional quality on the sustainable development in 10 Arab countries during the period 1995-2019. Despite the significant improvement that have known some countries in recent years in terms of development indicators, the Arab authorities still require more efforts to improve their governance and to enhance the developmental impact of oil revenues. However, the deterioration of the institutional environment indicators remains the biggest obstacle to achieve the development goals, and limits the effectiveness of economic reforms. Therefore, we found from the empirical study that there is a positive significant effect on sustainable development (expressed by adjusted net saving) for capital per capita, oil rents, per capita and trade openness, while there is a negative significant effect for gross national income, and total natural resources rents. However, the institutional indexes have a positive and insignificant impact, indicating that there is an evidence of a weak political structure and weak political awareness of Arab societies.
Minimizing the Energy Consumption of Holes Machining Integrating the Optimization of Tool Path and Cutting Parameters on CNC Machines
Authors: Feng Chunhua , Chen Xiang , Zhang Jingyang , Huang Yugui , Qu Zibing
Published: September 2021

The application of sustainable manufacturing technologies is the new challenge faced by enterprises, industries, and researchers under the background of supporting carbon peak and carbon neutral. This paper studies how to reduce the energy consumption of holes machining through optimizing tool path and cutting parameters simultaneously. The integrated optimization methodology can further reduce the energy consumption comparing with optimizing the tool path or cutting parameters separately. Firstly, the energy model of holes machining is established based on machine tools’ energy composition, tool path planning, and process parameters. Due to tool path planning as air cutting process has big relationship with reducing energy, especially for holes group with a big proportion in the whole process. The tool path of holes processing is optimized by the improved ant colony algorithm to solve the issue considering the distance from one hole to the next hole. Based on this optimized path, a multi-objective optimization model for hole cutting parameters is established, considering the spindle speed and feed rate as the optimization variables and machining time, energy consumption, and surface roughness as the objective function. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-Ⅱ) is employed to solve the multi-objective optimization problem of holes machining. The case study with 50 holes is used to testify the application of the proposed method to provide the practical energy efficiency strategy for holes group or multi-hole parts on CNC machines assisting in achieving sustainable production in manufacturing sectors.
SMC1A promotes tumor growth in breast cancer by activation of the AKT/FOXM1/STMN1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: li kaichun , Dai Ping , Xue Lin , Liu Long , Cheng Shiyu , Fang Qingliang , Wu Bingxiang
Published: September 2021

Background

SMC1A (Structural maintenance of chromosomes 1) is overexpressed in various cancers and acts as an oncogene which has been implicated in critical biological functions (cell-cycle checkpoints regulation, cell division, and DNA repair). However, the mechanism and role of SMC1A in breast cancer are poorly understood.
Methods

TCGA database was utilized to explore the expression of SMC1A and the relationship between SMC1A and FOXM1 and STMN1. Subsequently, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting SMC1A was used to examined the biological functions of it in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells. Finally, subcutaneous xenograft model to verify the roles of SMC1A in vivo.
Results

In the present study, we demonstrated that SMC1A was significantly increased in breast cancer (BC) via TCGA database. Then loss and gain of function studies revealed that SMC1A contributed to BC cell survival, apoptosis, and invasion. Interestingly, we found that SMC1A triggered the AKT/FOXM1 cascade, which promoted BC cell proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of FOXM1 abolished the inhibition of cell growth induced by SMC1A silencing in vitro. Clinically, the expression of SMC1A in BC tumor tissues is positively correlated with the expression of FOXM1.
Conclusion

Taken together, our findings not only enhanced our understanding of molecular mechanisms of SMC1A in BC, but also might provide a novel target for the development of therapeutic strategies.
The Impact of Integrating the Palliative Prognostic Index into Palliative Consultation on Patients with Haematologic Malignancies: A Case control study
Authors: Chang Yueh-Shih , Lee Hui-Chen , Huang Yen-Min , Wang Cheng-Hsu , Lai Chien-Hong
Published: September 2021

Background

The study aims to investigate the influence of integrating the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) into the consultation system for patients with haematologic malignancies.
Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 53 patients with haematologic malignancies. The PPI was evaluated at the first palliative consultation. Patients were divided into two groups: before the use of the PPI (23 patients) and after the use of the PPI (30 patients).
Results

We first confirmed that the life expectancy for patients with haematologic malignancies was correlated with the PPI score ranking (p < 0.01). For patients with a PPI score > 6, agreement to attend hospice care was significantly higher (p = 0.01). After the use of the PPI, the mean survival time from the first consultation to death was 131.4 ± 55.9 days, which was significantly longer than before the use of the PPI (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, more leukaemia patients received palliative consultation and fewer antibiotics in their end of life care. Although there was no difference in agreement for hospice care after the first consultation, we believed that the concept of palliative care had been delivered to patients and their families.
Conclusions

The PPI score is a good prognostic index for patients with haematologic malignancies. The use of the PPI score in the first consultation enables patients, families and haematologists to become aware of the necessity of palliative care.