bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The level of cytoskeleton remodeling proteins in the blood serum and the expression of their mRNA in the tumor tissue in metastasis of the larynx and hypopharynx cancer
Authors: Kakurina Gelena , Cheremisina Olga V , Sereda Elena E , Kolegova Elena S , Kondakova Irina V , Choinzonov Evgeny
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Actin-binding proteins (ABPs) and various signaling systems are involved in the metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx (SCCLH). The clinical significance of these proteins has not yet been determined. We analyzed the relationship between the mRNA level of cofilin 1 (CFL1), profilin 1 (PFN1), adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1), SNAIL and RND3 with metastasis in the SCCLH tissue. The serum level of the listed ABPs was estimated and the relationship of them with the expression of the corresponding mRNA was carried out.
Materials and methods: The expression level of ABPs mRNA was measured by real-time RT-PCR in paired tissue samples taken from 54 patients with SCCLH (T 1-4 N 0-1 M 0 ). Expression analysis was performed using the 2 - ΔΔ CT method. The level of ABPs in the blood serum was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS Statistica 20.0 software package.
Results: The mRNA expression of the studied genes in tumor tissue of patients with SCCLH T 1-3 N 0 M 0 and T 2-4 N 1-2 M 0 did not differ significantly. High expression of RND3 mRNA was accompanied by an increase in mRNA expression of all studied ABPs. In the blood serum of T 2-4 N 1-2 M 0 patients the level of PFN1 was significantly lower by 21% and the level of CAP1 was higher by 75% compared with the group of patients with T 1-4 N 0 M 0 stage.
Conclusion: According to our data RND3 is involved in the regulation of molecular cascades SCCLH metastasis. PFN1 and CAP1 serum level can be a good classifier of metastases in patients with SCCLH.
A Surgical Approach Decision-Making for Benign Presacral Tumors in Adult Women: A Case Series
Authors: LIAO Huiyan , Liu Jiamin , Wu Siyu , Xiao Jing
Published: March 2021

Background: The incidence of benign presacral tumor is relatively low in adults and is much higher in women than in men. However, by far, there is no standard surgical approach for women. The study hope to propose a reasonable surgical approach decision strategy exclusively for adult women, which is feasible for removing tumors in different sizes and different locations. Methods: 4 adult female patients with benign presacral tumor were admitted to our department for surgical treatment over these 5 years. Their tumors were removed by transvaginal, laparoscopic, and combined laparoscopic-vaginal surgery respectively. Results: The operations were all carried out successfully. Patients who have undergone repeated examinations in the follow-up after surgery have no tumor recurrence. Conclusion: A reasonable surgical approach decision-making is beneficial to the surgical procedure and post-operation recovery. Transvaginal approach is an uncommon but important approach for benign presacral tumors in adult female.
Household Quarantine of Second Degree Contacts Is an Effective Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention to Prevent Tertiary Cases in the Current Pandemic
Authors: Weigl Josef A. I. , Feddersen Anna-Katharina , Stern Mona
Published: March 2021

Background: Given the characteristics of SARS-CoV2 in regard to transmission before the onset of symptoms and varying manifestation indices according to age, isolation and quarantine have limited efficacy in the current pandemic. Household quarantine in second degree contacts (Hh-Q2°) outside the case household was so far only addressed by modellers. There is no publication based on field data in the literature.Methods: In a retrospective cohort study on real field data from a county health department (CHD), all PCR-confirmed cases and related contact persons put into quarantine were analysed. Hh-Q2° was used in our CHD from the beginning of the pandemic.Results: From 9 March to 8 December 2020, 353 PCR-confirmed cases were registered in the CHD Ploen, Northern Germany: 225 (63.7%) primary, 107 (30.3%) secondary and 21 (5.9%) tertiary cases. The 107 secondary cases resulted out of 470 (22.8%) close or 1°contacts and 21 tertiary cases out of 179 (11.7%) indirect or 2°contacts put into quarantine. The efficacy of Hh-Q2° was 51.5% (11.7%/22.8%) of the efficacy of quarantine in 1°contacts; 16.4% of all converted cases in quarantined persons were ascertained by Hh-Q2°. One in ten 1°contacts in households with tertiary cases remained asymptomatic.Conclusion: The impact of Hh-Q2° in preventing further spread of SARS-CoV2 was considerable. With half the conversion rate in 2°contacts in comparison to 1°contacts, the efficacy of Hh-Q2° is substantial. Hh-Q2° should urgently be used routinely to control the spread of SARS-CoV2 more efficiently and national authorities should include it in their guidelines.
Generalized Radiation Model for Human Migration
Authors: Alis Christian M. , Legara Erika Fille , Monterola Christopher
Published: March 2021

One of the main problems in the study of human migration is predicting how many people will migrate from one place to another. An important model used for this problem is the radiation model for human migration, which models locations as attractors whose attractiveness is moderated by distance as well as attractiveness of neighboring locations. In the model, the measure used for attractiveness is population which is a proxy for economic opportunities and jobs. However, this may not be valid, for example, in developing countries, and fails to take into account people migrating for non-economic reasons such as quality of life. Here, we extend the radiation model to include the number of amenities (offices, schools, leisure places, etc.) as features aside from population. We find that the generalized radiation model outperforms the radiation model by as much as 7.7% relative improvement in mean absolute percentage error based on actual census data five years apart. The best performing model does not even include population information which suggests that amenities already include the information that we get from population. The generalized radiation model provides a measure of feature importance thus presenting another avenue for investigating the effect of amenities on human migration.
BTK inhibitors for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Systematic Review
Authors: Stack Michael , Sacco Keith , Castagnoli Riccardo , Livinski Alicia A. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Lionakis Michail S.
Published: March 2021

ImportanceThe Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) regulates B cell and macrophage signaling, development, survival, and activation. BTK inhibition was shown to protect against lethal influenza-induced acute lung injury in mice. Inhibiting BTK has been hypothesized to ameliorate lung injury in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of BTK inhibitors (BTKinibs) during COVID-19 and assess how they may affect patient outcomes.Evidence ReviewWe searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science: Core on December 30, 2020. Clinical studies with at least 5 COVID-19 patients treated with BTKinibs were included. Case reports and reviews were excluded.FindingsOne hundred twenty-five articles were identified, 6 of which met inclusion criteria. Sample size ranged from 6 to 126 patients. Patient populations included subjects hospitalized with COVID-19 (6/6) and admitted to the intensive care unit (5/6). Patient age ranged between 35 and 98 years. Four studies included patients already receiving BTKinibs for their lymphoproliferative disease, 1 for Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia and 3 for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The most common clinical outcomes measured were oxygen requirements (4/6) and hospitalization rate or duration (3/6). Differences in standard-of-care reflected the date of study and pre-existing conditions in the various patient cohorts. Full-dose acalabrutinib was evaluated in 2 studies, one study evaluated full-dose ibrutinib, and another study evaluated both ibrutinib and acalabrutinib. The remainder 2 studies described outcomes in CLL patients on multiple BTKinibs and other CLL-targeted treatments. Three studies showed decreased oxygen requirements in patients who started or continued BTKinibs. All three studies that evaluated hospitalization rate or duration found favorable outcomes in those on BTKinibs. Conclusions and Relevance﻿BTKinib use was associated with decreased oxygen requirements and decreased hospitalization rates and duration. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to validate the beneficial effects of BTKinibs for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Involvement of alpha-7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR) in respiratory syncytial virus infection-induced asthma in rats
Authors: Wang Jun , Wei Zifeng , Zhong Xu , Dai Lixue
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to investigate the role of alpha−7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR) in rats with asthma caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. An asthmatic rat model was established by RSV infection and confirmed based on pathological changes. sh-α7nAChR lentivirus was constructed to reduce α7nAChR expression in rats. The animals were divided into a control group, a model group, a sh-α7nAChR lentivirus group, a nerve growth factor (NGF) antibody group, a dexamethasone (DXMS) group, a sh-α7nAChR lentivirus + NGF antibody group, and a sh-α7nAChR lentivirus + DXMS group. The expression of α7nAChR was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Serum levels of adrenaline and norepinephrine were detected by ELISA. Transmission electron microscopy determined the morphological change of chromaffin cells and synaptic vesicles. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of synaptophysin (SYN) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased expression of α7nAChR, SYN, and NF-κB. Compared with the model group, the sh-α7nAChR lentivirus, NGF antibody, DXMS, sh-α7nAChR lentivirus + NGF antibody, and sh-α7nAChR lentivirus + DXMS groups showed significantly decreased expression of α7nAChR (P < 0.05). After repeated infection with RSV, the number of chromaffin cells and synaptic vesicles increased, which were significantly reduced after silencing α7nAChR by NGF antibody or DXMS treatment. The model group showed significantly lower serum adrenaline than the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the serum adrenaline in the sh-α7nAChR lentivirus, sh-α7nAChR lentivirus + NGF antibody, and sh-α7nAChR lentivirus + DXMS groups, but not the NGF antibody and DXMS groups, was significantly lower than in the model group. Together, upregulation of α7nAChR is involved in RSV infection-induced asthma in rats. Silencing of α7nAChR reduces the numbers of chromaffin granules and synaptic vesicles and adrenaline release.
Mass Spectrometry based Identification and Characterization of 28 kDa protein from Teliospores of Karnal Bunt Pathogen Tilletia Indica
Authors: sharma priyanka , Pandey Vishakha , Mishra Pallavi , Singh Sadhna , pande veena , Kumar Anil
Published: March 2021

Background Karnal bunt (KB) of wheat incited by Tilletia indica is an economically important quarantined fungal disease that cause huge economical loss to agricultural productivity. MethodsIn the present investigation, we have characterized the unique immunoreactive determinant present on the teliospore’s wall of Tilletia indica employing proteomic and in-silico approaches. The 28 kDa protein from the teliospore’s walls was eluted from the preparative gels and further subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Mass spectrometry was carried out in search of teliosporic protein(s).ResultsProteomic analysis identified and characterized proteins as small Heat shock protein (sHSP20) and Trehalose-6-phosphatase synthase (TPS) in T.indica. In-silico analysis confirmed the function of the identified protein as a sHSP and TPS belonging to stress response and carbohydrate metabolism. These results were further complemented to identify the homologs of proteins by sequence and structure based functional annotation using genome sequence of T. indica. The potential diagnostic protein present in immunoreactive 28 kDa of teliospores wall entities are sHSP and TPS. Conclusion This study is the first to perform finding indicated that proteins sHSP and TPS act as functional protein, involve in the pathogen protection under stress condition. Together these proteins increase our understanding of the transition from vegetative to sporulation process of T. indica by activation of sHSP-TPS, especially in terms of energy metabolism and stimulus responses. Identification of such protein(s) may also provide an opportunity to generate specific immunoprobes for development of rapid immuno-diagnostic assay.
Findings from the Patch Augmented Rotator Cuff Surgery (PARCS) Feasibility Study
Authors: Cook Jonathan Alistair , Baldwin Mathew , Cooper Cushla , Nagra Navraj S. , Crocker Joanna C. , Glaze Molly , Greenall Gemma , Rangan Amar , Kottam Lucksy , Rees Jonathan L. , Farrar-Hockley Dair , Merritt Naomi , Hopewell Sally , Beard David , Thomas Michael , Dritsaki Melina , Carr Andrew J.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundA rotator cuff tear is a common disabling shoulder problem. Symptoms include pain, weakness, lack of mobility and sleep disturbance. Many patients require surgery to repair the tear; however, there is a high failure rate. There is a pressing need to improve the outcome of rotator cuff surgery. The use of patch augmentation to provide support to the healing process and improve patient outcomes holds new promise. Different materials (e.g. human/animal skin or intestine tissue, and completely synthetic materials) and processes (e.g. woven or a mesh) have been used to produce patches. However, clinical evidence on their use is limited. The Patch Augmented Rotator Cuff Surgery (PARCS) feasibility study aimed to determine the design of a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a patch to augment surgical repair of the rotator cuff that is both acceptable to stakeholders and feasible.MethodsA mixed methods feasibility study of a RCT. The project involved six stages: a systematic review of clinical evidence; a survey of the British Elbow and Shoulder (BESS) society’s surgical membership; a survey of surgeon trialists; focus groups and interviews with stakeholders; a two-round Delphi study administered via online questionnaires; and a two-day Consensus Meeting. ResultsThe BESS surgeons’ survey identified a variety of patches in use (105 (21%) responses received). Twenty-four surgeons (77%) completed the trialist survey relating to trial design. Four focus groups were conducted involving 24 stakeholders. Twenty-nine (67% of invited) individuals took part in the Delphi. Differing views were held on a number of aspects including the appropriate patient population for trial participation. Agreement on the key research questions and the outline of two potential RCTs were achieved through the Delphi study and the consensus meeting). ConclusionsRandomised comparisons of on-lay patch use for completed rotator cuff repairs, and bridging patch use for partial rotator cuff repairs were identified as areas for further research. The value of an observational study to assess safety concerns of patch use was also highlighted. The main limitation was that the findings were influenced by the participants, who might not necessarily reflect all stakeholders.
Stereoselective Synthesis of a 4-⍺-Glucoside of Valienamine, Inhibition, and X-Ray Structural Studies Involving a Bacterial Glycoside Hydrolase-Like Enzyme of The GH13 Family
Authors: Anshupriya Si , Jayasinghe Thilina D. , Thanvi Radhika , Ronning Donald R. , Sucheck Steven J.
Published: March 2021

Glycoside hydrolases (GH) are a large family of hydrolytic enzymes found in all domains of life. As such, they control a plethora of normal and pathogenic biological functions. Thus, understanding selective inhibition of GH enzymes at the atomic level can lead to the identification of new classes of therapeutics. In these studies, we identified a 4-⍺-glucoside of valienamine (8) as an inhibitor (IC50 of 484 ± 51 µM) of Streptomyces coelicolor (Sco) GlgE1-V279S which belongs to the GH13 Carbohydrate Active EnZyme (CAZy) family. The synthetic route to 8 and a closely related 4-⍺-glucoside of validamine (7) was achieved starting from readily available D-maltose. A key step in the synthesis was a chelation-controlled addition of vinylmagnesium bromide to a maltose-derived enone intermediate. X-ray structures of both 7 and 8 in complex with Sco GlgE1-V279S were solved to resolutions of 1.75 and 1.78 Å, respectively. Structural analysis revealed the valienamine derivative 8 binds the enzyme in an E2 conformation for the cyclohexene fragment. Also, the cyclohexene fragment shows a new hydrogen-bonding contact from the pseudo-diaxial C(3)-OH to the catalytic nucleophile Asp 394 at the enzyme active site. Asp 394, in fact, forms a bidentate interaction with both the C(3)-OH and C(7)-OH of the inhibitor. In contrast, compound 7 disrupts the catalytic sidechain interaction network of Sco GlgE1-V279S via steric interactions resulting in a conformation change in Asp 394. These findings will have implications for the design other aminocarbasugar-based GH13-inhibitors and will be useful for identifying more potent and selective inhibitors.
A New Reliability Allocation Method for Machine Tools Using the Intuitionistic Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers and TOPSIS
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Wang Chang , Sun Dongyang , Chu Hongyan , Chang Wenfen
Published: March 2021

The reliability allocation of machine tools which is a multi-attribute decision making problem has great significance in designment of machine tools. This paper integrates the intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers and performance sorting technique based on similar ideal solutions to achieve the flexible allocation of machine tools reliability. Firstly, intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are employed to integrate decisions made by multiple decision makers and fuzzy information of their preferences. Then, intuitionistic trapezoid fuzzy numbers’ expectations are treated as the weights of criteria. Finally, performance sorting technique based on similar ideal solutions is used to obtain the reliability allocation weight of every subsystem. To investigate the efficacy and simplicity of the provided approach, reliability distribution in a CNC machine tool is introduced as an example to explain its specific contents. It can be concluded that the provided method is more precise and convenient by comparing the results of this approach with those obtained by analytic hierarchy process method.
Aspergillus flavus induced oxidative stress and immunosuppressive activity in Spodoptera litura as well as safety for mammals
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Chadha Pooja , Kaur Sanehdeep , Kaur Amarjeet
Published: March 2021

Background: In the last few decades, considerable attention has been paid to entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agents, however little is known about their mode of action and safety. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of Aspergillus flavus in insect Spodoptera litura by analyzing the effect of fungal extract on antioxidant and cellular immune defense. In antioxidant defense, the lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde content) and antioxidant enzymes activities (Catalase, Ascorbate peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase) were examined. In cellular immune defense, effect of A. flavus extract was analyzed on haemocytes using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, mammalian toxicity was analyzed with respect to DNA damage induced in treated rat relative to control by comet assay using different tissues of rat (blood, liver, and kidney).Results: Ethyl acetate extract of A. flavus was administrated to the larvae of S.litura using artificial diet method having concentration 1340.84µg/ml (LC50 of fungus). The effect was observed using haemolymph of insect larvae for different time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 96). In particular, Malondialdehyde content and antioxidant enzymes activities were found to be significantly (p≤0.05) increased in treated larvae as compared to control. A. flavus ethyl acetate extract also exhibit negative impact on haemocytes having major role in cellular immune defense. Various deformities were observed in different haemocytes like cytoplasmic leakage and surface abnormalities etc. Genotoxicity on rat was assessed using different tissues of rat (blood, liver, and kidney) by comet assay. Non-significant effect of A. flavus extract was found in all the tissues (blood, liver, and kidney). Conclusions: Overall the study provides important information regarding the oxidative stress causing potential and immunosuppressant nature of A. flavus against S. litura and its non toxicity to mammals (rat), mammals (rat), suggesting it an environment friendly pest management agent.
Metabolic Changes in an Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Evaluated by [18F]-FDG Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Giacobbo Bruno Lima , Mediavilla Tomás , Marcellino Daniel J. , Sultan Fahad
Published: March 2021

Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of motor function and eventual death. Genetic background account for 10% of all ALS cases and several genes are associated with the onset and progression of disease in humans. Studies in humans have observed differences in glucose uptake in the brain using [ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]-FDG), however, no studies in animal models of ALS have been performed on the matter. The goal of this study was to evaluate ALS-related metabolic changes in [ 18 F]-FDG uptake within the brain of transgenic mice that express a mutated human SOD1 gene (hSOD1 G93A ). Methods: Animals were genotyped for the hSOD1 G93A mutation using PCR and divided into groups according to the presence (ALS) or absence (WT) of transgene. When transgenic ALS mice started to develop motor impairment, animals were scanned for 10 minutes using PET [ 18 F]-FDG. Gender-matched WT animals were scanned at similar ages as ALS animals. The images were coregistered to an [ 18 F]-FDG template and both the standardized uptake value (SUV) and the ratio of radioactivity of target regions to the mean radioactivity of the whole brain (TRR) were calculated for 19 volumes of interest. Results: Significant effects of genotype were observed in the overall metabolic activity assessed by both SUV and ratio-to-whole brain, in which ALS mice presented with lower metabolic activity in several regions when compared with age- and gender-matched WT mice. These changes were more pronounced in hippocampus, thalamus, and midbrain. A significant effect of gender was found in the SUV of several of the regions evaluated, although these gender-related differences were not observed after normalization to the whole-brain uptake. Conclusions: The differences in [ 18 F]-FDG uptake in the brain of ALS SOD1 animals suggest a significant metabolic impairment in several of the regions evaluated. Such differences might be due to a general hypometabolic state of the animals when compared to their WT littermates. These findings suggest a possible influence of disease in brain glucose uptake and open new possibilities for the understanding of the ALS pathophysiology using animal models, as well as a possible prognostic usage of [ 18 F]-FDG in ALS in humans.
ADHD symptoms in relation to depressive and sleep-related symptoms among university students during the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan
Authors: Takeda Toshinobu , Tsuji Yui , Akatsu Reiko , Nomura Tatsuya
Published: March 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated societal response are anticipated to have wide-ranging effects on youth development and mental health. The three most common mental health problems among university students are depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many factors that can threaten the mental health during the outbreak affect these three conditions as well as the sleep conditions of the undergraduate students. Thus, determining how these abrupt changes in students’ circumstances will impact their mental health is very important from a public health perspective. Objective: We investigated both usual conditions and changes during the outbreak in sleep, depression, and ADHD symptoms among undergraduate students. Methods: A total of 252 students, primarily juniors answered the online survey. Results: As a result, 12% of the students exceeded the cutoff score of the ADHD questionnaire before the pandemic and approximately 6-21 % of the students especially with ADHD traits rated their ADHD behaviors as worse during the outbreak. Additionally, changes in circadian rhythm, depression, and ADHD symptoms are intertwined and often create a vicious cycle. Conclusion: This study suggested that students with ADHD-trait is more susceptible to further deterioration in their daily lives during the pandemic. In case it is difficult to intervene with ADHD symptoms, approaching circadian rhythm or depression will be of clinical use.
Surfactants Efficiency on Pentachlophenol Contaminated Wastewater Enhanced by Pseudomonas Putida AJ 785569
Authors: Ammeri rim werheni , hidri yassin , HASSRN WAFA , mehri ines , khelifi Nesrine , Hassen abdenaceur
Published: March 2021

This study has objectives to assess the effects of some surfactants on (1) the bacterial growth, (2) PCP (800 mgL -1 ) rate removal, and at last (3) biofilm development. Three different surfactants are used in this case as anionic (SDS), no anionic Tween 80 (TW80) and cationic (CTAB). The results improve that there was an adsorption of PCP by the bacterial cells of around 30 mg . L -1 and PCP removal of around 720 mgL -1 after seven days. It appeared that the surfactant adding affected the bacterial growth and reach a maximum of PCP removal with SDS addition with a value 676.66 mg L -1 in S.WW then CTAB and TW80. Biofilm formation in BHI with PCP showed a clear acceleration and enhancement of this activity with SDS addition. Besides, biofilm morphotype of selected strain appeared affected in form, density, and colour after different situations of stress caused by various surfactants or PCP.
Comprehensive Analysis of LIN28A in Chinese Patients with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gu Xiaojing , Hou Yanbing , Chen Yongping , Ou Ruwei , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Zhang Lingyu , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Li ChunYu , Shang Huifang
Published: March 2021

A loss-of-function variant in Lin-28 Homolog A gene (LIN28A p.R192G, rs558060339) has been identified in two East Asian ancestry patients with early-onset PD (EOPD). Functional studies revealed that such variant could lead to developmental defects and PD-related phenotype, and the phenotypes could be rescued after correction of the variant. The aim of the study was to screen the variants of LIN28A in Chinese patients with EOPD. A total of 682 EOPD patients were sequenced with whole exome sequencing and the coding and flanking region of LIN28A were analyzed. We identified a rare coding variant-p.P182L of LIN28A in a Chinese patient with EOPD. Moreover, we also found a 3’-UTR polymorphism(rs4659441) to be associated with an increased risk for PD. However, our rare variant burden analysis ﻿did not support a role for LIN28A as a major causal gene for PD.
Immune Cell as a Promising Biomarker in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cutaneous Melanoma by Using Machine Learning
Authors: Tang Jing , Ye Hongqaun , qi Wan
Published: March 2021

Background: Tumor infiltration, is known to associate with various cancer initiations and progressions, is potential therapeutic target for this aggressive skin cancer.Methods: single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was applied to assess the relative expression of 24 types of immune cell from public database. Firstly, the differentially expressed immune cells between melanomas and normal samples were identified. Next, multiple machine learning algorithms were performed to evaluate the efficiency of immune cells in diagnosis of melanoma. In addition, the feature selection in machine learning methods was used to figure out the most important prognostic immune cells for developing biomarker to predict the prognosis of melanoma.Results: In comparison with the expression of immune cells in tumors and normal controls, we built the immune diagnostic models in training dataset, which can accurately classify melanoma patients from normal (LR AUC= 0.965, RF AUC= 0.99, SVM AUC=0.963, LASSO AUC= 0.964 and NNET AUC=0.989). These diagnostic models also validated in three outside datasets and suggested over 90% sensitivity and specificity to distinguish melanomas from normal patients. Moreover, we also developed a robust immune cell biomarker which could estimate the prognosis of melanoma. This biomarker also further validated in internal and external datasets. Next, we constructed nomogram combined risk score of biomarker and clinical characteristics, which showed good accuracies in predicting 3 and 5 years’ survival. The decision curve of nomogram model manifested a higher net benefit than tumor stage. In addition, melanoma patients divided into high and low risk subgroups by applied risk score system. The high risk group have a significantly shorter survival time than the low risk subgroup. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis revealed that complement, epithelial mesenchymal transition and inflammatory response and so on significantly activated in high risk group. Conclusions: We constructed immune cell related diagnostic and prognostic models, which could provide new clinical applications for diagnosing and predicting the survival of melanoma patients.
Modelling for the COVID-19 with the Contacting Distance
Authors: Ma Zhihui , Wang Shufan , Lin Xuanru , Li Xiaohua , Han Xiaotao , Wang Haoyang , Liu Hua
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19, which belongs to the family of Coronaviridae and is large-scale outbreak in the whole world, is a public health emergency for human beings and brings some very harmful consequences in social and economic fields. In order to modelling the COVID-19 and develop the efficient control method corresponding to the contacting distance, this paper proposes an SEIR-type epidemic model with the contacting distance between the healthy individuals and the asymptomatic or symptomatic infected individuals, and the immigration rate of the healthy individuals, since the contacting distance and the immigration rate are two critical factors which determine the transmission of the COVID-19. Firstly, the threshold contacting distance and the threshold immigration rate are obtained by analyze the dynamical behaviors of the proposed SEIR-type epidemic model in order to control the COVID-19. The effect of the contacting distance and the immigration rate on the control of the COVID-19 are revealed based on ecological and epidemiological issues. The results show that the COVID-19 will be controlled while the contacting distance between the healthy individuals and the symptomatic infected individuals is larger than the threshold value $\tilde{d}^*$ and the immigration rate is smaller than the threshold value $\tilde{A}^*$. Secondly, the sensitivity analysis is conducted and the results show that the contacting distance and the immigration rate play an important role in controlling the COVID-19. Finally, the numerical test for Wuhan city are conducted and the conclusions show that the extinct lag decreases as the the contacting distance increase or the immigration rate decrease. Our study could give some reasonable suggestions for the health officials and the public.
Preparation and Characterization of New Modified System: Polyaniline/1.5-Naphtalene Disulfonic Acid as Novel Photocatalyst in the H2 Production
Authors: Hamlaoui F. Z. , Naar N. , Saib Faouzi , Trari M.
Published: March 2021

The semiconducting properties of the system Polyaniline / 1.5-naphtalene disulfonic acid are investigated for the first time to assess its photocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. PANI is thermally stable up to ~ 300 °C, above which a weight loss of ~ 1.2% occurs. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows broad peaks with a particle size of ~ 7 nm, leading to an active surface area of ∼ 400 m2 g−1. A direct optical transition at 1.96 eV, is determined from the diffuse reflectance spectrum. The electrical conductivity of PANI-NDSA follows an exponential law with activation energy of 0.24 eV. The p-type conduction of PANI-NDSA is evidenced from the (capacitance-2 – potential) characteristic plot; a flat band potential (Efb) of 0.82 VSCE and a holes density (NA) of 8.43× 1024 m-3 are determined in neutral solution (Na2SO4 0.1 M). The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, measured over an extended frequency domain (1 mHz - 1010 Hz), indicates the contribution of both the bulk and grain boundaries with a constant phase element (CPE). As application, PANI-NDSA is successfully tested for the hydrogen production upon visible light owing to the potential of its conduction band (-0.75 VSCE), less cathodic than that of H2O/H2 (~ -0.30 VSCE). H2 liberation rate of 3840 h-1 (g catalyst)-1 and a quantum efficiency of 0.34% under full light (29 mW cm-2) are obtained using Fe(CN)64- as reducing agent. The photoactivity is completely restored during the second cycle.
Individualized Laparoscopic Surgery for UPJO Patients with Crossing Vessels
Authors: Ning Bobin , Du Shuqi
Published: March 2021

Background: To characterize the anatomical subtypes of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) caused by crossing vessels (CVs) and demonstrate the Individualized operation procedures for these cases.Methods: From March 2015 to July 2019, 51 consecutive adult patients underwent treatment of primary UPJO via a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach. The clinical data, iconography inspection results, and surgical procedures for each patient were retrospectively reviewed by our team. The diagnosis of etiological CV was confirmed during the operation in 13 patients (25.49%), which included 7 men and 6 women. Results: The mean surgical age was 30±11.66 years. The operating time was approximately 233±62.76 minutes, and there were one open conversions. In the follow-up period (mean, 27.23±15.46 months), all patients had a full recovery in the CV group. However, 3 patients without CV did not completely recover from uronephrosis, as determined on iconography inspection, and there was no improvement in the renal colic symptoms. In the CV group, none of the patients had lithiasis whereas 25% of the patients without CV had lithiasis. Conclusion: CV accounts for approximately 25.49% of the UPJO cases. Based on the anatomical position of the UPJ and CVs, we identified two types of abnormalities, and 84.62% of the CVs were located anterior to the UPJ. The retroperitoneal approach for treating CVs had particular advantages. A comprehensive understanding and interoperative analysis of the anastomosis between the CVs and UPJ is crucial for at least 4 individual treatments. After dismembered pyeloplasty, suspension of the CVs is recommended in approximately 40% of the cases. The follow-up showed good prognosis in the long term.
Calibration of Empirical Equations for Estimating Reference Evapotranspiration in Different Climates of Iran
Authors: Sharafi Saeed , Ghaleni Mehdi Mohammadi
Published: March 2021

The accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETref) is a crucial component for modeling hydrological and ecological cycles. The goal of this study was the calibration of 32 empirical equations used to determine ETref in the three classes of temperature-based, solar radiation-based and mass transfer–based evapotranspiration. The calibration was based on measurements taken between the years 1990 and 2019 at 41 synoptic stations located in very dry, dry, semidry and humid climates of Iran. The performance of the original and calibrated empirical equations compared to the PM-FAO56 equation was evaluated based on model evaluation techniques including: the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE), the average percentage error (APE), the mean bias error (MBE), the index of agreement (D) and the scatter index (SI). The results show that the calibrated Baier and Robertson equation for temperature-based models, the Makkink equation for solar radiation–based models and the Penman equation for mass transfer–based models performed better than the original empirical equations. The calibrated equations had, respectively, an average R2 = 0.73, 0.67 and 0.78; RMSE = 35.14, 35.02 and 30.20 mm year− 1; and MBE=-5.6, -3.89 and 2.57 mm year− 1. The original empirical equations had values of average R2 = 0.60, 0.37 and 0.65; RMSE = 68.34, 66.98 and 52.62 mm year− 1; and MBE=-5.75, 4.26 and 8.99 mm year− 1, respectively. The calibrated empirical equations for very dry climate (e.g. Zabol, Zahedan, Bam, Iranshahr and Chabahar stations) also significantly reduced the SI value from SI > 0.3 (poor class) to SI < 0.1 (excellent class). Therefore, the calibrated empirical equations are highly recommended for estimating ETref in different climates.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Uptake Related to Influenza Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in Tunisia
Authors: Cherif Ines , Kharroubi Ghassen , Bouabid Leila , Gharbi Adel , Boukthir Aicha , Alaya Nissaf Ben , Salah Afif Ben , Bettaieb Jihene
Published: March 2021

Background:The influenza vaccine (IV) is considered the most effective strategy to prevent seasonal influenza infection and annual vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) is recommended by the World Health Organization given their high mixing with patients. We assessed IV uptake among HCWs in the 2018-2019 season and explored their knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza immunization.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 150 representative Tunisian health facilities from March to May 2019. We recruited 1,231 HCWs with direct patient contact using self-weighted multistage sampling. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses permitted to assess the factors associated with IV uptake in the 2018­–2019 influenza season. Results:Among 1,231 health professionals enrolled in this study, less than half (36.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.9-39.4) received the IV at least once in their lives and only 15.3% (CI: 13.3-17.4) were vaccinated against influenza in the 2018–2019 influenza season. High confidence regarding IV efficacy, belief about the mandatory character of influenza vaccination for HCWs, and IV uptake in the 4 years preceding the 2018­–2019 influenza season were independently associated with higher IV uptake by multivariate analysis. However, participants with high educational level were less likely to receive the IV than those with the lowest educational level. Conclusions:Our study revealed a low vaccination rate among Tunisian HCWs confirming the importance of tailored education programs targeting this population.
Prognostic Value of Preoperative Body Mass Index for Diabetic Patients with Non-metastasis Gastric Cancer: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Ye Zaisheng , Wei Shenghong , Zeng Yi , Wang Yi , Lin Zhitao , Shu Chen , Xie Yunqing , Zheng Qiuhong , Chen Lu Chuan
Published: March 2021

AIM: This study was designed to investigate the prognostic effect of preoperative body mass index (BMI) for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with non-metastasis gastric cancer (GC) who underwent D2 gastrectomy.METHODS：T2DM patients with pT1-4bN0-3bM0 GC were retrospectively collected in our cancer center from January, 2000 to December, 2010. Chi-square test was used to analyze unordered categorical variables and ranked data, followed by Kaplan-Meier analysis as well as Cox regression models to detect risk factors for survival outcomes. In addition, the cut-off point was determined by the X-tile program. All analyses were carried out using survival package of R and SPSS Software. RESULTS： A total of 302 T2DM patients with pT1-4bN0-3bM0 GC were collected and analyzed. The cut-off point of BMI, identified by the X-tile program, was 19 kg/m2. Patients with low BMI (< 19 kg/m2) had a higher percentage of advanced T stage (T4a and T4b), more advanced TNM stage(stage IIIA, IIIB and IIIC), and more elevated level of serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), compared to those with high BMI(>19 kg/m2)(all P < 0.05). In the low BMI subgroup, the 5-year overall survival rate was 39.02%, which was as high as 58.11% in the high BMI subgroup (P < 0.05). In the multivariate Cox regression model revealed that IIIC stage (OR= 3.101), N3b stage (OR= 3.113) were the most important prognostic indicators, followed by pretreatment BMI (OR= 2.136). CONCLUSION: Low preoperative BMI (<19 kg/m2) was a poor prognostic marker for T2DM patients with pT1-4bN0-3bM0 GC.
Sentiment Analysis of Pets Using Deep Learning Technologies in Artificial Intelligence of Things System
Authors: Tsai Ming-Fong , Huang Jhao-Yang
Published: March 2021

This research paper proposes sentiment analysis of pets using deep learning technologies in the artificial intelligence of things system. Mask R-CNN is used to detect image objects and generate contour mask maps, pose analysis algorithms are used to obtain object posture information, and at the same time object sound signals are converted into spectrograms as features, using deep learning image recognition technology to obtain object emotion information. By using the fusion of object posture and emotional characteristics as the basis for pet emotion identification and analysis, the detected specific pet behaviour states will be actively notified to the owner for processing. Compared with traditional speech recognition, which uses mel-frequency cepstral coefficients for feature extraction, coupled with a Gaussian mixture model-hidden Markov model for voice recognition, the experimental method of this research paper effectively improves the accuracy by 80%.
Trichomonas Vaginalis Induces Apoptosis via ROS and ER Stress Through ER-mitochondria Crosstalk in Human Cervical Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gao Fei Fei , Quan Juan-Hua , Lee Min A , Ye Wei , Yuk Jae-Min , Cha Guang-Ho , Choi In-Wook , Lee Young-Ha
Published: March 2021

Background: Human trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in apoptosis induction by T. vaginalis in human cervical epithelial SiHa cellsMethods: We evaluated the cytotoxicity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ER stress response, and Bcl-2 family protein expressions using LDH assay, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, JC-1 dye staining, and western blotting.Results: T. vaginalis induced LDH-dependent cytotoxicity, mitochondrial ROS production, and apoptosis in SiHa cells, parasite burden- and infection time-dependently. T. vaginalis also induced ER stress response and mitochondrial dysfunction, such as MMP depolarization and imbalance in levels of Bcl-2 family proteins, in SiHa cells in a parasite burden- and infection time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with N-Acetyl cysteine (ROS scavenger) or 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, ER stress inhibitor) significantly alleviated apoptosis, ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress response in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggested that SiHa cell apoptosis is affected by ROS and ER stress after T. gondii infection. In addition, T. vaginalis induced ASK1 and JNK phosphorylation in SiHa cells, however 4-PBA or SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) pretreatment significantly attenuated ASK1/JNK phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and ER stress response in SiHa cells, dose-dependently.Conclusions: T. vaginalis induces mitochondrial apoptosis via ROS and parasite-mediated ER stress via the IRE1/ASK1/JNK/Mcl-1 pathways, and also induces ER stress response directly and mitochondrial ROS-dependently in human cervical epithelial SiHa cells, thus, T. vaginalis induces apoptosis via ROS and ER stress through ER-mitochondria crosstalk in human cervical epithelial cells. These results expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of human trichomoniasis.
Hybrid Domain Evaluation PTS with Adaptive Selection Methods for PAPR Reduction
Authors: Hu Feng , Lu Yuan , JIN Libiao , Liu Jianbo , Xia Zhiping , Zhang Guoting Zhang , Xiao Jingting Xiao
Published: March 2021

Partial transmit sequence (PTS) technique is a fairly suitable scheme to mitigate the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) problem inherent in 5G multicarrier system-especially considering high-order QAM modulation design. However, the high computational complexity level and the speed of the convergence for optimizing the phases of the transmitting signal restricts this technique in practical applications. In this paper, a low-complexity frequency domain evaluated PTS (F-PTS) based on spacing multi-objective (SMO) processing algorithm is proposed to reduce the PAPR values. The PAPR performance are accurately predicted in terms of modifying relative dispersion in the frequency domain. As a result, the complexity of searching the optimal phase factors and IFFT computing is simplified. Moreover, frequency domain and time domain evaluating PTS (FTD-PTS) is employed to search the optimal solution within reasonable complexity. Simulation results verify that the F-PTS scheme can obtain well secondary peaks with lower computational complexity, and the FTD-PTS scheme effectively reduces PAPR with a faster convergence speed.
Population Variation Altered Aggression-associated Oxytocin and Vasopressin Expressions in Brains of Brandt’s Voles in Field Conditions
Authors: Huang Shuli , Li Guoliang , Pan Yongliang , Liu Jing , Zhao Jidong , Zhang Xin , Lu Wei , Wan Xinrong , Krebs Charles J , Wang Zuoxin , Han Wenxuan , Zhang Zhibin
Published: March 2021

Density-dependent change in aggressive behavior is essential for regulating the population dynamics of many small rodents, but the underlying neurological mechanisms have not been examined in field conditions. We hypothesized that aggression-associated oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) in specific regions of the brain may be closely related to aggressive behaviors and population changes of small rodents. In this study, we analyzed the associations of OT and AVP expression as well as aggressive behavior with population density of Brandt’s voles in 24 large semi-natural enclosures (0.48 ha for each enclosure) in Inner Mongolia grassland. Then we tested the effects of population density on the OT/AVP system and aggressive behavior in experimentally manipulated populations of Brandt’s voles in the semi-natural enclosures. High density was positively and significantly associated with more aggressive behavior, and increased expression of mRNA and protein of AVP and its receptor, but decreased expression of mRNA and protein of OT and its receptor in specific brain regions of the voles. Our study suggests that OT/AVP systems are important in regulating the density-dependent population dynamics via aggressive behavior of small rodents, and they can be used as indicators of population variation or density-dependent stressors.