bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Inheritance of G6PD Deficiency and 211 G to A Variation of UGT1A1 in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia In Eastern Guangdong
Authors: Xu Jia-Xin , Lin Fen , Chen Zi-Kai , Luo Zhao-Yun , Zhan Xiao-Fen , Wu Jiao-Ren , Ma Yu-Bin , Li Jian-Dong , Yang Li-Ye
Published: August 2021

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, which may manifest as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, is the most prevalent erythrocytic enzyme-related disease in the world.Objective: To investigate the association between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and co-inheritance of G6PD deficiency and 211 G to A variation of UGT1A1 in Chaozhou city of eastern Guangdong province, the effects of G6PD deficiency and UGT1A1 gene variant on the bilirubin level were determined in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.Method: The activity of G6PD was assayed by an auto-bioanalyzer. PCR and flow-through hybridization were used to detect 14 common G6PD mutations in G6PD deficient neonates. 211 G to A variation of UGT1A1 was determined by PCR and sequencing. The data of neonatal peak bilirubin was collected and analyzed retrospectively.Results: 74 cases of the 882 hyperbilirubinemia neonates were G6PD deficiency (8.39%) while 12 cases of the 585 non-hyperbilirubinemia neonates (control group) were G6PD deficiency (2.05%). The rate of G6PD deficiency in the hyperbilirubinemia group was higher than that of the control group. Moreover, the peak bilirubin in the G6PD-deficient group of hyperbilirubinemia neonates was 334.43±79.27μmol/L, higher than that of the normal G6PD group of hyperbilirubinemia neonates (300.30±68.62 μmol/L). The most common genotypes of G6PD deficiency were c.1376G>T and c.1388G>A, and the peak bilirubin of neonates with these two variants were 312.60±71.81μmol/L and 367.88±75.79 μmol/L, respectively. The bilirubin level of c.1388G>A was significantly higher than that of c.1376G>T. Among the 74 hyperbilirubinemia neonates with G6PD deficiency, 6 cases were 211 G to A homozygous mutation (bilirubin levels 369.55±84.51 μmol/L), 27 cases were 211 G to A heterozygous mutation (bilirubin levels 341.50±63.21 μmol/L), and 41 cases were wild genotypes (bilirubin levels 324.63±57.52 μmol/L). Conclusion: The rate of G6PD deficiency in hyperbilirubinemia neonates was significantly higher than that of the non-hyperbilirubinemia neonates in Chaozhou. For the hyperbilirubinemia group, neonates with G6PD deficiency had a higher bilirubin level compared to those with normal G6PD. For hyperbilirubinemia neonates with G6PD deficiency, there was a declining trend of bilirubin levels among 211 G to A homozygous mutation, heterozygous mutation, and wild genotype, but there was no significance statistically among the three groups.
Cup-to-Disc Ratio Based Efficient Glaucoma Prediction on Fundus Images Using Tripartite Tier Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: G Prabaharan , R Pitchai , Ch Madhu Babu , M Kalaiyarasi
Published: August 2021

Glaucoma is a condition that causes permanent damage to the optic nerves, resulting in partial or total vision loss. In this paper, a deep learning model using Tripartite Tier Convolutional Neural Network (TTCNN) structure is proposed to detect the glaucomatous images from the normal images. The proposed system includes different steps such as preprocessing, attribute extraction, and glaucoma evaluation. Preprocessing discusses how to convert RGB fundus images to grayscale and how to improve fundus feature contrast. Then, the optic cup (OC) and optic disc (OD) boundaries are fragmented during the attribute extraction using TTCNN. Finally, the Cup-to-Disc Ratio (CDR) has been determined to diagnose glaucoma in the image. This system has been verified on two different publicly available datasets DRIVE and RIM-ONE, yielding an average sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision in glaucoma diagnosis of 84.50%, 98.01%, 99%, and 84% respectively. The obtained results show that the proposed recognition system is suitable for detecting glaucoma with higher precision.
Exosomal MMP-1 transfers metastasis potential in triple-negative breast cancer through PAR1-mediated EMT
Authors: Zhu Yihui , Tao Zhonghua , Chen Ying , Lin Shuchen , Zhu Mingyu , Li Ting , Hu Xichun
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with high risk of distant metastasis, in which the intercellular communication between tumor cells also plays a role. Exosomes can be released by tumor cells and promote distant metastasis through intercellular communication or changes in tumor microenvironment, it is an optimized transportation facility for biologically active payloads. This was a hypothesis-generating research on role of exosomal payload in TNBC distant metastasis.
Methods
Exosomes isolated from supernatant of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231-HM (a highly pulmonary metastatic variant of parental MDA-MB-231 cells) were characterized. Transwell assay, wound healing and CCK-8 assay were employed to explore the effect of exosomal MMP-1 on the metastatic capability of TNBC cells in vitro. Human breast cancer lung metastasis model in nude mice was established to observe the effect of exosomal MMP-1 in vivo. Tissue microarray and blood samples of TNBC patients were applied to analyze the relevance between MMP-1 with metastasis.
Results
MDA-MB-231-HM cells secrete exosomes enriched MMP-1, which can be taken up and enhance invasion and migration activities of TNBC cells. After ingesting exosomes enriched with MMP-1, cells secrete more MMP-1, which may interact with membrane G protein receptor protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1), thereby initiating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to enhance capability of migration and invasion. The expressions of MMP-1 and PAR1 in the metastases of the 231-HM-exo treated mice were both up-regulated. Clinically, the exosomal MMP-1 can be detected from serum of patients with metastasis at higher concentration than that in pre-operative patients. Moreover, in patients with multiple distant metastases, the level of exosomal MMP-1 is also higher than that in patients with single lesion.
Conclusion
MMP-1 from TNBC cells of high metastasis potential can promote the distant metastasis of transform those with low metastasis potential through PAR1-mediated EMT and is likely to be a potential molecular marker.
Study On Detoxification Mechanism of Three Traditional Dai Antidotes
Authors: Zhang Xuefei , Zhao Junke , Zhu Yu , Yang Lian , Yu Shihui , Ding Qing , Mohammad Imran Shair , Wang Jun , Hu Haiyan
Published: August 2021

Background: Dai antidotes are the most distinctive medicine and treatment in traditional Dai medicine. Clerodendrum chinense var. simplex, Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon and Arundina graminifolia (D. Don) Hochr are three Dai antidotes widely used for their “detoxifying effects”, and their use is rooted in a theoretical system significantly different and much less understood than Western or traditional Chinese medicines. This study aims to provide the mechanistic insights into the detoxifying effects of Dai antidotes, providing a modern scientific basis for understanding and developing Dai medicine as well as encouraging its use in other regions.Methods: We successively extracted the three Dai antidotes using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, or water, and prepared their decoctions. Their contents of total flavonoids and polyphenols were determined by colorimetric method. Their antioxidant activity were tested by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), hydroxyl radical (·OH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals scavenging assays. Anti-bacterial activity were evaluated in terms of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and zones of inhibition (ZOI) against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Their anti-inflammatory activity were studied in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through measuring the production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6.Results: The content of total flavonoids in three Dai antidotes ranged from 22.41 to 586.39 mg/g, which is higher than the content of total polyphenols (2.76 to 28.66 mg/g). The various extracts were found to scavenge radicals of DPPH, ·OH and ABTS. They scavenged ABTS radicals much more efficiently (IC50 9.54 μg/mL) than other radicals (IC50 > 380 μg/mL). They weakly inhibited the growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Notably, even at low concentration 60 μg/mL, the extracts can significantly down-regulate nitric oxide production, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 by macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results provide the first mechanistic insights into the detoxifying effects of three Dai antidotes, providing a basis for their optimization and for future research to strengthen Dai medicine through modern scientific practices.
Isolation And Characterization of Biopolymers From Chenopodium Quinoa And Their Immunostimulatory Activity
Authors: Cao Rong-An , Palanisamy Subramanian , Ma Nan , Talapphet Natchanok , Zhang JiaMiao , Wang ChangYuan , You SangGuan
Published: August 2021

Non-starch polysaccharides derived from natural resources play a significant role in the field of food science and human health due to their extensive distribution in nature and less toxicity. In this order, the immunostimulatory activity of a non-starch polysaccharide (CQNP) from Chenopodium quinoa was examined before and after and deproteination in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. The chemical composition of CQNP and deproteinated- CQNP (D-CQNP) were spectrometrically analysed that revealed the presence of carbohydrate (22.7 ± 0.8% and 39.5± 0.8%), protein (41.4± 0.8% and 20.8± 0.5%) and uronic acid (8.7±0.8% and 6.7± 0.2%). The monosaccharide composition results exposed that CQNP possesses a high amount of arabinose (34.5±0.3) followed by galactose (26.5±0.2), glucose (21.9±0.3), rhamnose (7.0±0.1), mannose (6.0±0.1) and xylose (4.2±0.2). However, after deproteination, a difference was found in the order of the monosaccharide components, with galactose (41.1±0.5) as a major unit followed by arabinose (34.7±0.5), rhamnose (10.9±0.2), glucose (6.6±0.2), mannose (3.4±0.2) and xylose (3.2±0.2). Further, D-CQNP potentially stimulate the RAW 264.7 cells through the production of nitric oxide (NO), upregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and various pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Moreover, stimulation of RAW 264.7 cells by D-CQNP takes place along the NF-κB and the MAPKs signaling pathways through the expression of CD40.
Study on Flavonoid and Bioactivity Features of the Pericarp of Citri Reticulatae 'Chachi' During Storage
Authors: Liang Shejian , Wen Zhijia , Tang Tiexin , Liu Yufang , Dang Fengliang , Xie Tianxiao , Wu Hong
Published: August 2021

Background: The mature pericarp of Citri Reticulatae 'Chachi' (PCRC) is one of the six traditional Chinese medicinal materials that should be used after long storage, and it was regarded that the longer the medicine was stored, the better. However, the aging mechanism of the medicine is not clear.Methods: In order to further investigate the effect of aging on the main active flavonoids of PCRC, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and metabolomics analysis were used to analyze the flavonoids of PCRC stored for different periods.Results: In the results, 219 flavonoids were detected. 5,7,3',4',5'-pentamethoxy dihydroflavone and 2'-hydroxy-3,4,5,3'4',6'-hexamethoxychalcone were found from PCRC for the first time. According to the clustering analysis of metabolites, aging times of 0, 1, and 2 were clustered into one group, and aging times of 3, 4, and 29 were clustered into the other group. Quantitative analysis showed that the former group contained a greater amount of 4 flavonoids than the latter group, while the latter group contained a greater amount of 15 polymethoxyflavonoids. The newly harvested PCRC was compared with the other 5 groups of PCRC (stored for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 29 years). Eight flavonoids, tectochrysin, apigenin, 2'-hydroxyisoflavone, luteolin, 6-hydroxyluteolin, gallocatechin, quercetin -O- acetylhexoside and apigenin -7-O-[β-D-glucuronide (1→2) -O-β-D-glucuronide], were used as marker components to discriminate newly harvested PCRC and aging PCRC. In addition, the antioxidant potency composite index (APC) indicated that the PCRC stored for three or four years had stronger antioxidant activity than the PCRC stored for other periods. By means of molecular docking, it was reviewed that the amount of antiviral components against SARS-CoV-2 in freshly harvested PCRC was significantly higher than that in aging PCRC. The results in this study supplied scientific data for quality control, evaluation, and rational utilization of PCRC and basic information for further analysis of the metabolic regulation of the active components of the PCRC.
A spontaneously sustainable bioinspired interfacial evaporation driven power generation strategy
Authors: Sun Zhuangzhi , Li Zhaoxin , Han Changlong , Jing Mingxing , Yu Haipeng , Wang Zuankai
Published: August 2021

In nature, liquid evaporation occurs everywhere all the time. This low-grade energy absorption to drive liquid evaporation is greatly potential for sustainable spontaneously power generation. Here, a natural liquid evaporation strategy of interfacial evaporation driven nanogenerator (IENG) is developed in this work. Coupled by the phonon wind and a fluctuating Coulomb field, an induced direct current is generated. Simultaneously, inspired by the light-trapping properties of moth eye, a simple and efficient BLT-IENG including a hierarchical surface of bionic light-trapping and electrospinning perovskite conductivity with an enhanced thermally insulating and water storage capability is designed. This enhancement of the output performance is greatly attributed to the improvement of the interfacial evaporation characteristics driven by natural solar and wind energies. Hence, our BLT-IENG achieves a breakthrough in the unit area open-circuit voltage in the marine environment, which is improved by a factor of 7.6 over the currently reported average value. This work provides an unexplored strategy for multi-energies inspired natural interfacial evaporation driven power generation.
Genomic events shaping epithelial-to-mesenchymal trajectories in cancer
Authors: Tagliazucchi Guidantonio , Secrier Maria
Published: August 2021

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key cellular process underlying cancer progression, with multiple intermediate states whose molecular hallmarks remain poorly characterized. To fill this gap, we explored EMT trajectories in 8,778 tumours of epithelial origin and identified three macro-states with prognostic and therapeutic value, attributable to epithelial, hybrid E/M (hEMT) and mesenchymal phenotypes. We show that the hEMT state is remarkably stable and linked with increased aneuploidy, APOBEC mutagenesis and hypoxia. Additionally, we provide an extensive catalogue of genomic events underlying distinct evolutionary constraints on EMT transformation, including novel pan-cancer dependencies of hEMT on driver genes PRRX1, BCOR and CNOT3, as well as links between full mesenchymal transformation and REG3A and SHISA4 mutations in lung and breast cancers, respectively. This study sheds light on the aetiology of the lesser characterised hybrid E/M state in cancer progression and the broader genomic hallmarks shaping the mesenchymal transformation of primary tumours.
Characteristics of Five-Phase Acupoints From Data Mining of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials Followed by Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Lee Seoyoung , Ryu Yeonhee , Park Hi-Joon , Lee In-Seon , Chae Younbyoung
Published: August 2021

Background: An unbiased assessment of clinical outcomes may provide greater insight into the characteristics of individual acupoints. In this study, we used machine-learning methods to examine clinical trial data for diseases treated using prescribed five-phase acupoint patterns. Methods: We performed a search of acupuncture treatment regimens used in randomized controlled trials included in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The frequencies of 60 five-phase acupoints were calculated based on 421 clinical trials on 30 diseases. The characteristics of prescribed five-phase acupoints were further analyzed using multidimensional scaling and K-means clustering. Results: Among the five-phase acupoints, stream and sea acupoints were the most widely used, with well, spring, and river acupoints less common. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis revealed that the LR3, ST36, GB34, BL60, KI3, LI11, and HT7 acupoints exhibited distinct characteristics based on distances representing the similarity between acupoint indications. Conclusions: The results suggest that stream and sea acupoints exhibit distinct characteristics compared to the other acupoints. Such data-driven approaches will improve our understanding of five-phase acupoints and facilitate the establishment of new models of analysis and educational resources for major acupoint characteristics.
Association Between Intraoperative Computed Tomography Navigation System and Incidence of Surgical Site Infection in Patients with Spinal Surgeries: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: KUMAGAI GENTARO , Wada Kanichiro , Tanaka Sunao , Asari Toru , Nitobe Yohshiro , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Although the use of intraoperative computed tomography (CT)-based navigation systems is unlikely to cause intraoperative contamination more than the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy, the association between intraoperative CT/navigation and surgical site infections (SSIs) remains unclear. We investigated the incidence of SSIs and the association between intraoperative CT/navigation and SSIs for spinal surgeries.Methods: Of the 512 patients who underwent spinal surgery between April 2016 and December 2020, 304 underwent C-arm intraoperative fluoroscopy and/or Medtronic O-arm intraoperative CT/navigation system. We investigated the incidence of SSIs in patients with four techniques; no intraoperative imaging C-arm only, O-arm only, and both O- and C-arm used. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted using the prevalence of SSIs as the dependent variable. The independent variables were age, sex, and potential confounders including preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, use of instrumentation, C-arm and/or O-arm. Results: The incidence of the SSIs in patients with no imaging, C-arm only, O-arm only, and both modalities used was 1.9％, 7.3%, 4.7%, and 8.3%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of SSIs between the four techniques. Multivariate logistic analyses showed a significant correlation between the prevalence of SSI and JOA scores (odds ratio, 0.878; 95%CI, 0.759-0.990) and use of instrumentation (odds ratio, 6.241; 95%CI, 1.113-34.985), but not use of O-arm.Conclusions: The incidence of the SSIs in patients with only O-arm used was 4.7%. Preoperative clinical status and use of instrumentation, but not use of the O-arm, was associated with SSIs after spinal surgeries.
Development and Evaluation of Europium-Based Quantitative Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the Chronic Kidney Disease Marker Cystatin-C
Authors: NATARAJAN SATHEESH , saatci Ebru
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to establish a Europium label time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) to detect the chronic kidney disease (CKD) biomarker Cystatin-C. Some Cystatin-c immunoassays are sensitive, accurate, and available for clinical application, but they are expensive and time-consuming procedures. Also, conventional organic dye-based fluorescence lateral flow assay showed more background fluorescence interference and low analytical sensitivity. So this Europium-based sandwich immunoassay was developed to detect the concentration of cystatin-c in a urine sample with captured anti-cystatin-c antibodies immobilized on nitrocellulose membrane and then bonded with detection anti-cystatin-c labelled with CM-EU, followed by fluorescence measurement using time-resolved fluorometry in 15 minutes. The performance of this TRFIA was evaluated using the clinical urine serum and compared with the ELISA assays. The linear calibration range was 0.015-32 µg/ml, and the limit of detection (LOD) quantified was 0.0001µg/ml. This current work has improved the LOD of our previous work from 0.013µg/ml to 0.001µg/ml. These results indicated that the CM-EU nanoparticle-based LFIA is rapid, more sensitive, reliable, and reproducible for point-of-care testing of Cys-C concentrations in urine
Aramid Nanofibers Reinforced Cellulose Paper-Based Lithium-Ion Battery Separator with Improved Safety and Cycling Stability
Authors: Zhang Sufeng , Luo Jin , Du Min , Hui Hongying
Published: August 2021

Commercial polyolefin separators with poor electrolyte wettability and inferior thermal stability have hampered the development of advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their unsatisfied electrochemical performance and severe safety hazards. Herein, a novel paper-based composite separator composed of electrolyte-affinitive cellulose fibers (CFs) and thermally stable aramid nanofibers (ANFs) was successfully fabricated through the traditional papermaking method. It was found that the incorporation of ANFs played crucial roles in improving the defects of pure CF separator such as large-sized pores, low mechanical strength and high flammability. Specifically, the CF/ANF composite separator with 20 wt.% ANFs (CF/ANF-20) possessed narrow micropores, satisfied tensile strength (33MPa), excellent thermal resistance (without dimensional shrinkage up to 200 °C) and flame retardancy, greatly enhancing the safe operation of battery. In addition, benefiting from the highly porous structure and exceptional electrolyte affinity of CF separator, the CF/ANF-20 composite separator exhibited appropriate porosity and superior electrolyte wettability, which brought about a high electrolyte uptake (157%), thus endowing it with better ionic conductivity (0.75 mS cm−1) and lower interfacial resistance than that of commercial polypropylene (PP) separator. Accordingly, the LiFePO4/Li half cells using CF/ANF-20 separator delivered outstanding rate capability and stable cycling performance. All results indicate that the CF/ANF-20 separator with great balance between the electrochemical performance and safety is an intriguing candidate for advanced LIBs.
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering on Silver sinusoidal nano-grating: Impact of Interactions of grating-coupled Surface Plasmon polaritons
Authors: Chen Zhaoyi , Feng Ke , Chen Zhibin , Shen Jinxing , Li Huanliang
Published: August 2021

In this study, we reported a silver sinusoidal nanograting used in microchannels, forming H2O/Ag/NOA heterostructure, and studied the impact of interactions of grating-coupled surface Plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). FDTD simulations showed that when the refractive index of NOA is close to that of H2O, there were two modes of odd coupling and even coupling between SPPs. Additionally, the thinner the Ag grating, the stronger the coupling, accompanied by the frequency shift of the two coupling modes. We also estimated the influence of refractive index of the surrounding medium on SPPs coupling by varying the dielectric of the upper and lower layer of Ag grating. Our experimental results were supported by FDTD calculations, which confirmed the importance of the interactions of grating-coupled SPPs in the design of SERS substrate.
Diurnal Variations of Warm Season Rainfall Affected By Complex Topography Based On High-Density Stations Observation In Chongqing Over Southwest China
Authors: Li Qiang , Zheng Yongguang , Zhou Guobing , Zhu Yan , Liu Chao
Published: August 2021

Located in the eastern edge of the Sichuan Basin (SCB) in the southwest China, Chongqing is a mountainous region with typical complex topographic features. Using the hourly precipitation observation data of high-density 1686 meteorological stations in Chongqing during warm season from 2009 to 2016, the diurnal characteristics of precipitation effected by complex topography are investigated. The mountainous terrain has a significant impact on distinct regional features of rainfall amount, frequency, and intensity, and stations located in the higher complex mountainous areas are larger than those in the lower surrounding areas. In addition, the detailed characteristics of the rainfall amount and frequency over four study regions further show that the values at higher elevations are larger than those at the lower elevations, and the rainfall amount and frequency significantly increase, especially in the area that terrain heights sharply increase along mountains extending direction. The diurnal characteristics of the rainfall amount has dual structure with a dominant early-morning peak appearing at approximately 0700 LST (23 UTC), and a weaker secondary late-afternoon peak is found at approximately 1600 LST (08 UTC). The rainfall amount and frequency peaks during early-morning accounts for 81.9% and 88.1% of all stations, respectively. However, the rainfall frequency has single early-morning peak diurnal characteristics. The gauge elevation has a significant impact on the diurnal variations of the early-morning rainfall. With elevation increasing in four study regions, the proportions of the rainfall amount (frequency) that occurs during early-morning periods decrease. Different duration hours of rainfall events have distinct diurnal variation and phase features.
Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder Subtypes Differ in their Genetic Correlations with Physical Activity, Circadian Rhythm, and Sleep
Authors: Sirignano Lea , Streit Fabian , Frank Josef , Zillich Lea , Witt Stephanie , Rietschel Marcella , Foo Jerome
Published: August 2021

Alterations in biological rhythms are features of mood disorders. Patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) show decreased physical activity compared to healthy controls. Bipolar disorder (BIP) patients differ in their activity patterns during different mood phases, and in comparison to their non-affected relatives and healthy controls. In both MDD and BIP, circadian rhythms can be disrupted, accompanied by sleep problems and changes in sleep duration. It is unclear whether the observed associations are due to common etiology or if they are influenced by the current mood state in which they are observed. Here, we used summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to test the genetic correlations of MDD, BIP-I, and BIP-II with physical activity (overall physical activity, moderate activity, sedentary behavior), circadian rhythm (relative amplitude) and sleep features (sleep duration, daytime sleepiness). MDD showed positive genetic correlations with sedentary behavior, and negative correlations with overall physical activity and moderate activity, while BIP-I showed associations in the opposite direction. MDD and BIP-II had negative genetic correlations with relative amplitude. All mood disorders were positively genetically correlated with daytime sleepiness. The correlational patterns show that MDD and BIP-I differ the most in their correlations with biological rhythms with BIP-II seemingly occupying a intermediate position. Furthermore, our results suggest that the clinically observed associations between mood disorders and biological rhythms have shared genetic underpinnings. Future research considering possible joint mechanisms may offer potential avenues for improving disease detection and treatment.
LncRNA SOX2-OT Participates in Parkinson’s Disease Through Regulating miRNA-942-5p/NAIF1 Axis
Authors: Guo Yabi , Liu Yanyang , Wang Hong , Liu Peijun
Published: August 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease. Studies have shown that lncRNA SOX2-OT was highly expressed in PD patients, but its specific functions and mechanisms still need further research. This study aimed to explore whether lncRNA SOX2-OT could regulate oxidative stress, inflammation and neuronal apoptosis in PD in vitro model and explored the underlying mechanism. An in vitro PD cell model was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). The results of the biological software analysis and luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-942-5p was a direct target of lncRNA SOX2-OT, and NAIF1 was a direct target of miR-942-5p. Experiments showed that the expression levels of lncRNA SOX2-OT and NAIF1 were increased, and miR-942-5p expression was decreased in SH-SY5Y cells following MPP+ treatment. In addition, MPP+ treatment reduced SH-SY5Y cell viability, induced apoptosis, increased cleaved-Caspase3 protein expression, and increased cleaved-Caspase3/Caspase3 ratio, increased LDH viability, and increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and ROS in SH-SY5Y cells, reduced SOD activity, however, all these effects were inhibited by SOX2-OT-siRNA, and these inhibitions were reversed by miR-942-5p inhibitor. Moreover, the protective role of miR-942-5p mimic in MPP+ induced SH-SY5Y cells was significantly eliminated by NAIF1-plasmid. In summary, this study confirmed that lncRNA SOX2-OT regulated oxidative stress, inflammation and neuronal apoptosis via directly regulating the miR-942-5p/NAIF1 signal axis, and then participated in the occurrence and development of PD. These data provide a new potential targets for PD diagnosis and treatment.
Optimal Design and Experimental Verification of Low Radiation Noise of Gearbox
Authors: Liu Lan , Kang Kun , Xi Yingjie , Hu Zhengxi , Gong Jingyi , Liu Geng
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the radiation noise prediction, low-noise optimization design and experiment of gearbox are studied. Firstly, taking a single-stage herringbone gearbox as the research object, a finite element/boundary element model is established. Considering the vibration excitation of gear system, the radiation noise of single-stage gearbox is predicted based on modal acoustic transfer vector (MATV) method. Then, the maximum field point of radiated noise is determined, and the acoustic transfer vector (ATV) analysis and modal acoustic contribution(MAC) analysis are carried out to determine the region which contributes greatly to the radiated noise of the field point. Through the panel acoustic contribution(PAC) analysis, the optimization region is selected. Then, aiming at reducing the normal speed in the optimization region, topology optimization is carried out. According to the topology optimization results, noise reduction structures are added to the gearbox, and a low-noise optimization model of the gearbox is established. Finally, by measuring the radiated noise of the gearbox before and after optimization under a given working condition, the validity of the radiated noise prediction method and the low-noise optimization design method are verified by comparing the simulation and experimental data.
Development of a Local Model for Measuring the Work of Surgeons
Authors: Forootan Sara , Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Janati Ali , Najafi Behzad , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Background: The relative value unit is the main method of calculating physician reimbursements and a tool for measuring the work of surgeons. Existing evidence shows that work RVU does not accurately represent the surgeon's work. Therefore, the current study attempts to develop a local model to measure surgeons' work.Methods: This study was conducted in two main phases of determining the metrics and model development using quantitative and qualitative approaches from December 2019 to April 2021.The Literature review, focused group discussions, and interviews were used to collect data. Content analysis and Exploratory Data Analysis techniques were applied to analyze data.Results: The findings demonstrated that patient's conditions (age, severity of disease at referring time, and comorbidities), disease specifications (time, complexity, physical effort, and risk), and provider characteristic (surgeon’s willingness, imposed stress, and surgeon’s skill) were important by 17, 51, and 32%, respectively, in determining surgeons' work. Conclusions: Determining a fixed value for each procedure does not accurately estimate the amount of required surgeon’s work for any procedure. Many factors, such as the patient's condition, surgeon's characteristics, and the disease specification affect surgeons' work in the operation room. Proper measurement of the surgeon's work is an important step towards establishing equity in payment in the health system.
Cost-Utility of Tiotropium in Patients With Severe Asthma
Authors: Buendia Jefferson Antonio , Patino Diana Guerrero
Published: August 2021

BackgroundAn important proportion of asthma patients remain uncontrolled despite the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Some add-on therapies, as tiotropium bromide have been recommended for this subgroup of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of tiotropium as add-on therapies to ICS + LABA for patients with severe asthma. Methods A probabilistic Markov model was created to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of patients with severe asthma in Colombia. Total costs and QALYS of two interventions including standard therapy (ICS + LABA), add-on therapy with tiotropium, were calculated over a lifetime horizon. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000. ResultsThe model suggests a potential gain of 1.06 QALYs per patient per year on tiotropium, with a difference of US$ 478 in favor of tiotropium; showing dominance respect to standard therapy. A position of dominance negates the need to calculate an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio. In the deterministic sensitivity analyses, our base‐case results were robust to variations of all assumptions and parameters Conclusion Add-on therapy with tiotropium was found to be cost-effective when added to usual care in patients who remain uncontrolled despite treatment with medium or high-dose ICS/LABA. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.
Phytochemicals Target Growth Factor Receptors to Control Cancer: An In Silico Study
Authors: Mendie Love Edet , Hemalatha S
Published: August 2021

Drug delivery in a safe manner is a major challenge in the drug development process. Growth factor receptors (GFRs) are known to have profound roles in the growth and progression of cancerous cells making these receptors a therapeutic target in the effective treatment of cancer. This work focused on exploring bioactive compounds that can target GFRs usingin-silico method. In this study, 50 bioactive compounds from different plant sources were screened as anticancer agent against GFRs using drug likeness parameters of Lipinski’s rule of five. The molecular docking was performed between phytochemicals and GFRs. Ligands with acceptable drug likeness and binding energy comparable to the standard drugs were further screened to determine their pharmacokinetic activities. This study showed phytochemicals with the binding energy comparable with the standard drugs (Dovitinb and Geftinib), while ADME, bioactivity score and bioavailability radar analysis gave further insight on these compounds as potent anticancer agents.
Effects of Individualized Gait Rehabilitation Robotics for Gait Training on Hemiplegic Patients: Before-After Study in The Same Person
Authors: Guo Zhao , Ye Jing , Zhang Shisheng , Xu Lanshuai , Chen Gong , Guan Xiao , Li Yongqiang , Zhang Zhimian
Published: August 2021

Background : Lower-limb exoskeleton robots are being widely used in gait rehabilitation training for stroke patients. However, most of the current rehabilitation robots are guided by predestined gait trajectories, which are often different from the actual gait trajectories of specific patients. One solution is to train patients using individualized gait trajectories generated from the physical parameters of patients. Hence, we aimed to explore the effect of individual gaits on energy consumption situation during gait rehabilitation training for hemiplegic patient with low-limb exoskeleton robot.Methods : 9 unilateral-hemiplegic patients were recruited. On the first day of the experiment, the 9 patients were guided by a low-limb exoskeleton robot, walking on a flat ground for 15 minutes in general gait trajectory, which was gained by CGA (clinical gait analysis) method.On the other day, the same 9 patients wore the identical robot and walked on the same flat ground for 15 minutes in individualized gait trajectory. The main physiological parameters including heart rate (HR) and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) were acquired via cardiotachometer and oximeter before and after the walking training. The energy consumption situation was indicated by the variation of the value of HR and SpO2 after walking training compared to before.Results : Between-group comparison shows that the individualized gait trajectory training results in lower increase in HR levels and decrease in SpO2 levels in experimenters compared to general gait trajectory training. Difference has statistical significance(p<0.05).Conclusions : Using individualized gait guidance in rehabilitation walking training can significantly improve energy efficiency for hemiplegic patient with stroke.Trial registration: Registered on 29 July 2021 at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100049310). https://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=130960\&htm=4
Health equity impact of community-initiated kangaroo mother care: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choudhary Tarun Shankar , Mazumder Sarmila , Haaland Oystein Ariansen , Taneja Sunita , Bahl Rajiv , Martines Jose Carlos , Bhan Maharaj Kishan , Johansson Kjell Arne , Sommerfelt Halvor , Bhandari Nita , Norheim Ole Frithjof
Published: August 2021

BackgroundKangaroo mother care (KMC) can substantially enhance overall survival of low birthweight babies. In a large randomized controlled trial, we recently showed that supporting mothers to provide community initiated KMC (ciKMC) can reduce early infant mortality by 25% (hazard ratio (HR) 0.75). With the current analysis we aimed to explore if ciKMC promotion leads to increased inequity in survival.MethodsIn the trial we randomised 8402 low birthweight babies to a ciKMC (4480 babies) and a control (3922 babies) arm, between 2015 and 2018 in Haryana, India. The main outcome of interest was the difference in concentration indices between babies in the ciKMC and control arms for survival until 180 days of life.ResultsOur intervention did not increase survival inequity, as reflected in a reduction of the concentration index by 0.05 (95% CI -0.07 to 0.17). Survival impact tended to be higher among those born to illiterate mothers (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.89), and those in poor families (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.93).ConclusionsWe found that ciKMC promotion did not increase inequity in survival associated with wealth. The beneficial impact of ciKMC tended to be larger among vulnerable groups. Supporting mothers to provide KMC at home to low birthweight babies will not increase and could indeed reduce inequities in infant survival.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02653534. Registered January 12, 2016 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02653534
An Anatomical Study of Incisive Canal and its Foramen
Authors: Quevedo Beatriz , Sangalette Beatriz , Lopes Ivna , Shindo João Vitor , Andreo Jesus Carlos , Rubira Cássia Maria , Rubira-Bullen Izabel Regina , Shinohara André Luis
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Anatomically, the incisive canals start on the nasal fossa floor, close to the septum, and open at the incisive foramen of the maxillary palatine process. The nasopalatine nerve passes through the incisive foramen as well as the septal artery and the sphenopalatine vein. Also, there may be accessory canals. Typically, the incisive foramen has two incisive canals. This work aimed to analyze the morphology and morphometry of the foramen and incisive canals in the macerated cephalic skeletons. Material and methods: For this purpose, we selected 150 samples of adult individuals, with no distinctions of sex and ethnicity. We analyzed the frequency of incisive canals in the foramen was analyzed as well the area, diameter, and communications of incisive canals with the fossa and nasal cavity. Results: The cephalic analysis results showed that most incisive foramina have at least two canals that communicate the nasal cavity with the oral cavity. The right-side canal had an average of 1.975mm² in area and 1.281mm in diameter. Also, the left-side canal had an average of 1.468mm² in area and 1.182mm in diameter. The average area and total diameter of the incisive foramen were 8.148mm² and 3.101mm, respectively.Conclusion: Hence, understanding anatomy and its variations is essential for clinical applications, as it may alter surgical technique and prognosis. Besides, it can be said all incisive canals have communication with the nasal cavity.
Predictive Models for Personalized Asthma Attacks Based on Patient’s Biosignals and Environmental Factors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alharbi Eman T. , Nadeem Farrukh , Cherif Asma
Published: August 2021

Background: Asthma is a chronic disease that exacerbates due to various risk factors, including the patient's biosignals and environmental conditions. It is affecting on average 7% of the world population. Preventing an asthma attack is the main challenge for asthma patients, which requires keeping track of any risk factor that can cause a seizure. Many researchers developed asthma attacks prediction models that used various asthma biosignals and environmental factors. These predictive models can help asthmatic patients predict asthma attacks in advance, and thus preventive measures can be taken. This paper introduces a review of these models to evaluate the used methods, model's performance, and determine the need to improve research in this field.Method: A systematic review was conducted for the research articles introducing asthma attack prediction models for children and adults. We searched the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, and IEEE databases from January 2000 to December 2020. The search includes the prediction models that used biosignal, environmental, and both risk factors. The research article's quality was assessed and scored based on two checklists, the Checklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS) and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme clinical prediction rule checklist (CASP). The highest scored articles were selected to review.Result: From 1068 research articles we reviewed, we found that most of the studies used asthma biosignal factors only for prediction, few of the studies used environmental factors, and limited studies used both of these factors. Fifteen different asthma attack predictive models were selected for this review. we found that most of the studies used traditional prediction methods, like Support Vector Machine and regression. We have identified the pros and cons of the reviewed asthma attack prediction models and propose solutions to advance the studies in this field.Conclusion: Asthma attack predictive models become more significant when using both patient's biosignal and environmental factors. There is a lack of utilizing advanced machine learning methods, like deep learning techniques. Besides, there is a need to build smart healthcare systems that provide patients with decision-making systems to identify risk and visualize high-risk regions.
The Role of Posterior Pallial Amygdala in Mediating Motor Behaviors in Pigeons
Authors: Tian Xinmao , Shi Yuhua , Zhang Yifeng , Wang Yijie , Li Mengke , Cheng Han , Wang Zhenlong
Published: August 2021

The posterior pallial amygdala (PoA) is located on the basolateral caudal telencephalon, including the basal division of PoA (PoAb) and the compact division of PoA (PoAc). PoA plays a vital role in emotion regulation and is considered a part of the amygdala in birds. However, the regulatory functions responsible for motor behaviors and emotions between PoAb and PoAc are poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the structure and function of PoA by tract-tracing methods, constant current electrical stimulation, and different dopamine receptor drug injections in pigeons (Columba livia). PoAb connects reciprocally with two nuclear groups in the cerebrum: 1) a continuum comprising the temporo–parieto–occipitalis, corticoidea dorsolateralis, hippocampus, and parahippocampalis areas and 2) rostral areas of the hemisphere, including the nucleus septalis lateralis and nucleus taeniae amygdalae. Extratelencephalic projections of PoAb terminate in the lateral hypothalamic nucleus and are scattered in many limbic midbrain regions. PoAb and PoAc mainly mediated the turning movement. D1 agonist and D2 antagonist could significantly reduce the latency period for entering into the central area and increase the stay time in the central area, whereas D1 antagonist and D2 agonist had the opposite effect. PoAb and PoAc are important brain areas that mediate turning behavior.
Serum Free Triiodothyronine Is Inversely Associated With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy but Not With Carotid Atherosclerotic Lesions in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Euthyroid Function
Authors: Li Mei-Fang , Ke Jiang-Feng , Li Shuai , Wang Jun-Wei , Zhu Zhi-Hui , Li Jing-Bo
Published: August 2021

Background: The associations between serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) and diabetic peripheral neuropatprohy (DPN) / carotid atherosclerotic lesions in type 2 diabetic patients with normal thyroid function is still unclear. The purpose of our study was to explore the relationships of FT3 with DPN and carotid atherosclerotic lesions in Chinese type 2 diabetes inpatients with euthyroid function.Methods: A total of 2477 type 2 diabetes inpatients with euthyroid function were recruited in this cross-sectional study, and they were stratified into quartiles by FT3 levels. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed by neurological symptoms and signs as well as nerve conduction velocity tests. Carotid atherosclerotic lesions, including carotid intima-media thickness, plaque and stenosis, were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of DPN in the patients with type 2 diabetes across the FT3 quartiles (23.5%, 20.9%, 18.9%, and 11.2%, respectively, p < 0.001). Logistical regression analysis further revealed that FT3 quartiles were significantly and inversely associated with DPN. Compared with the subjects in the highest FT3 quartile, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of DPN in the first to third FT3 quartile were successively 2.338 (1.407-3.884), 1.903 (1.134-3.194) and 1.598 (0.960-1.125). The patients with DPN had significantly higher prevalence of carotid plaques (55.8%) and carotid stenosis (1.3%) than non-DPN patients (44.8%; 0.5%). However, no statistical association was observed between FT3 quartiles and carotid atherosclerotic lesions.Conclusions: Lower FT3 within the normal range was independently associated with DPN, but not with carotid atherosclerotic lesions in Chinese type 2 diabetes inpatients with euthyroid function.